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A Pretty Pet Friendly Nursery
Copy: Serena Faber Nelson
Photography: Serena Faber Nelson
Styling: Serena Faber Nelson
Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.
Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.
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.
SHOP THE NURSERY
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”1889271″]
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!
Copy: Serena Faber Nelson
Photography: Serena Faber Nelson
Styling: Serena Faber Nelson
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What a beautiful nursery! I think it’s a lovely that you designed it with Soda in mind. Good luck on your last trimester!!! 🙂
Thank you so much Amanda! Yes, everything that happens in our household must have Soda’s approval 😉
xx
Gorgeous nursery! And I promise you can make the gate – or bribe a friend to do so with drinks and dinner 😉
Ooh I very much like the bribe idea! Such a beautiful gate, I’ve got my fingers crossed we can do it! x
Such a gorgeous space. That mat sounds PAWsome.
Given I was just over 12mths when The (Now) Toddler was born I was pretty hard work on mum so some things that we did:
* Mum got a playpen that sat in the corner of the lounge room. Nope it wasn’t for me but for The Noisy One (as she was known as back then). Meant she could have tummy and floor time without having to worry about me stepping on her. (ps Mum also needed to cover the gap underneath the playpen as I kept pushing tennis balls under there to get attention).
* Kongs and other food toys were used a LOT. Mum would often make a kong with kibble and peanut butter the night before so when she was doing that feed at 6 or 7am-ish when we used to walk I would have something to do. Having it made up the night before meant she wasn’t trying to get that ready and deal with a hungry baby.
* I learnt to do a pretty good “drop-stay” (with treats telling me I was being good) while The Noisy One was spending time on the floor outside of the playpen… supervised by mum of course.
Such an exciting time is coming Soda! And wait till they start eating and drop food on the floor!
Oh – these are such AMAZING tips – thankyou Bodhi & Mel!
I was planning on the playpen too, but didn’t think of the tennis ball trick – too funny.
Thankyou so much for the advice – love it xx
This is a beautiful and soothing nursery! You made wonderful choices in everything.
Aw thanks so much Beth – it’s become my favourite room in the house, like you say it has a soothing element to it (fingers crossed it stays that way!! ha!) xx
Serena! It looks beautiful! How exciting! xxx
Thanks so much Liz xx
WOW – so beautiful and pretty!
Thanks Kerry! <3
Such a stunning and sweet space, lovely! Every corner is decorated with love and it shows. I am so excited for you guys. I can’t wait for her to arrive. <3
Thanks beautiful Sar! Did you notice the Gold Love Heart cushion from her Aunty Sarah in there?
We’re looking forward to meeting her! x
What a gorgeous post Serena! I love all of the thought you put into Soda for this upcoming chapter you are all about to embark on. It is so exciting and the tips are great for new moms … who were dog moms first! xx
Thanks so much Kelsey! It’s funny, being a dog-mum first has helped so much so far in preparation. I think its that knowledge that no matter what you’re all going to love each other to bits x
This is an amazing post! I am very much single without a dog, but I certainly plan for both baby and dog one day, and this made me very inspired! You have the coolest dog blog, of all the ones I have visited 🙂
Thanks Charlotte – your comment made my day! It reminded me of the days before I had a dog – I would stop dogs in the street to pat them! 🙂 I love being inspired and in turn inspiring others – so glad you enjoyed it xx
Beautiful! Perfect for your mini fluffy xx
Thanks Sara – Soda is LOVING that rug! xx
Your nursery is fabulous! And of course Soda is precious 🙂 I just love her! She’ll be a great dogsister….
Thanks so much Eileen. Yes, we’ve no doubt Soda will be an awesome big sister (with maybe some toy stealing occasionally….) 🙂
The perfect nursery! What is the color on the walls?
Thanks Maria!
The wall colour is Antique White USA by DULUX. You can see more here: http://www.dulux.com.au/colour/colour-gallery/hues-gallery/neutrals
Do you have any idea how much I love the carpeting? Do you know what it is called? Thank you!
Thanks Jennifer. Do you mean the carpeting on the floor or the rugs? The faux sheepskin rugs are listed above from IKEA.
I will find out what the carpet is for you and comment back 🙂
That would be lovely. It looks like Berber to me. But if you have a bit more info that would be great!
Found it! It is a range called Sonoma Valley – found here: http://www.carpetcourt.com.au/sonoma-valley.html
Thank you!!! Woooohooooo! I really appreciate your time looking it up.
Super cute! Did you just tape the paper/liner in the drawers? Thanks!
Thanks Katie! Yep that’s right, I just used double sided tape to stick the liners down (easy to remove too!) x
The nursery turned out so beautifully! Awesome work! I’m so thankful for all of the tips in this post. We’ll definitely be getting Daphne her own special mat (love the one you chose! and so affordable, too!) and good idea on the toy shelf and addition of a baby gate! I love the one you linked to but it looks way beyond my skill level. I wish I could just buy it! You’ll have to let everyone know what you decide on for the baby/Soda gate! Congrats again and OMG you’re almost there! xo
Aw thanks so much Julia!
Yes – that gate is so gorgeous, I wish I could buy one too 🙂
I’ll definitely do an update once the room becomes more functional and we make improvements. xx
Wow, I love what you created Rene, it looks beautiful! I adore the arm chair in the corner and all of the muted pink tones paired with the grey – absolutely stunning. It’s great Soda has her own spot too + that she loves it – she’ll be spending a lot more time in there I’m sure! xx
Thanks so much Rach! I’m a sucker for greys and pinks, so it worked just perfectly. Soda is such a good girl in there – can’t wait to see her with her little sister xx
This is by far the most beautiful nursery I have come across! As a fellow ‘crazy dog mama’ I love seeing other people as in love with their dogs as I am and not abandoning them when a baby comes along. Congratulations! xxx
Hello
Beautiful nursery! I was just wondering how the Graham Glider from West Elm has been holding up with comfort and spills?
I’d love to get one just trying to justify the price!
Thanks
Happy to report it’s been a godsend! My husband is literally using it right now as our bub loves to rock to sleep to it if she’s woken from a nap.
I don’t use it for feeding as much (as I use the football hold); but I ADORE it for cuddling, reading time and gentle rocking.
The fabric has held up so well and despite daily use for 3 months now it still looks brand new. It did develop a squeak at one point, but a quick spray of WD40 worked that out.
Two big thumbs up from me!
Oh and PS. Don’t feel you must get the matching ottoman – it looks gorgeous, however you really could use any footstool as I found the rocking ottoman doesn’t make a difference to the rock of the chair – a stationary ottoman/footstool would work just as well x
Do you remember for the westelm glider what color did you get?? was it Performance Velvet, Dove Gray???
love that chair…
I would love to know what fabric on the West Elm Graham Glider this is!?
I’m with Brittany and Jade! Can you confirm the fabric and color of the glider?
How easy have your Malm chest of drawers been to slide in and out? I am doing another nursery for our second and am considering using these but know I need fast drawers for diaper changes! Thanks!