Designing a nursery is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a seemingly endless list of decisions. As we began planning for our little one’s arrival, the search for the perfect dresser became a top priority. We needed more than just a place to store tiny onesies and diapers; we needed a piece that was safe, functional, and wouldn’t feel out of place as our baby grew into a toddler and beyond. The challenge was finding a chest of drawers that could serve as a sturdy changing station in the early days, offer ample storage without overwhelming our moderately sized nursery, and possess a timeless style. The market is flooded with options, but so many feel temporary or compromise on safety for aesthetics. Forgetting to check for anti-tip features or air quality certifications could have long-term consequences, turning a beautiful room into a source of worry. We were looking for that elusive piece that truly did it all.
- GREENGUARD GOLD CERTIFIED: GREENGUARD Gold certified products are screened for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOCs known to pollute...
- REMOVABLE CHANGING TABLE TOPPER AND TIMELESS DESIGN: With its scalloped carved detailing and sturdy wood construction, the Sasha adds a...
What to Consider Before Buying a Nursery Chest & Dresser
A nursery chest and dresser is more than just an item of furniture; it’s a key solution for organization, a central hub for daily care, and a long-term investment in your child’s room. Its primary benefit is consolidating storage for clothes, bedding, and supplies while providing a dedicated, ergonomic space for diaper changes. This dual functionality saves precious floor space, a critical factor in smaller nurseries. A well-chosen dresser brings a sense of order and calm to a room that can easily become cluttered, making those late-night changes and early-morning routines significantly smoother. It also serves as a foundational decorative piece that can define the style of the entire room.
The ideal customer for a versatile piece like the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper is a parent-to-be or a family with young children who values safety, longevity, and style. They are likely planning a nursery where space is a consideration and want furniture that can adapt as their child grows, transitioning from a changing table to a standalone dresser. This product is perfect for those who prioritize certified safety standards, like low chemical emissions. Conversely, it might not be the best fit for someone needing massive amounts of storage immediately or those on an extremely tight budget who might opt for a lighter, fabric-drawer alternative. Families with a large, dedicated changing table might also find the topper redundant.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Meticulously measure your available space. Consider not only the dresser’s footprint (width and depth) but also the clearance needed to fully open the drawers. The height is also critical, especially when used as a changing station—it should be a comfortable height for you to avoid back strain.
- Storage Capacity & Functionality: Look beyond the number of drawers to their depth and interior volume. Are they deep enough for bulky items like blankets or just for folded clothes? Features like an included, removable changing table topper add immense value, extending the product’s lifespan and saving you the cost of a separate piece of furniture.
- Materials & Durability: Nursery furniture should be built to withstand years of use. While solid wood is often seen as the premium choice, high-quality engineered wood and composites can be incredibly durable and stable. Pay close attention to certifications like GREENGUARD Gold, which ensures the materials have low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier indoor air quality for your baby.
- Safety Features & Certifications: This is non-negotiable. Look for anti-tip mechanisms like an interlocking drawer system (which prevents multiple drawers from opening at once) and an included wall anchor kit. Certifications from bodies like the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) and the PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Seal of Approval provide an extra layer of confidence in the product’s safety and design.
While the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: Unboxing and Assembling the Graco Sasha
The Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper arrived in a single, very heavy box. Our first piece of advice: have a second person on hand to move it. Unpacking the pieces, we were immediately impressed by the finish. We chose the Hazelnut color, a warm, rich tone that felt both classic and modern. The scalloped detailing on the bottom and the solid, elegant gold knobs gave it a premium look that belied its flat-pack origins. Each component felt substantial, and we noted the pre-installed drawer tracks, a small but welcome detail that often simplifies assembly. The box contained a multitude of pieces and a formidable bag of hardware, signaling that this would be a project, not a quick setup. However, the instruction manual was clear and diagram-heavy. It was immediately apparent that Graco has put significant thought into not just the final product, but also the safety and stability of its construction, which gave us confidence from the very start. This initial quality check set a positive tone for the rest of our evaluation.
What We Like
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified for superior indoor air quality
- Elegant vintage design with scalloped details and gold hardware
- Versatile 2-in-1 functionality with removable changing table topper
- Innovative interlocking drawer system enhances tip-over safety
- Compact footprint is ideal for smaller nurseries
- Good storage capacity with deep, spacious drawers
What We Don’t Like
- Assembly is time-consuming and can be challenging for one person
- The safety interlocking system makes the drawers noticeably loud
A Deep Dive into the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest’s Performance
After assembly and several weeks of daily use, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of where the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper excels and where it has its quirks. This isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a daily workhorse in our nursery, and we’ve evaluated it on the criteria that matter most to parents: its construction and build process, its everyday functionality and design, and, most importantly, its safety features.
Assembly and Construction: An Honest Look at the Build Process
Let’s be upfront: assembling the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper is a significant undertaking. This is not a 30-minute task. We clocked our build time at just under three hours, working at a steady pace. This aligns with feedback from many users, some of whom noted it took several people and hours to complete. One user, impressively, managed it solo at 39 weeks pregnant with a toddler “helping,” which speaks to the clarity of the instructions, even if the process is laborious. The manual is well-illustrated and easy to follow, a notable step up from the often-cryptic diagrams of other flat-pack furniture brands.
The materials are primarily engineered wood and composites with a laminate finish, which is standard for furniture in this price range. While one user reviewing a related 6-drawer model expressed disappointment that it wasn’t solid wood, we found the quality to be robust and a clear improvement over typical big-box store furniture. As another user noted, “We’ve bought and built a lot of ikea furniture over the years and this feels better quality than my hemnes dresser.” The assembled chest is heavy and feels incredibly sturdy, with no wobble or instability. The pre-installed drawer tracks are a godsend, eliminating one of the most frustrating steps of furniture assembly. However, we did see one user report that their top drawer sat slightly crooked due to a track misalignment from the factory, so it’s worth inspecting these parts before you begin the build.
Design and Functionality: Style Meets Everyday Practicality
Where the Graco Sasha truly shines is in its design. The “timeless vintage style” is not just marketing copy. The gentle scalloped curve along the bottom edge and the elegant gold knobs give it a bespoke, high-end appearance. It’s a piece that anchors the nursery with a sense of warmth and sophistication. One user mentioned swapping the knobs for a different look, which highlights the piece’s versatility for customization. The Hazelnut finish is rich and even, and we can see how other available colors like Frosted Oat or Sage would create a beautiful, rustic focal point. The compact dimensions (just under 36 inches wide and 19 inches deep) are a major asset. As one parent with a 9’x9′ nursery confirmed, “It fit the space of our small nursery perfectly.”
Functionally, the three drawers are surprisingly spacious. We were able to organize an entire wardrobe of newborn-to-3-month clothing, swaddles, and burp cloths with room to spare. The drawer depth is generous, allowing for vertical file-folding of clothes to maximize space. The drawers themselves glide smoothly, though, as we’ll discuss, not quietly. The removable changing table topper is the star feature for versatility. It fits securely on top, creating a safe, enclosed area for a standard changing pad. Once your child is potty-trained, you simply lift it off, and the piece transforms into a classic chest of drawers, ensuring its usefulness for many years to come. One small design quirk a user pointed out is the non-removable plastic Graco logo on the side of the chest, which could be visible depending on your room layout.
Uncompromising Safety: The Core of the Graco Sasha’s Appeal
For any parent, safety is the paramount concern, and this is where the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper justifies its price and build complexity. First is the GREENGUARD Gold Certification. This rigorous third-party screening tests for over 10,000 chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Knowing that this dresser doesn’t off-gas harmful pollutants into our baby’s nursery provides invaluable peace of mind. One user specifically highlighted this, stating, “It is very important for the health of your baby and you can use it with confidence!” We agree completely; upon unboxing and assembly, there was no strong chemical smell whatsoever.
The standout mechanical safety feature is the innovative interlocking drawer system. This mechanism physically prevents more than one drawer from being opened at the same time. This is a brilliant anti-tip design, as it stops a climbing toddler from pulling out multiple drawers to create a dangerous “ladder.” As one user explained, “Even if one drawer is slightly open you will not be able to open another until it is fully closed.” While this system is highly effective, it is the source of the single most common complaint: noise. The mechanism creates a distinct clicking or rattling sound when opening and closing the drawers. Numerous users described them as “loud” or “noisy.” However, the overwhelming sentiment, which we share, is that it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the safety it provides. As one parent put it, “The drawers are loud due to the child safety feature but I’m hoping after some greasing…it won’t be as loud,” while another said, “it is noisy, but is very safe so that fine with me.” We found the noise noticeable but not a deal-breaker, especially given the crucial safety benefit that truly sets this chest apart.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user feedback on the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper paints a very consistent picture. The positive sentiment overwhelmingly centers on its beautiful aesthetic and smart design for small spaces. One happy parent summed it up perfectly: “Very happy with the style and quality of this dresser… It fit the space of our small nursery perfectly.” The inclusion of the changing topper and the effectiveness of the safety features are also frequently praised. “The drawers have a safety feature that only allows one drawer to be opened at a time and that helps keep the dresser from being tipped over,” one reviewer highly recommended.
On the critical side, two themes emerge repeatedly: the assembly process and the drawer noise. “Took several people and hours to put together,” is a common refrain, with another user noting it “comes in a million pieces and took us almost 3 hours.” The noisy drawers are mentioned in nearly every other review, described as “insanely loud” by one person, though most, like us, concede that it’s an acceptable side effect of the excellent interlocking safety system. A few isolated comments mentioned minor quality control issues, like a misaligned drawer track, but these seem to be the exception rather than the rule for what is generally considered a sturdy, high-quality piece for its price point.
How Does the Graco Sasha Compare to the Alternatives?
While the Graco Sasha is a strong contender, it exists in a competitive market. Understanding its position relative to other options is key to making the right choice for your family’s needs and budget.
1. Sorbus 6-Drawer Fabric Dresser
- 6-DRAWER DRESSER (PINK) — Style meets function with this dresser chest, complete with a wood surface and colorful storage drawers —...
- DISPLAY & DE-CLUTTER — Wood top provides hard surface for displaying books, lamps, alarm clocks, electronics, and more — Drawers...
The Sorbus 6-Drawer Fabric Dresser represents a completely different approach to nursery storage. Its primary advantages are its lightweight construction, extremely easy assembly, and lower price point. Instead of wood drawers, it uses fabric bins set in a steel frame. This makes it a great option for those who need flexible, budget-friendly storage, perhaps inside a closet or for less frequently used items like toys and extra blankets. However, it lacks the sturdiness, longevity, and premium aesthetic of the Graco Sasha. It cannot serve as a changing station and does not have the same robust safety features, making it a better supplementary piece than a primary nursery dresser.
2. Sorbus 7-Drawer Fabric Dresser
- 7-DRAWER DRESSER (PASTEL) — Style meets function with this dresser chest, complete with a wood surface and colorful storage drawers...
- DISPLAY & DE-CLUTTER — Wood top provides hard surface for displaying books, lamps, alarm clocks, electronics, and more — Drawers...
Similar to its 6-drawer sibling, the Sorbus 7-Drawer Fabric Dresser offers even more storage capacity in a lightweight, easy-to-assemble package. The variety of bin sizes provides organizational flexibility for different types of items. It’s an excellent choice for a playroom or a child’s bedroom where the primary need is corralling a large volume of clothes and toys without a large investment. Like the other Sorbus model, it cannot compete with the Graco Sasha on material quality, durability, or the all-important changing station functionality. It’s an alternative focused purely on high-capacity, low-cost organization rather than a permanent, stylish furniture piece.
3. Delta Children Lancaster 3 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top
- BEST DRESSER FOR YOUR NURSERY OR KIDS ROOM: Dresser features 3 spacious drawers and removable changing topper; Available Dark...
- EASY GLIDE DRAWERS: Drawers feature metal drawer guides with safety stops for years of worry free use
The Delta Children Lancaster is the most direct competitor to the Graco Sasha. It offers a similar 3-drawer configuration with a removable changing top and is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, hitting the same key points for safety-conscious parents. The main differences come down to aesthetics and specific features. The Lancaster has a more traditional, straightforward design without the scalloped detailing or vintage-style knobs of the Sasha. Your choice between these two will likely come down to personal style preference. It’s crucial to compare their drawer safety mechanisms; while the Delta is built for stability, the Sasha’s innovative interlocking system is a distinct and highly effective anti-tip feature that gives it an edge.
Final Verdict: A Smart Investment for the Modern Nursery
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Graco Sasha 3-Drawer Chest with Changing Table Topper. It masterfully balances the critical needs of a modern nursery: uncompromising safety, clean air quality, versatile long-term use, and sophisticated style. Its compact size makes it an ideal solution for smaller rooms without sacrificing meaningful storage, and the included changing topper provides exceptional value. The two primary drawbacks—a lengthy assembly process and noisy drawers—are, in our opinion, reasonable trade-offs for the resulting sturdiness and the cutting-edge interlocking safety system.
This chest is for the parent who wants a beautiful, foundational piece of furniture that will grow with their child, from the first diaper change to their first day of school. If you value peace of mind from safety certifications and anti-tip technology and appreciate a timeless design that elevates a room, the Graco Sasha is an outstanding choice. It’s more than just a dresser; it’s a smart, safe, and stylish investment in your child’s space. If you’re ready to add this beautiful and functional piece to your nursery, you can check the latest price and color options online.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API