House Pets and Newborn Baby Safety: Tips for Dogs and Cats

Your new baby is finally home. If you have a dog or a cat, you may be asking yourself if it is safe to have them around your baby, and what you should do to keep everyone happy and safe.

The good news is that most families with pets do just fine. It takes a little planning before the baby arrives and a few simple rules after. Babies and young children need extra care around animals. They can't protect themselves from a sudden jump or scratch. The KidsHealth team also says young kids are more likely to catch infections from pets, because they crawl on the floor, kiss pets, share food with them and put their fingers in their mouths.

Which pets are safest around babies?

Dogs and cats are the most common family pets. With good care and training, many live safely with babies. But some pets are not a good fit for homes with young children.

• Reptiles and amphibians. This includes turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs, toads and salamanders. The CDC says they are not recommended for homes with young children. Children younger than 5 should not touch them or their tanks, because they have a higher risk of serious illness from Salmonella germs.
• Backyard chickens and other live poultry. KidsHealth says young children should not touch them.
• Aquariums. KidsHealth says kids with eczema should avoid them.

If you already have one of these pets, keep it in its own space, away from the kitchen and away from your baby. The CDC also says to change your clothes after handling a reptile, especially before you hold a baby.

Getting your dog ready before the baby comes

The ASPCA says to start early. About 4 months before your due date, slowly get your dog used to the new sights, sounds and smells of a baby, and give treats and praise each time. Here are some ideas from the ASPCA:

• Practice basic commands. Sit, down, stay, wait at the door, and "leave it" will help a lot when you are holding a baby.
• Play baby sounds. Play a recording of a baby crying. Give your dog treats and attention while it plays. If your dog seems scared, start with the volume very low.
• Share baby smells. Use a little baby lotion or shampoo on yourself so your dog links these smells with you. You can also borrow clothes and blankets that smell like a baby.
• Set nursery rules. Teach your dog to wait outside the baby's room, or keep the door closed or use a tall gate. If your dog can climb into the crib, teach them now that the crib is never for them.
• Change the routine early. One to two months before the baby comes, start the new schedule for walks and meals. Don't give your dog extra attention in the last weeks. Give short play times instead, so the change is not a shock later.
• Practice with a doll. Some trainers suggest carrying, feeding and rocking a doll while your dog stays in a sit or down.

Getting your cat ready

The ASPCA suggests using the whole pregnancy to slowly prepare your cat:

• Play recordings of baby sounds.
• Rub baby lotion on your hands before you pet or play with your cat.
• Set up nursery furniture early. At least one month before the baby comes, make the crib and changing table unwelcoming. The ASPCA says cats tend to stay away from sticky surfaces.
• If the litter box is in the room that will be the nursery, start moving it a few inches a day, several months ahead.
• If someone else will feed or play with the cat after the baby comes, switch these jobs one to two months before the birth.

Cat litter and pregnancy

Cat poop can carry a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. KidsHealth says this infection can cause serious problems for pregnant women and their unborn babies, so pregnant women should not clean litter boxes. If you have to do it, the CDC says to change the litter every day and wash your hands with soap and water after. Wear gloves when gardening too.

Take your pet to the vet

A healthy pet is a safer pet. KidsHealth says to schedule regular checkups and keep your pet's vaccines up to date. Ask your vet about fleas, ticks and worms. Keep your pet's nails trimmed so scratches are less likely.

Bringing baby home

First meetings matter. The ASPCA gives these tips:

• Dogs: Let other family members walk in first so your dog can say hello and use up some energy. Then have someone hold your dog on a leash with treats ready. Stay calm and speak in a soft, happy voice.
• Cats: Greet your cat in a quiet room first. After a few minutes, let the baby and everyone else come in. Put a used baby blanket in a quiet place so your cat can sniff it.

Never force your pet to come close to the baby. Let them sniff and look at their own pace.

Safety rules after the baby is home

• Never leave your baby alone with a pet, not even your calm family dog. The CDC says to always watch young children around dogs, even trusted family pets. Any dog can bite when it is scared, nervous, eating, or protecting its toys.
• Keep pets out of the crib. The ASPCA says a newborn can't turn over or move their head at first. A cat that cuddles close to a baby's face could make it hard for the baby to breathe. Close the nursery door during naps, or use a crib tent.
• Your baby should sleep alone. The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back in their own crib, with no pets, pillows or toys. Read the AAP safe sleep guide to learn more.
• Wash hands. The CDC says to wash your hands after touching your pet, feeding it, or cleaning up after it. Don't let children kiss pets or put their hands in their mouths after touching animals.
• Keep pet food, bowls and litter boxes out of reach once your baby starts to crawl.
• Use a diaper pail with a lid so pets can't get into dirty diapers.
• Give your pet some love. Spend a little time with your pet each day, like when the baby is napping. A happy pet is a calmer pet.

If your dog growls, snaps or seems very stressed around the baby, keep them apart and ask your vet or a trained animal behavior expert for help.

Teaching your toddler to be gentle

As your baby grows, teach them how to act around animals. The CDC says to let a dog see and sniff you before you pet it, and to stop petting if the dog seems scared or angry. Teach your child not to bother a pet while it is eating or sleeping, and never to pull ears or tails.

The good side of growing up with pets

Pets can be great friends for kids. University of Utah Health shares research that followed about 500 children from birth to age 7. Children who lived with 2 or more animals were less likely to show signs of allergies than children with no pets. But the article also says this does not mean you should rush out and buy a cat or dog.

Songs about animals and pets

Music is a fun way to teach your child to love and care for animals. In our song I Want To Have A Pet, a penguin family visits a pet store. They think about a puppy, a kitty, a bunny and a fish, and then choose a fluffy hamster to love and care for. In Farm Animals, little penguins visit a farm to feed and pet horses, cows, pigs, sheep and chickens, and make all their animal sounds. You can find more baby songs on our music page.

Do you have an older child too? Read our tips on introducing a new baby to a toddler. You may also like our posts on why babies put everything in their mouth and when to call a doctor.

Questions Parents Ask About Pets and Babies

Is it safe to have a dog with a newborn?

Yes, for most families. Prepare your dog before the baby comes and always watch them together. Never leave your baby alone with a dog.

When should I start getting my dog ready for the baby?

The ASPCA suggests starting about 4 months before your due date. Begin changing your dog's routine one to two months before.

Can my cat sleep in the baby's room?

Keep your cat out of the crib and other baby sleep spaces. Close the nursery door during naps and at night, or use a crib tent.

Can I clean the litter box while pregnant?

It is best to let someone else do it. If you must, change it every day, and wash your hands well after.

Are turtles or lizards safe pets for young kids?

No. The CDC says reptiles and amphibians are not recommended for homes with children under 5 because they can carry Salmonella germs.

How should my pet meet the baby for the first time?

Stay calm. Let your pet say hello to you first. Keep your dog on a leash with treats ready, and let your pet sniff at their own pace.

Do pets help prevent allergies?

Some research says children who grow up with 2 or more pets may be less likely to have allergies. But experts say this alone is not a reason to get a pet.

This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's health, please talk to your child's doctor.