Graco Hadley 5-in-1 Crib and Changer

In this Graco Hadley 5-in-1 Crib and Changer Review, the verdict is simple: the Graco Hadley 5-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer is the best overall convertible crib among the eight models we compared, and it sells for $437.99. It holds a 4.6-star average from 1,395 Amazon ratings and ranks #2 in Baby Cribs and #2 in Convertible Cribs. This crib is built for parents who want one purchase to cover the crib, the changing table and the storage, instead of buying three separate pieces. Even so, it is a 97-pound piece of furniture that measures 29.92 by 71.67 by 39.76 inches, so it suits a dedicated nursery rather than a small apartment.

The wood frame carries GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it is screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds and low-emitting for cleaner indoor air. Four adjustable mattress heights let you keep the mattress high for a newborn and drop it as your baby learns to stand. Meanwhile, the attached changing table and the under-crib drawer keep diapers and wipes within arm's reach, and the drawer arrives with pre-installed tracks for faster assembly. The 5-in-1 frame moves from crib to toddler bed to daybed to a full bed with headboard, so the same piece can serve a child for years. As a result, the actual footprint matters more than the conversion count: at 71.67 inches wide, this crib needs real wall space. A standard crib mattress fits, though the mattress itself is sold separately.

Value is where the Hadley makes its case. At $437.99 you get the crib, the changer and the drawer in one box, while most cribs on this list stop at the frame and ask you to buy a separate changing table. However, cheaper convertible cribs in the guide cost less and take up less floor space, and the 97-pound weight makes the Hadley hard to move between rooms or homes. Because the frame is wood with a pine finish, wipe it with a damp cloth instead of harsh cleaners. If you have the wall space and want a changer built into the crib, the Graco Hadley is the one to get.