Animals and babies: the advantages of growing up together

When a baby is about to arrive, we wait with enthusiasm and excitement, but also with fears and questions. A common concern is what the coexistence between our pet and the baby will be like. We think about all the dangers that can arise from this coexistence, without considering the infinite advantages of animals and babies growing up together.

However, The success of this relationship will depend, to a large extent, on whether we do not forget our pet.. In this way, if we continue to take care of the physical and emotional needs of our pet, there is no reason why one of the first and most beautiful friendships that a baby could have should not be forged.

Advantages of animals and babies growing up together

The advantages of animals and babies growing up together are countless and fathers and mothers who have the opportunity to enjoy this relationship will – almost certainly – enjoy being pleasantly surprised every day. These are some of the benefits that animals bring to the development of babies.

Sensory stimulation

Babies are very interested in exploring and investigating the world, and animals are a source of stimulation. With them, the learning they extract from their first “experiments” with the world become richer in nuances. Playing with a friend provides more varied, exciting and fun experiences.

In this way, agility is enhanced in the baby’s attempts to visually follow, at first, and later moving, his pet. Besides, Discover new textures on your pet’s body… textures that they will love to caress.

Affection and empathy

Animals are terribly sensitive towards babies, since they know that it is a more fragile and defenseless being that needs delicacy and protection. On numerous occasions we hear news of animals that save babies, that protect them from fatal accidents or that take care of them in extreme situations. This is not fiction: the instinct of animals leads them to preserve the lives of the cubs of the pack.

Babies learn to receive and give affection to pets. They learn to give back something of all that they receive from those family members with whom they share time and space. Animals and babies learn to take care of each other. To love yourself and show it in an extremely spontaneous way.

Furthermore, different studies show that children who grow up with dogs and cats are more emotionally intelligent and compassionate. A study with children between three and six years old showed that Children who have pets are more empathetic towards animals and other human beings.

Self-esteem

When parents involve children and babies in caring for pets, the little ones feel more capable and competent, reinforcing their self-esteem. Thus, the fact of being in the care of a pet (both within the family and in the classroom), provides children with an important new sense of responsibility, as well as significantly increasing their self-esteem

According to Nienke Endenburg and Ben Barda “If there are pets in a house, both parents and children are usually taking care of them, which suggests that the youngest learn at an early age how to care for and provide for a dependent animal.” This is why today in many autonomous communities early childhood education classes have a pet in the classroom, since the responsibility of caring for an animal makes the little ones grow in feelings of security and self-acceptance.

Health

Animals help babies develop a stronger immune system, which will make you better prepared to face different diseases.

Researchers from the University of Finland conducted an interesting study for the magazine “Pediatrics” that concluded that Babies under one year old who live with dogs or cats are 30 percent less likely to suffer from cough, rhinitis or fever. In addition, the same study reveals that the probability of these babies contracting ear infections is reduced by half.

Language development and cognitive development

The fact that fathers, mothers and caregivers talk to the baby will have a very positive impact, both on their cognitive development and on language acquisition. It is important that we spend time talking to the baby, transmitting affection through caresses and words. However, we often overlook the communication between animals and babies.

When animals and babies grow together, the communication between them is constant and extremely enriching.. The baby will try to communicate and will find in his companion a receiver always willing to listen and respond. So much so, that studies in this sense tell us that having a pet facilitates the acquisition of language and enhances the baby’s future ability in the field of communication.

Sociability

Animals are a way of experiencing the physical and social world, since they respond to their first verbalizations, as well as their body expressions, movements and touch.

According to Amparo Fortea“Various studies show that children who interact with healthy animals have fewer adaptation problems, are more responsible and have a stronger immune system.” Some say that babies and children who grow up with animals are happier.

In any case, the fact of having developed and strengthened the aforementioned skills makes it Babies who have grown up with animals have an easier time establishing social relationshipsas well as to develop stronger and closer ties.

Family

Over time, babies notice how some things constantly change, while others stay the same. People, family, are the most solid points of support in the lives of children. And it is within this family where children place animals.. They are a source of security and complicity for the little ones.

The animals, in turn, feel responsible for the care and protection of the babies. Sometimes, this can be stressful for them, so it will depend on our management to ensure that they experience the change in the best possible way. However, once they adapt to the change, they will discover another person to love. Another person who loves them. Someone to play and share with.

It is not enough to want your baby to grow up with animals

To have an animal, it is not enough to want to see your baby grow with it. This is essential. It is essential to be able to take charge of the responsibility that entails, understand your rights, needs and make sure you can cover them. An animal requires time, dedication and mess. In this sense, we need to be sensible and consistent. Because they don’t deserve less.

Animals teach responsibilities, emotions and consequences. Animals teach family. Animals teach love. Animals understand each other with babies because they both communicate from innocence, unconditionality and tenderness.. The privilege of growing up with one or more animals, regardless of our age, is priceless. ddefinitely, he Animals make us better people.