Pets Can Stay, Too! Preparing for the Baby's Arrival

It's a sad fact that every year thousands of pets leave their beloved homes because a baby has joined the family. Eager and over-protective parents, wary of a pet injuring or making the baby sick, are sometimes quick to overreact when the baby and pet begin to share living space.

Recent pediatric research shows pets offer tangible and substantive benefits to babies and small children ? dividends that pay off over the course of many years.

New parents often misjudge an animal's attitude about children

Data from the Humane Society shows that first-time parents are most likely forsake their pets once the baby arrives. The most obvious, and perhaps over-simplified, concern is that the pet will pose an attack danger to the child. Pressure to lose the pet also often comes from outside the home, as for example misguided grandparents or friends.

In truth, incidents where a dog has attacked a child are extremely rare, and most were incidents where the child had unknowingly provoked the dog into defending itself. Cats, by their very nature, do not approach strange smells or unfamiliar presences. In all likelihood the cat will shy away from the baby's noise and strange smell as a function of its own comfort.

Preparing the pets for the new family member

Dogs can be prepared for a child's arrival by learning the new baby's scent in advance. Bringing in baby supplies, furniture, and other items will also alert the pets that change is in the air. For cats and dogs, who both have a very keen sense of smell, this advance notice will let them get used to everything different before the baby actually comes home.

The family dog might also be given a special mat on the nursery floor, and made to understand they are only allowed on the mat inside that room. Parents can also let them sniff some of the baby's clothes and blankets.

The benefits of healthy pet-child interaction

A 2002 American Medical Association study showed that babies exposed to pet fur before their first birthday had half the risk of contracting allergies compared to children who were not. Other studies show children exposed to dog fur at an early age are less likely to develop asthma later in childhood.

Michael Kabel is a Senior Writer for Corner Stork Baby Gifts. Corner Stork Baby Gifts presents this article as part of our ongoing commitment to better baby health. We proudly carry a complete selection of baby blankets, unique baby gifts, personalized baby gifts, and even baby shower favors charming enough for any holiday celebration. Visit us online at http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com.