5 Ways to Make Sure Your Pet and Child are Besties

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.  #GigglesandWiggles  #CollectiveBias

Thinking about our days here at home, and how baby FLO and Benny follow each other around all day. From exploring  the backyard, to trying out each other’s toys and sometimes snacks,  and then sharing the dog bed. It’s hard to think back to a life before they were such a twosome. Or, that I was ever worried whether Benny would accept the baby. I certainly think a lot of the credit goes to Benny on this one, and his naturally loving disposition. On the other hand, we also took steps to help our dog and baby get along. So I thought I’d share them with you.  Read on for  5 ways to make sure your pet and child are besties. Also, don’t forget to scroll all the way down to find out about two amazing contests you can enter your little one in to win big!

1. Introducing Your Baby to Your Pet

We did a lot of research online and there seemed to be a clear  consensus for how to introduce your baby to your pet. Before coming home with baby FLO from the hospital, Mau checked in on Benny and brought over the baby’s blanket. We hoped this would help Benny understand we were coming home with something new. Once we were home with the baby, we allowed Benny to smell the baby, and I made sure to pet Benny as I held baby FLO.

We never had any issues or concerns with Benny showing aggression towards FLO. As a mama, I would suggest that you trust your gut. You know your pet best. I never left Benny alone with the baby, unless the baby was safe in his crib or jumper.

2. Include Your Pet in Your New Routine

We included Benny in our new rituals whenever possible. We would take walks as a new family of four, and I would let Benny stay in the nursery when I nursed FLO and when he would take his naps. In those early weeks and months, the three of us. Me, Benny and the Baby spent all of our time in the same space.

3. Give Your Pet Extra Attention

The first couple weeks at home with the baby were  a blur. I was overwhelmed with baby FLO and did not have anything left for Benny. That’s where Mau came in. He was sure to still give lots of attention to Benny, especially because I could hardly remember if I ate, let alone whether I fed the dog. Early motherhood is so tough! Delegating helped keep our Benny happy, when mom wasn’t around.

4. Show Your Baby How to Treat Your Pet

Now that FLO is a toddler and likes to grip, throw and chase, Benny was immediately his first target. What kid wouldn’t want to grab on to a wagging tail? But, as parents we had to step in and demonstrate when and how it is ok to touch Benny. I always keep an eye out on those two, and there are definitely moments when FLO isn’t as gentle with Benny as I would like him to be. But, Benny is typically very patient.

If I sense that Benny is getting agitated, I do step in and try to give him a break from the baby. Toddlers are non-stop and even the dog needs a break! You know your pet best, so paying attention to how your dog is responding is key in maintaining a healthy boundary between your pet and baby.

5 Have Baby Help Care for Your Pet

FLO is only 1 1/2 but he already has responsibilities at home! One of which is feeding Benny.  As regulars at Target, I pick up Purina® ONE® Smartblend for our oversized Beagle because it has the balanced nutrition that can support his well being, and real meat fish or poultry is always the number one ingredient.

We of course can’t get out of Target without picking up all the snacks for baby FLO too. He is a fan of most Gerber® snacks. More specifically the Gerber Graduates Strawberry Yogurt Melts Freeze-Dried Yogurt & Fruit Snacks, and the Lil’ Crunchies. They’re great snacks to have on-hand or on the go.

Sidenote, last week at Target the sales clerk at check out said FLO gets cuter every time she sees him. Does this mean we go to Target way too often?

Like every parent, I think baby FLO has what it takes to be a “Gerber baby,” but since I am partnering up with Purina One and Gerber, he won’t be eligible to enter. But,  if you have a little one you should definitely enter these two contests. Read below for details. 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) and Puerto Rico, who are 18 years of age or older, have a valid Instagram account and/or email address, and are parents of a child 48 months of age or younger and meet certain background check requirements. Enter search by: 11:59:59 pm ET on 10/27/17 For Official Rules, including eligibility and entry requirements,  judging criteria and prize descriptions, visit the website. Void where prohibited

The Gerber Baby Search is now in its 8th year!  All you have to do to enter is share a photo of your little one on instagram with a hashtag #GerberPhotoSearch2017 . Your instagram account should be public and you must use the #GerberPhotoSearch2017 hashtag in your post.  Not only could your little snag the title of Gerber Baby 2018, but you could also win  $50,000 for your child’s education. You can enter up to 10 times! The photo search ends on October 27, 2017, so hurry up and enter!

Additionally, there is another contest if you have a pet! There will be six weekly winners for Baby & Pet Photo Search. Enter a photo of your baby and pet for a chance to win $500 prize pack, 1 year supply of Gerber baby food (valued at $600), 1 year supply of pet food (valued at $540)! Post photos of your baby and pet and be sure to use #GerberGigglesandWiggles hashtag and #GerberPhotoSearch2017 hashtag in your Instagram post to qualify! Also make sure your Instagram account is public. Please review official rules and details here.

Thanks so much for reading, hope you win!

Besos,

Alina