The air in the nursery smelled faintly of sawdust, a scent I haven’t encountered in a proper crib assembly since, well, let’s just say it’s been a minute. My own offspring are now trading in Lego bricks for college applications. Here, however, a fresh-faced expectant couple (clearly navigating the minefield of baby gear for the first time) stared at the instruction manual, a look of bewildered determination on their faces. Their choice: the Graco Hadley 4-in-1 Convertible Crib.

My role, as a veteran of the infant-furnishing wars, was purely advisory, but my observational skills remained razor sharp. I immediately noticed the build quality. This isn’t a heirloom piece. It’s a carefully considered piece of functional furniture, constructed with an eye toward safety and practicality. The white finish, GREENGUARD Gold certified, is reassuring. You want a crib that’s not going to off-gas VOCs and turn your bundle of joy into a mini-toxic-waste-disposal site. It’s a win for peace of mind.

The standout feature is its convertibility. The Hadley, like many modern cribs, morphs from a standard crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and finally, a full-size bed. This is the key to its long-term value. Sure, you could shell out for a new bed every few years, but who has the budget (or the patience for repeated trips to IKEA)? This configuration saves space and money. The integrated drawer is surprisingly spacious; you can stash all the necessary bedding within reach. That’s a smart move on Graco’s part.

Here’s a small quibble, though. The drawer slides are a bit…sticky. It takes a little extra effort to pull them open and close, especially when fully loaded. Not a dealbreaker, mind you. A quick dab of furniture wax on the slides could solve that in a jiffy, or just a little patience, which new parents have in abundance, right?

Comparing this to, say, a higher-end brand like Stokke Sleepi, the Graco is undeniably less aesthetically refined. But the Sleepi doesn’t have a built-in storage drawer, and trust me, in a nursery, storage is gold. The Hadley’s price point also vastly undercuts the competition, making it accessible to a wider range of budgets.

For the couple in the nursery, and anyone shopping on a practical basis, I would say this is a solid crib. Consider this: if you are prioritizing function and longevity over an investment in a design masterpiece, the Graco Hadley is a smart choice. You get safety, convenience, and adaptability all rolled into one. Get the wax and a little more patience!