I've still got tons of stuff to post from the ABC Kids Expo, including this stunning, new crib/changing table combo from Argington. These Brooklynites have been on a roll lately, cranking out some really great designs, with solid quality, and at some impressively reasonable prices [and now that they've offshored production, they may actually even make enough money at those to stay in business for a while.]
Anyway, the spotlight in Las Vegas was on the crib, called the Sahara, which has fixed side rails in white and a choice of five stain finishes on the wood. It's a nice, straightforward platform bed design [the mattress height is adjustable], but the real beauty appears when it's teamed up with the table.
The Delphi changing table is also a very nice, modern design, like a sweet mid-century console. But the bases of the two pieces are at precisely the right heights for them to slide together. It's so easy. Each piece does fine on its own, but the interlocking aspect is so simple and seemingly offhand--almost obvious, really--that they really look best together.
Available starting around February, the Sahara crib is just $675, while the Delphi changing table is $925. These are heavy beasts, too, by the way; lift with your knees.
Check the Argington site for retailers and availability. [argington.com]
When I was shopping for a crib, two years ago, we read/were told that an attached changing table/dresser/whatever was a safety risk because a child could climb out of their crib and onto the changing table/dresser/whatever . . . Maybe that risk is overblown?
[maybe that's the inset kind, like on a Pack&Play, or a ride-on-top style like the Oeuf? I've never heard that. But I'd imagine that as soon as your kid's able to pull or stand up in a crib, you'd take those changing table things off. As for one like this or the Nurseryworks, the tables are completely out of reach of the crib anyway. -ed.]
If the kid is able to climb onto the table s/he is also able to climb over the side rail and fall to the ground, and at that point you should probably think about a toddler bed.
I really didn't like the finish on this- blotchy and reddish. It looked like baltic birch plywood, and that stuff really doesn't take finish very well. You have to use something pretty opaque. Good to see some of these guys hitting (close to) normal crib price points, but I'm scratching my head at that changing table price.
Do you know where they're making this?
[yeah, the table in this config isn't any easier than climbing out of a crib. If the kid can get that far, it's scary enough. I know it's not Viet Nam, like Netto, so I assume it's China. But yeah, I also assume it's birch ply. I figured the finish was part of its prototypical charm, though. It may be worth checking, though. -ed.]
In China. I personally find the base incredibly bulky. Bleh.
[I figured it was part of the Mission-style goodness, but different strokes... -ed.]
I am in the market for a crib, and my concern with the Sahara is should the baby climb out (and yes it would make sense to move to a toddler bed at that time) they run the risk of hitting that Mission style ledge on their way down.
Actually, this type of crib is my first choice when we were on the stage of choosing a crib. It's very convenient. Easy access to everything especially when i'm changing his diapers in the middle of the night. check this site: http://www.squidoo.com/baby-crib-changing-table-combo