Your dog or cat was your first baby, and they are about to have their whole world rearranged: new smells, new sounds, new furniture, and less of your attention. Most pets adjust well with a little preparation. The goal is simple: a pet who feels safe and a baby who is always safe.

In the months before the baby arrives

• Make changes early. If the dog won't be allowed on the bed or in the nursery, start now, so the new rule isn't linked to the baby.
• Practice the basics every day: sit, down, stay, leave it, and going to a bed or mat on cue. A calm "go to your place" is worth a lot with a newborn in your arms.
• Set up the nursery, crib, swing and stroller early and let your pet sniff them. Reward calm behavior around them.
• Play recordings of baby crying and cooing at a low volume while giving treats or a meal, and slowly turn it up over a few weeks.
• Walk the dog beside the empty stroller so they learn to walk politely next to it.
• Book a vet visit: vaccinations, parasite control, nails trimmed. If there's a behavior you're worried about, such as guarding food, growling, nipping or jumping, get help from a certified trainer or a veterinary behaviorist now, not after the birth.
• Arrange care for the days you're in hospital, and a person who can walk or feed pets during the hard first weeks.

The first meeting

• Before you come home, have someone bring a blanket or piece of clothing the baby has worn, so your pet meets the smell first.
• Greet your pet on your own first, without the baby. They've missed you, and a big hello with your arms full is how accidents happen.
• Then let them meet the baby calmly: the dog on a leash with a second adult, the baby held securely. Let them sniff from a short distance, and praise and reward gentle, relaxed behavior.
• Keep it short. Cats usually prefer to come and look in their own time; let them.
• Never force a meeting, and never hold the baby down at your pet's level.

Everyday safety

• Never leave a baby or young child alone with any pet, however gentle. That includes the family dog who has never hurt anyone.
• Give your pet a baby-free retreat: a crate, a gated room or a high perch where nobody bothers them.
• Keep pets out of the room where the baby sleeps, or keep the door closed or gated. Pets should never sleep in the crib or bassinet.
• Keep pet food, water, toys and litter trays out of reach of crawling babies.
• Wash hands after handling pets, litter or poop. If you're pregnant, or planning to be again soon, ask your doctor about cleaning the litter tray; many advise someone else does it.

Keeping your pet's world good

• Keep their routine where you can: meals, walks and bedtime at roughly the same times.
• Give them good things when the baby is around (a treat, a chew, a walk) so the baby comes to mean good things.
• Five minutes of your full attention every day, even on hard days. A walk where someone else holds the baby counts.
• Ask your village for help: a friend who walks the dog is a real gift. You can add "walk the dog" to your village page.

Signs your pet is stressed

Watch for yawning, lip-licking, turning away, a tucked tail, raised hackles, stiffening, freezing, growling, hiding, not eating, or accidents indoors. These are your pet saying "this is too much". Give them space and a break, and never punish a growl: it's a warning that helps keep everyone safe. If it doesn't settle, or you see any snapping, separate them and call your vet or a certified trainer or behaviorist.

As your baby grows

• Crawlers and toddlers grab ears, tails and fur. Teach gentle touch early and keep supervising.
• Teach older children to leave pets alone while they eat, sleep or are in their safe space.
• Most dog bites to young children are from a dog the family knows. Supervision and a pet with a place to escape to prevent most of them.