Welcoming a newborn into your home is a joyful and transformative experience. For pets, however, this change can feel unsettling. Helping your pet adjust to a new baby is essential to ensure a safe, calm and harmonious family environment.
At Bloobaloom, we believe that thoughtful preparation and gentle routines make all the difference when introducing a baby to a home with pets.
Preparing Your Pet for a New Baby During Pregnancy
Preparing your pet before your baby arrives helps reduce stress and supports a smoother transition.
Gradual routine changes
Before your baby is born, start adjusting your pet’s daily routine. If certain areas of your home — such as the nursery — will become restricted, introduce these boundaries gradually. This helps prevent your pet from associating the baby with sudden loss of space or attention.
Introducing baby sounds and scents
Pets respond strongly to new sensory experiences. Playing recordings of baby sounds at a low volume and slowly increasing them can help your pet adapt. Using baby toiletries ahead of time also allows your pet to become familiar with new scents.
Reinforcing basic training
Ensure your pet responds well to basic commands such as sit, stay and no. This is particularly important for maintaining safety once your baby arrives.
Introducing Your Pet to a Newborn
Take introductions slowly
When you bring your baby home, allow your pet to observe from a distance. With supervision, let them approach calmly and at their own pace. Reward relaxed behaviour with praise or treats, and never force interaction.
Continue giving your pet attention
It’s natural for focus to shift towards your newborn, but maintaining daily interaction with your pet is essential. Regular walks, playtime or quiet moments of affection help reduce anxiety and prevent jealousy.
Always supervise baby and pet interactions
No matter how gentle your pet is, never leave them alone with your baby. Supervision ensures safety and allows you to respond quickly to unexpected behaviour.
Tips for Living Safely with Pets and a Newborn
-
Create positive associations: reward calm and friendly behaviour around the baby.
-
Provide a safe space: ensure your pet has a quiet area to retreat to when they need rest.
-
Be patient and consistent: adapting to a newborn takes time for pets as well as people.
If your pet shows ongoing signs of stress or behavioural changes, consulting a veterinarian or professional trainer in the UK can be very helpful.
Building a Calm, Family-Friendly Home
With preparation, patience and empathy, it is entirely possible for babies and pets to grow together in a safe and loving environment.
At Bloobaloom, we support families through the early years with care-led guidance and thoughtful choices — helping parents create homes where everyone feels secure, included and loved.