- Certified by JPMA
- Sturdy, easy to assemble
- Five-year warranty
- Converts to toddler bed, daybed, full bed
- Wood scratches, dings easily
- Finish may flake and bubble
Bottom Line
The Graco Lauren Convertible Crib is a great value because it converts into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed, reviewers say. It meets federal safety regulations and is certified by the JPMA. Experts praise the crib as beautiful and sturdy, although some complain that its soft wood scratches and dents easily. It's available in multiple finishes.
Safety
Mixed safety reviews. The Graco Lauren Convertible Crib meets federal safety regulations and is safety-certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association. However, owners report concerns with construction, such as wood putty or filler used to fill cracks, poorly sanded wood that has splinters, and screws and bolts that don't fit the pre-drilled holes. A few say the painted/stained finish flakes and children can get it in their mouths, and recommend a teething guard.
One parent says her 2-year-old bent the crib's metal springs by jumping in bed, making the crib unsafe because a corner sags too much to be secure. Another says the metal springs broke in half. Some owners complain of a bad odor when the crib is unpackaged, but the smell dissipates with time.
Ease of Use
Simple to assemble. The Graco Lauren Convertible Crib is easy to put together and adjust to its three mattress heights. Converting it to a toddler bed and daybed is said to be a simple task, as well, but we see no comments on the ease or difficulty of turning it into a full bed. The crib cleans easily by wiping with a damp cloth.
Lifestyle Features
You get what you pay for. That old saying comes up frequently in reviews of the Graco Lauren Convertible Crib. Some owners say they can't believe what a beautiful, sturdy crib they get for the price; others say it's so shoddily made that they should've expected as much with such a low price. Most parents are pleased, however, and some even buy the same crib again when expecting another baby.
The Lauren converts to a toddler bed and daybed, and no guardrail is needed for the toddler bed conversion. A headboard for conversion to a full bed is provided, but no mattress or bed frame. A few reviewers say the stain color isn't what they expect, especially in espresso; they say it looks reddish, like a cherry finish. The Lauren comes with a long five-year warranty.
A special edition Grace Lauren Signature Convertible Crib (*Est. $200) is available only at Babies R Us. It includes a footboard as well as a headboard for a full-size bed in French vanilla, espresso and rustic cherry finishes.
Our Sources
1. Baby Bargains
Review Credibility: Excellent This comprehensive book evaluates baby gear and common baby brands. Evaluations of popular cribs and baby furniture are based on expert testing and parents' reviews, as well as information from manufacturers and retailers. The website offers up-to-date information, additional reviews, recall information and forums for parents to discuss baby products.
Review: Chapter 2: Nursery Necessities: Cribs, Dressers & More, Denise and Alan Fields, 10th Edition, 2013
2. ConsumerReports.org
Review Credibility: Excellent The Graco Lauren is one of 20 cribs tested by ConsumerReports.org for safety, construction and ease of assembly. They also test slat strength to the breaking point, look at compliance with federal safety regulations, and review mattress support integrity and hardware. Ease of assembly is rated based on the amount of time needed to assemble the crib plus the clarity of the instructions.
Review: Crib Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Not dated
3. BabyCenter.com
Review Credibility: Excellent The Graco Lauren is a runner-up in the Best Cribs category of the BabyCenter Product Awards. BabyCenter.com editors call it a great budget choice, with three mattress settings and two conversions. They say the wood is easy to ding, however.
Review: The Best Cribs, Editors of BabyCenter.com, 2012
4. 10rate.com
Review Credibility: Very Good 10rate.com puts the Graco Lauren in its Top 10 cribs for 2013 with a 9-out-of-10 rating and names it an Editor's Choice for value. Its score is based on the price, construction quality, safety certifications and additional features. Editors note that while the crib is safe, and comes with a great warranty and at a good price, there are complaints about shoddy construction.
Review: Best Baby Cribs: Top 10 Rated Baby Cribs 2013, Brittany Rowland, Not dated
5. Amazon.com
Review Credibility: Very Good The Graco Lauren gets 4.1 out of 5 stars from more than 175 reviews. Many praise it for being safe, sturdy and easy to assemble, and they like its attractive appearance and versatility. Others complain of a strong odor when the crib is unpackaged and poor customer service when trying to get replacement parts. Some also report problems with scratching, cracking in the paint or stain, spots with wood filler in them, and screws and bolts that don't match up to the pre-drilled holes.
Review: Graco Lauren Classic Crib, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of March 2013
6. Target.com
Review Credibility: Very Good Target.com customers give the Graco Lauren 4.5 stars out of 5 in about 200 reviews. They call the stylish, sturdy crib a great value, and say they expect to get years of use out of it because it converts to a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed. However, some complain about its quality of construction, including rough wood, splinters, flaking stain or paint, broken pieces and missing hardware.
Review: Graco Lauren Classic Convertible Crib Espresso by La Jobi, Contributors to Target.com, As of March 2013
7. TheBump.com
Review Credibility: Very Good TheBump.com names the Graco Lauren Convertible Crib one of its 10 favorite cribs, but doesn't explain what criteria are used. Editors say this crib offers a lot of bang for your buck because it's affordable, and offers even more savings because it transitions from a crib to a toddler bed, to a daybed and even to a full-size bed. No cons are noted.
Review: 10 Cribs We Love, Editors of TheBump.com, Not dated
8. About.com
Review Credibility: Good About.com lists the Graco Lauren as one of the top eight baby cribs costing less than $250. The review is brief, and Corley doesn't elaborate on her criteria other than price. She likes the crib's clean lines, three mattress heights and ability to convert to several other types of beds.
Review: Top 8 Baby Cribs Under $250, Heather Corley, Not dated
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