DaVinci Hunter 3-in-1 Convertible Crib Review: Is It Worth the Buy?

When we got our hands on the DaVinci Hunter 3-in-1 convertible crib, the first thing we noticed was its simple yet modern design. The 3-in-1 convertible feature immediately caught our attention, making it versatile enough to grow with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. This crib promises pretty good durability, ease of use, and safety—all at an affordable price. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its assembly, safety, build quality, and value for money, helping you decide if the DaVinci Hunter is the right fit for your nursery.

DaVinci Hunter 3-in-1 Convertible Crib Review: In-Depth Breakdown

1. Assembly and Setup

The DaVinci Hunter crib took us about 45 minutes to assemble, which is average for cribs in this price range. It is a manageable time frame that should put potential buyers at ease. We find assembly instructions clear and appreciate that all the necessary tools come with the crib.

The parts in our box were well-organized, and the pieces felt sturdy during assembly. However, while the assembly process is relatively easy, some steps require a bit of muscle. Thus we recommend having two people for the job.

• Time to Assemble: 45 minutes
• Tools Required: Included Allen key
• Ease of Setup: Straightforward but needs two people for stability

2. Safety and Stability

Safety is always our top priority when reviewing cribs, and the DaVinci Hunter did not disappoint. It meets and exceeds all major safety standards and is Greenguard Gold certified, meaning it’s safe for indoor air quality.

In our testing, we checked the slat spacing, which is less than the required maximum allowed. The crib’s pine construction felt very stable. Despite this, we still conducted our push-and-shake tests. The crib barely wobbled, which is reassuring for parents worried about toddlers pushing on the crib’s sides.

• Safety Standards: Meets and exceeds all ASTM International and U.S. CPSC safety standards
• Safety Certification: Greenguard Gold certified
• Stability: Very sturdy in our push and shake tests

3. Durability and Build Quality

Made from 100% New Zealand pine wood, the DaVinci Hunter crib feels solid and well-constructed. Pine is lightweight yet sturdy, and although it may dent more easily than hardwoods like oak, the crib held up well in our scratch tests.

After assembling and moving the crib, there were no visible marks or scratches on the finish. However, after simulating prolonged use, we did notice some scratches. So, if you plan to use it with a toddler, be prepared for some wear and tear.

That said, considering the affordable price of the crib, we found the overall build quality impressive.

• Material: 100% New Zealand pine wood
• Durability Rating: Slightly prone to scratches but solid overall

4. Mattress Fit and Height Adjustability

We tested the crib with a standard-size crib mattress, and it fit snugly with no gaps, ensuring a safe sleeping environment for babies.

The adjustable mattress height is a great feature, especially as this crib grows with your child. The highest setting offers easy access for newborns, while the lowest setting ensures safety for active toddlers.

With four height settings, the DaVinci Hunter is highly adaptable, giving parents the flexibility to lower the mattress as their baby begins to sit up and stand.

• Mattress Fit: Standard-size crib mattress fits snugly with no visible gaps
• Recommended Crib Mattress: Organic Cotton Dual-Sided Crib Mattress
• Adjustable Mattress Height: 4 settings for different stages of growth

5. Convertibility and Versatility

The 3-in-1 convertibility of the DaVinci Hunter crib is, without a doubt, a selling point. The crib easily transforms from a crib to a toddler bed and a daybed, though you’ll need to purchase the toddler bed conversion kit separately.

The conversion process was simple and easy to follow. However, while the crib is versatile enough to grow with your child, it doesn’t convert to a full-size bed like some other cribs in this price range, such as the Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 convertible crib or the Storkcraft Hillcrest 4-in-1 convertible crib.

Reminder: If you plan to convert your Hunter crib into a toddler bed, we recommend purchasing the safety guardrail at the same time as the crib. This can help you avoid potential issues later on, such as stock shortages or price increases. Here is the link to the matching toddler bed safety guardrail: DaVinci Toddler Bed Conversion Kit (M3099).

• Conversion Modes: Crib, toddler bed, daybed (no full-size bed option)
• Ease of Conversion: Straightforward

6. Design and Aesthetics

I really like how this crib combines minimalist modern design with a touch of classic charm. It has clean lines and a sleek, mid-century vibe that makes it a great fit for both contemporary and more traditional nursery styles.

The DaVinci Hunter comes in three neutral shades: Natural Walnut, Warm White, and Chestnut. These color options and the crib’s simple lines give the Hunter a timeless look that we believe will remain stylish as your child grows.

However, I can’t shake the feeling that DaVinci could offer this crib in more finishes. Compared to many other cribs, the choice of colors is quite limited.

• Aesthetic: Pretty design but could have more color options
• Color Options: Available in White, Honey, and Chestnut

7. Price and Value for Money

At around $179, the DaVinci Hunter 3-in-1 convertible crib offers great value for money. While some cribs at this price point may offer additional conversion, this crib delivers on essentials like safety, convertibility, and timless design.

The crib is priced lower than many other convertible cribs, but you will need to factor in the additional cost of the toddler bed conversion kit if you plan to use the crib beyond the infant stage.

• Price: $179 (As of this review).
• Value for Money Rating: Good (Great features for the price, but the extra cost for a conversion kit.)

FAQs about the DaVinci Hunter 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

DaVinci Hunter vs. Similar Cribs

We’ve compared the DaVinci Hunter 3-in-1 convertible crib with some of its top competitors to help you find the best option. Whether you prioritize safety, design, or value for money, we’ve got side-by-side results for you.

We’ve tested the DaVinci Hunter against the Babyletto Hudson, a premium best-seller, as well as the Delta Children Heartland and Storkcraft Hillcrest, both in the same price range as the DaVinci Hunter. Explore how they compare on features like safety, convertibility, and durability to find the crib that best meets your needs.

The DaVinci Hunter 3-in-1 convertible crib performed well in our tests, particularly in safety, design, durability, and value for money, scoring just below the Babyletto Hudson.

The Babyletto Hudson performed exceptionally well in all categories, but it’s important to note that it costs twice as much as the DaVinci Hunter and the other two cribs we tested. On the other hand, the Delta Children Heartland and Storkcraft Hillcrest, both in the same price range as the DaVinci Hunter, performed worse overall. When compared to these two cribs, the only category where the DaVinci Hunter scored lower was the ease of assembly, and that was only in comparison to the Delta Children’s Heartland.

Overall, the DaVinci Hunter offers a strong balance of features for its price, while the Babyletto Hudson leads in quality, though at a higher cost.