Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 Convertible Crib Review: In-Depth Analysis with Pros & Cons

When we first came across the Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib, we were a bit skeptical—how could a crib with such a low price deliver on all its promises? After hearing mixed reviews from parents about the quality of the materials and potential defects, we decided to dive in ourselves and see what the crib was all about. Our goal was to determine whether this crib could balance affordability, safety, and versatility for parents who are on a budget but don’t want to compromise on style.

Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 Convertible Crib Review: In-Depth Breakdown

1. Assembly and Setup

We found the process relatively easy when we assembled the Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib. The assembly instructions were quite clear, with step-by-step diagrams that made it easy to follow. However, there were a few points where the illustrations could have been more detailed for someone assembling this crib without experience.

We didn’t run into any missing parts or misaligned holes, which was a relief since some online reviewers had reported issues like that.

You only need a few tools to assemble the crib. The Allen key that comes with the crib and the screwdriver, which is not included, will be enough. Although using a power drill could make the process quicker and less physically demanding, we do not recommend using it as you can quickly damage the crib’s wood.

The whole assembly process took us just about an hour. However, first-timers may need more time to align parts and follow instructions.

• Time to Assemble: ~1 hour
• Tools Required: Included Allen wrench
• Ease of Setup: Moderately easy, but we recommend having a second person available

2. Safety and Stability

After assembling the crib, we gave it a good shake to see if it wobbled or creaked. The Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib stayed in place. It is a sturdy and solid crib, and I believe it will hold up well in day-to-day use, especially considering its low price.

We also measured the slat spacing to ensure it is narrow enough to prevent a baby from getting stuck. Everything is as it should be.

The crib is made with non-toxic materials and has a finish free from harmful chemicals like lead and phthalates. This ensures that if your baby chews on the rails, they won’t be exposed to dangerous toxins.

The Harper crib meets both CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) safety standards, which are the basic requirements for cribs sold in the U.S. Additionally, the Oxford Baby Harper is Greenguard Gold certified, indicating that it meets strict standards for low chemical emissions and improves indoor air quality.

• Safety Standards: Meets and exceeds all ASTM International and U.S. CPSC safety standards
• Safety Certification: Greenguard Gold certified
• Stability: The crib is stable (it did not wobble or creak during testing)

3. Durability and Build Quality

The Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib has both strengths and a few weak spots in this field. We believe it will last through one child’s crib years and could even be passed down to a second baby with proper care.

The crib is made from solid wood, which is generally a good, sturdy material. However, during our testing, we noticed that while the crib feels solid overall, it’s slightly prone to scratches and dents, especially on the outer finish. After doing our scratch and dent test—where we lightly scraped the surface and bumped it with small objects—we did see some visible marks. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind if you’re hoping for a crib that will look new after a few years of use.

We tested the material by applying pressure to the slats and the frame. The slats stayed strong and did not bend or flex under moderate pressure, which is important for safety and durability. The frame as a whole holds up well to weight and pressure, so we didn’t have any concerns about its sturdiness during normal use.

While the material may not be top-tier hardwood, it’s strong enough to handle daily wear and tear without major issues.

• Material: Solid wood and veneers
• Durability Rating: Slightly prone to scratches but solid overall

4. Mattress Fit and Height Adjustability

This crib uses a metal spring support, which we prefer because it allows for better airflow under the mattress. This spring design is a clear plus compared to cribs with solid board mattress supports.

The crib’s mattress support is also adjustable to three different heights, which makes it convenient to lower the mattress as your baby grows. Adjusting the mattress height is relatively easy. It does require loosening and reattaching a few screws, but that is common in cribs with adjustable mattress support.

The Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib is designed to fit a standard-sized crib mattress. We confirmed this by testing it with the Graco Premium Crib & Toddler Mattress, which fit snugly without any noticeable gaps along the edges.

• Mattress Fit: Standard-size crib mattress
• Recommended Crib Mattress: Graco Premium Crib & Toddler Mattress
• Adjustable Mattress Height: 3 levels

5. Convertibility and Versatility

We tested the Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib’s ability to transition through its different stages, and it delivers on its promise of versatility, though with a few things to keep in mind.

The Harper crib converts into a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-size bed. This makes it a good long-term option as your child grows.

However, some conversion steps need additional parts, which are not included and add to the overall cost. You’ll need to buy a safety rail to convert the crib to a toddler bed and a conversion kit for a full-size bed. The cost of the toddler bed safety rail may seem high compared to the total cost of the crib, but it is actually quite reasonable compared to other cribs’ safety rails.

A potential issue we noticed in our research is that the availability of toddler rail and full-size bed conversion kits may vary, depending on stock. So, if you know you will convert your crib, think about buying the conversion kit right away.

The conversion process is pretty standard compared to other convertible cribs—removing a side rail and replacing it with a toddler rail, for example. The instructions are clear, and the parts are well-labeled. The process requires basic tools like a screwdriver, which isn’t included but is nothing beyond what you’d expect.

Once converted, we tested the crib’s stability in its toddler bed and daybed forms. After the conversion, the crib stayed solid and didn’t wobble. We gave the frame a few gentle pushes to simulate normal use, and it held up just fine.

• 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: Straightforward with clear instructions

6. Design and Aesthetics

The Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib has a simple yet elegant design with some notable details that give it a unique look.

Particularly interesting is the back of the crib, or the headboard, which is flat and raised, adding height to the overall design. I like the solid design added only to the top of the back side, while the slatted design remains below. This not only makes the crib look better, but also helps air to flow through it, keeping the baby’s sleep environment cool and comfortable. Additionally, the slats on the back are positioned in an interesting way, giving a slightly curved appearance from certain angles.

As for color options, the crib is available in three finishes: Dove Gray, Snow White, and Espresso. These options are popular and neutral, but the color selection is not as wide as some other cribs on the market. They do, however, go well with most nursery designs and are easy to match with other furniture.

• Aesthetic: The design is more on the traditional side, but it can easily complement modern décor as well
• Color Options: Available in Dove Gray, Snow White, and Espresso

7. Price and Value for Money

The Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib is priced at a very affordable $129 (As of this review), making it one of the lower-cost options for a convertible crib. The initial price is quite appealing for a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. However, it’s important to note that the conversion kits are sold separately, which can increase the total cost if you plan to use the crib through all its stages.

Nevertheless, the crib is a great deal for its low initial price. Even with the added cost of conversion kits, it’s still affordable for families looking for a long-term solution. Although the material quality reflects its affordable price, it’s still a good investment for those looking for a functional, cost-effective crib.

• Price: $129 (As of this review).
• Value for Money: Good (Affordable, but there are extra costs for conversions)

FAQs about the Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Oxford Baby Harper vs. Similar Cribs

Below is the comparison of the Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib with three other cribs: the Soho Baby Hampton Premium 4-in-1 convertible crib, the Graco Hadley 4-in-1 convertible crib with drawer, and the Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 convertible crib. We chose these cribs because they have designs and functionality similar to those of the Oxford Baby Harper crib.

This comparison focuses on key features that are important to parents, such as sturdiness, durability, ease of assembly, mattress support, convertibility, design, and overall value for money.

The goal is to help you decide if the Oxford Baby Harper crib is the best choice for your nursery by comparing its performance with other cribs. This comparison will make it easier for you to select the crib that suits your needs best.

The Oxford Baby Harper 4-in-1 convertible crib strikes a great balance across the board, with solid ratings in every category. It’s a reliable, well-rounded crib that delivers good value for the price. If you compare it to the Soho Baby Hampton, which definitely stands out for its sturdiness and elegant design, the Harper offers a more affordable alternative without sacrificing too much in terms of durability or style. Sure, the Soho Hampton might look a bit more high-end, but if you’re budget-conscious, the Harper still looks great and holds up well.

When looking at the Graco Hadley, the Harper crib wins in terms of sturdiness and long-term durability. The Hadley does come with the convenience of a drawer for extra storage, but if you’re thinking about which one will last longer and give you less trouble with assembly, the Harper is probably a better choice.

Then there’s the Delta Children Emery, which is similar to the Harper in both price and features. However, the Emery didn’t score as well in terms of sturdiness, so if you’re aiming for something that will stand the test of time, the Harper edges it out for reliability.