As a new parent, you will hear about so many items that are must-have’s for you and your baby. One item you might hear a lot about is the Dock a Tot baby lounger. If you’ve done your research you will find that a standard Dock a Tot, which is the Deluxe+, will cost you about $200. That can be a pricy item with a new baby on the way and a lot of other expenses to plan for.
The good news is, there are plenty of safe alternatives to the Dock a Tot that will keep your little one secure and cozy for half the price or less. Our list of the best Dock a Tot Alternatives includes a variety of our favorites and others we have heard about through friends and other new parents.
What is a Baby Lounger?
A baby lounger, in its simplest form, is a place to lay down your baby that is safe and comfortable for her. It is portable, lightweight and will have padded sides to keep your baby feeling snug and secure. We have always called ours the baby boat!
Your baby lounger, whether you get a Dock a Tot or a Dock a Tot alternative, will come in handy while you travel or if you simply have some work to do around the house.
Baby loungers are not always recommended for co-sleeping, however, if you do let your little one nap in his baby lounger, don’t leave him unsupervised. Dock a Tots and the alternative baby loungers become dangerous when your baby can roll out or roll over inside of the lounger, pressing his mouth against the side making it hard to breath. We have used both a Dock a Tot and an alternative with our daughter from the time she was born until she was 4 months old and started rolling over.
The Verdict
Here is our verdict on the best Dock A Tot alternative on the market!
Snuggle Me Organic Baby Lounger
We like the Snuggle Me Organic baby lounger as the best alternative to the Dock a Tot. The Snuggle Me Organic lounger comes very highly rated (4.8 out of 5 on Amazon), it is made of organic sustainable materials and it is about half the price of a Dock a Tot! For us, it checks all the boxes on finding a Dock a Tot alternative and it comes in a variety of posh colors.
What we love about it
We love the Snuggle Me Organic Baby lounger because it made from 100% organic cotton. We love that it is made in the USA! We also love that it has a removeable cover that can be washed for all those inevitable messy days.
The best part about this lounger is its design. It’s center is shaped so that it curves around your baby’s back while the sides pull in, simulating the sensation of a hug. We also preferred the Snuggle Me Organic Baby lounger over the Dock a Tot Deluxe+ for its price. It is a steal of a deal at $100 and only half the price of the Dock a Tot.
This baby lounger is also the most stylish that we have seen. When you are incorporating baby gear into your life, it is refreshing to find items that are minimalist and modern in style.
Other Dock a Tot Alternatives
Mamibaby Baby Lounger
The Mamibaby Baby Lounger is like laying your baby on a cloud! It doesn’t have the slick swing or hammock style design that the Snuggle Me Organic or the Dock a Tot do, but it is soft as can be while still be supportive for even the healthiest of babies! The material is high quality and breathable and safe for even the most sensitive skin types.
This is the only lounger we reviewed that recommends using it for co-sleeping. Do your research and talk with your pediatrician and be sure you know the risks before using a co-sleeping baby lounger. With that being said, if you decide to use a baby lounger for co-sleeping, consider the one that actually recommends it!
The Mamibaby Baby Lounger is about a 1/4 of the price of a Dock a Tot Deluxe+. At only $56.69 (it is currently on sale from $62.99) it is an affordable option.
Boppy Newborn Lounger
The Boppy Newborn Lounger comes with a well known name brand. You have likely also heard of the Boppy nursing pillow, which is another must-have for your baby inventory, regardless of whether or not you plan on nursing!
Boppy creates many wonderful baby products including the lounger. This newborn lounger is unique in that it provides your baby with a more propped up view of the world. In the Boppy Newborn Lounger, your little one can better see the world around her than she would in other baby loungers.
This Dock a Tot alternative is also unique in that it has a fabric that can be wiped clean! This is our favorite option for traveling because it is lightweight and can be compressed for easy packing. At $32.99 it is the most affordable alternative Dock a Tot.
Dock a Tot Benefits vs Alternatives
The Dock a Tot is not the only high quality baby lounger on the market to consider, but it does offer a few unique features to consider. The Dock a Tot design is unlike any other baby lounger in that it offers a sling style place to rest your baby, almost as if she were resting in your arms. Its walls create security and comfort for little ones that have a hard time adjusting to the new world.
It also features a removeable cover that can be washed, though DON’T DRY IT, because if it shrinks there will be no getting it back together.
For $200 the Dock a Tot offers some wonderful features and your baby will feel safe and secure.
F.A.Q
Do I need a baby lounger?
Yes! You will need a place to set your baby down throughout the day, other than a bassinet, so you can have your hands free. You will want something that is lightweight so you can carry it from room to room, portable so that it can fit in small places and comfortable for your little one. Choosing the right baby lounger will mean more free time for you and better naps for your baby. If you haven’t hear it yet, with newborns, “sleep begets sleep”, meaning the better she naps the better she sleeps at night!
What is the difference between the Dock a Tot Deluxe+ and the Dock a Tot Grand?
The difference is in the size and the price. The Dock a Tot Deluxe+ is the standard size and your baby will likely grow out of this size about the time they start to roll over. The Dock a Tot Grand is big enough for a toddler and can help ease your child into their new setting when they are not quite ready for their toddler bed.
Can my baby sleep in a Dock a Tot? Can he sleep in Dock a Tot alternatives?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended by any of these brand to allow your baby to sleep while using. The safest place for your baby is on his back in a bassinet or crib. If you allow your baby to nap in a Dock a Tot or Snuggle Me Organic or a Bobby Lounger, be sure to stay in the room and monitor him. Some baby loungers are also referred to as co sleepers. Be sure to read the safety instructions carefully on whatever device you buy.
When should I stop using a baby lounger?
A general rule of thumb is to stop using baby loungers when your baby is able to roll over, HOWEVER the elevated sides of some baby loungers might aid your baby in rolling over sooner than she otherwise would had she been on a firm flat surface. Watch your baby very carefully while she is in a baby lounger as she approaches the age of being able to roll over. Consider stopping use prior to this milestone.
Conclusion
Used correctly and safely a Dock a Tot alternative like the Sunggle Me Organic is just as safe and comfortable, if not safer and more comfortable, as the high priced Dock a Tot Deluxe+. Choose what is best for you and your baby!