Dogs, cats, and other pets are a natural part of many families. When a baby joins the family, it’s a big change for your four-legged family members, too. At the same time, growing up with a pet can be wonderful and enriching for children—which is why we’re sharing how family life with children and pets can be a complete success for everyone.
The preparation
If you or your partner are pregnant, a lot will change—not only for you as future parents. Your dog or cat will also notice that something is happening. Many animals have a keen sense for changes in the family, and some pregnant women even report that their dog or cat deliberately cuddles up to the baby bump. In any case, it helps to consciously involve your four-legged roommates in the preparations for the baby. For example, start early so your pets can get used to the changes, and you have enough time to teach them what will be off-limits in the future. It can also be helpful to get your pets used to baby sounds. Loud crying or wailing can be frightening and unsettling for animals. But if you create positive associations early on and help your pet overcome its fear, it will be much less of an issue when the baby arrives.
Also set up retreats for your pet. Your pet needs the opportunity to rest properly, even with a baby in the house. This becomes even more important when your child starts crawling or walking—make sure your pet has a way to escape the curious little explorer. Your family routines will also change once the baby is here. During walks, there will suddenly be a stroller, there will be fewer quiet nights, and sleep and mealtimes will shift. Of course, you won’t be able to plan everything down to the last detail, and that’s perfectly fine. But you can start getting your pet used to a few things now. And to make things easier for you, you can also plan ahead: maybe find someone who can take your dog for walks from time to time or stop by to play with your cat.
The first meeting
Before the first meeting, it’s best to let your dog or cat sniff a blanket or a worn piece of your baby’s clothing. This way, your four-legged roommate already knows the scent and understands that the baby isn’t an intruder. During the initial introduction, allow your dog or cat to sniff the newcomer thoroughly—of course with all due caution, as you know your pet best. When you spend time with your baby, involve your pet often in the early days to help prevent jealousy, and reward generously with cuddles and/or treats. At the same time, always respect your pet’s boundaries. If it prefers to observe your baby from a safe distance at first, that’s normal and okay. The same applies here: reward good behavior and regularly offer your pet closeness and cuddles.
Rules for Coexistence
You should never leave your baby alone with your pet. But for the sake of completeness, we’ll say it again: even the gentlest, friendliest pet can accidentally hurt a child or react unexpectedly if it feels overwhelmed. If you’re always present, you can prevent situations like this. Your dog or cat may also need to learn a few new rules, such as not jumping onto your lap or the sofa when your baby is lying there. Enforce these rules with loving consistency. This is safer for your baby, and your pet benefits, too, because it has clear boundaries and won’t be confused by mixed messages.
Conversely, it also helps when your child learns clear rules from the beginning. For example, pulling on the animal’s fur is taboo, and dogs and cats must be left alone while eating and sleeping. And of course, from a certain age, you can also involve your child in caring for the animal: filling the food bowl, for example, is fun even for quite young children.
Allergies and Hygiene
Even during pregnancy, there are a few things to keep in mind. As a pregnant woman, you should avoid cleaning the cat litter box. Cats can transmit toxoplasmosis through their feces. If you become infected during pregnancy, it can be dangerous for the fetus—but only in the case of a primary infection. Your gynecologist can check whether you already have antibodies against toxoplasmosis. Cleaning the cat litter box every day also minimizes the risk, as the pathogens in the feces are only infectious after a few days. Regularly deworm, vaccinate, and treat your pets for fleas. While none of these issues are immediately dangerous for pregnant women and babies, they are at least very unpleasant and an avoidable risk.
After cuddling with your pet, always wash your hands thoroughly—for both you and your baby. Even if the animal has licked one of you on the skin, the rule is: wash thoroughly. Pets can transmit Salmonella and bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Especially in very young children, these can quickly become dangerous. If a pet bites you or your baby, you should see a doctor immediately to have the wound treated. Cat bites, in particular, can become serious quickly. Despite all precautions, current research indicates that children living with pets gain significantly more benefits than risks. Children who grow up with animals generally have fewer allergies and a stronger immune system. It’s also not necessary to keep a household with pets clinically sterile or to constantly disinfect everything. Washing with water and soap or cleaning with regular household cleaners is completely sufficient. And if you regularly put your clothes and textiles in the washing machine, you’re also on the safe side.
So don’t worry too much about the cohabitation of your baby with a dog or cat. You know your four-legged roommates best and will make the right decisions. That way, your child can benefit from growing up with a furry friend without any worries: children who grow up with pets learn responsibility, empathy, communication skills, and social competencies very early on. Plus, a cuddly companion is simply wonderful for the whole family. We wish you a wonderful time getting to know each other!
