A baby is born in Australia every two minutes and five seconds, according to an Australian Bureau of Statistics estimate. And many of these will be entering a home where the resident dog or cat has, up to the time of the new arrival, been fondly regarded as "the baby" by the parents-in-waiting.

Many parents-to-be worry about problems that may occur in the relationship with a pet once a baby joins the household.

However, according to animal behaviourist Dr Joanne Righetti, with some planning and adjustment, a baby and family pet can live happily together and, as research shows, the pet and child are likely to grow up to become best friends.

There are a number of simple steps that can be taken well before baby comes home from hospital that will minimise any sense of disruption a pet may experience and help them accept the baby's presence.

One of the most important rules, says Dr Righetti, is to familiarise the pet with the sights, sounds and smells the new baby will bring into the home. This could include:

• As the house or baby's room fills with baby clothes and furniture, allow the pet to sniff and inspect everything, including lotions and soaps
• Make sure the pet learns that baby's room is off-limits unless you are present;
• Wrap a doll in a blanket scented with baby lotion or powder and practice having the dog or cat stay at a respectful distance while you perform pretend baby-care tasks.

• Keep the cat out of the room the baby will be sleeping in.
• Avoid banishing the cat out of the room when baby appears – instead, include your cat by talking to him and giving him a treat when you feed the baby.