DockATot Safety Issues

If you’re a new parent, you’ve undoubtedly come across the infamous DockATot.

It’s often praised as a must have sleeping product for your baby.

Related: If you’re considering the DockATot, but don’t want to pay the high price tag, here’s a list of Dock A Tot alternatives that are similar but cheaper.

Although there are a variety of great ways to use this handy baby lounger in your home, there are a few safety concerns that come along with baby gear like this.

Consider these safety issues before making the decision whether the DockATot or one of its alternatives is right for your family.

• Never leave baby unsupervised: Since a baby lounger features a soft outer edge, it’s important that you never leave your baby in the lounger unattended. If your baby rolls over into a position where their face is pressed into the outer tube, they could easily suffocate. That’s why it’s essential that you are able to give your baby constant supervision while they’re in the DockATot.
• Never use the lounger in your baby’s crib, bassinet, or play yard: There are a few safety hazards that could come into play if you place the baby lounger in a crib or other sleeping area and put the baby on top. First, it is always recommended that baby be placed in a bare crib with no pillows, blankets, or crib bumpers to prevent suffocation. The same goes for placing a baby in a DockATot inside their crib. And if your baby is able to roll, scoot or crawl, you may face another risky situation. If your baby moves out of the lounger while it’s in their crib, they could become trapped between the side of the crib and the dock.
• Avoid added blankets and pillows: It’s always recommended that a baby’s resting environment be bare, so it’s important to keep blankets and pillows away from the lounger while your baby is inside.
• Keep the lounger on a flat surface: To ensure your baby stays safe while they’re resting and playing, it’s always a good idea to place the lounger on a flat and stable surface so your baby doesn’t fall. While the DockATot can be used in many different locations, it’s important to make sure the lounger is situated on a flat, level surface where your baby has no danger of falling if they rollout of the DockATot.
• Never use the dock to carry your baby: Although you can easily transport the dock from place to place, it’s never a good idea to carry your baby while they’re inside the lounger. If you want to move your baby and the DockATot to a new location, always remove the baby from the lounger and carry them separately.
• Keep the dock away from walls and furniture: No matter where you place your dock, always check the surroundings to make sure the lounger is in a safe location. Keep the dock away from walls to prevent your baby from becoming lodged between the dock and the wall if they roll themselves out of the dock. And avoid placing the lounger near furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to prevent your baby or toddler from attempting to pull up on the structure.
• Always use fully assembled: Never use the DockATot or any of its alternatives if it isn’t fully assembled. Using any of the components of the dock alone or using a damaged dock could pose a suffocation risk for your baby.
• Be cautious when using as a co-sleeping device: While the FDA advises against the use of baby nests like the DockATot, the product is marketed as a co-sleeping device. But keep in mind that your baby should always be supervised while they’re sleeping in the lounger.
• Put baby to sleep on their back: If you’re using your lounger to help your baby sleep, always follow the recommended sleep guidelines for babies under one old. Babies should be placed on their back to sleep until they’re 12 months old, even when they’re sleeping in a docking station. And unless you’re practicing supervised tummy time, you should always put a baby under 12 months in the DockATot on their back.