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Popular Baby Cribs to Avoid and What to Buy Instead

July 14, 2024

When it comes to making sure your baby is comfy and safe, picking the right crib is a big deal. Cribs aren't just for sleeping; they're little havens where your baby can rest, grow, and dream. With so many choices out there, it can feel like a maze trying to find the perfect crib that nails style, functionality, and safety. Whether you're a newbie parent or looking to upgrade, knowing the ins and outs of different cribs can really help you make a smart choice.

In this guide, we’ll check out some of the top baby cribs on the market, each with its own unique features to fit various needs and tastes. From cribs that grow with your child to eco-friendly ones made from sustainable materials, there's something for everyone. We’ll break down the details of each crib, spotlighting what makes them special, who they’re best for, and the pros and cons. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect crib for your little one!

Graco Benton 5 in 1 Convertible Crib

What our experts say: The Graco Benton 5 in 1 Convertible Crib is a versatile and sturdy option that grows with your child. It can transform into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed, making it a long-term investment. Plus, it comes with a full-size storage drawer, perfect for keeping nursery essentials tidy.

Who Should Buy this Product: Parents looking for a crib that can adapt to their child's growth stages.

Highlight: Versatile conversion options and a full-size storage drawer.

Pros:

  • Multiple conversion options
  • Full-size storage drawer
  • Durable build

Cons:

  • Might need extra purchases for conversion kits
  • Paint could chip over time
  • Front rail isn't as sturdy as some competitors

The Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib is made from pine wood, engineered wood, and wood composites, and comes in several finishes like white, driftwood, espresso, pebble gray, and gray. It has an adjustable mattress support base with three height options to fit your growing child. The crib also includes a full-size storage drawer with two compartments for organized storage of nursery items.

The Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it’s been screened for over 10,000 chemicals and VOCs that can pollute indoor air. It’s also JPMA Certified, ensuring it meets or exceeds all safety standards. To convert the crib into a toddler bed, you’ll need a toddler guardrail kit (slats). For a full-size bed, a full-size crib conversion kit is required. This bed frame needs a box spring or bunky board, which aren’t included with the conversion kit.

The Graco Benton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib has snagged several awards, including the Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Seal of Approval and the Women's Choice Award for 9 out of 10 Customer Recommended Baby & Kids Furniture. It’s designed for children who weigh less than 50 lbs (22.7 kg).

Graco Benton 5 in 1 Convertible Crib

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DaVinci Union 4 in 1 Convertible Crib

What our experts say: The DaVinci Union 4 in 1 Convertible Crib is a stylish and eco-friendly choice, offering safety and sustainability with its Greenguard Gold certification and adjustable mattress positions. Made from solid sustainable New Zealand pine wood, it’s built to last.

Who Should Buy this Product: Eco-conscious parents who prioritize safety and sustainability.

Highlight: Greenguard Gold certified and adjustable mattress positions.

Pros:

  • Greenguard Gold certified
  • Adjustable mattress positions
  • Sustainable Pinewood construction

Cons:

  • Limited color options

The DaVinci Union 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is designed to grow with your child from infancy to adolescence. It converts to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed, saving you from buying multiple beds as your child grows. The crib meets strict emission standards, ensuring cleaner indoor air and a healthier environment for your child. It’s made from solid sustainable New Zealand pine wood, with a non-toxic multi-step painting process and a lead and phthalate-safe finish.

The crib has four adjustable mattress positions that can be lowered as your child begins to sit and stand. It exceeds ASTM International and U.S. CPSC safety standards, ensuring it’s safe for your child. The crib is a standard size regular crib, and DaVinci recommends their line of non-toxic, Greenguard Gold, waterproof mattresses for the best fit. Conversion kits are sold separately for converting the crib to a toddler bed and full-size bed.

DaVinci Union 4 in 1 Convertible Crib

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Delta Children Essex 4 in 1 Convertible Baby Crib

What our experts say: The Delta Children Essex 4 in 1 Convertible Baby Crib combines style and safety with its adjustable features and JPMA certification. It features stylish angled legs and an adjustable height mattress support, making it easy to customize for your growing baby.

Who Should Buy this Product: Parents looking for a stylish and safe crib with adjustable features.

Highlight: Stylish design and adjustable height mattress support.

Pros:

  • Stylish design
  • Adjustable height mattress support
  • JPMA certified

Cons:

  • Assembly required

The Delta Children Essex 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib is a versatile and modern nursery piece designed to grow with your child. The crib features gently curved corners and splayed feet in a natural finish, giving it a retro-cool style. It’s available in three modern finishes: Grey, Bianca White, and Ebony. The crib has a three-position adjustable mattress support that allows you to start with the highest setting and lower it as your baby grows.

The crib is JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC & ASTM. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring it contributes to cleaner indoor air by meeting stringent chemical emissions standards. The crib converts easily to a toddler bed, daybed, and sofa, making it the only bed your child will ever need. The Daybed/Sofa Rail is included, while the Toddler Guardrail 0094 is sold separately.

Delta Children Essex 4 in 1 Convertible Baby Crib

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Dream On Me Synergy 5 in 1 Convertible Crib

What our experts say: The Dream On Me Synergy 5 in 1 Convertible Crib is a durable and eco-friendly option with multiple conversion options and a variety of finishes. Made from solid reclaimed New Zealand Pinewood, it meets all safety standards with its JPMA certification.

Who Should Buy this Product: Parents looking for a durable and eco-friendly crib that offers multiple conversion options.

Highlight: Multiple conversion options and 13 attractive finishes.

Pros:

  • Multiple conversion options
  • 13 attractive finishes
  • JPMA certified

Cons:

  • Might need extra purchases for conversion kits

The Dream On Me Synergy 5 in 1 Convertible Crib is a versatile and durable crib that grows with your child. It converts from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed, making it a lifetime investment for parents. The crib is made of solid reclaimed New Zealand pinewood and is JPMA certified, meeting all applicable ASTM and CPSC standards. It comes with a 3-position adjustable mattress support system and features two open storage shelves beneath the attached changer, providing ample space to store baby essentials.

The Synergy 5 in 1 Convertible Crib is available in various finishes, allowing parents to create the nursery of their dreams. It’s a standard full-size crib that measures 53.0 L x 29.0 W x 39.0 H inches and is compatible with any Dream On Me or Evolur full-size, non-toxic, Greenguard certified mattress.

Dream On Me Synergy 5 in 1 Convertible Crib

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Delta Children Perry 6 in 1 Convertible Crib

What our experts say: The Delta Children Perry 6 in 1 Convertible Crib offers exceptional versatility and eco-friendliness with its six-in-one design and sustainable wood construction. It’s a long-term investment that can adapt to various stages of your child's growth.

Who Should Buy this Product: Parents seeking a highly versatile and eco-friendly crib that can adapt to various stages of their child's growth.

Highlight: Six-in-one convertible design and Greenguard Gold certified.

Pros:

  • Six-in-one convertible design
  • Greenguard Gold certified
  • Sustainable wood construction

Cons:

  • Higher initial cost

The Delta Children Perry 6-in-1 Convertible Crib is a versatile and safe crib that meets or exceeds the most stringent chemical emissions standards to create a healthier home for your baby. It’s been screened for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOCs that are known to pollute indoor air, certifying it contributes to cleaner indoor air. The crib can be used as a crib, toddler bed, daybed, sofa, or full-size bed with headboard and footboard or a full-size bed with headboard only.

It features an adjustable three-position mattress platform that keeps the baby safe at all stages, and it converts from a crib into a toddler bed, daybed, sofa, full-size bed with headboard only, and full-size bed with headboard and footboard. The crib is available in three popular finishes; Bianca White, Moonstruck Grey, and Walnut Espresso, and it coordinates beautifully with the Perry 3 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top. The crib is JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC & ASTM, and it’s made of sustainable materials, like New Zealand pine wood and TSCA compliant engineered wood.

Delta Children Perry 6 in 1 Convertible Crib

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Conclusion

Picking the right crib for your baby is a big decision that affects their comfort and safety. The cribs we’ve looked at offer a range of features to fit different needs and preferences. From the versatile Graco Benton 5 in 1 Convertible Crib to the eco-friendly DaVinci Union 4 in 1 Convertible Crib, each one has its own perks. The Delta Children Essex 4 in 1 Convertible Baby Crib stands out for its stylish design, while the Dream On Me Synergy 5 in 1 Convertible Crib offers multiple conversion options and attractive finishes. Lastly, the Delta Children Perry 6 in 1 Convertible Crib is a highly versatile and eco-friendly choice that can adapt to various stages of your child's growth.

No matter which crib you go for, it’s crucial to consider factors like safety certifications, materials, and the ability to grow with your child. Investing in a high-quality crib ensures your baby has a safe and comfy place to sleep, play, and grow. We hope this guide has given you some useful insights to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect crib for your little one. Happy crib shopping!

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