Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib Review | 2024

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has been on the market for several years and continues to be a popular choice. Its affordability is a big factor in that popularity, but I doubt that price alone is the reason parents choose it. Still, when I first came across this crib, I had mixed feelings.

Its reputation as an affordable, versatile option was intriguing, but the low price left me wondering about its long-term sturdiness. At Baby’s Little Place, we’ve tested other cribs at this price point, and they often fall short when it comes to durability.

We also wanted to see how it stacks up against cribs we’ve previously tested, such as the Storkcraft Tuscany 4-in-1 convertible crib, which has a similar design and conversion capabilities. (If you’re curious about how the Storkcraft performed, you can check out our full review here).

Since the Ashton has been around for a while, it’s already proven to be a budget-friendly option for many families. But does it still hold up compared to newer cribs on the market? Let’s find out.

Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib: In-Depth Breakdown

1. Assembly and Setup

When the Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib arrived, it was well-packed in a sturdy box. It wasn’t damaged during transport, which is always a relief, especially when dealing with furniture.

All the parts were neatly organized and labeled, which was a great start. The assembly instructions were clear and easy to follow. They are broken down into clear steps with detailed illustrations that walk you through the process.

It took us about an hour to put the crib together from start to finish, but you have to know we didn’t rush through. The crib’s design is pretty intuitive, so it shouldn’t be too difficult, even if you’ve never assembled furniture before. That being said, two people definitely made the job easier.

The best part? You will get a small Allen wrench in the package. It did the trick for most of the assembly, so there is no need to hunt down extra screwdrivers or wrenches.

• Time to Assemble: ~ 1 hour
• Tools Required: Allen wrench (included)
• Ease of Setup: Overall, I’d rate the assembly as easy

2. Safety and Stability

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is made of New Zealand pinewood. To simulate how a child would interact with the crib, we applied pressure by pushing against the sides, leaning on the rails, and adding some weight to the mattress area to mimic a child jumping or moving inside. The crib didn’t wobble, shake, or show any signs of instability.

We also pushed the crib from different angles to check for movement, and while it is light enough to move easily when necessary, it didn’t budge unless intentionally pushed.

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib meets all applicable ASTM and CPSC safety standards, meaning it complies with the strictest regulations for crib safety in the U.S. It is also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and holds the Greenguard Gold certification, meaning it has passed extensive testing for chemical emissions. The wood is free of harmful chemicals, and all the finishes are baby-safe.

• Safety Standards: Meets all applicable ASTM and CPSC standards
• Safety Certification: JPMA, Greenguard Gold
• Stability: Solid

3. Durability and Build Quality

When evaluating the durability and build quality, we focused on how well the crib holds up over time, especially with frequent use and conversions. This included assessing the quality of the materials, how resistant the crib is to wear and tear, and how it handled different stages of conversion.

Based on our tests and observations, the crib seems well-suited for long-term use. The frame and slats stayed solid after multiple conversions—from crib to toddler bed to daybed. Even after adjusting the mattress height several times and moving the parts around for conversions, the screws and bolts maintained a secure grip. We also didn’t notice any stripping of the screws, which can sometimes happen when they’re repeatedly tightened and loosened.

The reclaimed New Zealand Pinewood used for the Ashton crib is a common material for cribs in this price range. While Pinewood is a solid and reliable choice, it’s a softwood, meaning it’s more prone to dents and scratches than hardwoods. We tested for scratches and dings by lightly tapping and bumping the crib with everyday items, like toys and baby bottles.

As expected with Pinewood, small scratches and dents did appear after we bumped it with hard objects. If you’re worried about aesthetic wear over the years, you might need a hardwood crib.

• Material: New Zealand Pinewood
• Durability Assessment: While Pinewood makes the crib slightly more susceptible to cosmetic wear, the Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a durable crib

4. Mattress Fit and Height Adjustability

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is designed to fit any standard-size crib mattress. For our test, we used a Dream On Me 6-inch Breathable Two-Sided Crib Mattress. When we placed it in the crib, it fit perfectly, with no gaps on the sides. The snug fit ensures that there are no spaces where a baby could potentially get trapped or stuck. We also tested a few other standard-size mattresses, and each one fit just as securely.

The Dream On Me Ashton crib features a metal spring mattress support, which enables good airflow through the crib. In testing, we evenly distributed weight across the mattress to simulate a baby’s body. The support remained firm and stable, showing no signs of sagging or instability.

We also simulated toddler movements on the mattress. The metal spring support held its shape and remained firm, giving us confidence that the crib will stay sturdy as your baby grows and becomes more active.

The Dream On Me Ashton crib offers four adjustable mattress heights, which makes it easier to adapt as your child grows.

• The highest setting is 22 inches off the floor, perfect for newborns, so you don’t have to bend too far down when lifting your baby.
• The next level is 18 inches from the floor, ideal for when your baby starts to move a bit more.
• At 14 inches, the third level is great for a baby who’s starting to pull up or sit up.
• The lowest setting, at 10 inches from the floor, is for toddlers and active babies, keeping them safe from attempting any escape.

The adjustment process is simple, but it is easier with two people.

• Mattress Fit: Any standard-size baby crib mattress
• Recommended Crib Mattress: Dream On Me 6-inch Breathable Two-Sided Crib Mattress
• Adjustable Mattress Height: 4 levels (22 “, 18″, 14″, 10” from the floor)

5. Convertibility and Versatility

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib offers four conversions: a crib, a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-size bed with two variations (with or without a footboard). While it’s called a “5-in-1,” the name might be slightly misleading because the last two stages—both full-size bed options—are essentially the same, just with or without the footboard.

We tested all the conversion stages, starting with the toddler bed and daybed. Conversions were easy, and the bed remained stable. The crib’s manual provides clear instructions, and the parts are well-labeled, making it easy to follow along. Each conversion requires a few steps, but it doesn’t take much time if you follow the instructions.

While no additional tools are necessary for the crib-to-daybed bed conversion, you will have to buy a conversion kit for both the toddler bed and the full-size bed. This is typical for most convertible cribs, though the additional purchase might come as a surprise for some.

• Conversion Modes: Crib, toddler bed, daybed, full-size bed
• Ease of Conversion: Straightforward, easy to follow, but requires separate conversion kits for the toddler (DOM Toddler guardrail – Style# 692) and full-size bed (Dream On Me Universal Bed Rail)

6. Design and Aesthetics

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib has clean lines and simple curves that complement traditional American Colonial furniture styles.

Its classic, traditional design is an excellent choice if you’re after a timeless crib. However, the crib’s design focuses on practical functionality rather than intricate decoration, so it may feel too simple if you like a modern or mid-century look.

One thing that stands out is its range of finishes. You can choose between eight different color options, which is a lot given its low price.

• Aesthetic: Traditional, classic
• Color Options: Black, Cherry, Espresso, Mystic Grey, Natural, Navy, Storm Grey, White

7. Price and Value for Money

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great option if you need something budget-friendly.

Overall, the crib delivers good value for its price. You get a solid, traditional design, decent durability, and multiple conversion options. The crib is made from pine wood, which helps keep the cost down while still giving you a solid crib that does the job.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that both the toddler bed safety rail and the full-size bed conversion kit are sold separately. So, if you’re planning to use the crib as your baby grows, you’ll need to factor in their extra costs.

• Crib Price: $129.99 – $179.00 / Depending on the chosen finish (As of this review)
• Conversion Kits: Toddler bed safety rail – $52.97 | Full-size conversion kit – $191.69
• Value for Money: Excellent for a budget-friendly, versatile crib, though consider the extra cost of conversion kits

FAQs about the Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 Convertible Crib

Dream On Me Ashton vs. Similar Convertible Cribs

This section compares the Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib to three other popular cribs: the DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 convertible crib, the Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 convertible crib, and the Storkcraft Tuscany 4-in-1 convertible crib.

We picked these cribs because they have a similar design and features, making them good options for parents who like the classic style of the Ashton.

We looked at key details like how easy they are to put together, how sturdy and durable they are, how well they support the mattress, how smoothly they convert, and how much value you get for the price. Our comparison gives you a better idea of how the Ashton stacks up, helping you choose the crib that fits your needs best.

The Dream On Me Ashton 5-in-1 convertible crib is a great pick for parents seeking a balance of quality and affordability. It performs well in assembly, landing somewhere between the Delta Children Canton (the easiest) and DaVinci Kalani, while the Storkcraft Tuscany tends to be a bit trickier to put together.

When it comes to sturdiness, the Ashton holds its own, slightly surpassing the Kalani and Tuscany, but it doesn’t quite reach the sturdiness of the Canton. Durability-wise, it sits in the middle; it’s more durable than the Tuscany but not as robust as the Kalani and Canton.

One of the standout features of the Ashton is its excellent mattress support, ensuring your baby sleeps comfortably.

Overall, the Ashton delivers a solid package at a reasonable price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious parents looking for a stylish crib.