Is The Relationship Between Newborns And Animals Positive?
Many parents wonder if the relationship between newborns and animals is positive. Of course, the pet should not be taken out of the house. But it’s also true that owners should keep it as far away from the baby as possible, at least for the first month after birth.
Is coexistence between newborns and animals recommendable?
There is a lot of discussion about aspects of coexistence between newborns and animals. From the point of view of health and hygiene, without a doubt, this is a valid question, always in favor of protecting the baby who has just been born.
Doctors specializing in pediatrics explain that, during the first month of life, it is recommended to keep pets away from babies. This does not mean that animals should be taken out of the house. Just keep them away, for example, from the baby’s room.
The point is that newborn babies don’t have many defenses in their bodies. That’s why they are much more vulnerable to infections. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention in order to protect them.
Regardless of the animal’s hygiene, the hair that comes off can cause allergies and respiratory illness in the baby. This can trigger problems such as coughing and, in more severe cases, asthma.
Advice for coexistence between newborns and animals
1. Hygiene
It is very important to maintain excellent hygiene at home and for all family members. Therefore, the pet must also be clean, free of parasites and with all vaccinations up to date. This aspect is essential when welcoming the newborn, as well as in the following months.
2. Avoid jealousy
Many pets may be jealous of the new family member who has just arrived. Therefore, it is recommended that parents take home some of the newborn’s objects so that the animal can smell and get acquainted with the baby. It is also possible to let the pet smell the baby, always with great care and covering the little one’s face.
It is important to get the animal used to the new changes and educate him according to them. In this way, both the baby and the pet can live in perfect harmony and, probably, develop a very special relationship as the child grows.
3. Avoid leaving the child alone with the pet
It is very important that the child is never alone with the pet, at least in the beginning. It is not known exactly how the animal might react in the presence of the baby. This point is very important because the animal can end up hurting the baby, unintentionally, wanting to play and get your attention.
4. Have a firm pulse
Pet owners should have a firm hand and reprimand appropriately if at any time the pet exhibits aggressive or hostile behavior towards the baby . The pet must learn to respect the new family member.
5. Special attention
It is recommended that pet owners pay special attention to the pet in the first few days after the baby is born. The main reason is to try to minimize jealousy and thus avoid any aggressive behavior of the animal towards the child.
6. Avoid close contact
As we have already seen, it is important that the animal does not have direct contact with the baby, at least during its first month of life. Even if the pet is very clean, it can transmit parasites and cause allergies in the child; especially if you receive a lick or come into direct contact with the animal’s fur.
Among the illnesses that the child can develop are parasitosis, in which the symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. This can put the little one’s health at risk. It is also possible to develop allergies that can trigger asthma and coughing, among other illnesses.
While it’s beautiful to see a pet’s connection with a small baby, it’s also true that such intimate contact can trigger completely preventable illnesses.
For at least the first month, it is necessary to avoid direct contact between the newborn and the pet. As the baby grows, its defenses will strengthen and, before long, it will be able to play with the pet of the house.
