Babies and pets

For many years the combination of babies and pets was not possible because it was thought that a pet would be harmful to the baby because pets were considered a source of contamination for the baby and due to this myth many gave away or simply discarded their pets to avoid contamination or possible dangers for the baby.

Nothing could be further from the truth and after much research to prove otherwise, it was concluded that far from being harmful to the mother and the baby, having pets is not a risk factor or contamination for a baby, on the contrary, it brings great benefits and even improve the quality of life and contribute to the cognitive and social development of the child.

Benefits of having pets for the baby

Already having clear that having pets is not a risk element for babies, let's talk about the benefits that can bring to your little one to grow up with pets, then, we mention some benefits:

1.     They help the baby's immune system:

Having a pet benefits the health and strengthens the immune system of the baby, they develop fewer allergies and have less risk of respiratory problems, suffer less ear infections, as a result they are less exposed to the use of antibiotics.

2.     They are less likely to suffer from separation anxiety:

Pets are considered part of the family and when one of the parents is not at home, babies who grow up with pets are not exposed to suffer from separation anxiety.

3.     They help the baby's social and emotional development:

It has been scientifically proven that those who grew up in contact with a pet are people with a great sense of compassion and empathy and is that the contact of a pet with a small generates a bond that helps stabilize infant behavior.

The empathy developed as a result of the relationship with the pet decreases common childhood fears, reduces sadness, promotes values such as compassion not only towards the pet but also towards other people and finally increases the baby's joy.

4.     They allow the baby to increase a sense of security:

Animals usually smell fear and this makes them defensive, but with babies they do not feel any threat and play calmly thus creating a bond of security and attachment between the two that will be strengthened with the growth of both.

What is recommended for a good interaction between pet and baby

-  Make routine visits to the veterinarian.
-  Don't share the baby's toys with the pet and vice versa.
-  Educate your baby to treat the pet correctly.
-  Maintain good baby and pet hygiene.
-  Take walks with both.

Little ones who grow up with a pet develop their cognitive, social-emotional and physical sides more broadly. In addition, growing up with a pet will teach your little one the responsibility of caring for someone else, as well as the values and empathy that can develop from this special combination of your little one with their pet.