Netto Collections Moderne CribWeb: MaclarenBaby.com

New York designer David Netto helped launch the modern/minimalist design wave with his NettoCollection in 2002. An interior designer by trade, Netto’s furniture comes in two collections: Netto (which is more expensive) and an entry-level line, Cub.

On the upper end, the “Moderne Crib” ($1600; pictured) is typical of the Netto aesthetic with solid white lacquer panels and natural ash side rails. A shelf under the crib can hold optional $115 linen boxes. A matching dresser is $1750. Yes, a two-piece Netto nursery will set you back close to $3500.

If that’s too rich, Netto’s Cub Kids line is designed as a slightly less-expensive alternative. The Cub 2.0 crib is $695, as is the matching three-drawer dresser. You get the same two-toned, minimalist aesthetic, but Cub is made in Vietnam (Netto is imported from Poland). And Cub is clearly a scaled down version of Netto (the end panels aren’t as thick, etc).

So, how’s the quality? With all the MDF in this line, it’s hard to justify these prices. Yes, Netto is a style leader (the new curvy Louis crib has a whimsical touch . . . for $900), but you can find many of these looks for much less elsewhere. Another caveat: Cub dressers are ready-to-assemble (Netto is fully assembled).

In 2009, NettoCollection was sold to stroller maker Maclaren, which has since added the furniture to its web site. It is unclear what plans Maclaren has for Netto—the company recently rolled out a new model (the Louis), but otherwise hasn’t change the line much. As Maclaren tries to transition from being just a stroller company to a baby gear conglomerate, we’ll have to wait and see what role Netto will play. Rating: C+

Amazon Product Review: Netto Cub Crib