Whether your taste runs more toward fuzzy bunnies or modern lions, you’ll find lots of cute options for an animal-themed nursery. And babies love to roar and moo, so a zoo, jungle or barnyard theme will alway stay in style. Read on for 14 new and innovative items in the world of nursery decor.
photo: Ubbi
Your Baby’s New Best Bud
The Ubbi muslin blanket buddy ($29.99) is a stuffed animal that converts into a blanket and back again, so it can be your little one’s constant companion during naptime, playtime, and on all sorts of adventures. The buddies come in a set of two—choose from woodland creatures, jungle animals, or house pets—and are made with 100% lightweight cotton muslin.
photo: LulyBoo
The Perfect Playmate
The LulyZoo toddler lounge ($69.99) is a cozy spot to play and snooze, and it folds and features straps so you can take it on your travels. It’s practical with its ergonomic foam perimeter and a waterproof, machine-washable design, while staying adorable in the form of an elephant, hippo, zebra, lion or ladybug.
photo: Tree and the Rock
Wild on the Wall
A simple giclee print is all a nursery wall needs to feel like its own little escape from the chaos of everyday life. This lion print by Stacie Bloomfield of Gingiber, exclusively for Tree and the Rock, stands proud on its own, but would also look elegant next to the similar giraffe and elephant prints ($40 each, $70 extra for a black, white, natural or silver frame).
photo: Pottery Barn Kids
A Place to Toss It All
Nursery storage doesn’t have to be boring. These chic Emily & Merritt Critter Utility Storage bins ($29 each) come in cute cat and dog designs and are made with 100% cotton canvas. They’re sturdy and durable enough to hold stuffed animals, blocks, extra blankets and more.
photo: Finn + Emma
Your Portable Petting Zoo
Play gyms are a great way for babies to work on gross motors skills. The new Finn + Emma Love Mom & Dad play gym ($135) is made with a 100% birch wood frame and other lead-, phthalate-, nickel-, mercury-, and VOC-free materials. It adjusts to two different heights and the toys can be moved to your car seat or stroller for baby to play with.
photo: OLIKA
A Bird in the Hand
Sanitizing your hands after spit-ups and diaper changes ain’t cute. But Birdie by OLIKA (8.99) makes it look downright dreamy. This sweet, bird-shaped hand sanitizer hides textured dry wipes in its base for added cleaning benefits. There’s no hospital scent; a blend of essential oils in bergamot, lemon and spearmint keeps your hands smelling fresh.
photo: Peapod & Nate
Stylish Crib Creatures
These custom crib sheets by Etsy shop Peapod & Nate are not only adorable; they come in almost any size you can imagine. Ask the shop owner to make a sheet in a custom mini size or for a travel crib, Pack ‘n Play, daycare crib, and more. Fabric designs include foxes, elephants, dinosaurs, horses and birds.
photo: Easy, Tiger
A Whale of a Design
If your nursery style leans modern but you still want to dress up your nursery with cute animals, check out this bud vase by Easy, Tiger ($40). The 12-inch whale is a glossy white ceramic that gives a clean, contemporary look with a whimsical and vintage flair.
photo: WavHello
The Sound of Silence
The SoundBub by WavHello ($49.99) offers calming white noise in an owl, bunny or bear design to help your babe sleep. This Bluetooth-enabled soother and speaker also connects to a mobile app that lets you enjoy music and even record voice messages, songs and stories to play for your little one.
photo: Handmade Happiness by Ruth
Some Bunny to Love
A baby rattle is a nursery must, and this handmade, stuffed bunny by Handmade Happiness by Ruth ($24) is made with organic cotton and has a classic, hand-embroidered face. Pink crinkle ears and a soft internal rattle make this nursery toy wholesome fun for little hands.
photo: Marcus & Marcus
A Zoo to Chew
Toss a few of these Marcus & Marcus teethers ($8.99 each) into the toy bin to soothe sore gums and give your baby something to grab and play with. They’re molded from BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free materials and can be cleaned in the dishwasher and chilled in the freezer.
photo: Pottery Barn Kids
A Rocking Good Time
The pink coyote rocker ($249) from Pottery Barn Kids’ new Junk Gypsy collection is a slightly contemporary take on a classic children’s toy. Made with ultra-soft polyester long-pile faux fur and solid wood runners and hand rails, this cool creature will stand the test of time.
What’s your favorite nursery decor theme? Let us know below!
— Whitney C. Harris