How can we make sure our pets and our new baby will live together harmoniously?

Many pets are very tolerant of small children, but it's still important to be aware of potential dangers and take precautions you can take to avoid them, especially once your baby is crawling and walking.

While your baby is tiny, you can generally manage to keep him and the pets apart most of the time. Keep animals out of the room he sleeps in, and use a cat net on the pram or pushchair your baby uses downstairs or in the garden.

Dogs need supervision when babies and children are around. Even the most tolerant of dogs can be unwell or bad tempered sometimes. Most cats will simply escape if a child is teasing or hurting them, but some will scratch and bite. You may find it very helpful to use a safety gate to keep your pets and your children apart at least some of the time. These gadgets can also help keep your baby away from animal foods and litter trays.

Double check with your vet that your pets have been adequately wormed, and never leave worming tablets or other pet medications where your baby can reach them. If your pet has free range of the garden, you may need to check it over and use a pooper scooper before letting your child outside. You could also fence the garden in such a way that there is a safe baby area and a separate pet area. Lastly, curious babies have been known to use a cat flap to escape into the garden, so you may need to leave the lock in it while your baby is around.

If you have little children and are thinking of getting a pet especially for them, choose an animal that does not have to live in the house all the time, such as a guinea pig or rabbit. These pets can have cages outside in a sheltered place, and your children can visit them and handle them for short periods of time while under your supervision. Later, when your children are older and can understand that animals need to be respected, is the time to get them a cat or dog.