DockATot Alternatives (The 9 Best DockATot Dupe) Of 2022
That won’t break the bank if you are On the hunt for DockATot alternatives? Then you’re in the right place, mother. Today, I’m going to breakdown a list of the best DockATot alternatives, such as baby loungers that are similar to DockATot (definitely a “cheaper version of DockATot“), a number of that I would definitely label as DockATot knockoffs along with the baby loungers that I think are the best DockATot dupes.
I’ve seen high and low across every baby brand as well as shop and boutique I know, so I’m pretty confident that you’ll find a Dock-A-Tot alternative on this list that’ll work with you!
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A Quick View at the Dock-A-Tot
Just for now, let’s just take a quick look at the Dock-A-Tot so we know what we’re comparing the alternatives to –
Baby Cubby DockATot Deluxe+ Dock ($175-205)
About: Dock-A-Tot is made by Swedish mama, Lisa Furuland Kotsianis, so it is a premium baby lounger.
Sizing: The Dock-A-Tot comes with two sizes of baby docks, the Grand (9-36 months) and the Deluxe+ (0-9 months).
Pricing: Depending on the print but Dock-A-Tot Deluxe+ ranges from $175 to $205.
Construction: The Dock-A-Tot is essentially made of a tube-shaped pillow, a cover, and other components, the flat pillow that your baby lays on. It includes a plastic clasp at the foot of the lounger, that you can unclip to accommodate your growing baby, and carrying hands so you can easily move it from room to room. A third party verifies that the material is free from harmful substances because the fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1.
Care: You need to unzip the cover and remove both of the pillows, To wash the Dock-A-Tot. The cover is then ready to be washed in your washing machine and hung to dry. One major thing that is kept in your mind is that you will not be able to use your DockATot for the time it takes to wash and dry.
How To Look for a “Cheaper Version” of DockATot
At the end of the day, though I’ve rounded up a number of DockATot alternatives, although a couple of them are very same, they aren’t *quite* similar to the DockATot.
But, you know how you can find a true DockATot for a whole lot at a lower cost?
By purchasing an open box, or even gently used (not at all used) DockATot!
As we all know that it isn’t necessary to buy everything your baby needs brand new because there really are so many great alternatives for dockatot!
Also one of my favorites is to find great ones which are very gently used (sometimes not even used at all!) second-hand baby products.
The question is, where’s the best place to look for quality used baby items?
While you can definitely try to sell groups online and local buy, it is a bit of a toss-up.
Among having to settle a time to pick up the item, finding their home, not knowing if the product is exactly as they said it was because there isn’t really any accountability and it’s a bit of a free for all (although I *have* scored a few pretty great deals going down this avenue myself).
Type and Enter, Good Buy Gear.
Good Buy Gear is a second-hand baby gear marketplace that is US-based which picks up your gently used baby items, cleans and inspects them, lists them on their marketplace, and then ships them out to another family from across Canada and the USA.
Furthermore, you get to recoup some of your hard-earned cash! It’s a total win-win, so not only does baby gear get a second life you also get.
Ultimately, if you love the DockATot, but are simply looking for a cheaper version then you definitely need to hop on over to Good Buy Gear and check out their open box and gently used DockATots like yesterday.
1. Snuggle Me Organic Lounger
I definitely asked around to try to figure out the difference between the Dock-A-Tot and Snuggle Me lounger, while I was putting together our baby registry, with both of them being so popular – and both superior quality.
Snuggle Me Organic Bare Baby Lounger ($99)
I even put together a whole comparison guide because I thought I was sure that other mums had the same query
I was sure other mothers had the same query, so I even put together a whole comparison guide – Snuggle Me Organic vs. DockATot Lounger: Which Is Better?
When day reaches the end, the Snuggle Me does end up being a bit easier to wash, and less expensive.
Perhaps the two biggest differences are that the Dock-A-Tot is a bit roomier, more like a teeny mattress, whereas the Snuggle Me Organic lounger is more of a snug lounger, almost like a hammock.
Well, the Snuggle Me was too small for my little guy a few months earlier than the DockATot – So this difference in size also affects how long I found we were able to use our Dock-A-Tot.
2. Oval Lounge Mat by Finn + Emma
Finn & Emma Oval Lounge Mat ($149)
The cover of this lounger is machine washable, which is definitely a very welcome feature, and this adorable little boho lounger is suitable for babies from 0 to 9 months.
So if you are looking for a great little non-toxic baby dock, this might be the one for you because all of the components are made of organic cotton and filled with polyester (similar to the Snuggle Me Organic).
3. Wonder & Wise Baby Napper
Wonder & Wise Baby Napper ($99)
Not only because it comes with this cute little cloud pillow and blanket that’s perfect for tummy time that’s why this baby lounger is absolutely one of my favorites, but I really feel like it’s just as beautiful as the Dock-A-Tot, which, let’s be true – it matters to some people (included like me, lol 😆).
I really feel like this baby lounger is a great, “cheaper version” of the DockATot because it is available at less than half the price of a DockATot.
4. Baby Nest Lounger
TheWildChildAU Baby Nest Lounger in Rust and Beige ($86)
(Of course, you can take a peek at all of the similar docks, too, but I’ve chosen one style that I like here, which is by a cute Australian maker). Whereas this alternative is a bit closer to the Snuggle Me Organic than the Dock-A-Tot, it’s still definitely a great option to consider.
5. Newborn Nest
BabynestShop Newborn Nest ($44)
With a 4.9 shop rating, and over 20,000 reviews, for the mama looking for something similar to Dock-A-Tot I definitely think this newborn baby nest is a great option, but at a fraction of the cost.
Moreover, it does ship from Ukraine so that is something you have to keep in mind with this baby nest (which is probably why they are able to provide it at such a significantly lower rate) – I would simply be thoughtful of the time it would take to ship, and adjust accordingly.
The two other major differences are that this Dock-A-Tot alternative is held together using d-rings, which may be a bit more of a pain to open up, and also it does not include carrying handles, when compared to the easy clasp that you’ll find on the Dock-A-Tot.
6. CosyNation Baby Lounger
CosyNation Baby Lounger ($46)
A simple Amazon click away, for under $50, the CosyNation baby lounger could be on your doorstep in just a day or two.
It comes with a couple of prints while I’m not a huge fan of the prints that it comes in, but if that isn’t a big deal to you, this might be the right newborn nest for you.
With major features very similar to the Dock-A-Tot, including the carrying handles, flat cushion design, and outer tube, it’s pretty darn close.
7. Cosydream Original Newborn Lounger
BabyMoov Cosydream Original Newborn Lounger ($57)
It is said that the leg rest at the base can help work through gas and bloating by raising their legs up, and a raised headrest is said to help prevent the flat head syndrome.
The Cosydream is significantly smaller, and can only be used until 3 months of age, so that is another significant difference between the Cosydream Lounger and the Dock-A-Tot.
8. The Nido Nest
Kadaro Nido Nest ($115)
The drawstring holding up the sides can be loosened which is one of the really neat features of this nest, which turns this lounger into a larger playmat.
I think the Nido Nest is a great option for parents looking to squeeze a bit more value out of their investment, because finding baby items that can serve double duty is always a major win, and for that reason, I think it’s a good idea.
However, I found the Dock-A-Tot to be so useful, it is kind one of the reasons because I could have it on the island in our kitchen while I put away dishes or did some meal prep (only while Samuel was very, very young and couldn’t roll, and only while I was standing right there).
As it’s significantly larger so this may not work with this lounger. Just something to be thoughtful of, depending on how you plan on using it.
The Best Dock-A-Tot Dupe
Dormikid Organic Linen Baby Nest ($139)
Lucky day, the Dormikid baby nest is almost identical: it is the same shape, size, and design as the DockATot, includes a clasp closure at the base, and a carrying handle.
Although the finer details such as the zipper and hardware don’t look to be quite as superior quality as the Dock-A-Tot, and the styles and colors of the covers are pretty plain, all things considered, this is an awesome close Dock-A-Tot dupe. You can check it out on Etsy.
Best DockATot Alternatives: FAQ & Safety Tips
Just let me know in the comment section below If you have more burning questions about how to use baby loungers and DockATot alternatives in a safe way.
Do You Really Need A DockATot?
Related: Why Is Dockatot So Expensive?
Is There A Cheaper Version Of DockATot?
Sadly even the Deluxe+ version is quite expensive so there is no cheaper version of DockATot. But there is one way because there are some comfortable alternatives, designed by other brands, that have more budget-friendly prices (check the recommendations above).
Is DockATot Fully Safe For Sleeping? Is It OK If a Baby Wants To Sleep In The Lounger?
Moreover, this topic is very controversial in the US, in contrast to Europe, where co-sleeping is very popular and common. The majority of people in Europe use baby loungers as co-sleepers.
Such as DockATot or its cheap alternatives I’ve seen so many parents allowing their babies to nap and sleep during the night in newborn loungers.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, safe sleep environments means and Keep in mind for further:
- Firm and Flat surface
- Such as crib, bassinet, or bedside sleeper so baby has its own sleep space
- Strictly, no bed-sharing (no co-sleeping)
- As well as no fluffy blankets, loose bedding, pillows, toys in the sleeping area
It’s not a safe sleep space for a baby (there’s a risk of SIDS and suffocation) even if you choose a top-notch baby lounger, made from high-quality materials.
Ultimately, if your baby falls asleep in a DockATot or other lounger you should transfer them to the bassinet or crib, because I only recommend using baby loungers for LOUNGING, which includes resting, playing, bonding with other family members, tummy time, and reading books to baby.
I also suggest using baby lounge pillows on the floor, not on the bed or inside a crib/bassinet.