Maltese and new baby

We are expecting our first baby in August and are worried about our four year old Maltese, Grendel, accepting the baby. She is very sweet and devoted to us and is definitely used to being our only baby. How can we make the transition easier for all of us? Any advice would be appreciated.
Anne

• I personally have not had the experience, but a friend of mine did. She said her method worked well & I thought I'd pass it on. She said several weeks/months prior to the babies arrival, she introduced the dog to all the babies "smells" diapers, lotions, shampoos, blankets etc. Also, let the dog into the babies room to sniff around the crib etc. When the baby comes home, bring the baby down to the dogs level so that he can sniff around the baby. My friend said they had a great relationship & the dog would even alert her when the baby would cry etc.
  Lydia/Pepper

• Similar to Lydia's response, I've never had a baby of our own to judge acclimation against. Most books do not recommend a Maltese as a good children's dog, but I think that has more to do with the animal's diminutive stature than any behavioral incompatibilities. I have seen our dog interact with new borns and older babies, however, and they get along fine. Most dogs seem to sense when another mammal is infantile and will give that animal lots of leeway. Babies seem enchanted with little dogs (Maltese s look like stuffed animals, after all). The biggest problem we've had with our Maltese and our neice (who just turned 1 this month) is keeping them from chewing on each other's toys!
  DeWayne

• I had my first child almost 3 years ago and at the time I only had one Maltese whom I raised like a baby from the age of 6 weeks. My greatest advice to you is to not shove away your companion for any reason relating to the baby. For instance if you choose to breastfeed your child let your companion sit with you during nursing times if the dog chooses to. I allowed my Ivan to do this by letting him set on my lap and he always looked forward to the baby getting up when she was young because that meant extra cuddling time for everybody. In November of 96 I had another child and I allowed him the same privilidges and I have had no problems with him being nasty to the baby in any way.
  Charity