Bringing home a new baby is a big transition for everyone in the family, even pets. “A newborn baby is unfamiliar to our pets. Our pets do not understand that they are a part of our family until long after baby has been with us. It is long-term inclusion of our pets in the daily routines of our baby that will build the bonds,” explains Jennifer Shryock, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and creator of Family Paws Programs and Dogs & Storks. Shryock warns that dogs and cats can react to a newborn in many ways—becoming depressed or exhibiting inappropriate behaviors such as pawing or urinating. She advises new parents to be aware of any changes in their pet’s behaviors and to contact a behavior consultant or their veterinarian if they have concerns.

Fortunately, in preparing to bring a new baby home, there are a number of simple and effective ways you can help your pet prepare for and cope with this big change and ensure the safety of your newborn. As for the timing, Shryock notes that it’s never too soon to begin prepping your pet for a new baby.

Preparing your dog or cat for a new baby is not unlike informing children about a new brother or sister who will be joining the family, according to the Humane Society. The advocacy group warns that pets that are used to being the center of attention may experience something similar to “sibling rivalry” when a new baby comes into the home. The trick is to ease your pet’s stress or jealously to ensure a smooth and safe transition. The advocacy group offers some tips on how you can start that process even before your baby comes home:

• Take a gradual approach. You can minimize the stress on your pets and minimize any resulting bad behaviors by gradually decreasing the amount of time you spend with them. This way they can become accustomed to the new status quo. New parents who drastically cut off their pet’s attention or frequently scold, ignore, or isolate them will likely trigger more stress.

• Vaccinate. Be sure to properly vaccinate your pet. Also talk to your veterinarian about other heath precautions, such as flea and tick medications, and how to safely administer them.

• Spay or neuter. Not only do sterilized pets typically have fewer health problems, they are also calmer and less likely to bite.

• Train. Address any pet training or behavioral issues before the baby comes home. For example, if your pet’s behavior includes pouncing or swatting, you will need to redirect or stop that behavior as soon as possible.

• Groom. Have your pet groomed to reduce the shedding of fur or dander. Also trim your pet’s nails.

• Desensitize. Get your pet accustomed to baby-related noises well before your newborn comes home. For example, play recordings of a baby crying or turn on the mechanical infant swing.

Shryock adds that parents should also plan ahead by brainstorming the “what if?” scenarios. For instance, if the phone rings while the baby is in a swing, or if a parent or caregiver needs to go to the bathroom, they must consider where their pets are to ensure they do not have access to the baby. “The baby should never be left unattended in a place where any pet has access to them,” says Shryock.

Once your newborn arrives, the Humane Society advises taking some additional steps to prepare your pets and ensure your baby’s safety. Before introducing your pets to a newborn, allow them to smell and investigate an article of the baby’s clothing or a blanket that has the baby’s scent so they can become familiar with it. Pets may also be excited when you finally arrive home with the baby. It’s a good idea to bring the baby to another room before greeting your pet until they have a chance to calm down. Some additional safety precautions you can take include:

• Establish barriers. Discourage your pet from sleeping or jumping on the baby’s bed or furniture, such as the crib or changing table by applying double-stick tape to the surfaces. You can also cover your crib with a screen to prevent cats from getting in. Alternatively, you can make the baby’s nursery completely off-limits to your pet by setting up a safety gate or even installing a screen door. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also recommends keeping pets out of your baby’s sleeping area to help reduce the risk of fur or dander irritating the baby’s breathing passages.

• Supervise. Always supervise any interaction between your pets and your infant. Be watchful for any signs of animal aggression, such as cat spraying, barking or nipping.

• Be patient. Pets need time to adjust. Rewarding them for good behavior around your baby will help pets learn what you expect from them.

The Humane Society also notes that cat owners should be sure to keep litter boxes out of their baby’s reach, and thoroughly wash their hands after changing the litter to avoid toxoplasmosis—a rare disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be found in cat feces as well as raw or undercooked meat.

Pets can make bringing a new baby home a bit stressful, but as the AAP notes, extra attention and discipline of your pets will solve most pet problems. Relatives, friends, and older siblings can also ease the transition by spending a little extra time with your pet and providing some extra reassurance that your pet still has a place in the family. A bumpy start isn’t always a sign that the two won’t get along. Often pets just need time to adjust to the new addition.