As soon as your newborn comes, life will definitely change for everyone involved, including the family pets.  Just as you prepare for a new baby, it is important to prepare your family pet for a new baby as well.

One of the first things you can do is purchase a CD of baby noises and babies crying & screaming in the night.  Play those CD’s about six-months prior to the baby’s arrival.  This will help your dog get used to having those noises around.

Pinpoint the parts of your pet’s routines that may change when the baby comes, such as the times that you walk them or feed them.  Change these routines a few months in advance of the baby.  Again, this will help your dogs adjust when the baby comes, their new routines will be well established.

Bring home something that smells like the baby for the dogs to get used to.  This can be the little cap that the hospital puts on your newborn.  Also, a blanket is something that the dog can sleep with.  The baby will seem like an old familiar smell when he/she comes home.

Dogs are naturally curious, take it slowly and allow the dog to sniff the baby.  Remember that when you have a new baby, you may be exhausted for a while.  Let other family members help you walk the dog, etc.  Try to keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible and give them plenty of love and attention.

Last, be aware of the whereabouts of all pets at all times.  Do not leave pets unsupervised with the baby at any time.  Constant adult supervision when your pet and baby are together is strongly recommended.

Hopefully these tips will help make the transition with the family pets and the new baby an easy one.