Have you been asking yourself, “Is DockATot worth the money?” DockATot seems to be one of the hottest baby item. You see them all over social media, but how do you know if a DockATot is worth the money? Is it better to get a DockATot knock off instead? That’s what I wanted to know so I got one in order to find out and let you know!
Is Dock a Tot really worth the money?
First off, you need to decide if you really need another place to dock your baby. I’m big on identifying my wants vs. needs.
RELATED POST: Don’t Disguise Your Wants as Needs
If you’ve been reading my blog for long, you know that I’m a minimalist, especially when it comes to baby gear. There is so much stuff out there, and companies make consumers think we need more, when in reality we don’t need much to take care of a baby other than diapers, love and food, right?
So yes, if you really need another place to safely dock your baby, then you should seriously consider getting a DockATot or DockATot knock off.
Want to see all the different DockATot sizes and alternatives? Head here to see what’s currently on the market.
How DockATot Made My Life Easier
The DockATot made my life so simple because it travels easily from room to room. Max would start off playing and looking at his toy bar and then before I would know it, he’d be out for a nap. I docked him in it a bunch because he was comfortable nestled in this super soft cocoon.
This was a complete game changer for travel, too. It was so easy to visit family or go on vacations because Max already felt safe in his DockATot.
The toy bar and toys are additional purchases. While they are expensive, I still think they are worth the money. The arches and toys range from $25-30 each.
DockATot Review Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Good for napping and playing
- Soft
- Washable
- Perfect for traveling- has handles. You can even purchase a travel case.
Cons:
- Expensive (although prices have gone down over the last 3 years)
- Not an ideal place for baby to sleep at night
- Even though it’s washable, some people complain that the covers aren’t easy to put back on. I haven’t had that issue though.
Price:
The Dockatot Deluxe ranges between $150-200 and is the perfect size for babies. Check current Amazon prices here.
The Dockatot Grand is the right size for toddlers and ranges from $250-300. Check current Amazon prices here.
DockATot Alternatives and Knock Offs
When I originally wrote this post in 2017 there weren’t a lot of DockATot alternatives. These days you can find so many for as little as $40! Here are a few of the best DockATot alternatives according to reviews:
- Buy used- search online marketplaces or consignment shops
- SnuggleMe Organic– still pricey, but cheaper than DockATot
- CosyNation Baby Lounger- this is 1/3 of the price of the DockATot
- MamiBaby Baby Lounger– also 1/3 of the price of DockATot
Where to buy a DockATot
You can buy direct on the website, on Amazon and in plenty of local shops.
If possible, try supporting a local business first. It is estimated that for every $100 spent at a local store, $68 stays in the community as opposed to only $48 dollars staying in the community on a chain, or no money staying in the community when buying online!
However, I understand the ease of buying online so here is the Amazon link I use.
So is a DockATot worth the money?
Absolutely! It’s actually cheaper than buying a bunch of random things for your baby to sleep in. I love this quote from the website: “DockATot® is both a luxury and a necessity for any parent who wants their little one’s earliest years to be nestled in a happy and healthy cocoon of comfiness.”
I totally agree- DockATot is a luxury and a necessity. I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking for the best item for keeping their baby comfy during early infancy.
However, I’d recommend buying used or even borrowing from a friend before buying new.
Like this post? Please pin it!
Like this post?
Don’t forget to follow me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) to see more of what I’m up to in real life. If you like this post, you’ll love my social media accounts too! Want to know another way you can see more of what I love? Follow me on Pinterest. I’d also love for you to pin this post to Pinterest if you liked it!
We got one of those big doughnut pillows with my daughter, similar to this, and it was a total game changer. I could take her with me anywhere in the house and she had a nice comfy spot to nuzzle into. Isn’t it crazy to find such a helpful thing, with your second or third kid?! Same thing goes for the momaroo swing, what a freakin savior that was with my daughter.
Oh man, I love the look of the momaroo but the swing we had worked just fine so I couldn’t justify buying another one. Really worth it though, huh? Yes, it’s crazy to find a game changer after your first kid. Wouldn’t it have been nice if we had all the good stuff for all the kids?
The Dock-a-tot was our favorite baby item until my daughter outgrew it at 9-10 months. She used it every single day and it was a lifesaver when traveling. I loved it so much that I passed it along to a friend who loved it just as much.
I hope to pass ours along too!