Life at home looks a little different these days.
Since bringing our human baby home, we've been learning what our "new normal" looks like, and that includes figuring out what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to balancing a baby and dogs under one roof. The truth is, there's no perfect formula. What works for one family, might not work for another, and things will continue to evolve as baby grows, from tummy time, to crawling, to full-on toddler mode.
Here's what's working for us right now, and how we've adapted along the way to keep everyone safe, comfortable, and successful. Dogs included.
When emotions run high (hello inconsolable crying), the "place" command has been a lifesaver. Giving the dogs a defined, calm space to relax during chaotic moments, helps everyone regulate. It keeps the dogs out of the way while giving them clarity on what is expected of them in more stressful situations.
Tip: Don't be afraid to bring back dragging the leash around the house to ensure they follow through with place (and other commands) every time.
In the beginning, we avoided having the baby on the floor. Our setup included things, such as a raised, rolling changing station that went from room to room, a bassinet on wheels for daytime naps, off-the-ground stations like swings, etc.
This allowed us to have safe baby stations without worrying about accidental dog zoomies or a few too many curious sniffs/kisses.
We still wanted our baby to experience floor time. But that didn't mean she needed a paw in the face. We introduced an extra-large pack and play. One that was big enough for her to roll, play, and explore, but off-limits to the dogs.
Bonus: it's a hair-free zone.
We're firm on no face sniffing, licking, or hovering, especially in those early days. It's a whole new world of smells, sounds, and routines for our dogs, and they need time to process and adjust. We watch closely for stress signals: lip licking, whale eye, panting, or restlessness, and step in to advocate for them/create space when needed. Yes, it's cute to have puppy snuggles with baby, but at what risk.
Remember, these are DOGS!
Even trained dogs can struggle with new boundaries. Ours are great on the couch. They are respectful, calm, and not pushy. But, we learned the hard way that dogs don't automatically see a baby on the couch as "off-limits." So now, baby-on-couch time is closely monitored. We're still debating a no-dogs-on-the-couch rule, but we haven't gone there yet.
One step at a time.
They still have needs. Daily movement and mental outlets are a must. Whether it's 5-10 minutes of structured fetch, tug, or training, a little goes a long way. We try to implement daily family walks for fresh air and new scenery, but we do it as a team. Don't bite off more than you can chew! I take the dogs while my husband takes the stroller.
Play it safe and smart.
Our older, more chill dog surprised us. She was the one we thought would be unbothered, but she checked out emotionally in the first few weeks. The crying was hard for her. Our high-drive dog? He howled through every baby cry the first day. But we jumped right in with small training sessions, desensitizing him to the new noises and now, he's my little nighttime sidekick.
Dogs can be so resilient.
Even if you've prepped, nothing fully prepares you for life with dogs and a newborn. It's a constantly evolving process. We've had to tweak routines, make new rules, and stay flexible. The key is to set your dogs up for success, not just expect them to "deal with it."
This is new for them too. They need time, guidance, and grace, just like we do.
Parenthood changes everything. But it doesn't mean that your dogs get left behind.
With patience, awareness, and clarity, everyone can thrive. You're not just raising a baby, you're growing a new kind of family.
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