Keeping Baby Safe Around Pets: A Practical Guide for New Parents

Sharing your home with a beloved pet is one of life’s great joys—but when a new baby comes along, things can get a little more complicated. Whether you’ve got a laid-back Labrador or a feisty feline, it’s important to prepare your pet (and yourself) for this major change in the household. The good news? With a bit of forward planning, plenty of patience, and a few clever strategies, you can create a safe and happy environment for everyone under your roof.

Here’s everything you need to know about introducing your baby to your pet—and keeping things safe as your little one grows.

Start Preparing Early

The earlier you start preparing your pet for the arrival of your baby, the smoother the transition will be. Four months before your due date is a great time to begin. It gives your dog or cat time to adjust to new sights, sounds, smells and routines gradually—rather than having it all happen at once.

Make subtle changes to their environment over time. Set up your essential newborn baby items like cots, changing mats and playpens in advance, and begin using baby lotions, powders and shampoo around the house so your pet becomes familiar with these new scents.

If you’re planning to change where your pet sleeps or spends time—such as moving them out of the bedroom or off the sofa—do this well before baby arrives. That way, they won’t associate the change with your newborn.

Practise Handling and Exposure

If your dog is sensitive about certain areas being touched—like their tail or paws—it’s wise to work on this gradually. Babies are naturally curious, and they’ll want to grab, stroke and explore. Ideally, your pet should be comfortable being handled all over their body, so use calm moments to practise gentle stroking and desensitisation.

You can also begin preparing your dog for baby sounds by playing recordings of crying, giggling and babbling at a low volume. If you have a white sound machine or similar, this is the perfect time to try it out. Gradually increase the volume as they get used to it. The aim is for your pet to stay calm and relaxed, even when the real thing kicks off at 3am.

First Introductions Matter

Coming home from hospital is a big moment—for you and your pet. If you’ve been away for a few days, your dog might be overexcited to see you, so it’s a good idea to say hello without the baby first.

Choose a calm moment—after a long walk, ideally—and let your pet sniff a blanket or item of clothing that smells like baby before introducing them. Keep things low-key, praise calm behaviour, and don’t force interaction. You know your pet best, so follow their lead.

Create Safe Spaces

Every pet needs a place they can retreat to when they’ve had enough—and that’s even more important once baby becomes mobile. Whether it’s a cosy corner, an elevated cat bed, or a crate tucked away in a quiet room, make sure your pet has access to a designated space that’s just for them.

Teach older children to respect these zones and leave pets alone when they’re resting. If your dog is crate-trained or has a go-to bed, encourage them to use it regularly, especially during busy moments at home.

If you’ll be keeping your pet behind a stair gate or in another room during certain visits or routines, start practising this in advance. Give them something positive to do (like chewing a tasty treat or snuggling up in a comfy bed), and gradually build up the time they spend there. The aim is for it to feel normal, not like a punishment.

Supervise Every Interaction

No matter how gentle your dog or how relaxed your cat, babies and toddlers should never be left alone with pets. It only takes a second for a curious finger or sudden movement to trigger a reaction. If you leave the room, take either the baby or the pet with you.

Supervision isn’t just about preventing accidents—it’s also an opportunity to teach your child how to treat animals kindly. Show them how to stroke gently, use quiet voices, and respect your pet’s space. These early lessons can shape a lifetime of positive relationships with animals.

Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible

Life with a newborn is hectic, but don’t forget about your furry friend’s needs. Dogs especially thrive on routine, and changes to their walk, play and feeding schedule can lead to boredom or stress.

If you expect walks to become shorter or less frequent once baby arrives, begin adjusting the routine a few weeks ahead of time. Compensate with indoor games or puzzle toys, and if needed, ask friends, family or a professional dog walker to help keep your pet active.

Avoid overcompensating with food treats—too many can lead to weight gain. Instead, focus on mental stimulation and quality time.

Reinforce Good Behaviour

A well-trained pet is a lot easier to manage when your hands are full with a baby. If your dog pulls on the lead, doesn’t recall reliably, or gets overly excited during greetings, now’s the time to brush up on the basics.

Use positive, reward-based training methods to reinforce calm behaviour, gentle treat-taking, and good manners. Teaching your dog to “leave it” is particularly useful—especially when baby toys start appearing around the house. Dog and baby toys often look and sound alike, so make it easy by keeping them separate and supervising play.

Keep Health in Check

Before baby arrives, take your pet to the vet for a full health check. Make sure they’re up to date on vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and check for any signs of discomfort or illness. A pet in pain is more likely to snap or react defensively, so it’s always best to rule out any underlying issues.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a baby into a home with pets is a big change—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With some forward planning and a little patience, your baby and your pet can grow up side by side in a safe, happy and loving environment.

Remember, your pet was part of the family first, and with the right support, they can adapt beautifully to their new role—as protector, companion, and perhaps even best friend.