I remember the overwhelming feeling of setting up our first nursery. You’re navigating a sea of decisions, trying to balance safety, style, functionality, and a budget that seems to shrink with every adorable onesie you add to the cart. The dresser, we quickly learned, is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s the command center. It’s where you’ll store countless tiny outfits, where you’ll perform a thousand diaper changes, and it’s a piece that needs to be steadfast, safe, and hopefully, stylish enough to grow with your child. The search for this perfect piece can be fraught with compromise. You find a beautiful dresser, but it has questionable safety reviews. You find a budget-friendly option, but it smells of chemicals and feels flimsy. Failing to find the right one means clutter, inconvenience, and a nagging worry about safety, which is the last thing any new parent needs.
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Certified products are screened for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOCs known to pollute indoor air,...
- MODERN, STYLISH 6-DRAWER DRESSER: This 6-drawer double dresser offers families a modern storage solution that is easy to match with any...
What to Consider Before Buying a Nursery Dresser
A nursery dresser, especially a double-wide model often used for changing, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for organization and daily care. Its primary benefits are providing ample, accessible storage for clothing, diapers, and supplies, while offering a stable, correctly-heighted surface for a changing pad. This consolidation of space is critical in creating an efficient and calm environment for both parent and baby. It transforms a chaotic corner into a streamlined station for dressing and changing, reducing the stress of searching for essentials during a late-night diaper emergency.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a new or expectant parent who values safety and health certifications (like GREENGUARD Gold) above all else, but is also working within a realistic budget. They want a piece that looks modern and will last through toddlerhood and beyond, without the high cost of solid wood, heirloom furniture. Conversely, this type of dresser might not be suitable for those seeking a forever piece made from premium materials like solid oak or maple, or for someone who detests flat-pack furniture assembly. For those who need a more temporary or mobile solution, a simple changing table with baskets or a fabric drawer system might be a better, though less permanent, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: First, measure your nursery space meticulously. A double dresser is wide, so ensure you have enough wall space without cramping the room. Consider the height – it should be comfortable for you to use as a changing station without stooping. Also, account for the space needed for drawers to open fully without hitting a crib or rocker.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the number of drawers and consider their depth and interior volume. Six deep drawers, like those on the Brookside, offer significantly more storage than eight shallow ones. The drawer glide mechanism is also critical; while premium ball-bearing glides are smooth and silent, Euro-glide systems are a common and effective feature in this price range, offering reliable function even if they are a bit noisier.
- Materials & Durability: Most dressers in this category are made from wood composites like MDF or particleboard with a laminate finish. This construction makes them affordable and heavy, lending a sense of stability. While not as durable as solid wood, a high-quality laminate (like a PU coated finish) can be surprisingly resilient against spills and dirt, making it practical for a child’s room.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A nursery is a high-traffic area for messes. Look for a surface that is easy to wipe clean. Assembly is another factor; check if the product comes with clear instructions, labeled parts, or even video guides. Long-term care is minimal for laminate, usually just requiring a damp cloth for cleaning.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser stands out in several areas, particularly in its focus on safety and certified materials. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser 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 and nursery essentials, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guides:
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- MULTIPURPOSE PRIVACY TENT - This versatile shelter with a removable bottom can be used as an outdoor shower enclosure, changing room,...
Unboxing and Assembling the Storkcraft Brookside: First Impressions
The arrival of the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser is an event in itself. The box is substantial, tipping the scales at around 140 pounds, which immediately signals that this isn’t a flimsy piece of kit. As one user aptly put it, “Box is a solid 140lbs… but it is packaged so well that nothing was damaged.” Our experience mirrored this; despite a few dings on the outer cardboard, the internal components were securely cushioned and arrived pristine. Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed was the distinct *lack* of a harsh chemical smell that often accompanies new flat-pack furniture. This is a direct benefit of its GREENGUARD Gold Certification, a feature we specifically looked for, as it screens for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs. For a nursery, this provides immediate peace of mind. The white PU coated laminate finish was smooth and consistent, and the slender metal handles felt solid and surprisingly premium, not the hollow, cheap metal you sometimes find. It was clear from the start that Storkcraft aimed for a balance of affordability and thoughtful design.
Key Benefits
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Ensures low chemical emissions for healthier indoor air, a critical feature for a baby’s room.
- Innovative Interlocking Drawer System: A standout safety feature that prevents multiple drawers from opening at once, mitigating tip-over risks.
- Spacious and Versatile: Six deep drawers offer ample storage, and its generous width is perfect for use as a changing station.
- Excellent Value for Price: Offers a sturdy build, modern aesthetics, and advanced safety features at a very competitive price point.
Potential Drawbacks
- Time-Consuming Assembly: While instructions are clear, the process can take 2-3 hours and requires careful attention to detail.
- Basic Drawer Glides: The Euro-glide system is functional but can be noisy and lacks the smooth, soft-close feel of higher-end dressers.
A Closer Look: Storkcraft Brookside’s Performance and Features
After unboxing and assembly, we spent weeks putting the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser through the rigors of daily life in a busy home. We wanted to see if its promising first impression would hold up to repeated use, from gentle nursery organization to the inevitable bumps and spills of life with children. We evaluated it on the entire ownership experience, from the build process to its performance as the central storage hub of a child’s room.
The Assembly Experience: A Step-by-Step Reality Check
Let’s be clear: assembling the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser is a project. The manufacturer and numerous users suggest a 1.5 to 2-hour timeframe, which we found to be accurate for two people working efficiently. If you’re tackling it solo, like one user who took “2.5 hrs by myself,” or with the “help” of a toddler, as another hilariously noted, plan for closer to three hours. The key here is preparation and patience. All parts in our box were present and clearly labeled, which is a huge plus and something confirmed by other buyers. The instructions are primarily visual, which works well, but requires you to pay close attention to the orientation of each piece.
We highly recommend following one user’s advice: have one person build the main frame while the other assembles the six drawers simultaneously. This parallel approach dramatically cuts down on time. A power drill with a Phillips head bit and a clutch set to a low torque setting is your best friend here, especially for the numerous cam locks and screws. The German cam lock system, when tightened correctly, creates a surprisingly strong and rigid frame. The most physically demanding part is the final step: nailing the thin backboard into place. It’s best done with the dresser lying face down on a soft surface to avoid scratching the finish. While some users found the instructions caused “a few head scratches,” we felt that by going slow and double-checking each step, the process was logical and achievable for anyone with basic DIY skills. It’s an investment of time, but the reward is a sturdy piece of furniture that feels far more solid than its individual components would suggest.
Safety First: Deconstructing the Interlocking Drawers and Anti-Tip Features
This is where the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser truly shines and, in our expert opinion, justifies its price tag over cheaper, less thoughtful alternatives. The star of the show is the innovative interlocking drawer system. This is not a gimmick; it’s a brilliantly simple and effective mechanical safety feature. A plastic mechanism running down the back of the dresser ensures that as soon as you pull one drawer open, the others are physically locked shut. You must fully close the open drawer before another can be opened. We tested this repeatedly, and it worked flawlessly every time.
Why is this so important? As one user insightfully noted, “If a kid tries to open more than one drawer to climb it they cannot.” This single feature dramatically reduces the risk of the dresser becoming top-heavy and tipping over, which is a major hazard with young children who see dressers as impromptu climbing structures. This feature was lauded in review after review, with one parent calling it a “huge plus for our baby’s things” and another stating, “I love the way the drawers only let one open at a time.” In addition to the interlocking system, Storkcraft includes a standard tip-over restraint kit, allowing you to securely anchor the dresser to a wall stud. We strongly recommend using this for ultimate peace of mind. Combined, these features demonstrate a profound commitment to child safety that goes beyond meeting basic standards.
Storage Capacity and Day-to-Day Usability
A dresser’s primary job is storage, and the Brookside excels in this department. Being a “double dresser,” it offers a wide, expansive top surface that easily accommodates a standard changing pad with room to spare for a diaper caddy and wipes warmer. We found this setup to be incredibly convenient, creating a fully functional and spacious changing station. The six drawers are uniform in size and impressively deep. We were able to organize an entire wardrobe of baby clothes, from sleepers and onesies in the top drawers to bulkier items like swaddles, blankets, and towels in the lower ones. As one user mentioned, “The drawers are very spacious! Our home is small so the six drawer option was ideal.”
The day-to-day experience is good, with a few caveats that align with the price point. The drawers operate on Euro-glide metal tracks with safety stops. They pull out smoothly enough and the stops prevent them from being accidentally removed. However, they are not silent, soft-close glides. As one reviewer accurately described, “The drawers are noisy when you open them.” We found it wasn’t disruptively loud, but it’s a noticeable “zzzhh” sound, especially in a quiet nursery. The slender metal handles are comfortable to use, and the PU coated laminate surface proved its worth, wiping clean easily after a minor spill. While the drawer bottoms are made of thinner hardboard, we found them perfectly adequate for children’s clothes, though we wouldn’t recommend loading them with heavy tools or books. For its intended purpose, the usability and capacity are fantastic. Given its generous size and storage, it’s a piece we can see transitioning seamlessly from a nursery to a big kid’s room, a point echoed by users who bought it for older children or even themselves. If you’re looking for a dresser that provides maximum, safe storage without a hefty price tag, the Brookside is an incredibly compelling option.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across hundreds of experiences, a clear consensus emerges about the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser. The overwhelming majority of praise centers on its exceptional safety features and value. One parent summarized this perfectly: “I’m really impressed at the quality of this item for the cost. It seems very stable… I love that only one drawer can be opened at a time to prevent the dresser from tipping.” This sentiment is repeated constantly, with many highlighting the peace of mind the interlocking drawer system provides. Users also frequently commend the clear instructions and straightforward, albeit lengthy, assembly process. “The directions are very easy to follow! It’s a lot of steps but it comes together nicely,” another satisfied customer wrote.
On the other side of the coin, the most common criticisms involve issues with shipping and material quality expectations. A number of users reported receiving pieces with scratches or cracked corners, like one who said, “First piece I pulled out of the box was cracked.” This appears to be a roll of the dice in shipping such a heavy item. Other critiques focus on the performance of the drawers, with one user noting, “Drawers are not smooth,” and another mentioning they are “noisy when you open them.” These comments are valid and reflect the trade-off for the dresser’s affordable price; it uses functional Euro-glides rather than premium, silent ball-bearing systems. It’s a case of managing expectations: it’s a sturdy, safe, and attractive piece for the price, not a high-end, solid wood heirloom.
How the Storkcraft Brookside Compares to the Competition
The nursery furniture market is crowded, but the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser holds a unique position. To understand its value, it’s helpful to see it alongside some popular alternatives, each catering to slightly different needs.
1. Delta Children 6 Drawer Dresser
- VERSATILE STORAGE: This dresser features 6 drawers for plenty of storage space | Sleigh style silhouette offers timeless style | To...
- GREENGUARD GOLD CERTIFIED: This dresser meets the most stringent chemical emissions standards to create a healthier home for your...
The Delta Children dresser is the most direct competitor to the Storkcraft Brookside. It offers a very similar feature set, including a six-drawer configuration, GREENGUARD Gold Certification, and its own interlocking drawer system for safety. Both are constructed from wood composites with a laminate finish and require assembly. The choice between them often comes down to subtle aesthetic preferences in handle design, feet style, or slight variations in dimensions and price at the time of purchase. If you like the safety and health features of the Brookside but prefer a slightly different look, the Delta Children dresser is an excellent and comparable alternative worth considering.
2. YaFiti 10 Drawer Dresser with Side Pockets
- 【Spacious Storage Space】The bedroom dressers with drawers have 10 individual collapsible drawers is large enough for you to...
- 【Upgraded Side Pockets and Hooks】 Compared to other brands of dressers & chests of drawers, our dresser adds 1 side pocket and 2...
The YaFiti dresser represents a completely different approach to bedroom storage. It features a lightweight metal frame, a solid wood top, and ten collapsible fabric drawers. This is not a traditional piece of furniture. Its primary advantages are its significantly lower cost, incredibly simple and fast assembly, and high storage density with added side pockets and hooks. However, it lacks the sturdiness, longevity, and classic aesthetic of the Brookside. This is the ideal choice for someone on a very tight budget, in a temporary living situation, or who needs maximum organization for lightweight items in a closet or small room, but it’s not a direct replacement for a sturdy nursery changing station.
3. Badger Basket Baby Changing Table with Hamper
- ELEGANT AND ORGANIZED CHANGING STATION: The sleek, angular design adds a touch of sophistication to any nursery, while providing a...
- AMPLE STORAGE SOLUTIONS: Features a large hamper for laundry or storage, plus three baskets for organizing diapers, wipes, blankets,...
The Badger Basket unit is a purpose-built newborn command center rather than a long-term dresser. It integrates a changing station, three storage drawers or baskets, and a built-in laundry hamper into one compact footprint. It’s an all-in-one solution for the first year or two. The major trade-off is longevity and storage capacity. A child will quickly outgrow the changing table, and the three small baskets offer far less storage than the six deep drawers of the Brookside. This product is best for parents who have ample closet space for clothes and want a dedicated, integrated station specifically for diapering and immediate essentials, rather than a versatile piece of furniture meant to last for many years.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser the Right Choice for Your Nursery?
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of user feedback, we can confidently say that the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser is a standout choice in its category. It masterfully balances the most critical needs of modern parents: uncompromising safety, clean contemporary style, and an accessible price point. The GREENGUARD Gold certification and the brilliant interlocking drawer system are not just bullet points on a feature list; they are meaningful, practical features that provide genuine peace of mind.
While it is not a high-end piece of heirloom furniture—the materials are wood composites and the drawer glides are functional but basic—it never pretends to be. It delivers exactly what it promises: a sturdy, safe, and spacious storage solution that looks fantastic in a nursery and is built to transition into a child’s room for years to come. For parents who prioritize a healthy environment and innovative safety features over the luxury of solid wood and soft-close drawers, the value proposition is nearly impossible to beat.
If you’ve decided the Storkcraft Brookside 6 Drawer Double Dresser is the right fit for your family’s needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API