Reader Stephanie K. of Bismark, North Dakota writes about the problems she’s had ordering a crib from Pottery Barn Kids:
Dear Baby Bargains:
I really love the Baby Bargains book and wanted to provide a comment on a Pottery Barn crib, which your book rated an A (I think :).
I ordered a Pottery Barn crib in August (the crib was back-ordered until September 25) and for some reason, it got lost in the shuffle (literally lost in a warehouse) until early November – despite my numerous phone calls and emails to Pottery Barn.
Finally, in November, 2 people apparently hired by Pottery Barn (the nearest PB to me is over 600 miles) came to deliver the crib and assemble it (both fees totaled a reasonable $50). My crib looked really cute in the nursery until I went through the instructions (only assembly instructions were sent with my crib – As a first time mother, I still have no idea what the features of the crib are nor how to operate it) and noticed that the PB crew assembled the crib incorrectly (the front panel was on backwards, which led me to believe, what else is wrong?).
In addition, there were a number of nuts and bolts just laying in the crib after the crew left. I informed PB of this latest issue with the crib and they promised to send someone to fix it – naturally, I haven’t heard from anyone. I plan to have my dad completely take the crib apart and reassemble it as my baby is coming very soon and I can no longer wait on PB.
Just wanted you to know that while the crib is darling, PB’s customer service has been horrible. Yes, they’ve responded to my e-mails, but it’s always been a canned apology with a pipe dream solution (we’ll send someone out – but they never really show up). A crib’s safety is of critical importance to me and PB sending an acknowledgeable crew to assemble a crib I spent $700 on is horrible. Had I known this, I would have arranged for my dad to assemble it in the first place. I hope, after all of this inconvenience that the crib proves to be completely safe and comfortable for my new baby.
Stephanie K.
We obsess over gear for families . . . so you don't have to. Baby Bargains has one mission: help you find the best gear for your family and home with unbiased reviews by experts with 20 years of experience. At prices that don't break the bank. When you purchase a product from links on this site, we make a small affiliate commission. Learn more 
It is good you took the time to review the instructions and worry about the ‘extra’ hardware. A missing bolt or screw can cause an entrapment hazard for an infant. All consumers should carefully review assembly instructions and make sure all parts fit together snugly and there is no loose hardware or parts.
It is good you took the time to review the instructions and worry about the ‘extra’ hardware. A missing bolt or screw can cause an entrapment hazard for an infant. All consumers should carefully review assembly instructions and make sure all parts fit together snugly and there is no loose hardware or parts.
That is very scary – my husband and I found when assembling our own crib (twice, as we moved when our daughter was four months old) that it is important to follow the instructions very carefully. Although we thought it was assembled correctly the second time, the drop side would randomly fall down(!). Once my husband read the instructions, we found our error, reassembled it and now the crib works perfectly.
Anyway, long story to say that it is very important to know that the person assembling your crib knows what they are doing!
That is very scary – my husband and I found when assembling our own crib (twice, as we moved when our daughter was four months old) that it is important to follow the instructions very carefully. Although we thought it was assembled correctly the second time, the drop side would randomly fall down(!). Once my husband read the instructions, we found our error, reassembled it and now the crib works perfectly.
Anyway, long story to say that it is very important to know that the person assembling your crib knows what they are doing!
Does any one have a copy of the Potter Barn Newbury Crib instructions? If so could you please contact me. In fact, if you have any PB crib instructions, I would love to see them as I dont have mine and am fearful about putting the crib together incorrectly. Thanks, [email protected]
Does any one have a copy of the Potter Barn Newbury Crib instructions? If so could you please contact me. In fact, if you have any PB crib instructions, I would love to see them as I dont have mine and am fearful about putting the crib together incorrectly. Thanks, [email protected]
Schoeffe – contact your closest PBK retailer or the catalog because they can always look up and print the instructions on any furniture pieces for you.
Schoeffe – contact your closest PBK retailer or the catalog because they can always look up and print the instructions on any furniture pieces for you.
Did you pay with a credit card? You can stop payment on the charge (even if you have already paid the bill – I have done it after a couple months even). In my experience, companies respond pretty quickly when you stop the payment!
Did you pay with a credit card? You can stop payment on the charge (even if you have already paid the bill – I have done it after a couple months even). In my experience, companies respond pretty quickly when you stop the payment!
i strongly suggest you do not use the crib until you confirm it is assembled 100% correct. most crib accidents occur from improper assembly.
this is a product your child will be using while you sleep and are unaware of a problem.
i strongly suggest you do not use the crib until you confirm it is assembled 100% correct. most crib accidents occur from improper assembly.
this is a product your child will be using while you sleep and are unaware of a problem.