Congratulations on the arrival of your precious newborn baby! As a newborn photography business owner, I strongly value the importance of these early days with your little one. I, too, was once a new mom with a puppy at home and understand that it's essential to consider the safety and well-being of your newborn when introducing them to your beloved pets. In this blog post, I've compiled some helpful hints from professionals, that you may not have considered, ensuring a smooth and safe introduction while also promoting a strong bond between your baby and pets.


Baby and Pet Safety: Your Top Priority


  1. Preparation is Key: Before bringing your newborn home, make sure your pets are up to date with vaccinations and have received any necessary training. Basic obedience commands like "sit" and "stay" can be extremely helpful during introductions.
  2. Supervision: Always supervise interactions between your newborn and pets. This is non-negotiable, especially during the initial meetings. Keep your baby out of arm's reach of your pets, and never leave them alone together.
  3. Gradual Introduction: Slow and steady wins the race. Allow your pets to get used to the scent and presence of the baby before direct contact. You can achieve this by letting them sniff baby blankets, clothes, or even a hat before the baby arrives.
  4. Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to reward your pets for calm and gentle behavior around the baby. This reinforces positive associations with the new family member.
  5. Baby-Free Zones: Create designated baby-free zones in your home where your pets can retreat when they need a break from the baby's presence. These safe spaces will help reduce stress for your pets.


Promoting Pet Bonding with Your Newborn


  1. Maintain Routine: Stick to your pets' regular feeding and exercise routines as closely as possible. This will help them feel secure and reduce any jealousy towards the baby.
  2. Include Pets in Baby Activities: Involve your pets in baby-related activities, like playing in the same room while you change diapers or feed the baby. This will help your pets feel included in the new family dynamic.
  3. Positive Associations: Continue to associate positive experiences with your baby's presence. Offer treats and affection when your pets are near the baby, reinforcing the idea that the baby is a source of good things.
  4. Never Force Interaction: Never force your pets to interact with the baby. Each pet will adjust at their own pace, so be patient and let them come to the baby when they feel comfortable.
  5. Professional Help: If you have concerns about your pet's behavior or aggression towards the baby, consult a professional pet behaviorist or trainer to address the issue.


The key to a successful introduction between your newborn and pets is patience, supervision, and positive reinforcement. As a newborn photography business owner, I'm here to help you capture those beautiful moments as your baby and pets bond. We recommend these outdoor photography moments at 3 months and older with inclusion of the family.


If you'd like to schedule an outdoor photography session that includes your pets, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'd love to help you capture those heartwarming moments that showcase the special bond between your baby and pets.


xo,


Sam

*DISCLAIMER: WHILE WE BELIEVE THESE TO BE HELPFUL AND VALID TIPS FOR THIS IMPORTANT MILESTONE, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN AND/OR ANIMAL BEHAVIORIST FOR EXPERT ADVICE ON THE TOPICS OF PET AND NEWBORN SAFETY.