DockATot Deluxe+ {A Review}

October 16, 2017

The DockATot seems to be the hottest baby item right now. It’s everywhere. But if you are like me, I didn’t understand why I needed one…. until I tried it.

The DockATot wasn’t around a few years ago when I was scouring the internet for everything baby related to get ready for Everett’s arrival. For anyone that hasn’t heard of this baby gear must-have, the DockATot is a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper and playtime lounger/gym. It’s a safe place for baby to sleep in your bed, with some peace of mind to know you won’t roll over on said baby. We aren’t a co-sleeping household, so I didn’t think I needed one. However, I quickly realized that we needed a safe place to put a newborn down while still tending to a toddler’s needs. It’s a whole different set of needs for baby #2 because I need my hands free more often to help out older brother!

DockATot sent me a full starter kit including the Deluxe+, a toy arch and toys. The night before the box arrived, we had a particularly bad night of seep with Emmy. She was up every 2 hours and just wanted to be held, so when the box arrived I was like a kid on Christmas morning! I tore that bad boy right open!!

We’ve been using it ever since in a few different ways. Generally, we keep it downstairs in our family room. We use our DockATot as a safe place to put Emmy down when we need a few minutes to empty the dishwasher, let the dogs out, help Everett put his shoes on, etc. In the first few months, it’s been awesome to have a cozy place for her to nap while we are all downstairs together.

Now that she is 3 months old + more interested in the world, she loves the toy arch feature. I can lay her down in the DockATot to stretch out + play while I fold a load of laundry or start dinner. It’s been a huge lifesaver. I also use it while I give Everett a bath + get him ready for bed. Emmy gets to be part of the bedtime routine but I have my hands free to juggle both kiddos when Jeff isn’t home. I tried to do bath time with Emmy in a carrier once, which ended up quite the mess for all involved.

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The other really useful function of the DockATot is that it’s a perfect travel bed for babies. It’s small enough to carry on a plane with us in the carry case or throw it into the car when we are visiting family + friends. Emmy will always have a safe, cozy place to relax on the go. That’s huge for our family! I remember packing up an entire carful of toys and contraptions to keep Everett happy + entertained when he was a baby. This consolidates all those bulky items into one easy package.

Before seeing this item in person, I thought the sides were inflatable. I don’t know why I thought that exactly, it’s just how I pictured it, but I was totally wrong. Think of a long body pillow inside the zippered pouch on the outside, with a slim bassinet mattress on the bottom. It looked daunting at first to take it apart to change the cover, however trust me when I say it takes about 45 seconds. Super easy. Even Everett figured out how to unzip the pillow to take it out. I highly suggest purchasing a 2nd cover for the DockATot so you have one available when the inevitable spit-up or blow out happens. You can take the cover off in a jiffy and zip a clean one right on.

DockATot has two size options – the Deluxe and the Grand. The Deluxe is made for babies 0-8 months, so I’ve heard some parents use it as a transition tool to the crib, however, we do not currently plan on using this in the crib. When Emmy grows out of the Deluxe+, we’ll move her into the DockATot Grand, made for 9-36 months to use as a lounger and travel bed. I’ve also heard that the Grand is perfect for toddler bed transitions, so we’ll get use a ton of use out of it. You’ll also see the Deluxe and the Deluxe+ — the difference is that the newest Deluxe+ covers had the side tabs for the toy arch. The toy arch will not dock into the old covers, so you would need to purchase a replacement cover in order to use it as a play gym as well.

Overall, I would definitely suggest this item for all new parents, but it’s been especially useful the second time around. They’ve been tested for breathability + are all-natural, 100% cotton, which is important to me when choosing baby items.

To spread the DockATot love, I’m including a $10 off coupon code for your DockATot purchase! Let me know if you have any questions or issues using the code.

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Do you have a DockATot? Do you love it as much as we do?? I want to hear how you use it!

 

In collaboration with DockATot, this product was sent to me to review, however, opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links, which may provide a small commission on sales.

2 Comments

  1. Reply

    Jessica

    I will certainly be trying this! Question- in your last set of photos, the left photo, where did you get your zippy sleep sac? Its adorable. My daughter can’t sleep without those!

  2. Reply

    sbrooks0387

    that looks pretty cool. my youngest is 3 now, but i kinda wish some of this gear came out between 3-8 years ago when i had babies.

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