Congrats!! Introducing a baby is much different than introducing a stranger.
It’s a good idea to start introducing all your new baby items gradually, instead of all at once, and months in advance. We first moved a table to accommodate a playpen, then we began setting up the baby’s room one small move at a time. When all the baby clothes were washed and ready, I let him smell them. I spent more time in the baby room, and let him lay in there with me.
Once the baby was born, my husband brought home clothes the baby had worn first, then we finally brought her home. For the first several months, your baby will not be mobile, so it’s important to utilize this time for controlled sniffs and praising. Don’t let your dog by their face, and never ever let your dog approach the baby while you’re not holding them.
Your dog will grow bored of the baby in time, but curiosity will spike back up when they start to move around. As smitten as they may be when they are a newborn, an infant and a toddler is a whole new obstacle for your dog. I’ve allowed more leniency now that my baby isn’t so fragile. They roam around the house together just fine, but many stories of babies being attacked start with a family dog that grew up with the child. It is very easy to get comfortable after a year of your dog and baby co-existing perfectly, but every stage of your baby’s development poses new challenges for your dog.
Grabbing, screaming, biting, poking, jumping, picking up… Babies are boring compared to the dangers of a toddler! So the best thing you can do for your baby, is respect your dog. Make sure you’re not allowing your baby to invade your dog’s space, no matter how cute it may look. Recognize stress signals in your dog immediately, lip licking, ears back, whale eyes, get the baby away!
Good luck!