Other families decide to add a pet to the family soon after having a baby, and still more add a fur-child later down the road. However, many believe there's danger in having a pet and an infant at the same time. But what are these fears based on? A well-trained, sweet-tempered animal not only makes for a wonderful first best friend, but also provides a slew of other benefits for a baby.

Preventing illness

Research shows that bringing an infant home into a house that includes a cat or dog positively increases the baby's immune system's ability to fight illness. A study published in 2014 looked at the correlation between infants exposed daily to a pet (cat or dog) and the gut microbiome, most specifically in relation to allergic responses such as asthma. The results? "Microbiome richness and diversity tended to be increased in infants living with pets."

Simply put, babies who grow up around a cat or dog have a healthier gut than infants without pets. A healthier gut means the body can fight off illness easier and is less susceptible to suffering from chronic allergies such as asthma.

Improving gut health

Between the ages of birth and three years old, the gut develops the foundation of microbiome that will direct the entire lifespan of gut health. Of course, there will be additional damages and healings done throughout that lifespan, but the foundation is laid by age three. If science points all signs to a positive health effect on gut health, then that should be reason enough to bring home that new puppy.

Helping development

Pets have also been shown to positively impact human development and influence a child's bonds and social competence. Research has assessed children who lived in a home with a cat or dog from infancy, and found that these children scored highest in the category of empathy. Empathy is not something that can be taught easily, but children naturally grew up more empathetic if a pet was present throughout their infancy and young childhood.

This same research emphasized the importance of a child's relationship and bond with their animal being the key to this empathy. While the presence of a pet may benefit the immune system, it's the actual bond between child and pet that impacts a child's emotions.

Creating bonds

If a family is on the fence about having both a pet and human baby, evidence strongly favors raising and supporting both in a loving home. Another study revealed that children who grew up with a pet from infancy ranked their relationship with their pet "higher than certain kinds of human relationship, and the animals featured prominently as providers of comfort, esteem support and confidantes for a secret." What better way to raise a baby than with a true best friend? A supportive, loving dog or cat will love a baby unconditionally.

If further persuasion is needed, parents should know that having a pet instills responsibility in young children, as well as encouraging more physical activity and outside time. This is especially true in homes where the pet is a dog. While having an animal increases the workload and demand on the family, it has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress levels in children (and adults) who have a strong bond with the animal.

Parents can begin this bond while a baby is still in utero by introducing the pet to baby items and allowing him to hear the baby's heartbeat. Once a baby joins the family, a pet's heartbeat can be recorded and carried inside of a loved stuffed animal as a comfort item. The bond between a child and their pet is undeniably special, and the benefits of beginning this bond from infancy should be proof enough to convince any parent toying with the idea of adding another level of craziness into their home.

The post Should you have pets and newborn babies in the same house? appeared first on FamilyToday.

Comments like "My, your hands are full!" and "Are they all yours? And you are pregnant! That is a lot a children!" seem to be a daily occurrence. However, I am also swarmed with friends who actually know me well enough to say, "Tell me everything. You seem to love motherhood. Teach me your ways!"

It is these words, that I love motherhood, that touch my heart. This could not be more true. I genuinely love my life. I love my husband more than I did 13 years ago when we first started dating. And I love my children.

I had a life before children. I wasn't sitting around ready to be a baby-making oven and cook dinners every night. I liked expensive shoes and enjoyed a night out. Has my life changed? Yes....very much so. I am currently sitting here 20 weeks pregnant with baby number five. Five children? What were we thinking?

We've lived in five states in seven years, meaning that four of our five babies will be born in different states. We home school because I just really love being with my kids, and I believe that I can provide the greatest path of education for each of them. We dance in the kitchen, play music way too loud, have 38 meltdowns weekly, say "no" to absurd purchases and try our hardest to raise well-rounded, independent-thinking, happy, passionate and loving humans. As parents, we fail (a lot) but we learn and keep going. The mistakes make us stronger and help us become better people ourselves.

So in all this craziness, what have I learned thus far? I'm so glad you asked-

1. You can still have a life

You are still you. There are college-aged girls who will babysit for $10 an hour... find them. Your partner is perfectly capable of being responsible for the lives of the children while you enjoy whatever it is you want to enjoy. Find time to live your life, both with and without your children by your side.

2. Judging and disagreeing with other moms is pointless

This one took me two kids (or so) to learn. Before you speak your mind, make a mental list of what your friendship is worth; judgements and disagreements often lead to broken friendships. Remember that you (and I) are not perfect. Everyone has hard days, and everyone is at different stages of learning and parenting. If you disagree, keep quiet and smile. Passing judgement does absolutely no good for you and other moms.

3. Let sleeping babies sleep - and hold a crying baby

Babies cry because they need you. Step in and snuggle your crying babe and let your sleeping child sleep. Even though it's tempting, do not wake him.

4. Every child is different

Each kid learns differently, plays differently, feels differently and needs you in a different way. Learning who your children truly are will let you be a better parent to them. It will also strengthen your relationship with them and save your sanity.

5. Sleep is important for moms, too

You are not superhuman; you need sleep.

6. Children need independence

I like to hashtag #WildAndFree because that is what I believe in. Let your children get dirty. Let them explore and have secrets. Let them wander more than three feet away from you.

7. Kids cry. Kids fight. Kids fail. Kids learn

Don't act like your kids are perfect. Perfection means that there is nothing left to learn, which isn't the case. Let your kids make mistakes and be calm and loving when discussing failures.

8. A loose and flexible schedule is still a schedule

Bedtime is important in our house. It may not happen at exactly 8:00 p.m. every night, but we try.

9. Moms need adult interaction

I need to talk to other women. I need friends. And so do you. Just as you push your kids to meet and make friends, follow your own advice and foster friendships.

10. Kids are capable of doing more

Our house is always clean. Want to know why? Chores. Your children are more capable than society gives them credit for.

11. You aren't just raising children, you are raising yourself

Don't think you are a know-it-all mother. If you aren't growing right along with your children, then you aren't learning what motherhood is teaching you.

12. Involve kids in your own hobbies

This is sheer brilliance on my husband's part. Teach your children to love the things you love so that you can continue your hobbies your whole life long.

13. Just when you have it all under control, something changes

Your toddler becomes a fiercely independent, back-talking, crazed three-year-old. Congratulations - you're pregnant (again). Someone cuts a new tooth. Potty-training begins. Your six-year-old may lead you to your death while she learns to read ... you know, life. Be flexible and love every new adventure.

14. Treat children with respect

If you show respect, children learn respect. It'll make parenting so much easier.

15. Every stage of parenthood is better than the last

This experience is amazing. Even when it's hard, don't forget that.

16. I'm raising some of the coolest, most intelligent, loving beings on this Earth

It's perfectly OK to toot your own horn when needed.

17. When all else fails..

Blast music, cry tears, sing at the top of your lungs and dance - these are the moments that your children will remember and relate to throughout their lives.

Motherhood isn't easy but it is uniquely challenging, exciting, difficult and rewarding for every mother. Embrace the ups and downs of being a parent and cherish this time you have with your little ones - before you know it, they won't be so little anymore.

The post 17 important lessons from a mother of 4 appeared first on FamilyToday.