DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Reviewers love the classic look of the DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, and according to the book "Baby Bargains," Million Dollar Baby, the company that distributes the DaVinci line, has never been subject to a safety recall. The DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible Crib has static sides, which some critics say are safer than cribs that have drop sides or other moveable parts. The mattress adjusts to four different levels, and overall, the crib is extremely versatile. It converts to a toddler bed, a daybed and a full-size headboard and footboard, although the purchase of a separate rail kit is necessary to complete the full-size conversion.

One complaint in some reviews is that the finish on some DaVinci Emily cribs tends to wear off over time, particularly after a baby begins teething and may gnaw on the rails. The manufacturers address this issue, stating that while they don't recommend babies chewing on the crib rails, the materials and finish are non-toxic. One reviewer suggests purchasing teething guards, which can prevent damage to the crib if a baby chews on it. These cribs are constructed of solid pine, which is a softer wood that can dent more easily than other hardwoods. An alternative choice in this price range is the Ikea Leksvik crib (*Est. $160), which is also convertible, and is constructed of solid birch wood, a harder wood than pine.

We found the best reviews of the DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in the popular baby gear book, "Baby Bargains," in an expert review by ConsumerReports.org and on consumer review sites such as Amazon.com, Target.com and Diapers.com. While "Baby Bargains" provides a detailed analysis of issues surrounding cribs and selecting cribs, they mostly review brands in general rather than specific models. Consumer review sites provide valuable information, where parents can see how easy the crib was to set up and various issues that can occur over time, such as issues with the finish.