Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib Review: Honest Insights on Versatility, Value, and Design

The Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib is a popular choice for parents since its launch in 2016. It is designed to be versatile and affordable, as part of Delta Children’s commitment to providing cribs that grow with your child. And, despite Delta Children’s introduced newer models since then, the Emery crib remains one of the most wanted cribs on the market.

To see if Delta Children Emery lives up to its reputation, we put it to the test. In this comprehensive Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib review, we have examined all its features and design, as well as compared the crib with its top competitors.

Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib: In-Depth Breakdown

1. Assembly and Setup

When we set up the Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib, we found the process to be relatively straightforward.

It is important to note that all parts fit together well, and nothing felt misaligned or overly complicated. The instructions were clear for the most part, but we did notice that a couple of steps could have been better illustrated, especially when it came to adjusting the mattress height. That being said, we didn’t encounter any real hurdles. The diagrams were easy enough to follow once we laid everything out.

Overall, the setup was pretty smooth. It took us about 45 minutes to get the whole crib put together, which is a reasonable time frame. The crib also comes with all the tools you need, so there’s no need to hunt around for anything extra. Just an Allen wrench and some patience! We didn’t need any additional tools, which was a relief.

Note: Adjusting the mattress support requires removing a few screws, so make sure you set it to the height you want from the start. Otherwise, you’ll be taking things apart to switch it later.

• Time to Assemble: ~45 minutes
• Tools Required: Included Allen wrench
• Ease of Setup: Easy, especially for someone who has already done some DIY before

2. Safety and Stability

When it comes to choosing a crib, safety is hands-down the most important factor for us. After all, this is where your baby will spend a lot of time.

We’re happy to report that this crib meets all the key safety standards. It’s compliant with both U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations and ASTM standards (American Society for Testing and Materials). Both of these are essential in ensuring the crib is designed with the highest safety in mind.

On top of that, it is JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certified to meet all federal safety requirements and Greenguard Gold certified to ensure a healthier environment for your baby.

Another major plus is that the Delta Emery crib is made from non-toxic materials and finished with lead and phthalate-free paint. This is especially important once your baby starts teething and exploring the crib with their mouth.

The Delta Children Emery doesn’t wobble or creak when pushed, and the overall structure is good quality, considering the low price of the crib.

• Safety Standards: CPSC, ASTM
• Safety Certification: JPMA, Greenguard Gold
• Stability: Stable, with no wobbling or movement

3. Durability and Build Quality

The materials are good for its price range. The frame is primarily made from solid wood, and while it’s not the most luxurious hardwood, it’s strong enough to withstand daily use. The crib doesn’t feel flimsy or weak, which is a huge plus. We also found the hardware to be reliable and durable.

In terms of finish, the crib’s paint holds up reasonably well. It’s not completely scratch-proof, though. During our testing, minor scuffs were visible if the crib was hit with something hard, but these were not overly noticeable unless inspected closely. While the finish might show some wear over time, it’s more than adequate for everyday use, especially in this price range.

When we applied light to moderate pressure on the slats and frame, they didn’t bend or flex, which is what you want in a crib. The slats feel solid, giving us confidence that they can safely contain an active baby without any risk of breaking.

• Material: Solid wood with a non-toxic finish
• Durability Rating: Good durability for the price, but not premium

4. Mattress Fit and Height Adjustability

When testing the Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib, we paired it with the Safety 1st Transitions Baby and Toddler Mattress, which has a standard size. The mattress fits perfectly in the crib, with no gaps around the edges, giving no room for a baby’s hand or foot to get caught.

The Emery crib uses a metal support system for the mattress. This is a great feature because it provides solid support while allowing airflow through the mattress, keeping it more breathable.

The crib’s mattress support can be adjusted to three different height settings, which is standard for cribs of this type. This feature enables you to lower the mattress as your baby grows and becomes more mobile. While the process is not overly complicated, it does require some effort. You will need to unscrew and re-screw the support to change the height, so while it’s not a quick job, it is manageable.

• Mattress Fit: Standard-size crib mattress
• Recommended Crib Mattress: Serta Perfect Slumber Dual Sided Crib and Toddler Mattress
• Adjustable Mattress Height: 3 levels

5. Convertibility and Versatility

The Delta Children Emery is a 4-in-1 convertible crib that can be transformed into four different beds: a crib, toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed with a headboard. Although these options provide great flexibility for growing children, the conversion process is not as seamless as we would like.

TThe crib comes with the necessary components for the daybed conversion, but the toddler bed safety rail and the full-size bed conversion kit are sold separately. The toddler bed rail can be a bit of a hassle to find, depending on availability. It costs around $49.99, which is fairly standard but can feel like an unexpected extra expense. The full-size conversion kit, priced at about $99.99, is also not included and needs to be purchased separately. Both items were available online at the time of our testing, though we noticed stock can fluctuate.

The conversion from a crib to a toddler bed involves removing some screws and reattaching new pieces. The labeling of parts is okay, but we wish the process would be a little more straightforward.

Once we made the switch, the crib remained stable and didn’t wobble. But I think that multiple conversions back and forth would eventually weaken the material, as the holes around screws wear out with repeated tightening and loosening.

• Conversion Modes: Crib, toddler bed, daybed, full-size bed (toddler bed and full-size bed conversion kits sold separately / conversion into a daybed do not need other parts)
• Ease of Conversion: Moderate

6. Design and Aesthetics

When you see the crib in person, it feels just as strong and beautiful as it looks in pictures.

The Delta Children Emery has a simple yet elegant look, clean lines, and minimalist design. I’d call the style transitional, mixing traditional and modern touches, so whether you’re going for a more vintage or a contemporary vibe, it fits right in.

It comes in three colors: white, grey, and dark chocolate. While the color range isn’t huge compared to some other brands, it should be enough for most parents to find a finish that matches their nursery.

• Aesthetic: Transitional design (with elements of both traditional and modern design)
• Color Options: White, Grey, Dark Chocolate

7. Price and Value for Money

The Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib is a good choice for those looking for a balance between price and features. It’s reasonably priced compared to others in its class and offers solid wood construction, safety certifications, and a convertible design at an affordable rate. However, it’s important to consider the extra cost for the toddler rail and the full-size conversion kit, especially if you plan to fully use the crib’s 4-in-1 functionality.

• Crib Price: Varies between $180–$250, depending on retailers and promotions. Best current price: Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib
• Conversion Kits Sold Separately:
  • Toddler Rail: ~$49.99
  • Full-Size Bed Kit: ~$99.99
• Value for Money: It provides excellent value for budget-conscious parents looking for an eco-friendly, stylish crib that will grow with their child.

FAQs about the Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Delta Children Emery vs. Similar Cribs

In this section, we will compare the Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib with several other popular cribs on the market: the Dream On Me Odelle 5-in-1 convertible crib, the Graco Solano 4-in-1 convertible crib with drawer, the Carter’s by DaVinci Nolan 4-in-1 convertible crib, and the Evolur Belmar Curve 5-in-1 convertible crib.

You’re likely reading this review because the Delta Children Emery crib caught your eye with its appealing design, and now you want to know if its functionality lives up to its looks. To help with your decision, we’ve selected cribs that share a similar aesthetic, yet vary in price and some features. By directly comparing their features, you will be able to determine if the Emery crib is indeed the best choice for your needs.

The Delta Children Emery strikes a fine balance among stability, ease of assembly, and affordability, making it a solid choice among cribs in this graph.

The most expensive model on this graph is the Evolur Belmar. Although it has a few enhanced features, the general performance and affordability of the Emery make it quite attractive to parents who want both quality and budget responsiveness. We do not find that Belmar’s better performance outweighs its higher price.

At the other end of the scale, the Odelle crib is the most budget-friendly crib in these picks, but it seems its lower price does reflect upon its performance. Its sturdiness and solidness don’t measure up to the Emery, making it less reliable for long-term use.

Competition cribs for overall performance and price for the Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib are the Graco Solano and the Carter’s by DaVinci Nolan cribs.

However, there are a few differences which could help you with your choice. Graco Solano has a built-in drawer for extra storage space. The Carter’s by DaVinci Nolan is different from the Emery in that its full-back panel can be helpful if you want to put it up against the wall, especially if it is cold. This feature can add a warmer, more insulating, and cleaner feel to different room configurations. This design limits some airflow, though, which should be a consideration for users living in a warm climate. But the open-slatted design by Emery allows for better ventilation, making this great also for parents who are concerned about good air circulation.