Graco Lauren 4-in-1 convertible crib review
As far as its features, Lauren is another typical convertible Graco crib. Most of Graco’s cribs are convertible, and almost all can transit to the adult bed. Although we had written quite a bit about this crib in our article about the best Graco cribs, we had decided on an in-depth Graco Lauren crib review too. Why? Because of two things. First of all, we like its look, which is a little different from the usual Graco’s arched design. And second, it is a very affordable 4-in-1 convertible crib!
Pros and cons of Graco Lauren crib:
PROS:
- a lifetime bed for your child
- a wide selection of colors
- simple yet elegant crib
- sturdy crib
- straight lines
- open design
- safe crib
- great value for money
CONS:
- no toddler guardrail
- few visible holes
Graco Lauren review’s breakdown
If you’ve been browsing Graco beds before, you may find that their Benton crib is often advertised as a 5-in-1 convertible crib. Are you disappointed because Lauren is “only” a 4-in-1 convertible crib? Don’t be!
Although the numbers at first glance speak differently, Lauren does not lag behind Benton in terms of possible conversions. Yes, Benton can convert to four different beds, and Lauren is “only” a 4-in-1 convertible crib with three bigger bed options. But the last two Benton’s conversions are practically the same. Benton’s full-size bed can be with or without a footboard, and that’s the only difference.
RELATED: Best Graco convertible cribs
Convertibility review
The Lauren crib can convert to a:
- toddler bed without a guardrail
- daybed
- full-size bed with headboard
1. When your baby suppresses 35″, it is time to convert the crib into a toddler bed. Graco Lauren doesn’t have toddler guardrail, so you get the toddler bed simply by removing the front rail and placing the mattress into the lowest position.
2. For a daybed, you can raise the mattress into a higher position.
3. For the last conversion, where the back of the crib serves as a headboard, you have to make an additional purchase. You need a full-size metal bed frame and a full-size mattress.
How long can my baby use the Lauren 4-in-1 convertible crib?
- crib stage: to the child’s 35″
- toddler/daybed stage: up to 50 pounds
- full-size bed: depends on the metal bed frame you choose for the crib
All of Graco’s cribs are convertible. Almost all can be converted up to a full-size adult bed. While it is common knowledge that you have to buy a full-size bed frame for the final conversions separately, many do not know that there can be differences in a toddler bed stage.
Be careful what you get at the price for a toddler bed! And I am not talking just about Graco’s cribs, but for all cribs on the market.
Fact 1: A toddler bed can be with or without the guardrail.
Fact 2: If the manufacturer stated that the toddler bed has a guardrail, it is not necessarily included in the price. Again, that is the fact for all brands, not just Graco!
Graco Lauren’s toddler bed Review
As a toddler bed, Lauren doesn’t have a guardrail. So, if you’re afraid your little one will fall out of bed, Lauren is not a good choice for you. If you still want a Graco crib, Benton convertible crib, and a few other models have an optional toddler guardrail.
If you want a crib with everything included in the price, Babyletto offers two really good models, a Lolly and Hudson crib. Those cribs are one of the most desirable modern cribs on the market, but the price is higher than the Lauren crib.
Anyway, lots of parents don’t use guardrails for their toddlers, and their little ones are just fine. So if you fall in love with Lauren’s design, I think that shouldn’t divert you from your purchase.
Lauren’s specifications and description
The same as all Graco cribs, it is made in cooperation with Storkcraft, which is one of the leading baby furniture manufacturers.
Lauren’s biggest difference from other Graco’s cribs are straight lines, as the back of the crib doesn’t have an arched design. It is a perfect solution for families where only one of the parents loves clean and straight lines. We love the fact that the position of slats on the backside resembles on the arc, so the crib is not completely free of curves.
Overall we loved the crib’s open design. Lauren has slats on all four sides, so you can see your baby from any corner of the room. The distance between slats is less than the specified maximum of 2 3/8 inches.
Although the crib can be placed in the center of the nursery, it has a higher backside which makes it better looking next to the wall. The higher back is also a nice addition in the last full-size conversion into an adult bed.
Measurements and weight:
- overall dimensions: 57″L x 30,1″W x 43,5″H
- weight of the crib: 50 pounds
Again, Graco has only specified the height to of the back rail. Many parents mistakenly think the crib is that height on the front. Of course, that is not the truth. We measured it up, and it is about 40″ height, which is still pretty high if you are really short.
We have found some good low profile cribs for short moms.
Wood and colors:
Lauren is made from solid New Zealand pine wood and available in multiple non-toxic finishes: white, whitewash, cherry, espresso, driftwood, black and pebble gray. From our experience, this is a sufficient number of different colors!
More about the Graco Lauren crib
Mattress information:
- sits on the metal spring support
- any full-size crib mattress fits into the crib
- recommended mattress: Graco Premium foam crib and toddler bed mattress
- three-position adjustable mattress support base
Under-crib storage:
- distance from the floor to the bottom rail of the crib is approximately 6″
- there is a room for smaller storage boxes
Warranty:
1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Final verdict
Lauren is a durable, versatile and beautiful convertible crib. The value of this crib is reduced by the fact that Graco has not adapted Lauren for their universal toddler guardrail. If you do not miss that and if you like straight clean lines more than arched design, Lauren is a perfect choice.