Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib Review

Pros
• Modern design
• Grows with your child
• Good value

Cons
• Shows wear and tear

Bottom Line
The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib provides a modern-looking, functional frame that will support baby from infancy through toddlerhood. You probably won’t hand this crib down to future generations, since it does show wear—but for such a reasonable price, you won’t really mind.

Rating: 4 stars

When I started researching baby items, I liked the idea of a convertible crib that transforms into a toddler bed and daybed, but I didn’t want to compromise on the look of the crib in any of its stages. The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 convertible crib fit the bill, offering great versatility without skimping on style.

Features

The Hudson features four easy-to-adjust mattress levels that keep up with baby as she reaches each developmental milestone, from independent sitting to standing. If you don’t know, that’s not always the case with convertible cribs: The one we used for our first daughter was twice as hard to adjust as the Hudson (not to mention double the price!). We played around with the toddler rail before putting the crib together and that was a pretty straightforward, easy conversion too.

What I like about the toddler rail is that it’s enclosed enough to still feel like a crib (aka safe and comfortable for your little one) but open enough to give your toddler a sense of the transition to come—and the freedom to safely get out by herself when she’s ready. When we ultimately remove the toddler rail, I feel confident that the change won’t feel as dramatic. I love that our daughter will use the toddler bed with the same mattress at the same height for a few years to come. (Ed Note: Mattresses are sold separately for $149 and bedding starts at $19.) Once she’s 4 or so, I’ll move her to a full-size bed and won’t have to worry about a thing since I’ll feel confident she’s ready. (Ed Note: Babyletto suggests converting from the crib to the bed when your child is 35 inches tall—around the height of your average kitchen counter. You can use the toddler bed until your child weighs 50 pounds—about the weight of the largest bag of Dog Chow.)

Performance

The Hudson is pretty simple to put together. Okay, I’ll admit I didn’t put it together myself, but it didn’t take my husband too long (and that’s saying a lot!). It’s easy enough to adjust to a growing child and ideal for an expanding family. Between our two children, we actually have three Babyletto cribs (two in our primary house and one in our summer home), and I have to say, they really have been perfect for our family. They look great and provide exactly what we’re looking for: safety, functionality, reliability and style. Our 10-week-old is as happy in her crib as our 2-year-old is in hers.

So what’s the catch with this otherwise good-looking, inexpensive, functional crib? Well, compared with another, more expensive crib we have in dark wood, the white pine wood shows more wear. (Ed Note: While there are convertible cribs available at lower prices, you’ll find that plenty of other high-end cribs cost $600 and up.) Though nicks and scratches do plague the Hudson over time, it’s fine for a family that doesn’t mind bumps and bruises—and plans to have only two kids. Although we expect to use it for a few years, the nicks don’t bother me; it’s an affordable crib and I don’t plan on handing it down to future generations. And the sleek design goes a long way to deflect from the wear and tear.

Design

In truth, I found the Babyletto Hudson because I fell in love with a very pricey crib ($970 from Oeuf) that happens to have a similar design. I was pining for the other crib for months, but just couldn’t justify the cost. I’m glad I didn’t cave; the Hudson’s mid-century modern design was just as sleek, clean and streamlined. Plus it’s made from sustainable New Zealand pine—with zero lead, phthalates or toxic finishes—and has spindles on all four sides so you can see baby from any angle. I love that the crib doesn’t get too clunky-looking as it converts to a toddler bed and daybed. It looks light and airy, and, I might add, like I spent a lot on it. I’ll use the extra money to upgrade my daughter to her full-size bed someday.

Summary

The Babyletto Hudson convertible crib is exactly the sleek, modern look I was going for—at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it’s versatile with a functional frame that grows with your child from birth to toddlerhood. Though you probably won’t hand this crib down to multiple siblings, cousins and neighbors, it’s definitely the way to go for an average-size family wanting a designer look for less.