How to Prepare Your Pet for a New Baby
- Deniza Marcinkevica
- Sep 14
- 2 min read
By: Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, SkyTails.com
Bringing home a new baby is one of life’s most exciting moments. But for your pet, it’s also a major change. With proper preparation, you can ensure your furry friend feels secure, respected, and ready to welcome the newest member of the family.
Step 1: Adjust Routines Early
Babies change everything—especially your schedule. Begin shifting your pet’s routines before the baby arrives. If walks or meals will happen at different times, make the adjustment gradually. This helps your pet adapt without associating changes directly with the baby.
Step 2: Desensitize to Sounds and Smells
Baby cries, toys, and lotions are all new to pets. Try playing recordings of baby sounds and introducing baby products (lotions, powders, blankets) before the baby comes home. This reduces surprise and stress later.
Step 3: Teach Boundaries
Commands like “stay,” “leave it,” and “gentle” are crucial. Reinforce obedience now so you can confidently manage interactions later. Setting physical boundaries—like baby gates or off-limit areas—can also help.
Step 4: Create Safe Zones
Give your pet a comfortable place to retreat when they need space. For dogs, this might be a crate or bed in a quiet room. For cats, vertical spaces like shelves or cat trees work well. Respecting these safe zones is key.
Step 5: Build Positive Associations
Associate baby items with rewards. Let your pet sniff a blanket while offering treats or praise. This creates a positive link between the baby’s presence and good things happening.
When the Baby Arrives
Supervised introductions only – Never leave a baby and pet alone together.
Keep routines where possible – Even short play sessions reassure pets they’re still valued family members.
Stay patient – Some pets adjust quickly, while others take weeks or months.
Conclusion
Welcoming a new baby is a big transition, but with planning and patience, your pet can adjust beautifully. Many pets even form strong, protective bonds with children that last a lifetime. By preparing in advance, you’ll set the stage for harmony in your growing family.
SkyTails Connection
Welcoming a new baby means new responsibilities, but your pet’s care should never be left behind. SkyTails helps families stay prepared by keeping a pet-specific fund available for vet visits, training, or wellness checkups during the transition. Even as your family grows, SkyTails ensures your furry friend’s needs are always met.
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