Whats the best way to introduce our baby when its born to our 2 dogs. Baby is due in about 3 weeks, so far we have put up crib for downstairs for naptime etc... and the dogs have not bothered with it so far. But how do we go about everything else? we have decided to change nappies upstairs simply because all the hairs the dogs like to give us but this might change as we get more confident with the baby (first one) but is there any advice of what to do or more importantly what not to do would be great.

What worked for us was to get the dogs (we had 2 as well) used to any change in routine before I had the baby. So if they sleep in your room at the moment, and you decide you won't want them in your room when the baby arrives, start getting them used to where you'll want them to sleep now.

I was in hospital for a few days after I had our baby, and each day my husband would bring home the clothes the baby had been wearing, and my nightie, and let the dogs sniff them before they were washed, to get them used to the different smells. Then when I brought the baby home husband waited outside with the baby while I greeted the dogs (mad excitement because I'd been away for so long!) then brought the baby indoors in his carrycot and put it on the floor for the dogs to have a good sniff at the baby. They were startled the first time they heard the baby cry, but very quickly got used to everything, and the baby was accepted as a new noisy family member!

Completely agree. When I had my last child we had 6 dogs in the house ;-) I went in first to say hello and hubby brought in baby in the pram (which had been sitting in the living room for weeks) One of the dogs ended up being the walking frame when baby started to walk. The others all became surrogate parents :-D

I do hate it when people use a new baby as an excuse to get rid of the family pet. Good on you for wanting to include yours as part of the family.

Definately agree with the above, the dirty hospital clothes worked a treat with our two dogs, they fell asleep on them and hubby had to prise my nightie away to put in wash.
I also used a doll and used to walk around holding it whilst putting on a pretend high pitched cry, they were quite interested at first but soon got used to noise and commotion.
I think its important to just have those people present who live in house so dogs know the new addition is not a visitor when bringing them home, must say mother in law was not impressed at being sent away.
My little boy is one and a half now and dogs are really good with him, its the tearaway toddler I need to train :)
Paula

Thanks for the great advice,

I do hate it when people use a new baby as an excuse to get rid of the family pet. Good on you for wanting to include yours as part of the family

I've had so many people asking me when i am going to rehome the dogs and i have told everyone of them - they are family so NO in a very firm voice, they seemed quite shocked i was keeping my two dogs. But thats me its a "love me love my dogs" situation at ours.

Know how you feel, we have two staffordshire bull terriers and when people ask what dogs we have the look of horror on their face says it all.  Its so fustrating that people think dogs shouldnt be around children! Why not as long as they are supervised?
I truely believe that William has benefited from having two dogs about to help care for and play with, they are family dogs and a huge part of our life.  Good on you for providing your child with the opportunity to develop a special bond and love for dogs.
Good luck with the new arrival
Paula

I think my health visitor is still having kittens at the thought of so many dogs in the house ;-) My daughter is now almost 14 years old :-D

It has been proved that people are far healthier if they have at least one pet in the house. There's no way I would get rid of any of my animals. I'd rather move.....