Updated: May 30, 2025
Important Notice: As of our latest update, the Athena Daphne Convertible Crib and Changer is currently out of stock at most major retailers, including Walmart and Amazon. While you can still find affiliate* links on this page, they may lead to unavailable listings. We’re keeping this review available as an archive for those researching older models, but we’ve also listed in-stock alternatives below.
*Affiliate links are links that may earn a small commission for the site owner if a purchase is made—at no additional cost to you.
Quick overview of the Athena Daphne crib
The Athena Daphne is a 2-in-1 crib with an attached changing table and lower drawer storage. It’s been quite popular for years among parents who need a compact, all-in-one solution. However, it’s an older model and currently hard to find.
Baby’s Little Place Score:
Crib Specifications:
Crib Type:
Convertible (2-in-1) Combo
Compatible Mattress Size:
Standard crib mattress
Assembled Dimensions:
72″ L x 29″ D x 45″ H
Assembled Weight:
119 lbs
Available Finishes:
White, Cherry, Grey
Crib Design:
Transitional (between traditional and contemporary)
Key Features:
- Can be converted to a daybed and a youth bed as your child grows
- Ample storage space: it has 5 drawers and 2 shelves on the side
- The attached changing table makes it a convenient all-purpose baby station
Best For:
Parents with limited space and those who love the traditional crib-and-changer combo.
Is the Athena Daphne Still Worth Considering?
We originally liked the Athena Daphne because it was a true space-saver. We reviewed it over six years ago, and its all-in-one design—featuring a crib, changer, and drawers—was ideal for small nurseries or shared rooms. Its classic, versatile look also made it easy to match with both modern and traditional nursery styles.
That said, the market has evolved. While Athena Daphne offers a lot in one unit, we can’t shake the feeling that you could get more value elsewhere today, especially considering its price point and current unavailability.
Take the Storkcraft Steveston, for example. It’s typically around $150 cheaper than the Daphne but offers a similar setup: crib with a changer and added under-crib drawer storage. It also includes a water-resistant changing pad and actually converts to more bed types—from baby crib to toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed with headboard and optional footboard. One trade-off? The changer doesn’t have drawers—only open shelves.
Then there’s the Graco Remi, which more closely mirrors Daphne’s design, featuring drawer space in the changer and an under-crib drawer as well. But it stands out with adjustable mattress support—something the Athena lacks—and it converts to more bed types, including a toddler bed (with a separately purchased safety rail), daybed, and full-size bed. Its slightly more modern look may also appeal to those wanting a sleeker nursery style. While it’s not significantly cheaper than the Daphne, it arguably delivers more for the price.
Bottom line: We don’t think the Athena Daphne is a bad crib—far from it. But when stacked up against newer combo cribs with added features at a better value, it’s no longer the clear front-runner it once was.
Athena Daphne’s Pros and Cons
Balancing the pros and cons can help you decide if the Athena Daphne convertible crib and changer aligns with your needs.
Real-Life Pros:
- All-in-one functionality: crib + changer + storage
- Classic design
- Lots of storage space
- Great for maximizing limited nursery space
- JPMA certified to meet all applicable safety standards
- Fits all standard crib mattresses
Real-Life Cons:
- Fixed level mattress height – you can not set it on diferent heights
- Assembly is time-consuming
- Some parents reported the wood scratched easily
- No toddler bed conversion
Review’s Breakdown
Assembly and Setup
Assembly is time-consuming and not the most intuitive, according to many parents. The instructions are average, and aligning all parts, especially the changer, can take longer than expected.
Convertibility
Although marketed as a 2-in-1 crib, the Athena Daphne technically offers 3 conversion stages. Like most cribs in its class, you can remove the front rail to turn it into a daybed—a conversion that doesn’t require any extra parts. That’s a nice budget-friendly option, and many parents appreciated having that quick setup during the toddler years.
Its final stage is a youth bed, but you’ll need to buy a separate conversion kit and youth mattress (68″ x 27.5″). What’s clever here is that the attached changing table can be detached and repurposed as a standalone nightstand, which adds long-term value and convenience.
Changing Table
One of the standout features of the Athena Daphne is its built-in changing table. It includes three smooth-gliding drawers and two open shelves—something many parents loved for quick access to diapers and essentials.
“The drawers were surprisingly roomy and easy to use one-handed,” shared one parent who used the crib daily for over a year.
The downside? No changing pad is included, and the size is slightly smaller than standard pads, which can make finding a perfect fit a bit tricky.
- Changer size: 28″L x 17″W x 29″H
- Pad size needed: approx. 27.5″L x 15.5″W x 1″H
- Changer position: right side only
Under-Crib Storage
Another thoughtful touch is the two-drawer under-crib storage. Many cribs offer just one large drawer, but this split design helps with better organization and easier access.
The drawers glide smoothly on metal rails, and a solid plywood panel separates them from the mattress, which helps keep things dust-free.
“We kept blankets in one and extra crib sheets in the other—super handy,” noted a parent who used the crib in a smaller apartment nursery.
Safety & Materials
The Athena Daphne is made from pine wood and MDF, and it’s finished with non-toxic paints. It meets all U.S. safety standards, including:
- JPMA certification
- Lead and phthalate safety
- Fixed-side rail design (drop-side cribs are banned since 2011)
It’s a sturdy crib overall, though some parents noted signs of surface wear over time—something to consider if you’re buying it secondhand.
Durability and Build Quality
It’s generally sturdy when assembled correctly, but the finish can scratch easily, and the use of MDF means it may not hold up as well over multiple years or children. Still, many families used it happily for several years without major issues.
Mattress Support
This is where the Daphne falls short: it does not offer adjustable mattress height. That’s a big miss for many parents, especially in the early newborn stage when you want easier access without straining your back.
That said, it fits any standard full-size crib mattress, which gives you lots of options—from budget-friendly picks like Milliard to breathable, non-toxic options like the Newton Wovenaire.
Price and Value for Money
While it was once seen as a great all-in-one value, its current unavailability, limited convertibility, and lack of features like adjustable mattress height make it harder to justify its original price—especially when other brands now offer more for less.
FAQ about the Athena Daphne 2-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer
Is the Athena Daphne crib still available?
No, it’s currently out of stock at most major retailers.
Does it come with a toddler rail?
No, it does not convert into a toddler bed, but directly into a daybed.
Can I still use this crib if I find it secondhand?
Yes, but check for missing parts, wear and tear, and verify it meets your safety standards.
What mattress fits the Athena Daphne?
A standard full-size crib mattress, no thicker than 6 inches.
Athena Daphne Crib Ratings and Review Summary
Final Thoughts about the Athena Daphne Convertible Crib and Changer
The Athena Daphne Convertible Crib and Changer was once a standout for parents short on space who wanted everything in one compact unit. With its attached changing table, extra storage, and timeless design, it checked a lot of boxes back when it launched—and we saw the appeal firsthand when we reviewed it over six years ago.
However, nursery furniture has come a long way. Today’s convertible cribs offer more adjustability, better conversion flexibility, and often, superior materials—sometimes at a lower price. Cribs like the Storkcraft Steveston and Graco Remi offer similar all-in-one functionality but with thoughtful upgrades, such as adjustable mattress support or wider conversion paths, including toddler bed stages.
In short, the Athena Daphne isn’t a bad crib—it simply hasn’t kept up with the times. If you’re shopping secondhand and find it in good condition, it can still be a solid, space-saving choice. But if you’re buying new, we’d suggest leaning toward more current alternatives that give you greater long-term value and flexibility.