Must-Haves for Expecting Parents
Expecting a baby? Here are some dog- and baby-related things we couldn’t live without when juggling the needs of our babies, our dog, and ourselves, from the newborn stage through toddlerhood today.
First, outsource whatever and whenever you can.
Grocery shopping, house cleaning, laundry, lawncare, dog walking. Instacart and DoorDash were our best friends during the first month post-partum.
Meal prep ahead of time if you have the freezer space.
We made a lot of freezer meals in the month before Casey was born – quiches, soups and stews, meatballs in sauce, lasagna, casseroles, muffins, pancakes, waffles. Protein-filled, full-fat dishes that would nourish us when we were too tired to cook, and we could throw them in the oven or microwave while half asleep. Follow Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE for more science-backed information about post-partum nutrition needs, which are surprisingly higher than nutrition needs while pregnant.
Meal prep for your dogs, too!
Stock up on bully sticks, marrow bones, long lasting chews, and fill those kongs to keep in the freezer so you have something to occupy your dog when you’re too tired to play with them.
Manage the environment.
Manage the environment so that your dog and your baby can coexist peacefully without a ton of effort on your part. Some management items we couldn’t live without:
- Playpen: This was used the most when our baby was a newborn up until 12 months. It was less stressful for our dog to have full run of our family room (the main area where we hang out) while our child had a soft enclosed place to play and learn in the same room without either of them getting in the other’s way. These are good options: 1, 2, smaller option.
- Soft mat for within the playpen.
- Gates: We baby-proofed our entire family room in preparation for toddlerhood, and we have no regrets! We installed these gates at each entrance to the room, as well as one at the top of our stairs. Extra tall option for dogs who might jump. This is a good option for a wider entryway. We have something similar for the deck around our pool.
- Extra diaper caddy to keep in main living space. In addition to diapers, wipes, cream, lotion, change of clothes, and whatever else you might need for yourself and the baby, I like to include a container of non-perishable treats to reinforce good behavior like settling on a mat or the couch.
- Extra sound machine to place by the front door to help muffle exterior noises like delivery drivers or visitors.
- Window Film to block windows, yet still let in sunlight, and prevent reactions to passersby.
Prepare your dog in advance with training – don’t just hope for the best.
Beyond brushing up on basic manners and desensitizing your dog to baby noises, there are many components to prepping your dog for their new housemate. Sleeping arrangements may need to change, dogs may need help learning how to relax behind a baby gate, or how to acclimate to the various baby items that will soon take over your home. And then once baby arrives, you want to help them bond safely, at a pace where everyone feels comfortable, through active, alert supervision.
- Work with a trainer with experience integrating dogs and children. Ideally, you would find one who is either licensed through Family Paws, or is a certified behavior consultant. Check out my Family Dynamics training options here.
- Family Paws offers help with a support line, webinars, and connecting you to local training professionals.
- Have a fearful or an aggressive dog with a bite history? Reach out to a veterinary behaviorist ASAP. If you need help finding one, let me know.
- If your dog cannot tolerate being alone or behind a barrier of any kind without panicking, reach out to one of the following people for virtual help with Separation Anxiety ASAP.
- Tanzi Leary, Dog Crazy Lady
- Jackie Moyano, Behavior United
- Kelly Fahey, PupScouts of Hunterdon
Remember, there is no familiarity bond in the beginning between your dog and your baby – it needs to be nurtured. Unlike the bond you will feel for your baby right away, many dogs take time to warm up to their new family member.
Happy training!
