Simplicity's Nursery-in-a-Box: An Accident Waiting to Happen (Part II)

Simplicity's Nursery-in-a-Box is just one example of poorly made furniture that can be obtained from your local Wal-Mart. It is the perfect example of the cliché "you get what you pay for." Had my husband and I not been in the financial bind we were in and still are, I would have opted for a much sturdier and reliable set of furniture, made with real wood.

Since my last article on this subject, my daughter is now over two years old and the crib has been converted into the toddler bed. Thankfully no harm has come to her because of the furniture; however, it is still a regretted purchase.

My sister and her husband purchased the same furniture set, but experienced several problems beyond repair. Their change table collapsed and is no longer usable. The table top where they child is supposed to lie, broke through and later on the shelf below it followed. Their crib has large gaps around the mattress due to the crib's poorly made parts.

My complaints not only focus on the cosmetic issues, but functional ones as well. The knobs on the dresser are stripped and are constantly coming off. One of the reasons why we converted the crib into the toddler bed was that it was extremely difficult to get the movable side back on the plastic tracks. The screws holding the tracks on are loose contributing to its instability. As a toddler bed, it is unstable as the screws and metal parts are becoming worn and stripped at the joints where the metal rack that supports the mattress attaches to the particle board frame.

The furniture poses a safety hazard and should be avoided. Risking harm to a child is not worth saving money by buying this furniture. Although it may no longer be called Nursery-in-a-Box, it features the same poor design and poorly constructed parts. A different name and packaging do not impact the quality of this product.

If you already own this set of furniture, I have several recommendations that may be helpful to you.

Do not attempt to take any of the furniture apart once assembled.

If you plan on keeping the furniture, I highly recommend that you either replace some of the parts (as needed) or add support pieces (brakets, etc.).

Trust your instincts. If you feel that your child is not safe sleeping in the crib or toddler bed, don't let them.

Save your money and buy name brand furniture.