As any readers of this website might be aware, Pops and I have been working hard on our quest to find the perfect crib for our soon-to-be little one. Â Over the weekend we visited several stores, realized what features we were looking for, and generally came to terms with our options. Â However, the one furniture line I had originally felt we’d most like was carried by a store that was closed on Sundays.
Thankfully, Schneider’s Baby Store has later hours on Tuesdays and Pops and I were finally able to see and experience the Romina line of cribs. Â On display they had Veroni and Karisma, having just sold the floor model of Nerva. Â The store carries other companies as well – and all equally prized for their construction and value – but none wooed us as much as the Romina Karisma Crib.
Schneider’s had the drop side Karisma crib on display – and while it was truly lovely, Pops and I decided that we loved the design and solid construction so much we’d like to have the option of having the piece around for a while longer – so we’re going to go with the Karisma Convertible. Â They sell a six drawer dresser which is just so lovely and well made – and when paired with the crib converted to a full sized bed, will outfit a perfect child’s room or if we change our mind, a really nice guest bedroom.
I wish I could accurately describe how well made this furniture was – but imagine it as a breath of fresh air from all of the cribs we looked at over the weekend. Â There is zero MDF in each piece, they use only sustainable hardwood, and the finish is no-VOC (volatile organic compounds). Â It’s everything we wanted – and the price tag is so much lower than the other pieces we looked at. Â Prices seem standardized across all locations, and the dropside is $815.00 and the convertible is $995.00 (plus ~$150.00 for the conversion kit). Â The dresser is a bit pricey – but as a solid piece of furniture that doesn’t scream ‘baby’ it seems well worth it at $1,245.00.
Yes, we are well aware that baby furniture can be gotten for cheaper – but I really do feel like this is an excellent purchase that suits us and our tastes well. Â I’m thrilled we finally found something that we both love and are excited about. Â One thing down, about a thousand left to go!
Just to summarize, the following criteria was used to narrow down the field of potential crib manufacturers:
Product Origin:
Only cribs manufactured in the United States or European Union were considered. Too many products (from toothpaste and to infant formula) released from major crib manufacturing countries have been recalled due to hazardous materials or “ingredients”.
Product Composition:
Must not contain any MDF components. The California Environmental Protection Agency has already put in place guidelines and limits on MDF use.
Must be finished with No-VOC materials (paint, varnish etc.). The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s page “An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality” provided enough information to make this an easy add to the “must have” list.
Functionality
No drop-side-cribs: Granted some of the recalls have seem foolish, there have been enough good reasons on recent recalls to make this a “skip”.
Should grow with the child: After taking the time to research and narrow down the product that best suits our needs, why not get one that will also be around for a while.