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 several 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. Let’s dive into the DockATot review!
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. It can be used for lounging, naps (supervised), tummy time, positioning, diaper changing, and playing. It is praised for creating an environment that is soothing / womb-like for the baby. The company sells 2 different sizes depending on the age of the infant.
Price
This can be considered a drawback 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 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’s described as providing air permeability and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1 certification (in other words, testing for harmful substances). It’s advertised as being made of hypoallergenic materials that help to achieve a comfortable sleeping temperature for babies by not holding onto heat.
Are DockATots Safe For Babies?
There are some things to consider when it comes to the safety of the DockATot. 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. Stick with a 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 is not a safe choice for a sleep environment, you’re probably wondering about other baby sleep options that are safe. One of the top things to keep in mind when picking a safe sleep environment is to ensure that there is a firm surface– this means that it shouldn’t indent when your baby is lying on it. Another important thing to ensure is that there isn’t an incline. Generally speaking, any surface that inclines more than 10 degrees isn’t safe for your baby to sleep on. 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’s important when purchasing a crib that you try to not get one that’s more than 10 years old. If the crib has been modified in any way, its safety will be compromised. It’s also important to avoid the use of crib bumpers. These can pose a suffocation threat for your little one. Follow the instructions provided and properly assemble the crib to avoid any potential safety issues due to incorrect construction. Make sure there are no large gaps between the crib slats. (Usually following a no greater than the 2-finger rule is best.) You can read more about potential crib hazards here.
Bassinet
When selecting a safe sleep environment for newborns 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. Many bassinets are easily movable, which helps with naps during the day. Having the ability to see your baby close by can also help alleviate the anxiety that often accompanies newborn parenting.
Bassinets are great for the newborn stage or until your baby can move around/roll over (typically around 3-5 months of age). Some options may have a weight limit as well, which is something to keep in mind.
Pack-n-Play
The pack-n-play is always a great option. It provides a safe space for your baby when you need to be hands-free and a safe sleeping environment. It’s important to use the provided mattress that comes with the pack-n-play or the approved mattresses that fit properly. You will also want to use tight-fitting sheets ( as you would with the crib). Be sure they don’t sleep with any stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, bedding, etc. Many pack-n-plays come with a bassinet attachment. If this is the case, 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. Generally, it’s around 30 pounds and 35 inches in length.
Hopefully, this blog helped give you more information about the DockATot and why it is not a safe sleep option for your little one. The DoctATot is only safe for its other intended uses. If you have any questions or need more information regarding safe sleep feel free to reach out!
Struggling with sleep in general?
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Cheers to better sleep!