By Blythe Lipman

Can you believe it? Only two more months until the baby arrives. The nursery is finished, the baby clothes are organized and the camera is ready. But you are just a little nervous about how to introduce your four year old Wheaton terrier to your new little bundle. Especially since she is used to being Number One!

Pets are creatures of habit and anything that is not routine may be upsetting to them. While most pets adopt new family members without any problems, it takes some of our furry friends a little longer to adjust. Here are some tips to help you and your pet feel more comfortable with the new baby and keep her safe.

•     When you are setting up the nursery, don’t keep your pet out. Let her come in and get used to all the new objects and smells.

•    Take an extra receiving blanket to the hospital with you. After your baby has been swaddled in it, send it home with daddy and let your pet get used to the baby’s scent.  In Cesar Millan’s book Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems, he states, “Adult human beings smell different than babies.”

•    When you first come home from the hospital, let daddy hold the baby while you pick up your pet and give her lots of love.

•    Buy your pet a new treat and give it to her when you bring the baby home.

•    Get down on the floor at your pet’s level so she can see and smell the baby while you are holding her.

•    Since the routine will be totally different for everyone, try and give your pet a few extra pats and attention.

•    No matter how tired or busy you are, don’t ignore your furry friend. She won’t understand and you don’t want to cause negative association with your baby.

•    If you can handle it, take your pet with you when you take your baby for a walk. It hurts to be left out.

•    When the baby cries, try to use a reassuring tone no matter how stressed you may be. Pets have radar that pick up the slightest bit of discomfort.

•    To prevent your cat from jumping in the crib, put double-sided tape on the rails and the mattress. It will only take one time of getting her paws stuck to discourage any further exploration.

•    Don’t let your pet sleep in the nursery. This is the baby’s room and your pet should have her own space.

•    Don’t ever put your pet in the crib, even for a minute. Those Kodak moments are not worth setting up a bad and sometimes dangerous habit.

•    Make sure you always know your pet’s whereabouts, especially in those first few months when everything is new.

•    Always put soiled diapers in a closed diaper pail. There is nothing tastier and more fun to a pet than a diaper!

•    Don’t let your pet have your baby’s toys. When she tries to play with them, give her one of her own toys and say, “Good Girl.”

•    Not all pets transition easy. Be patient and remember this is all new and she used to be “Top Dog” in the house!

•     Statistics show that 95% of pet owners don’t have any problems when a new baby comes into the picture. But if your pet is growling and snapping at the baby, you might need to think about making other plans. There are lots of dog trainers that may be able to help. And as heart-wrenching as this may be, there are many wonderful couples without children that would love to adopt a pet. Your baby’s safety must always come first.


© Blythe Lipman, 2008

Blythe Lipman is the author of “Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions” and “More…Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions,” available at Borders book, Amazon.com ,Barnes and Noble and  online at www.babyinstructions.com, where you can also sign up for her free monthly e-mail tips. Send any questions and comments to Blythe at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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