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First Years (0-2)

Move over, Fido Make your home safe for children and pets – plus when to call your pediatrician, and prepare for an mobile baby. By S. Danyelle KnightPublished: November, 2008

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I think most moms would agree that one of the greatest moments in life is when you see your newborn child for the first time. It’s an unforgettable experience. But for those of us who have fallen in love with a furry kitten or cuddly pooch, the feeling of love at first sight is a familiar one.     Whether you have existing pets or plan to welcome one later, there are ways to help your little one cope with your household pet – and vice versa. Safety concerns Even if your dog, cat, bird or reptile has been the center of attention for years, it’s safe to say it will soon be slipping a little lower on the pecking order. Take advantage of the time you have before baby day to make sure your pet is in good physical health and has practiced the kind of conduct that will be insisted upon when there’s a baby in the house.     Schedule a veterinary appointment to bring your pup’s shots up to date. Dogs with a tendency to be excessively rowdy, protective or aggressive should be enrolled in obedience school to perfect their social skills.     As you begin to childproof your home, consider ways to prevent baby from accessing chunky morsels of pet food, which present choking hazards.     If you are worried about your cat climbing into the baby’s crib for a cozy night’s sleep, you may want to install a specially designed crib net available at most baby stores.      Supervise all interactions between your baby and your pet, since, even the most docile, domesticated animal may bite or scratch your child if it feels threatened. Puppy love According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, allowing your child to have a pet encourages self-esteem, as well as the skills to build trusting relationships with others. Bonding with a pet can also help in developing nonverbal communication, compassion and empathy.     Choosing the right time to bring a pet into the house means taking into consideration that you (not your child) will be doing most of the daily pet chores. It’s easy to fall in love with the doggy in the window, but remember that pet ownership carries with it key responsibilities. Also, consider the appropriateness of a pet before bringing it into your home. For example, ask yourself if you have ample space to accommodate a large dog. Is the breed of pet you’re considering compatible with children? How will you provide for the pet when you are away from home?     Once you and your spouse are convinced it’s a good idea, think about adopting from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are thousands of great pets out there looking for a good home like yours. When To Call The Doctor Learning the difference between a boo-boo that can be healed with a kiss and a bacterial infection that requires a pediatrician’s touch is one of the skills first-timers often learn the hard way.         When your child’s well-being is your first priority, it’s easy to overreact to the slightest sniffle. So how do you know when to call the doctor?     Pregnancyweekly.com lists several reasons to start dialing, including labored breathing, high fever, excessive vomiting and diarrhea, and dramatic changes in temperament. If you feel something isn’t right, call your doctor’s office and ask to speak with a nurse. In minutes, you’ll know whether to pack your diaper bag or send your worries packing.     Be prepared for sniffle season with these must-haves > Infant pain reliever > Digital thermometer > Saline nasal drops > Nasal aspirator > Johnson’s Soothing Vapor Baby Bath Humidifier Baby Steps “If you think it’s tough now, just wait until they’re mobile.” I hear it over and over again from experienced moms and dads. Naïve I may be, but I’m looking forward to the pitter-patter of little feet. The journey toward self-propulsion starts with sitting up at age 5 to 7 months, progresses through creeping and crawling during months 7 to 9, and ultimately arrives at those first wobbly steps somewhere around baby’s first birthday.     In order to build the muscles necessary to crawl, experts suggest engaging your infant in 30 minutes of tummy time a day. If your baby is like mine, lying face down in drool is not his idea of a good time. Try placing a rolled towel underneath the chest of babies who need a little support to see the world.     Even if your child is slow to progress, he or she is likely to be up and running before you know it, so be prepared. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests conducting a childproofing survey of your home each year that takes into consideration “all the ‘booby traps’ that await the curious toddler or preschooler. Think of poisons, small objects, electrical outlets, sharp edges, knives and firearms, and places to fall.”  S. Danyelle Knight is an award-winning contributor to OC Family magazine.

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