A Pretty Pet Friendly Nursery
From the moment I discovered I was pregnant, creating a pet friendly nursery was on my ‘fun’ pregnancy to-do list. (On my not so fun list, throwing up more than I thought humanely possible, and having dreams about just how much I missed sushi. I really miss sushi.)
As Soda is such an integral part of our family, I knew I needed to create a space that was not only safe and comforting to our new two-legged addition, but mindful of our furry child’s needs and limitations as well.
So in amongst pinning the cutest and most impractical baby items for the nursery (Baby Moccasins? We NEED those! Elephant Rocker? She’ll use it when she’s 2! Decorative hats? We must make sure she starts out on the right side of fashion!) I also honed in on these pet friendly elements:
1. Puppy Rug
This one was a no brainer. It’s simply a comfy mat or rug that becomes your dog’s safe space when they are invited into the nursery.
In our case, our nursery has previously been used as a spare room, so Soda has rarely spent any time in there. But obviously, as we all start to spend more time in there she will, of course, want to be with us.
By taking the time to train Soda to ‘go to her mat’, if gives her a clear space where she can safely sit or lie down without being banished from the nursery. With Soda safely on her mat it then allows me the freedom to move about, nurse etc without tripping over Soda or having her jump up at an inappropriate time.
The funniest thing? Her puppy rug is now one of her go-to places for naps! If I ever can’t find her, I’ll go to the nursery and guaranteed there’ll she’ll be – all snuggled up.
2. Drawer Storage & Toy shelf
I specifically chose drawer storage for the baby’s items as open shelving holding clothing, wraps, nappies and baby goodies would just prove too enticing for Soda.
Same goes for not having a Toy Basket. After years of our pup having the only toy basket in the house, introducing a new basket full of plush, squeaky toys just seemed like an open invitation for trouble! Instead I opted for shelving for toys and books, so there’s no confusion as to who’s toys are who’s.
To be honest, I think Soda will quickly learn that the baby’s items are not for her, however by putting these design elements in place, it just makes things easier for everyone from the get go.
3. Locked Nappy Bin
I am not looking forward to nappies. Not one bit. One of my highlights of getting married was outsourcing Soda’s backyard poop patrol to my husband who doesn’t mind it as much. (And before you call me a princess, I did Soda’s poop for 9 years without complaint…and lets not even mention the time she vomited straight into my hands…)
So when I heard that dogs often have somewhat of an ‘affection’ for used nappies I went out and got a lockable nappy bin straight away. Soda is NOT getting anywhere near those things – no way, no how.
Tucked just behind the change/table dresser, it fits perfectly with the streamlined look of the room.
4. Baby Gate
For the times where Soda needs to be outside the nursery, I knew we needed a baby gate. With my last trimester to go I’m still in the deciding stage of which one to go with.
We considered doing this fabulous DIY Gate by Yellow Brick Home…but then realised our tool kit consists of a few screwdrivers and some pink craft paint. It might be just out of our league….
So I’m currently considering just a standard, white baby gate that allows Soda to look in and see/hear the action while being outside the nursery.
PET FRIENDLY NURSERY – GET THE LOOK
I had SO much fun putting together our baby girl’s nursery. I tried to combine new pieces from my favourite stores and online small boutiques, with vintage pieces that had sentimental meaning. Here is the full list of stockists:
Dresser – 2 x MALM Chest of 3 Drawers from IKEA
Dresser Top – MALM from IKEA
Drawer Liners – Love Mae
Change Table Topper – Changing Pad and Chamois Cover from Pottery Barn Kids
Plush Rabbit – Jelly Cats Bashful Bunny from Seed
Painting – Elephant Parasol Art from Pottery Barn Kids
Storage Baskets – Nito Storage Baskets from Freedom
Glider – Graham Glider from West Elm
Ottoman – Graham Glider Ottoman from West Elm
Rugs – TEJN Faux Sheepskin from IKEA
Cot – Kendall Cot from Pottery Barn Kids
Love Heart Blanket - Incy Interiors
Laundry Basket – Nito Round Laundry Hamper from Freedom
Floating Shelves – Handy Shelf from Bunnings
Nighlight - Elephant Night Light from Infancy
Dumbo Print – Disneyland
‘Girl’s Best Friend’ Print – Coming to our NEW Pretty Fluffy Shop next month!
Books – Various Vintage
Bambi Figurine – Vintage (from my Nana)
Nappy Bin – Angelcare Nappy Disposal System
Bathtime & Grooming Kit - Hello World Gift Pack from Milk & Co Baby Towels, Washcloths & Hooded Animal Wrap from Pottery Barn Kids
HANDY HINTS
- For the higher end items in our nursery, they were nearly all bought on sale. I’d highly suggest signing up to newsletters for West Elm, Freedom, Pottery Barn Kids etc so you can nab your favourite items at 20-50% Off.
- Look outside the square for reusable or repurposed items. One of my favourite features of the nursery are the cute drawer liners – they were a DIY project using the gorgeous gift wrapping range from Love Mae. To see the full DIY tutorial of our dresser/change table visit my Small Space Nursery DIY post over at IHeart Organizing.
- Remember to include cruelty free nursery goodies where you can. For baby’s bath time and grooming kit I opted for the divine Milk & Co Baby Range as their products are all natural, come in 100% recyclable packaging and are not tested on animals.
If you have any tips for a newborn nursery, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
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