A Dockatot Review: Are Dockatots Safe for Babies?
Co-sleeping has become a growing trend with many new parents. There are a lot of variables to consider when deciding if co-sleeping is a good fit for you and your little one. When looking at co-sleeping it is very important to keep safety in mind. There are a number of different baby nests and co-sleeping products that are on the market these days. One of these products is the Dockatot. In this review, we’re going to look into the Dockatot and consider some of the positives and negatives of this particular product. We will also explore whether or not this product is a safe option to use for co-sleeping and provide you with safe alternatives for sleep environments.
What Is A Dockatot?
The Dockatot is a popular baby lounger that is advertised for a variety of uses. The purpose of the product is to be used for infants ranging from 0-8 months. And can be used for the purpose of lounging, naps (supervised), tummy time, positioning, diaper changing and playing. It is praised for creating an environment that is soothing / womb-like for baby. The company sells 2 different sizes depending on the age of the infant.
Price
This can definitely be considered a drawback for this particular product as the DockATot has a higher price tag than many other comparable baby products on the market. The company offers 2 different sizes depending on the age of the infant. The Deluxe Dockatot is advertised for 0-9 months. For older babies, there is the Grand Dockatot which is intended for babies that are 9-36 months. The pricing on the Dockatot website starts out at around $195 for the Deluxe version and goes up to $275 for the Grand Dockatot. There are interchangeable covers and accessories available as well for separate purchase.
Construction
The dockatot is made in Europe. It includes a 100% cotton cover, which is machine washable. It is described as providing air permeability and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1 certification (which is testing for harmful substances). And it is advertised as being made of hypoallergenic materials that help to achieve a comfortable sleeping temperature for baby by not holding onto heat.
Are Dockatots Safe For Babies?
When considering whether or not this product is safe or not for your little one. There are some things to consider. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics parents should avoid soft/plush sleep surfaces like the DockATot, due to an increased risk for possible suffocation. This product is fine for other uses such as supervised lounging, tummy time, diaper changing, etc. Most importantly you will want to avoid using it for sleep, sticking with a more firm, flat surface for sleep. There was a recall based on these potential safety issues by the CPSC (consumer product safety commission) stating that DockATot cannot sell any of their DockATot Deluxe+ models that were made after June 23 ,2022.
Best Dockatot Alternatives
Now that we’ve established that this product isn’t really a safe choice for a sleep environment. You’re probably wondering what are some safe options other than this product that you can use for your little one to promote safe sleep. One of the top things to keep in mind when picking a safe sleep environment is to ensure that there is a firm surface. Which means that it shouldn’t indent when your baby is lying on it. Another important thing to make sure of is that there isn’t an incline. Generally speaking, any surface that inclines more than 10 degrees isn’t safe. Also it’s vital to never place pillows or thick quilts in a baby’s sleep environment.
Taking those guidelines into consideration, here are some great alternatives to the DockATot:
Crib
The crib is always a great option for sleep for your baby. It is important when purchasing a crib that you try to not get one that is more than 10 years old. And also make sure it has not been modified in any way as this can affect its overall safety. It’s also important to avoid use of crib bumpers as these can also pose a suffocation threat for your little one. You’ll want to make sure that the crib is assembled properly. Be sure to follow instructions provided to avoid any potential safety issues due to incorrect construction. It is also vital to make sure there are no large gaps in between the crib slats. Usually following a no greater than 2 finger rule is best. You can read more about potential crib hazards here ( link to website) .
Bassinet
When selecting a safe sleep environment for your newborn and younger babies a bassinet can be a great option. These are generally smaller than cribs, which makes them more mobile. Bassinets allow you to keep your baby close by which can be great for nighttime feedings. And many are easily movable which helps with naps during the day. They also can help with the anxiety you may have as a new parent by providing the ability to see your baby by having them close to wherever you may be.
These are generally used during the newborn stage. Or until your baby can move around/ roll over, which is typically around 3-5 months of age. Some options may have a weight limit as well which would be something to keep in mind.
Pack n Play
This product is always a great option. It provides a safe space for your baby during the day when you may need to be hands free, and also provides a safe sleeping environment. It is important to only use the provided mattress that comes with the pack n play. Or to purchase only the approved mattresses that fit inside the product. You will also want to use tight-fitting sheets ( as you would with the crib). And be sure to remove any stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, etc. It is important to remember, if your pack n play comes with the bassinet attachment as many of them do, be sure to not use this area for sleep and only for diaper changes.
Another great thing about this choice is there aren’t really age limitations on its use. It’s just important to consider the baby’s height and weight restrictions when deciding if they’ve outgrown it or not. The manufacturer will generally lay out what those height and weight restrictions are – this tends to be around 30 pounds and 35 inches in length.
Hopefully this blog was helpful in giving you more information about the DockATot and why it is not a safe sleep option for you little one, as mentioned before this product is safe for its other intended uses. As always if you have any questions or need more information regarding safe sleep and your little one feel free to reach out!