Introducing Newborn to Pets

Beyond the Bump
Jul 15, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Bringing home your baby is a huge, beautiful milestone—not just for you, but for your furry sidekick too! Whether you're a proud dog mum or cat dad (or both!), it's completely normal to feel a little anxious about how they’ll react to the newest (and smallest) family member.

Here at Beyond the Bump, we’ve supported hundreds of families with this transition—and as mums, pet-lovers and postnatal experts ourselves, we’ve seen it all. From dogs licking baby toes to cats stealing the Moses basket spot (cheeky things), we know what works and what doesn’t.

This guide gives you realistic, helpful, and pet-friendly tips to ease the transition—plus a reminder that support doesn’t stop here. For help with life after baby arrives, our Birth & Baby Academy is packed with support, and our community is always ready to cheer you on.

Before Baby Arrives: Start Preparing Your Pet

Introducing your pet to your baby doesn’t need to be dramatic. Think gentle desensitisation and positive reinforcement. Start as early as you can—even in pregnancy.

🐾 Tips for Dogs:

Practise obedience commands like sit, stay, leave, and down. Reinforce calm behaviour around you when holding a doll or baby carrier.
Walks and feeding routines might change post-baby, so slowly shift them now if needed.
Play baby crying sounds quietly to get them used to the noise.
Let them sniff baby products and nursery furniture to reduce curiosity later.

🐱 Tips for Cats:

Set up baby-only areas and gradually discourage them from climbing into cots or prams (before baby arrives!).
Let them explore baby furniture and reward calm interest.
Keep their litter tray and feeding spot in a quiet, safe area—away from future baby zones.
Gradually limit lap time if your cat loves a cuddle, so it’s not a sudden shock.

When Baby Comes Home: Introducing Your Newborn To Pets

First impressions matter—even for pets. This moment of introducing your newborn to your pets should be calm, quiet, and unforced.

🐾 Dogs:

Take your dog for a walk before baby comes home to burn off excess energy.
When you arrive, greet your dog first without baby so they don’t associate the new arrival with being ignored.
Let them sniff baby’s blanket before seeing the baby.
Keep the first intro short and calm, with baby in your arms and your dog on a lead if needed.
Offer treats and praise for gentle behaviour.

🐱 Cats:

Let them approach in their own time—don’t force the meeting.
Use a soft voice and calm environment during introductions.
If they sniff and walk away, that’s okay—cats are observers first!
Give your cat escape routes and safe spots (up high, under furniture).

As Baby Grows: Creating a Safe, Respectful Bond

Once your baby is on the move, supervision becomes even more important. Pets can feel overwhelmed by unpredictable behaviour like sudden grabs or loud squeals.

Our Top Tips:

Teach your child "gentle hands" from the start.
Never let babies or toddlers climb on or grab pets.
Give your pet safe spaces to retreat to—baby-free zones.
Encourage positive moments together like stroking, story time with the dog nearby, or treats during play.
Keep reinforcing calm behaviour with your pet—they’re learning too!

Is It Always Perfect?

Honestly? No. Some pets adjust instantly, others take weeks or even months. That’s okay.

It’s all about patience, consistency, and realistic expectations. You know your pet best—so trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to get help from a behaviourist or vet if things feel tricky.