Bringing home a newborn baby is one of life's biggest adjustments, but some parents are tempted to take on another major life change at the same time: getting a puppy. The idea is undeniably appealing. A child and dog growing up side by side seems like the start of a lifelong friendship, complete with shared milestones, family memories and an inseparable bond.
But experts say families should think carefully before bringing two highly dependent newcomers into the household at once. While raising a puppy alongside a baby can offer developmental and emotional benefits, it also requires parents to realistically assess whether they have the capacity to meet both sets of needs. Michelle Retsky, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, told Newsweek that having a dog in the home can offer benefits for a child's development from infancy onward.
It gives them "multisensory exposure" through touch, sound, movement and even smell. Those everyday interactions can help support sensory integration as babies learn about the world around them. Pets can also support social and communication development.
By observing interactions between people and animals, children are exposed to different forms of nonverbal communication and emotional expression. Retsky said dogs often become a source of emotional grounding as children grow older. "Animals in general offer unconditional, nonevaluative presence," she said.
She added that many toddlers naturally practice early storytelling, babbling and conversation with their pets because there is no fear of correction or judgment. Of course, there is also a less scientific benefit. "I do feel like I need to state the obvious as well," Retsky said.
"It's adorable for everyone to see a baby and a puppy interacting." But parents' well-being has to factor into the equation too. Retsky warned that caring for a newborn and raising a puppy simultaneously can lead to significant caregiver fatigue. This could potentially leave parents with less capacity to manage either one's needs.
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