Pali Crib: Some Nice Features, A Few Drawbacks
Written: Aug 31 '04 (Updated Jan 10 '07)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Converts to toddler bed for extra $$, storage drawer, price
Cons: Need special tool to lower mattress
The Bottom Line: A nice mid-range crib with storage drawer that converts to a toddler bed.
|
|
|
| modernmarvel's Full Review: Pali Sabrina |
We bought this crib for our third child. Our first crib was more than 8 years old and had suffered through 4 moves and 2 children. It really wasn't sturdy enough for a third child. So, after some shopping at our local baby store, we settled on this model.
DESCRIPTION
Two features sold us on this crib. One is the design that lets it convert from a crib to a toddler bed. To convert it to a toddler bed, you remove one side rail and put a toddler rail on. The toddler rail has a low fence to it with an opening where the child can enter and exit the bed. We liked this feature because we thought it would be helpful in letting our child transition from crib to big girl bed. The toddler rail is an additional $50.
The other feature I really like no this crib is a large storage drawer under the mattress. The storage drawer is the size of the crib and, although it is fairly shallow, it is still large enough to hold plenty of baby bedding and blankets in an extremely convenient location.
This crib is on wheels. The wheels are helpful if you need to move the crib around. However, the wheels don't lock. When we convert the crib to a toddler bed, we will have to find some way to secure the crib or lock the wheels so the toddler doesn't accidently or purposefully move the bed from its location.
The other feature to note is that only one crib rail moves down. We have our crib against a wall so this feature doesn't bother us. However, if you need access to both sides, consider another crib.
One more thought on design: there is no top to the storage drawer. If you do not get a crib skirt with at least a 12 inch drop, you can see the contents of the drawer easily, especially when the mattress is up high on the newborn setting. This is more a style issue than a functional issue. However, the items in the drawer might get dusty or dirty because they are not enclosed.
OUR EXPERIENCE
We picked this crib based on style, the storage drawer and the ability to convert it to a toddler bed. Of course, price was a factor too. We don't plan to hand down the crib so we don't need the best quality.
We like this crib, its features and style. It matches other furniture in our house, although the other furniture is not Pali brand. We find the crib sturdy and functional and would recommend it on that basis.
ASSEMBLY
We paid $60 to have the crib delivered and assembled. It came in a flat box and took two experienced guys about 20 minutes to assemble.
My only complaint on assembly is that the crib comes with an L-shaped tool that is used to lower the mattress from the newborn height to the lower height for older children. I wish it was assembled using a basic screwdriver. The L-shaped tool is just one more thing that will get lost in my odds and ends drawer.
QUALITY
This is a mid-range crib. The body of the crib is solid wood. Ours is a natural finish so it has a clear poly finish over light colored wood. The base of the drawer is a cheap laminate that doesn't look like it will last forever.
The side rail operation is not as smooth as it could be. We don't really move the rail so it doesn't affect us too much but if you plan to use the rail frequently, consider getting a better quality crib.
PRICE
We paid $400 for this crib at our local baby store. We haven't bought the toddler rail yet but it costs an extra $50.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I think this is a decent mid-range crib. The body of the crib is solid wood with a nice, basic design. However, the laminate in the drawer is a drawback. Overall, if you need a crib for one or two children, I would recommend this crib. If you need a crib for two or more children or want an heirloom, you will have to spend more money.
NEW BABY? HERE ARE SOME BABY PRODUCTS I HAVE REVIEWED:
STROLLERS: Maclauren Techno Stroller; Graco MetroLite LE Stroller; Cosco Eddie Bauer Lightweight Stroller
GEAR: Skip Hop Diaper Bag; Evenflo Snugli Baby Carrier; Infantino EuroRider Baby Carrier.
SLEEPING: Sozo USA bedding.
SOOTHING: MAM pacifiers; MAM pacifier keeper.
NURSING: Bravado Nursing Bra; Lansinoh lanolin; Lansinoh nursing pads.
FEEDING: Avent Feeding Bottles; Take & Toss Infant Spoons; Nuby Sipper Gripper Cup; Dora the Exporer Insulated Straw Cups; Playtex Sipster Spill-Proof Cup.
BATHING: The First Years Bath Tub/Bath Seat Combo; California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash.
BABY BOTTOMS: Burt’s Bees Diaper Ointment; Desitin Creamy; Balmex; California Baby Diaper Rash Cream; Weleda Diaper Care.
BABY SKIN: Mustela Hydra-Stick for lips and cheeks; Burt’s Bees Apricot Baby Oil.
TOYS: Tiny Love Symphony In Motion Mobile; Soft Teething Beads; Sassy Teething Wing Butterfly; Lamaze Clutch Cube;
Lamaze Freddie the Firefly.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS: Baby’s Here Birth Announcements.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
modernmarvel
|
 - Top 50 |
|
Location: Basking in the Sun
Reviews written: 504
Trusted by: 340 members
About Me:
Can anyone recommend a western family dude ranch for a vacation this summer?
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.