Most mums are anxious about introducing a pet to a new baby.
If your pet has been your "baby" up till now, they may be resentful of the new arrival.
These are some things you can do to make sure your pet accepts your new arrival.
1. Assess your pet's behaviour before the baby is born
Does your pet have any aggressive behaviours?
Now is the time to monitor them and try to reinforce better behaviour.
If necessary, employ a professional to train your animal.
2. Introduce the baby's scent
If you have a dog, use an item of the baby's clothing to introduce their scent.
Let the dog sniff it, but hang onto the item, to let them know you "own" this person.
3. Let your pet get used to seeing you with a "baby"
Let your pet see you pretending to look after a doll before the baby arrives.
This can help you establish how they will behave once the real baby comes home.
4. Set up the baby's equipment and toys
Set up the cot and high chair and make sure your pet gets accustomed to the new environment.
The sound of the baby crying, the baby alarm or toys may scare you pet so test out different sounds around them.
5. Keep the nursery off-limits
Your pet may have had free reign of the house prior to the baby's arrival but now you must keep the nursery off limits.
Never leave your child unattended with any pets.
Nursery gates are vital if the nursery is upstairs. However, they may not keep a cat out.
6. Give your pet lots of attention
Even though your hands will be full with a new arrival, let your dog or cat know they are still loved too.
New toys or extra cuddles can soften the blow when you have to devote most of your time to your little one.
Most pets end up being acting like another caregiver to the baby and your tot could end up with best friends with them.
Make sure your baby learns not to pull tails or scare your pet. If you have older kids, ask them to demonstrate gentle petting.
Keep an eye on the situation and if things are not working out, you may have to find a new home for your pet.
