According to the RSPCA, around 69% of Australian households have pets, with 48% accommodating dogs and 33% cats.
Many of these households also have children, some of which are toddlers and babies, which means parents have to create a home environment that is just as suitable for pets as it is for children.
Balancing the needs of both your pets and your offspring can be a bit challenging, but it is not impossible. Indeed, with a few thoughtful adjustments, it is actually quite easy to create a space where everyone can thrive together.
If you find yourself needing to make your home pet-friendly and baby-friendly, here are some practical tips on how to do so.
1. Create Safe Zones for Both Pets and Baby
It is important that your baby has a designated space where they can explore and play without the risk of being disturbed by your pet. At the same time, your pet also needs somewhere they can retreat to relax and feel secure.
Probably the best way to do this for little ones is to use baby gates, particularly in areas like the nursery, playroom or kitchen, to create a zone where they won’t be disturbed.
Likewise, for pets, setting up a cosy area with their bed, toys, and water bowl in a quieter corner of the house – well away from the baby’s main play zones – will give them the space they need.
2. Air-conditioning
Australia is a hot country, and for much of the year, you need to have fans on or air conditioning (and on some days both!).
For pets and babies, the hot weather can be very uncomfortable. So, it is important that they are kept cool when the mercury rises, as they could become restless and bothered.
If the fans you have or air conditioner isn’t working as effectively as you would like them to, it is worth taking steps to get them replaced or fixed.
3. Choose Durable and Easy-to-Clean Materials
Both babies and pets can be messy, so you could find yourself in a constant cycle of tidying and cleaning up after them.
For this reason, you should invest in furniture, flooring, and other surfaces that are easy to clean and can withstand scratches, spills, and other accidents that regularly happen.
When it comes to floors, hardwood or tiles are much more pet-friendly than carpets as they are easier to clean and much less likely to stain. However, if you prefer the look and feel of carpets, consider replacing your current ones with a type that is stain-resistant. You might also want to get rugs that are easy to toss in the wash, as required.
For furniture, it is best to opt for fabrics like leather or microfiber for sofas and chairs. You will find they are more resistant to scratching and easier to wipe clean. Slipcovers can also be a good choice as they are easy to remove and can be washed when needed.
4. Choose Baby-Friendly and Pet-Friendly Products
There are plenty of products available, such as cleaning products and air fresheners, that contain chemicals that can be harmful to both pets and babies. Therefore, you should try to use non-toxic alternatives that have been designed to safeguard them from the risks they pose.
For instance, bleach, ammonia, and pest control sprays or pellets can be dangerous if ingested by pets or children. So, you should look for organic and pet-safe alternatives where possible.
5. Properly Secure Hazardous Items and Chemicals You Do Have
While you might try and get as many baby and child-friendly products as you can for your household, there are some things, such as petrol for the lawnmower, gas bottles for the cooker or various types of paints that you will have in your home.
These can be very hazardous to curious pets or children, so you should take measures to keep them securely locked away and out of their reach.
6. Consider Installing Baby and Pet Monitoring Tools
With babies and pets in tow, it can be difficult for busy parents to keep an eye on both.
Thankfully, through smart technological advancements such as baby monitors, you can now check in on your child and pet when you’re not in the same room(s) as them.
Some models even let you monitor the room from your phone, so you can keep an eye on their playtime or nap time from anywhere in the house.
While you wouldn’t leave your baby unattended at home, you can even do this remotely for your pet if they stay home when you go out.
7. Be Mindful of Small Items and Toys
You are probably well aware that both pets and babies have a habit of putting things in their mouths – which, unfortunately, means they are susceptible to choking hazards.
Subsequently, you should always keep baby toys and pet toys separate, particularly when you store them away.
It is a good idea to buy toys that are too big for your baby to put in their mouth, while for pets, you should stick to large chew toys or plushies.