After counting down the past nine months, the big day is finally here: you’re about to meet your Baby and bring your newest family member home!

You’ve probably had their nursery set up for ages. Or, if you’re a procrastinator like me, it might still need some finishing touches.

Either way, nearly everything is in place– from diapers and swaddles to binkies and booties. Well, except for one key detail. What about your pet?

Often overlooked is the introduction between your Newborn and your fur baby, as well as how the addition of a tiny family member will change up your pup’s normal routine.

That’s why one of the best ways to Prepare your household for your baby’s arrival is by prepping your pet with these simple steps.

How To Prep Your Pet

Pets often love routine, and babies are sure to shake up the norm. So, to help ease your pet into their new at-home reality, start by introducing gradual changes.

You might opt to move your pet’s bed or feeding area if its current spot will conflict with tummy time space or late-night baby care. You may also want to begin shifting your pet’s walk time or playtime a bit to prepare for added childcare responsibilities that might clash.

No matter the changes you need to make, slow adjustments over time are the best way to go since they reduce stress for everyone involved– from you to your furry friend.

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It’s important to keep in mind that babies come with a whole new range of scents and sounds, too. So, it’s smart to start introducing some smells to your pet prior to the arrival of your newborn.

You can allow your dog, for instance, to sniff some baby powder or baby lotion. Also, don’t forget to play a recording of a baby crying. You can start with a low-volume recording before increasing the noise to a normal level.

This will help your pet get accustomed to new sensations and ensure they aren’t shocked or upset once your baby comes home. As you deal with the demanding daily routine of caring for a newborn, you’ll also want your pet to be well-behaved.

If you haven’t already, now is a great time to teach some basic commands– such as “stay,” “sit,” and “leave it.” Trust me, these will come in handy!

Creating a safe space is another great way to ensure your pet can retreat if things become too overwhelming with the influx of baby smells, noises, and visitors. Your pet can go to this special spot whenever they please, and it is best to get them acquainted and comfortable with this space ahead of time. That way, they actually enjoy lounging there instead of it feeling like punishment.

Finally, be sure to set boundaries very early on. You don’t want your pet strolling into your baby’s nursery or even hanging out in the nearby hallway, where just one bark could wake up your newborn and ruin an evening’s rest.

If you set restrictions around your house early and remain consistent, your pet will catch on– making returning home much easier for everyone. The most important thing to remember while implementing all of these changes is that they will take time and patience. Bringing home a newborn is a massive transition for your entire household.

So, take things one step at a time, and try to find a new normal that works for your situation.

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