preparing for a new baby, part one Written on March 29, 2010, by marlene.

Many things will change when the new baby arrives, including:
Time you can spend with your pet
Amount of attention and interaction you can give to him
Restricted or off limit areas
Change in routine and schedules
Sights, sounds and scents

You should adjust ‘pet and me times’, gradually, decreasing the length of time your pet depends on you for ‘entertainment’ purposes. Try to get the pet to occupy his or her own time with acceptable mind exercising games or toys. A properly stuffed Kong toy, a marrow bone, knuckle bone or any other pacifier can help.

Start early. If you are going to have certain areas the pet will not be allowed into once the baby comes home, restrict access before the arrival so there is less likely to be an association with the homecoming. Offer the pet another area or create a special place for the pet. For a dog, try a training crate with the door left open, this becomes the dog’s safety zone, cover it with a blanket to create a den-like personal space. For a cat, a plastic carrier with the door removed can offer the same effect as the dog crate. This gives the pet a safe, quiet place to go when it wants to be left alone.

Any change in feeding or attention schedules can be disturbing to the pet. If you are going to change feeding times, locations, or any other aspect, do so gradually, so there is an easier and less stressful transition. Routine bathroom walks, as well as litter-box location or cleaning need also be adjusted gradually, as necessary. For cats, do not move the box into a heavy traffic area or next to the washing machine.

Desensitize the pet to the sights, sounds and scents of a new baby in the household. A doll may substitute for an infant. The baby-swing, walker and various toys make noises of their own and move. Friends with children or babies can tape record a variety of ‘baby sounds’ so as not to startle or frighten the unsuspecting pet and to desensitize them, if necessary. Expose the pet to a variety of scents, such as, baby-powder, lotion or cream, and infant formula.

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