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Introducing Pet to Baby
When Jackie Kondyra got engaged, her fiancé presented her with a ring—and a Maltese puppy they named Rocco. Over the next three years, he became the couple's "baby," sleeping in their bed and getting an annual birthday party that included a cake with candles. "When we were expecting our first child, we worried about how Rocco would handle not being the center of attention anymore," says Kondyra, of Levittown, New York.
This is a concern for many couples. With each new baby, there's an adjustment period for the family pet. But with advance planning, you can avoid ruffling feathers (or fur). Kondyra and her husband spent time getting Rocco ready for the baby, and it paid off: Rocco and her now 4-year-old son, Mikey, are the best of friends, and the dog wasn't the least bit fazed when little sister Ava arrived a year ago. The transition can be smooth in your house too. Use our step-by-step guide to help your two little ones get along.
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I have a husky and my fear was that she wouldn't like my son. The entire time of my pregnancy I had her (my dog) listen to my belly. When my son was born my husband brought back the first shirt he wore and let her smell it and gave it to her. When we came home with him she was so happy. She actually was protective of him she didn't let people get close to him. That made me happy. Another thing is to not forget about your dog. You baby talk the baby, you also baby talk the dog.
6/20/2011 09:23:04 PM Report AbuseWhat a great article... My boyfriend and I are expecting and really excited. His main concern is my dog. he's scared the dog will not like the fact that there's a new attention to the home
6/20/2011 11:47:36 AM Report AbuseI enjoyed the advice there were a few things I hadn't thought of like walking with the stroller. Unfortunately our apartment isn't big enough to give our beagle his own area but we'll let him escape to grandmas sometimes. :)
5/31/2011 09:36:46 AM Report Abuse