Mark Altman, founder and owner of The Childproofer, and expert in baby proofing homes, understands the dilemma of adding babies to a home with animals. "Most parents and most families get animals before they have kids. Then they introduce the baby. I believe the goal should be to keep them separated."
If you already have pets and are getting ready for a baby, the best plan is to prepare your pet and your home well. Start by a visit to the vet.
Pets should be spayed or neutered ahead of baby's arrival. Pets that have been sterilized are generally less aggressive. Get your pet a check-up, and make sure worms, ticks and fleas are not a problem. Update vaccinations. Get their nails clipped to a nice short, safe length.
For dogs, ask your veterinarian for a referral to an obedience class. Even if your pet is a graduate, a refresher course might prove helpful. As part of the training, consider what new rules might come into play when a baby enters your household. Are there rooms that will be off limits? Have you trained your pet to stay down, to not jump into your lap? After all, soon there will be an infant in that lap, and your pet needs to know the rules.
Next, prepare the home for the baby and pet to live safely together. Get the crib set up and in the place it will be once the child arrives. Let your animal get used to the new furniture and new arrangements. Will you need to move the pet's bed or feeding area? Make certain the cat's litter is out of the baby's area, as well. Providing a safe space for an animal is also helpful to maintaining good relations within the growing household. Consider a kennel for your pet, made comfy with familiar objects. Cats need a place to climb out of harm's way, too.
To keep baby and pet separated, pay special attention to the sleeping area of the child. Putting in gates to keep dogs out of baby's room will have an additional use later when the baby becomes mobile. For cats, some parents use netting over the crib to keep the pet away from the sleeping baby. (However, don't worry about the old myth of cats stealing baby's breath or smothering infants-it's not true.) Another solution is to install a screen door in baby's room, that way the pets can still see and hear what's going on in the room without having access.
Finally, prepare your pet for what a baby looks, smells and sounds like. Put baby lotion on your skin, play tapes of baby coos and cries so the pet can get used to them. Carry around a doll in blankets laundered with baby detergent. Play-act what normal activities will take place once the baby comes home. Borrow someone else's baby for an afternoon if possible.
According to the Humane Society's website, www.hsus.org/pet, you should let your pet get used to the baby. "To prevent anxiety or injury, never force your pet to get near the baby, and always supervise any interaction."
However, with preparation, pets and babies can co-exist. "With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, you, your new baby, and your pet should be able to live together safely and happily as one (now larger) family."
