The DockATot is one of the hottest baby products, but is it safe for your baby to sleep in? Learn about DockATot safety best practices and why you shouldn’t let your baby sleep in a DockATot.
New parents will do anything to get a goodnight sleep, including spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars on expensive baby products that promise a goodnight’s rest.
The DockATot is an infant through toddler lounger that is designed for babies to have a safe and comfortable place to lounge while parents are nearby.
But is the DockaTot necessary for sleep? And more importantly: is the DockATot safe?
The DockATot is fine for an infant who is awake and being supervised. The problem comes when parents use their DockATots for bed sharing or put the DockATot inside a baby’s crib or bassinet to create a cozy sleep environment.
Keep reading to see why DockATots aren’t deemed safe for sleep and how you can safely use them.
Want a realistic newborn sleep schedule? Download my free newborn sleep schedule to see what a day with your newborn might look like. Click here to grab it. It’ll be super helpful.
Is the DockATot Safe to Use?
The DockATot is not a safe sleep surface, but it can be helpful and safe to use in other ways. The key to using the DockATot is supervising your baby in it at all times.
Supervised DockATot time can be fun for both you and baby. Using the DockATot with an alert, wakeful baby during your baby’s wake windows can be a comfortable change of pace from a play mat on the ground.
Additionally, there are plenty of times as a new parent when you’ll face tasks that are impossible to do one-handed or with a baby strapped to your body.
When you need to set your newborn down for a few minutes, the DockATot can come in handy. To ensure DockATot safety, set up the dock on a solid, non-elevated surface that is free from hazards.
You should never set your baby down in the DockATot and walk away. Keep an eye on them at all times, making sure they don’t roll or turn their head into the side.
If you set up your baby in the DockATot and notice they’re yawning or showing sleep cues, it’s time to pick them up and transition them to their crib.
Is it Safe for Newborns to Sleep in a DockATot?
No, the DockATot is not safe for newborn sleep.
The warning label on the DockATot now says to not use it in a crib, bassinet, or other contained area.
They also changed their guidelines in the fall of 2020 to no longer promote their Docks for bed sharing.
The Deluxe+ docks are specifically “not intended for overnight sleep,” according to the DockATot website FAQ’s. In order to follow the abcs of safe sleep, a baby should always be placed in a firm, flat surface for sleep.
If your baby seems tired or they are nearing the end of their wake window, avoid using the DockATot. That way you won’t find yourself having to transition your baby into their crib after they’ve drifted off.
Why Did DockATot Get Banned?
The CPSC issued a notice of violation in November 2022 stating that there are reports of infant deaths associated with the DockATot Deluxe+.
The DockATot has elevated sides that could easily cause a breathing obstruction if your baby rolls over in their sleep or turns their head towards the side.
The sides of the DockATot are pillow-like, and are therefore a suffocation risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding pillows, bumpers, or any other soft elevated edges in a baby’s sleep space due to increased danger of suffocation. According to the AAP’s sleeping surface guidelines, the DockATot is unsafe for sleep.
Babies can’t even sleep with a blanket until after their first birthday.
Although marketing says the DockATot is made from breathable material, it has not been tested against the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
When it comes to safe sleep practices for your baby, it is better to be cautious than face avoidable tragedy.
What is Safer then A DockATot?
When following safe sleep practices, the best and safest alternative to the DockATot for your infant is their crib.
Maybe the appeal of the DockATot is that it’s mobile and you can move it from room to room.
If you like that flexibility, consider using a portable bassinet or Rock N Play alternative instead.
Many of these mobile cribs are lightweight and you can easily compact them with the pull of one strap.
If you were eyeing the DockATot because you were hoping to co-sleep, remember that bed sharing can be dangerous and the AAP doesn’t recommend it.
Instead, you might try setting up a bassinet for your infant in your room.
I know it’s easy to get caught up in baby product recommendations, especially when they’re as ubiquitous and attractive as the DockATots. But keep in mind that our number one priority in getting your baby to sleep is their safety.
You might be surprised to hear that the secret to reliable sleep for your baby has nothing to do with things you can buy. It has everything to do with your knowledge, the methods you use to set your baby’s schedule, and consistency.
I’m here to help you learn those things and guide you through the bumps in the road!
Get Your Newborn to Sleep
Learn how to get your newborn to fall asleep and stay asleep with the Newborn Sleep Course. You’ll learn expert sleep tips for soothing your baby to sleep, establishing easy routines, and how to start reducing night feeds when your newborn is ready. Learn more here.
DockATot Grand and Toddler Sleep
Once your child reaches 18 months, the AAP allows use of pillows and other soft items in your child’s bed. As a toddler, your little one should be fully mobile and capable of moving themselves in bed to avoid suffocation risks.
Items like pillows, blankets, and loveys may provide added comfort to your toddler during bedtime.
At 18+ months, you could choose to use the DockATot Grand to help transition to a toddler bed. The raised sides of the dock can help your toddler avoid rolling out of bed. The pillow-like edges can also be comforting.
If you plan to use the DockATot Grand with your toddler, make sure they can independently climb safely in and out of the dock on their bed. Test and practice this before using the dock overnight for the first time.
My goal is to help tired parents get sleep, so the whole family can thrive!
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