Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby: What I’m Doing Before Baby Arrives

Expecting a baby and already a dog mom? Here’s how I’m preparing my dog for life with a newborn — from routines to baby gear and scent training tips.

Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby: What I’m Doing Before Baby Arrives

As a soon-to-be first-time mom and proud dog mama, I’ve spent just as much time researching baby gear as I have preparing my dog for our newborn’s arrival.

If you’re wondering how to prepare your dog for a baby, you’re not alone. Dogs are sensitive to change, and with a new tiny human entering the home, it’s important to set your pup up for success.

Here’s what I’m doing to help my dog adjust before the baby comes—and tips that can help you too.

🐾 Why Preparing Your Dog for a Newborn Matters

Dogs can become anxious, confused, or even jealous when a baby enters the picture—especially if routines and boundaries suddenly change overnight. That’s why I’m focusing on:

Setting up predictable routines
Practicing calm behavior around baby gear
Gradually introducing new scents and sounds
Teaching important obedience cues before the baby arrives

✅ 1. Setting Boundaries Now, Not Later

I’m already reinforcing rules that will help after the baby is born, like:

Staying out of the nursery
Not jumping on furniture unless invited
“Place” command for calm downtime

We use a designated training mat in the living room to give our dog a consistent “safe space.”

✅ 2. Introducing Baby Gear Slowly

Instead of bringing out everything at once, I’ve been introducing items gradually—starting with the stroller and crib, then moving on to the bouncer, sound machine, and changing area.

Our dog has time to sniff and explore each new item, making them part of the normal environment before the baby arrives.

Affiliate picks:

Noise machine (helps normalize sound)
Pet-safe stroller fan for future dog+baby walks

✅ 3. Playing Baby Sounds

To reduce surprise reactions to crying and cooing, I’ve started playing baby soundtracks on low volume during the day.

This desensitization is helping my dog stay relaxed—and gives me a preview of how he might react.

You can find free playlists on YouTube.

✅ 4. Scent Introduction

We’ve already opened baby lotions and wipes so our dog can get used to the smells. Once baby arrives, we’ll send home a worn baby blanket before the first introduction.

Affiliate tip: I’m using this lotion that’s gentle for baby but safe for pets to smell.

✅ 5. Keeping a Consistent Routine

While our life is changing, I’m working hard to maintain my dog’s routine—walks, feeding times, and training—so he has some predictability during the transition.

I also rotate interactive toys like treat puzzles to keep him stimulated while I’m resting.

✅ 6. Planning a Calm First Meeting

When the time comes, our plan is to have me greet our dog first (without the baby), then slowly introduce the baby with calm energy—allowing him to sniff from a safe distance.

We’re avoiding any dramatic introductions or forced interactions.

📋 My “Dog + Baby Prep” Checklist Includes:

✅ Nursery access training
✅ Crate/bed reinforcement
✅ White noise practice
✅ Baby scent exposure
✅ First meeting plan

💬 Final Thoughts

Preparing a dog for a baby isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency, patience, and communication. Your dog is part of the family, and with the right prep, they can adjust beautifully to their new tiny human sibling.

If you’re pregnant and already a dog mom, I’d love to know: What’s your biggest concern about introducing your dog to your baby? Drop a comment below!