The day has finally come. You’re ready to bring home your little bundle of joy, but what about that little bundle of fur already waiting for you?
Blending pets and babies under one roof has its delights, its drawbacks, and its dangers. Research shows that having a furred animal in the household helps children build stronger immune systems as they grow and reduces their likelihood of developing allergies and asthma. But animals can also carry disease and accidents do happen. But with a little preparation, you can balance the benefits and risks of caring for babies and pets simultaneously.
Let the Fur Fly
Furred animals can help keep your baby from developing annoying and potentially life-threatening allergies and asthma later in life, as well as help him or her build a stronger immune system. James E. Gern, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, published a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in which he revealed that infants in homes with dogs were 33 percent less likely to suffer from pet allergies and eczema later in life and also had a higher level of immunity to common illnesses. Dr. Gern draws no conclusions about the cause for this correlation, but speculates that it’s the result of a homeopathic effect, a literal “hair of the dog” scenario in which the body builds antibodies when a potential toxin is present in small quantities.
Similar research on children in daycare has shown that the dirt and germs present in that environment also help build stronger immune systems. Since animals don’t come without dirt and germs, thank your furry friend for helping you raise a healthy kid.
Keep Safeguards in Place
That said, you still need to be careful when introducing pets and babies to each other. Those little immune systems aren’t very strong yet and animals can’t always discern between a big person who likes to play and a tiny person with fragile limbs.
In deciding whether a blended household of kids and pets is right for your family, there are a few things to consider first.
One is toxoplasmosis, especially if you have an outdoor cat. Though this disease-causing parasite is rare in the United States, there remains a risk that mom can pass it to baby during pregnancy, potentially causing brain and eye damage to the fetus. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted through outdoor cats, birds, mice, contaminated soil, and raw or undercooked meat. Pregnant moms should not handle or eat raw meat, clean your cat’s litter box, or garden without gloves. You should also consider making your cat an indoors cat if he or she isn’t already. After bringing your baby home, continue to take precautions while handling raw meat and animal waste, and always wash your hands before making even indirect contact with your child.
Most pregnant women with toxoplasmosis will not show any signs of the disease. If you suspect you may have been exposed to this parasite, a simple blood test can confirm its presence in your body and your doctor can treat you with antibiotics. Keep in mind that, though you should be careful, the chances of contracting this infection are very low, and even lower in women who are long-time cat owners.
The “sibling” rivalry that can arise in a pet when your attention has suddenly been usurped by a new baby is also a concern. Just as older children need time and support to adjust to a younger brother or sister, so do our furry friends. Sudden removal of your affection and attention from a pet can make him or her depressed and potentially aggressive toward the new arrival, so begin the transition process long before your due date. You can keep everyone safe and comfortable by establishing firm rules for your pet.
