What did you dd before the baby was born to 'introduce' the baby to your dog or cat? I have a dog and 2 cats. I was wondering is there anything I should do to prepare them for the baby's arrival?
Not a mommy yet...But FH's cousin did something that I thought was good. She had twins last month
She has a dog and a parrot. So had FH burn her a CD of baby crying sounds and played them over and over again in the apartment. She was happy she did b/c the when she first played it her dog was barking at the speaker and running towards it Now, that the real babies are home, the dog could care less when they cry.
KarenG
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
Not a mommy yet either but my friend had her husband bring home a blanket that the baby had used for their dog so the dog could get used to the baby's scent before they brought their son home.
Nancy
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
Some suggest having someone that doesn't live with you bring the baby in to the house for the first time. It is suppose to help not stress and animal out thinking that they are being replaced?!
btw, I have three dogs and a cat.
Misha
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
I have a dog and my doctor had given me the following suggestion. He said when I come in from the hospital with the baby that one, it should just be me, my hubby, and baby. He said to get down on the floor right away with the baby (still in his infant carrier) and let the dog come right up to the baby and let him sniff the baby, lick the hands/toes (if the dog wants to) and not to say 'no' right away to the dog. He said this would help the dog bond to the baby. Well, we followed his instructions to a tee and happily our dog bonded forever. Now she protects Joseph as if he is hers. It is really the cutest thing. If Joseph starts crying or whimpering, Luna (our dog) runs over to see what it is and then will come to get us!
JennRenee
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
We did what Misha did.
ILT1221
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
This is a great question. Any bonding techniques for cats?
My husband's coworker recommended that we bring a baby doll into the house and get our cat used to seeing us carrying around the doll. (Since the cat is used to being carried around too). I haven't tried it yet but I'll let you know.
Stacey1403
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
Posted by ILT1221
This is a great question. Any bonding techniques for cats?
My husband's coworker recommended that we bring a baby doll into the house and get our cat used to seeing us carrying around the doll. (Since the cat is used to being carried around too). I haven't tried it yet but I'll let you know.
My cat is indifferent to Damien. I don't think cats are as effected as dogs. He just kind of goes up and sniffs his feet every once in a while. He was just fine
ILT1221
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
Thanks Stacey. That's good to know. So I take it he doesn't jump into the crib or anything like that?
2003fallwedding
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
I have an african grey parrot, he is my baby and jealous when I don't pay him attention. I don't know what I'll do when I do have a baby.
NovemberSue
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
Be careful with cats because I heard that they could try to curl up next to the baby to keep warm and they could suffocate them. We are going to have the baby in a bassinet at first in our room and then after a few months we will put the baby in their own room but we will have a screen door to their room so the cats can't get in there. Our cats are mushy but I still don't want them to get in the baby's room.
Stacey1403
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
We put the crib together before the we had Damien with the mattress out of it. Casanova jumped in a few times and hated it because all that was there was the coils. So he freaked. It was actually kinda funny because he couldn't jump back out He also in the beginning would curl up on the changing table because the cover is that terry cloth. So we would put it up against the wall after we changed him and the cat stopped. We put a door on our kitchen and he stays in the kitchen at night or any other time I want to insure he's not near the baby.
Sue he has never tried to curl up with the baby
applesfla
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
We tried to get Madaket (our English Bulldog) used to all the baby stuff before Adeline was born and tried to teach her which toys were for the baby. Then Roland brought home Adeline's baby blanket from the hospital to let Madaket get used to the babys smell. And when we brought Adeline home I went in first and greeted Madaket then Roland brought the baby in and we let Madaket smell her and lick her feet.
I see you have Siamese...I am very nervous with having babies and what our Siamese will do...we recently had her nails clipped (I will not say declawed...b/c it wasn't that harsh - but her nails are gone - as humane as possible) - b/c she was tearing up my body...but I am happy to say she is snuggling now...b/c we have more contact with her...now that she doesn't tear us to shreds...
do cats really try to snuggle in the bassinet?
Diane
Posted:
Member since
Re: those with pets
What BEAUTIFUL cats. I was told as well, that you should bring something home with the baby's scent on it.
