As a parent, it’s not uncommon for people to ask about introducing their baby to pets. In our household, our son has formed an unbreakable bond with our dog and cat – a connection that started even before his birth! Our cat, in particular, became incredibly attached to me during both pregnancies, refusing to leave my side. He would often ‘spoon’ me at night, carefully avoiding my growing belly.
We’ve always fostered a relationship between our pets and children, which is likely the reason for their strong connection. Now that we’ve welcomed another little one into the family, our pets are just as curious as ever. To help others establish a beautiful bond between their baby and pets, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to introduce your baby to pets in a way that fosters love and understanding.
How to Introduce Your Baby to Pets
Encourage Their Curiosity
From a young age, we’ve allowed our pets to interact with our baby under close supervision. While some people might isolate their pets from their newborns, we believe it’s essential to introduce them gradually and safely. Our chihuahua, although not as enthusiastic about the new addition, has learned to respect the baby’s boundaries. On the other hand, our cat has taken a particular liking to the little one, often showing his affection by gently massaging the area near her with his paw.
It’s remarkable how instinctively he knows to keep his distance until she’s old enough to appreciate and reciprocate his attention.
Do Snack Time Together
Our 3-year-old toddler has developed a strong bond with our pets, particularly our cat. One of his favorite activities is snuggling up next to him and sharing treats. Whenever Sebastian has snacks, he excitedly requests ‘pet time’ and bursts into laughter as he feeds them from his own hands. Currently, we’re enjoying Gerber Lil’ Crunchies as a go-to snack for him since he started crawling.
These bite-sized morsels dissolve effortlessly and come in a mild cheddar flavor that our little one adores.
Give Your Toddler Pet Chores
Establishing a routine of chores in toddlers is essential, and one such task is feeding the family pets. Interestingly, our little one has taken a liking to this responsibility, with both the dog and cat eagerly awaiting their meals. Notably, our veterinarian gave us the green light to feed them the same cat food, as it tends to be more palatable for Lola.
As pet parents, we’re meticulous about what we put in their bowls, opting for Purina ONE because its primary ingredient is protein-based, not fillers. This convenient choice aligns perfectly with our weekly Target shopping trip, making it an effortless addition to our routine.
Capture the Memories
I cherish the memories of my little ones alongside our furry friends. It’s amazing how time flies with young ones, and they’ll treasure these special moments when looking back. If you think you have a Gerber baby of your own, don’t miss out on the opportunity to win big! The 8th annual Gerber Baby photo contest is now open for submissions, and one lucky winner will take home a grand prize of $50,000.
To participate, simply post a photo of your child on Instagram using the hashtag #GerberPhotoSearch2017. You can submit up to 10 entries, so don’t be shy! The contest period runs from September 3rd, 2017, to October 27th, 2017. For official rules and eligibility requirements, visit www. Gerber. com/photosearch2017/rules. As part of my partnership with Gerber, I’m excited to share that there will also be six weekly winners in the Baby & Pet photo search #GerberGigglesandWiggles.
To enter this round, post a photo of your child and pet on Instagram using the hashtags #GerberGigglesandWiggles and #GerberPhotoContest2017. Each weekly winner will receive an impressive prize pack worth $500, plus a one-year supply of Gerber baby food and pet food. Remember, due to my partnership with Gerber, my own little ones are not eligible for the contest or prizes, but you might be! So don’t wait – submit your favorite photo today.
And if you’re wondering how I encourage bonding between my children and pets, it’s always a treat to hear from fellow parents.