The big headline with Summer’s cribs is their Simple Adjust feature—this let’s you adjust the mattress height without any tools. (Nearly all other cribs require you to practically dissemble the crib before changing the mattress height.)
Granted, you don’t adjust the mattress height every day . . . the mattress stays in the highest position until baby starts to stand. That’s when you lower the mattress.
Summer offers seven crib styles, four of which feature Simple Adjust. An example: the Bryant crib for $190 at Target. Made in China, this crib can convert into a full size bed—but the resulting look is a bit funky since the headboard and footboard are about the same height.
Here’s a bright idea: how about combining a bassinet and changing area right onto the top of the crib? The Symphony from Summer runs $350.
One innovative Summer crib is the 3-in-1 Symphony convertible crib with bassinet. As the name implies, this $350 crib comes with a bassinet insert and changing area that fits onto the top of the crib rail. It’s hard to believe no one has thought of that before! We were impressed with the overall utility of this set up, especially for folks who are starved for space. The one caveat: since the bassinet and changing area are at the top of the crib, this might be hard to reach for shorter parents.
When converted, the Summer Bryant crib looks a bit funky, with the large footboard about the same height as the headboard.[/caption]
Most parent reviews on Summer cribs are positive. Fans like the easy assembly—about an hour, said one parent. On the downside, folks are much less effusive about the matching ready-to-assemble dressers that Summer sells. Yes, they are affordable at $240-$400. But cheap wood, unlined drawers and shipping damage outweigh the bargain price. Bottom line: the cribs are good but skip the dressers.
Rating (cribs only): B
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