Yes, a newborn can be around a dog, but it requires strict supervision, preparation, and management; never leave them alone, introduce them slowly using scents and positive reinforcement, and create safe spaces for the dog, as young children are at high risk for dog-related injuries. The key is to manage interactions, keeping them positive and controlled, no matter how gentle the dog seems.
When your new baby arrives, your pet is naturally going to be curious. Let them see and smell the baby, but ensure you are always supervising them. Never leave your baby alone with a pet. Make sure your pet is exercised, fed and given attention.
There is absolutely no literature showing dog germs being harmful to a newborn. Literature actually shows that early exposure to dogs can be beneficial for babies immune systems and reduce risk of allergies and breathing issues like asthma.
Pro Tip: Newborns typically sleep in their parents' room for weeks or months, and experts don't recommend having a dog loose in the house, unsupervised at night. Introduce crate training at night or create a separate sleep area away from the baby.
"I'd recommend not allowing the family dog or cat to lick your baby's face," says Geller. "This could transmit infectious material (such as feces) into the baby's mouth or eyes." As your baby grows, their immune system will strengthen and they'll be able to get as many dog kisses as they want without issues.
Quick Answer: Dog saliva can contain bacteria like Pasteurella, Salmonella, and E. coli which pose infection risks, especially to babies and immune-suppressed children. Dogs frequently ingest and carry bacteria picked up from their environment, some of which can be zoonotic, meaning transmissible to humans.
Allow your dog to adjust to the smell, sight and sound of the baby for a few days before introducing them in closer proximity. After a few days, allow the dog to sniff the baby while controlled on a leash. Pet him and give him praise while he smells. Most dogs adapt quickly, but always take precautions.
The 2-hour rule for babies means they shouldn't stay in a car seat (or travel system seat) for more than two hours at a time, whether in or out of the car, because the semi-upright position can strain their developing spine and restrict their breathing, increasing the risk of low oxygen levels, especially for newborns and preemies. For long journeys, parents should take breaks every two hours to take the baby out, allow them to lie flat for a while, stretch, and feed, ensuring they get proper head/neck support and circulation.
Even if you couldn't have imagined a better introduction and the two of them seem like instant best friends, supervise their time together 100% of the time. Accidents happen and even non-aggressive play can be dangerous for a baby. However, our recommendation is to not allow direct contact between the dog and the baby.
The 5-3-3 rule is a loose guideline for structuring a baby's sleep schedule: 5 hours of wake time before the first nap, 3 hours of wake time before the second nap, and 3 hours before bedtime.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Pets can carry germs and infections that can cause illness to you and your child. Different animals carry different health risks. Some are more dangerous than others. The most common illness your child might get from a pet is a stomach illness.
No list of the best dog breeds for kids would be complete without the always-popular Labrador Retriever. Famously friendly, affectionate, highly energetic, and as easy going as they come, Labs are the quintessential family dog.
But research conducted at the UW Department of Pediatrics found the opposite to be true. Exposure to dogs in infancy—especially around the time of birth—can actually influence children's immune development and reduce the likelihood of certain allergic diseases.
Never leave your child alone in the same room as a dog, even your own. Close supervision is the most important thing to keep children safe. Always watch, listen and remain close when your child is with a dog. Separate them by throwing a toy or treat for the dog if either the dog or child seems unhappy.
Always supervise your dog around your baby. No matter how gentle your dog, never leave them alone with the baby. Children aged 0-4 years are at the greatest risk of hospitalisation for dog attack injuries. Around 80% of dog attacks happen in the family home, or the home of a family member or friend.
Keep pets out of the room they sleep in, and never let a pet share a bed with your baby. Always introduce your pets gently to a new baby. Dogs may feel jealous of a new baby when you first bring them home. Try to give your dog some special attention when you can, so it knows you still care about it.
Don't force interaction.
Instead, invite your dog over to see and sniff the baby, and let him come on his terms. “We never take the baby to the dog,” says Layne. “Let him make the choice when he's been invited.” Likewise, don't allow your little one to approach the dog when the baby starts becoming mobile.
Having a dog at home during pregnancy and with a newborn may lower the baby's risk of having allergies or asthma. If you're a dog lover like me, you know that owning a pet benefits your life in many ways. But new research suggests owning a furry friend – especially a dog – may also improve your newborn's health.
The 40-day rule after birth, often called confinement or "The Golden Month," is a widespread cultural tradition emphasizing a mother's deep rest, healing, and bonding with her newborn, with family often handling chores and visitors, promoting physical recovery (like stopping bleeding) and mental well-being, rooted in ancient practices from Asia, Latin America, and religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity. Key aspects involve nourishing the mother, sheltering her from stress, and focusing solely on resting and bonding, a stark contrast to Western pressures to "bounce back" quickly.
Why Does SIDS Peak at 2-4 Months? The widely accepted explanation for the SIDS peak has to do with the timeline of brain development. “Up to 4 months old, the part of the brain that controls breathing and wakefulness is under a lot of development,” Juliet explains.
If you need to go on a longer car journey, try to stop every 2 hours for a break and take them out of their car seat for a break – younger babies will need a feed or nappy change every couple of hours anyway, so try to work time for a decent break into all longer journeys.
Never leave your baby and dog together unsupervised! Many dogs adjust well to the arrival of a newborn. Nevertheless, preparation and precautions are essential[1].
The hardest week with a newborn is often considered the first six weeks, especially weeks 2-3, due to extreme sleep deprivation, constant feeding demands, learning baby's cues, postpartum recovery, and a peak in inconsolable crying (the "witching hour"), making parents feel overwhelmed as they adjust to a new, exhausting routine. While the first week is tough, the challenges often intensify as the baby becomes more alert but still fussy, with major developmental hurdles like cluster feeding and increased fussiness peaking around 6-8 weeks.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.