As a new mom, you want nothing more than for your baby to be safe and get some sleep.
So when a product comes along that promises both, we have to check it out.
Some moms swear that the Doc A Tot works like a charm and helps their baby sleep for hours. Does it work? Is it worth it? And are there any Doc A Tot alternatives?
Is Dock A Tot Worth It?
I purchased the Doc A Tot for my own baby when she was around 6 weeks old. I was EXHAUSTED from the day night confusion, caring for a newborn, figuring out mom life and the newness of it all.
I was on new mom forums and there were many moms singing the praises of the Doc A Tot. It helped their baby sleep for HOURS they claimed, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours! It sounded like music to my ears. And wouldn’t you know when I looked this magical product up, it was on sale.
I paid 139.38 for a clearance Doc A Tot and got free shipping. It arrived quickly and that night I laid my baby down for sleep and waited on the magic to happen.
Well, a glorious stretch of blissful, uninterrupted sleep was not what happened. Nor did it happen the night after that.
Eventually we did get the hang of sleeping longer as time went on. During those early months, she did sleep in the lounger, and it did help ease my fears of her falling off the bed or couch.
However, every baby’s sleep patterns and development are different. I did not particularly find this product to help my baby sleep LONGER. BUT what it was useful for was:
A safe place for supervised daytime naps
A lounger to place my baby on when I needed my hands free
A great portable option to take when traveling or going to someone else’s home
My baby was and still is tall for her age so she outgrew the Doc A Tot a little sooner than 8 months. Keep that in mind if you have a baby on the taller end of the spectrum.
Best Dock A Tot Alternatives For Any Budget
If you’re looking for Doc A Tot alternatives that are stylish and budget friendly, then look no further! I have rounded up 7 of the best Doc A Tot alternatives for moms who want to try a baby nest/lounger product but cannot or do not want to spend a lot.
Wait a minute, just because they’re cheaper doesn’t mean the brands have compromised on quality. The alternatives I will present are high-quality and affordable at the same time. While you’re checking them out, be sure to take note of the size and measurements to know which one’s the best for your little one.
1. Snuggle Me Organic
Features
- Organic cotton
- USA manufactured
- For 0-9 months babies
- 3.84 pounds weight
- 29 x 4 x 18 in size
Comfortable and relaxing:
As the product’s name suggests, it’s built to protect your child and make him/her feel comfy. The bed lounge warmly hugs and surrounds the baby to optimize the comfort level. Your baby deserves the kind of comfort that this baby lounger will provide.
Organic material:
Made with 100% organic cotton, the material used to manufacture this product is high-quality. The organic cotton ensures that your baby’s soft skin doesn’t get irritated, and the use of non-toxic, hypoallergenic fabrics are used just to meet that purpose.
Also the manufacturers guarantee that the product has been made with close consideration of the environment, meaning this product is eco-friendly.
Washable:
Thanks to the polyester fabric that is filled in the bed llounger the product is washable, and it’s a promise that washing won’t reduce the quality one bit.
Multi-purpose:
Instead of several beds and expensive baby products, you can go for this alternative and save the hassle. The product is ideal for modern and minimal families. Plus, mommies and daddies can use this lounge for supervising, lounging, feeding, changing, and other purposes.
It’s ideal for babies that are within the range of 0-9 months. Just adjust the baby’s head and torso in the lounger, and you’re good to go!
Refundable:
After using it for your baby, if you’re unsure about the product, then no need to worry because it can always be refunded, as long as the refund window is still open.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Refundable
- Organic material protects the skin
- High-quality
Cons
- Some babies find the product too tight
2. Mamibaby Baby Nest
Features:
- 100% cotton
- 31.5 x 19.6 inches (80 x 50cm)
- White color
- Portable
- Weighs 3.5 lbs
Cotton-built:
Manufactured from 100% cotton, the product is ideal for babies seeking comfort. Mamibaby is designed to appease you as a concerned parent. The lounger texture is soft and velvety, which will ensure that your child sleeps comfortably.
Breathable:
Mamibaby is safe and breathable; it mimics the mother’s womb and makes it feel at home. The familiar feeling will provide your little one with optimized comfort. It’s safe and secure for children to sleep in, and the detachable bumper has knitted surface fabric that’s breathable and too soft to be true.
The 360 protective cotton pad design provides separate sleeping space for co-sleeping babies in the adult bed.
Adjustable, double-sided pattern:
With two sides pattern, crown and wavy, your baby will be interested in how it looks. The patterns can be switched inside and outside, providing a new pattern for your baby.
Mamibaby is unique because it’s adjustable, you only need to loosen the cord at the rear of the bumpers, and in no time you will have an extended lounger for your baby!
Portable:
Settle your baby comfortably in Mamibaby and travel wherever you want. The friendly measurements make it lightweight and convenient to carry around. It’s easily transportable to your choice; now, your baby can comfortably rest while you visit places.
Washable:
On the bottom of the baby lounger, there is a zipper that can be used to disassemble the cushion and the cotton cover so that you can wash it with ease.
Full-time technical assistance:
The customer service team is ready to cater to your questions and demands throughout the day. They believe that due to the product’s high-quality, the product can be refunded until 30 days, no questions asked.
Pros
- Refundable
- Portable
- Dual-pattern
- Organic built
- Breathable
Cons
- Some reviews state that it loses quality after washing
3. Abreeze Baby Bassinet
Features:
- Organic cotton
- Co-sleeping option available
- 90x55x15cm size
- Weighs 2.55 pounds
Optimized safety:
Abreeze is a high-quality product that has been manufactured considering the environment. This eco-friendly baby lounger is natural and beneficial for the health of babies. Your child will rest comfortably on the lounger while you relax.
Comfortable:
The newborn lounger is soft and cozy, and it almost gives the warmth of a mother’s womb that will seem like a familiar place for him/her. If you require your baby to sleep safe and sound while enjoying a peaceful slumber, then this baby lounger is ideal.
Newborns can have problems falling asleep. Lucky for you, Abreeze will make sure that the child sleeps peacefully so that your worries are brought to a zero.
Safety guaranteed:
Abreeze is made with 100% cotton fabric, making it a comfortable and safe product for your newborn baby. Plus, the fabric is breathable and does not suffocate the child and makes sleep easy.
With a hypoallergenic internal filler, the baby’s sensitive skin will stay protected from irritation. Abreeze is built with many functions as a baby lounger.
Carrying option:
With the feature of being portable, Abreeze has fantastic benefits as a baby lounger. You can take it around anywhere since it’s lightweight without getting tired any time soon. Additionally, the packaging is easy-to-use with a handle that can convert your bed bassinet into a portable one.
Multi-functional use:
The baby lounger can be used for many purposes, like a bassinet for a bed, side sleeper, travel bed, newborn pillow, a changing station, or even feeding the baby.
Pros
- Breathable provides easy breathing to child
- Can be used for many purposes
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Organic cotton-built
Cons
- Low-quality zipper
4. Uaugh Baby Lounger
Features:
- Detachable
- Hidden zipper
- 100% cotton
- 31.5 x 19.7 x 4.92 inch
- Fit for 0-12 months’ babies
Organic-made:
Manufactured with pure cotton, Uaugh is a preferred alternative to Doc A Tots that are comparatively higher in price. The material is soft and comfy, made to appease parents and babies with soft skin.
Cotton will keep your child protected and safe at all times while ensuring that his/her skin doesn’t get irritated. The lounger is filled with hypoallergenic virgin polyester fiber, which is also safe and breathable for babies.
Safe co-sleeping:
With a quality baby lounger such as Uaugh, your baby can co-sleep, thanks to the 360 degrees surrounding bionic uterus design. This specific design allows your baby to snuggle in the lounger go to sleep after a tiring day.
Furthermore, this product has a safe space for babies to sleep in bed with parents, and it’s essential to add that Uaugh is suitable for babies between 0-12 months, so keep that in mind.
Lightweight:
Uaugh just weighs around 31.5 x 19.6 inches and weighs 3.5lbs. This makes it lightweight and convenient to carry around. The handles are made convenient to hold, even for a long time.
The package bag is also easy to carry, making it super easy to travel with your newborn without facing too much hassle of trying to transport a crib or play yard.
Micro-bump design:
With the Micro-bump design, the lounger is super soft and guarantees comfort in every level that you can imagine as a parent. Plus, the baby rest his/her head and back without discomfort.
High-functionality:
The baby lounger can be detached and clean. This will provide parents with relief as baby loungers can be difficult to clean. The nest can be detached, and you can even wash it in a washing machine just by untying the hidden zipper.
Their professional team is available at all times for valuable customers. With a promise to respond to customer queries throughout the day, there is an option of a refund in the first 30 days. Also, they provide after-sales service for 12 months!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Organic, safe contents
- Detachable, washable
- Cozy
Cons
- Thin, poor quality zipper
5. Lulyboo Bassinet Travel Bed
Features:
- Imported
- 100% Cotton
- Waterproof bottom
- Weighs 1 pound
- 32 x 18 x 16 inches in size
Innovative:
Lulyboo is famous for its innovative and creative products. Their baby products line is lightweight, and the design is classy.
You can take the baby lounger anywhere you like without hesitation. Parties, beaches, birthdays, shopping, and any place you desire as a parent were difficult in the past without this baby lounger.
Cotton made:
The product is safe and secure because it’s made from 100% Cotton. No harmful fabrics are used to manufacture this product, and it’s entirely safe for small babies. The material will ensure that your child’s skin stays protected at all times, and not only that, but the baby lounger will keep your baby secure and safe, allowing you to take a breather or two.
Parents are mostly worried about their babies because they don’t sleep much but not with this product. It’s going to provide your baby with a feeling of warmth and optimized comfort at all times.
Outer pocket:
The baby lounger is not restricted in any way; it has a convenient outer storage pocket to have essentials of your baby in the right place without missing anything. A baby requires many items, and this is where the outer pocket will come in handy.
The product also has a removable activity bar and two plush toys to entertain the baby.
Convertible:
The lounger can be converted into a backpack with ease, providing you a chance to carry it around anywhere. Plus, the bottom is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it losing quality due to getting wet.
The lounger is available in three types of fabrics, natural, blue dots, and pink dots.
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- 100% Cotton
- Variety in fabrics
- Convertible, comfortable
Cons
- Poor packaging
6. Baby Nest Lounger by YGJT
Features:
- Weighs 3.69 pounds
- 12.91 x 11 x 5.43 inches in size
- Soft side outer ring
- Portable
Additional space:
At the end of the YGJT baby nest, there are 2 ropes that can be loosened to make additional room for babies from the age of 0-12 months. It accounts for tall babies and fits them well. Just don’t forget to close the rope for them.
Extra care:
You can utilize the soft side outer ring as a baby pillow, or instead, you can rest the baby’s arm on there with ease. Plus, when babies start to roll, so the pillow will prevent your little one from incurring pain due to rolling or hitting the crib rails.
Easy clean:
With this baby lounger, you can say goodbye to messy cleaning. The high-quality materials used to make this product do not irritate your child’s sensitive skin and cotton as cotton is soft in texture and smooth, perfect for a baby.
To clean, just open the hidden zipper and remove the cushion. Place it in a washing machine and protect your child from all types of bacteria.
Convenient carry:
With the side handle, you can easily carry it around anywhere or go for trips while worrying less about your baby’s safety.
YGJT provides a refund within the first 30 days of your purchase. If there are quality issues with the lounger, they will be happy to offer convenient solutions.
Pros
- Comfortable in use
- Extra room
- Cleanable
- Portable, lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers say that the fabric isn’t top quality
7. Snuggle Nest by Baby Delight
Features:
- Weighs 3.2 lbs
- Folded 16 x 17 and unfolded 28.5 x 14
- Breathable
- Compact
Security guaranteed:
Thanks to the vented wall units, the baby won’t fall if he/she tries to rollover. The side panels are sturdy, protecting your kid while ensuring a safe time for him/her in there. You can easily pick up your baby lounger and take the little one elsewhere.
Nightlight:
The sleeper’s head has a night light that will parents see during the night for late night feedings or diaper changes.
Compact:
The baby lounger is compact, making it easy to fold and store. You also have the option of storing essentials inside the lounger for your baby.
Optimized comfort:
The soft mesh creates a comfortable and breathable environment for your baby to snuggle in. Since the baby can breathe easily, he/she will have no problem falling deep in sleep without waking up after a few minutes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Secure
- Comfortable
Cons
- Sides lose shape
Comparison Chart
| Product | Material | Age limit (Months) | Dimensions |
| 1. Snuggle me Organic | Cotton (hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill) | 0-9 months | 29 x 4 x 18 inches |
| 2. Mamibaby Baby Nest | Cotton+soft velvet | 0-12 months | 31.5 x 19.6 inches |
| 3. Abreeze Baby Bassinet | Cotton (hypoallergenic fill) | 0-12 months | 18.3 x 13.4 x 3.9 inches |
| 4. Uaugh Baby Lounger | Cotton (hypoallergenic fill) | 0-12 months | 12.7 x 11.1 x 5.1 inches |
| 5. Lulyboo Bassinet Travel Bed | Cotton+Nylon+Polyester | 0-7 months | 32 x 18 x 16 inches |
| 6. Baby Nest Lounger by YGJT | Organic Cotton | 0-12 months | 12.9 x 11 x 5.4 inches |
| 7. Snuggle Nest by Baby Delight | Cotton+Plastic | 0-6 months | 30.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long can baby loungers be used?
It can be used until the product’s suitable age bracket exceeds and/or the baby gains extra weight or height. The original manufacturer, Doc A Tot recommends their baby loungers to be used from 0-8 months. I have included the age limits and specifications of the Doc A Tot Alternatives in the chart above.
2. Is Dock A Tot Worth It?
There are plenty of options for babies when it comes where they sleep, like a crib, bassinet, play yard, etc. But are any of those options portable and easy to move around your home? No.
I do find the product to be useful throughout the first year of your baby’s life. Especially during the months when they cannot roll over and crawl. It’s quick and easy to set them down in a Doc A Tot or Dock A Tot alternative while you do quick tasks.
3. Is Dock A Tot Safe For Sleeping?
Doc A Tot states their product is to be used for the following: lounging, supervised napping and tummy time, co-sleeping, changing diapers, cuddling and playing.
Doc A Tot loungers can be a helpful product for cosleeping in an adult bed. However, cosleeping comes with its risks. If you choose to use a Dock a Tot alternative for co sleeping here are some precautions you should consider:
Place the Doc A Tot on a firm mattress.
Use it in the center of the bed between two adults.
Put it near the headboard.
Make sure no loose bedding or covers are placed over your baby.
Have the adults use a separate blanket to use to ensure there is no bedding or cover over the baby’s face.
You can find more safe sleeping tips, the care and use label and more on Dock A Tot’s official website.
Final Thoughts on Dock A Tot Alternatives
As a new mom , it can be quite challenging to get sleep, especially during the newborn phase. Like the ones we described in this article, baby nests and loungers are the perfect alternatives to the expensive Dock A Tot that cost a pretty penny. I hope that this article gives you some insight into how a real mom was able to use the lounger and help you explore other cost-effective options if you are looking for a Dock A Tot Alternative.
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