REASONS TO BUY
Reasonable price
Minimal design
Easy assembly
No paint option
Deepest platform height
REASONS TO AVOID
Smaller adjustability range
Convertible parts sold separately
Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Review
A well-priced crib with a simple design and a deep platform for toddlers, but the adjustability range is smaller, and no toddler rail is included
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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Our Verdict
The Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 is a reasonably priced straightforward crib we love. This crib was one of the easiest to assemble, and our tests took only 25 minutes. It is a great option for those worried about assembly. It is one of the taller options in our tests, with a top rail height of 27.5 inches, making it potentially less appealing to petite parents. It has a minimal look and feel with no embellishments and exposed fasteners. The design is straightforward, with a platform height range of 8.5 inches. We were able to fit our test mattresses inside with ease, and the 0.5-inch gap allows the mattress to be easily lifted and manipulated for sheet changes. The Colby is Greengaurd Gold Certified and uses renewable pinewood from New Zealand. While the Colby has a shorter adjustable platform range and is unlikely to become a family heirloom, we think it is a lovely crib that can last through multiple babies and save you money to boot.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Bang for Your Crib Buck |  Best Overall Crib | |||
| Price | $230 List $199.00 at Amazon | $300 List $283.30 at Amazon | $220 List $169.00 at Amazon | $300 List $233.59 at Amazon | $160 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Budget-friendly crib with a minimalist look and platform height for standing toddlers, but the height range is smaller, and the convertible parts are not included | A minimalist design with something extra that has a good adjustability range and fit most mattresses without a problem | A larger opening leaves bigger gaps with mattresses, but it is easy to set up and has a deep platform setting for toddlers | While some mattresses were not a great fit, we still love the simple design and lower stature that could be good for petite parents | A disappointing crib with flaking paint and loose fittings after a relatively short testing time |
| Rating Categories | Carter's by DaVinci... | Storkcraft Equinox... | Delta Children Esse... | Storkcraft Beckett... | Graco Benton 5-in-1 |
| Mattress Fit (40%) | |||||
| Eco-health (20%) | |||||
| Adjustability (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Assembly (20%) | |||||
| Specifications | Carter's by DaVinci... | Storkcraft Equinox... | Delta Children Esse... | Storkcraft Beckett... | Graco Benton 5-in-1 |
| Footprint Dimension | 55.6" x 29.6" | 58" x 29.5" | 53.8" x 29.6" | 53.5" x 29.5" | 54.8" x 29.1" |
| Rail Height From Floor | 35.4 in | 35 in | 34 in | 33.8 in | 34 in |
| Height Platform Settings | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Platform Height Max | 16.5 in | 19.0 in | 15.5 in | 17.8 in | 18.0 in |
| Platform Height Min | 8.0 in | 8.2 in | 8.0 in | 6.8 in | 7.7 in |
| Manufacturer Claims | • GREENGUARD Gold Certified • Made of solid, sustainable New Zealand pinewood and TSCA-compliant engineered wood |
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified • JPMA Certified |
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified • JPMA certified • Made of sustainable woods like New Zealand pine wood, poplar and TSCA compliant engineered wood |
• JPMA Certified | • Non-toxic finishes • JPMA certified |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Carter's is a part of the daVinci brand that specializes in baby nursery products from cribs, dressers, and seating to mattresses, bedding, and more.
Performance Comparison
We measured the inside and outside of each crib, including the Colby, to compare the footprint and mattress opening size.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Mattress Fit
We tested each crib in our lineup with all of our favorite crib mattresses. While cribs and mattresses should all be a standard size, they can vary somewhat, and occasionally, the pairing might not be a good fit. The Colby scored well in our tests for mattress fit.
The outside dimensions of the crib are 55.6 x 29.6 inches. This is somewhat longer than some competitors but not the longest in the group.
We tested it with more than six mattresses, and all fit well with about a finger's worth of gap or 0.5-inch gap on the front and sides.
The straightforward Colby is nice looking without being flashy and our test mattresses fit inside easily.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Overall, it felt like a just-right fit, with none having a gap too wide or a fit too snug for easy sheet changes.
The Colby has a metal platform and limited engineered components for less off-gassing.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Eco-health
The Colby scored well for the material eco-health metric.
This crib has a metal platform for the mattress, which helps limits any components that might off-gas.
The wire mesh mattress platform provides a more eco-healthy base than engineered wood that might include formaldehyde.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
It uses sustainable New Zealand pinewood and TSC-compliant engineered wood. It is Greenguard Gold certified, which means any off-gassing it might produce is below a set standard. It includes options that are paint-free or non-toxic.
The Colby has 4 platform height options, but the range is shorter than some competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Adjustability
The Colby is one of the least adjustable, with a range of only 8.5 inches for its four levels of adjustment.
Moving the platform on the Colby down as your baby grows is easy, with lower levels for standing toddlers who might try to climb the rail.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The shallowest height or highest platform height was 16.5 inches from the ground to the platform. The deepest platform is 8 inches from the ground. Other options have a range closer to 10 inches.
The Colby is taller than some competitors, which could be harder for shorter parents as the baby is bigger and the mattress is lowered.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
It does not come with a toddler rail, so future purchases will need to be made to convert this crib to other styles like a toddler bed.
The Colby has the shortest assembly time in the group.
Credit: Graham Faulknor
Ease of Assembly
The Colby has one of the shortest assembly times.
The instructions are clear, the design is simple, and the hardware is well-sorted. We suspect even those who get nervous around a flat-pack will be happy and feel like Bob the Builder when they are done.
We think the Colby is a budget-friendly crib that will work for most families looking for a simple solution that won't break the bank.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Colby?
The Colby is a reasonably priced crib that gives you everything you need in a crib without being flashy or expensive. We like that it offers various platform heights, is easy to assemble, and is Greenguard Gold Certified. It is made with sustainable New Zealand pinewood, and TSCA-compliant engineered wood. It accommodates our test mattresses without any problems and comes in a handful of finishes to match almost any decor.
What Other Baby Crib Should You Consider?
The Colby is a good crib, but it isn't the best. With a smaller platform range, it could have a shorter lifespan than those with a more significant range like the Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 or the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1. Both Babylettos are also Greenguard Gold Certified and work well with most mattresses, but they cost more. Much of your choice will come down to personal choice and budget.
Manufacturer Video
—Wendy Schmitz
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