6. Don’t Forget About Your Pet
Getting caught up in their needs and forgetting about your furry friend can be easy with a new baby around. However, neglecting your pet can lead to negative behavior, such as chewing or scratching furniture, so giving them attention and affection is vital. Make sure to give your pet the love and attention they require and involve them in the process to make them feel like they belong in the family.
Here are some tips to help you ensure your pet feels loved and included during this exciting time:
- Maintain Your Pet’s Routine
Pets thrive on routine, and a new baby can disrupt their schedule. Therefore, it’s important to maintain your pet’s regular meals, exercise, and playtime, even after the arrival of a new baby. This can help your pet feel secure and maintain a sense of routine and normalcy.
- Spend Quality Time with Your Pet
Even though your baby will require most of your attention, spending quality time with your pet is essential. Set aside time each day to play with your pet or take them for a walk. This will help them feel valued and loved.
- Involve Your Pet in Baby Preparations
Including your pet in baby, preparations can help them feel like they are part of the family. For example, allow them to sniff and explore the baby’s room and see and smell the baby’s items. This will help them get used to the baby’s scent and presence.
- Use Positive Reinforcement
When your pet behaves well around the baby, reward them with treats or affection. This will reinforce positive behavior and help your pet associate the baby with positive experiences.
- Monitor Interactions
Monitoring their interactions is essential when your pet meets the baby for the first time. Keep your pet on a leash or in a separate room initially, and let them sniff the baby from a safe distance. Then, gradually increase their proximity and always supervise their interactions.
Read also – 10 Reasons Your Children Should Own a Pet
