Congratulations on your expected arrival! Having a baby is a gift and life changing event for you and also for your animals too. Just like you need to prepare yourself and your home for your new baby, you also have to prepare your animals for the new member of your family.

While you are pregnant you go through a stage of nesting in which you get everything ready to welcome your new baby into the world. It is important that while you do this you include your animal. After all, they are part of the family too. Try to get them to understand what is going on.

While you set up the baby's room, you may want to introduce your pet to some of the baby gifts and other things in there. Show your dog or cat the toys and tell them it's not for them but the new baby. Pets can be very territorial. It is important to let them know that not everything is theirs. While you are pregnant it is important to try and change any territorial behavior they may have. This way they will be prepared and know that that's the baby's play area and the baby's toys. Also, while doing this you want to show them where their area is and remind them of what their toys are.

Another great tip for preparing your pet for the new baby is to get a baby doll. Treat this baby as you would treat your newborn. By doing this you are directing your attention elsewhere. This will get you pet used to having someone else getting the attention. Put on lotions that way the doll smells like a baby. Let your pet smell the baby doll and tell him or her to do easy. Your pet will be more prepared and less jealous once you bring home your baby.

Okay, so you have the baby and you are in the hospital. After you have your baby have someone bring home a cover that the baby has used. Let your pet smell the cover and then give it to him. That way you let your pets smell the scent of the baby. Your pet will explore the new smells on the blanket. This will prepare your pets for the final homecoming of your newborn.

Once you bring home your newborn it is important to have someone help you to introduce your baby to your pet. When you get home you pet will be overly excited to see you and will want all your attention. It is important to make this experience positive and pleasant for your pet and your baby. Let someone else hold the baby while you say your hello. The best thing to do is to keep him in a confined room with a gate he can not jump or push out of. Let him smell your hands and pet him until he calms down. Introduce your baby to him once he calms down a little bit. Sit down with the baby and let your dog into the room. Your pet will be very curious but be sure to set boundaries. You have to be the one in control of the situation. Be sure to reward your pet for good behavior. However do not yell at him. If you feel like things are too overwhelming separate the dog from the baby and try again later. Be sure that your pets are not neglected with a new baby around.

It will take time for you and your family (including your pets) to get adjusted with having a baby around. It is important that throughout this adjustment process that you are patient, positive and calm. If you are not feel comfortable or are unable to get your dog to adjust to the new baby then you may want to consider getting a professional to assist you with doing this.