Introducing Pet to Baby

Introducing Pet and 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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