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26 Hudson Valley Parent Q 2013 Baby Guide F inding out that you are going to be a parent for the first time is an overwhelming, awe inspiring experience that can fill you with all kinds of emotions, from joy to downright fear. For example, if you're a pet owner, you might even feel a twinge of guilt. Aren't I already a mom to Spot? How am I going to create the perfect environment for my little bundle of joy without making Spot feel left out? How can I make my home a safe haven for those I love? Well, you can make your home safe for everyone. You can keep your baby safe and be sure your furry friend is happy. Dr. David Greenberg, an Associate Veterinarian at Flannery Animal Hospital has offered ideas on how to prepare your pet ahead of time and things to look out for once your baby comes home. Getting Ready For Baby Chances are your nursery is prepared for your baby's arrival but, have you taken the time to set up baby gear that will be used in common areas throughout the house? According to Dr. Greenberg, "Setting up items like playpens and swings ahead of time allows pets to see them, smell them and overall adjust to what they may see as significant changes in their physical environment." If the living room window that will provide the perfect view for baby as she swings peacefully to sleep has also been Spot's favorite spot for an afternoon nap, you may want to have that swing in place well before baby comes home so no negative associa- tions form between the baby and Spot's ruined nap time. "My husband, Paul, and I made sure we had everything set up months before the arrival of our first child, Gavin, so our dogs, Augie and Chewy, could get familiar with the new set up of our house," said Jessica Pakenham, mother of two from Modena. "The best thing we did was to not make a big deal out of the dogs smelling, licking or jumping on the baby's stuff. We didn't want Augie and Chewy to feel like they were being punished because we were having a child." Baby meet Spot; Spot this is baby One of the major ways a pet gets to know others is by smell. Dr. Greenberg suggests that parents bring home a used article of the newborn's clothing or a swaddling blanket to give to your pet while finishing your stay at the hospital. That way when you cross the threshold of your home for the first time as a parent with baby in hand, your pet will recognize baby's scent and you are one step closer to Spot meet baby! "The most important thing for parents to remember is to not make a big deal out of pets sniffing or curling up with the baby," says Jessica Pakenham, mother of two from Modena. HV VETERINARIAN SHARES TIPS FOR INTRODUCING YOUR BABY TO PETS By LAURA DANELL