5 WAYS WE USE THE DOCKATOT

Most baby Mamas have heard of the DockATot. It was the most registered baby product in 2017 and pictures of kids enjoying their “docks” are scattered all over Instagram. After all, a product approved by so many Moms must be a winner, right? While pregnant with Guy, I became more and more intrigued of this seemingly magical infant sleeping tool known as the DockATot. But news to me: the DockATot wasn’t originally intended for a sleeping aid. It was designed as an alternative to the baby lounger, cot, or blanket– while also being more versatile and snug, mimicking the mother’s womb.

Seemed legit.

And since I wasn’t going to be able to hold Guy nonstop (unlike I pretty much did with the girls), I liked the idea of a comforting, secure spot for him to be around us. But a couple things had me questioning the necessity of the DockATot: the size and the cost.

The DockATot comes in two sizes: the “Deluxe+” ($99 for children 0-8 months) and the “Grand” ($275-$300 for children 9 – 36 months). For sure a lot of money, but since so many other Moms approved (peer pressure!) and it is so versatile, it was something we wanted to test out. We chose the Grand size with the thought that both Guy and Leah could enjoy it. It is large (24″ x 47″), but we just store it under Guy’s crib when we’re not using it. So over the past couple weeks we have been busting out the dock, using it a lot of different ways. Here are our top five current ways we love using our DockATot:

1. BONDING

This use is my number one for many reasons. I love having a safer place for Guy to be while the girls play close around him. The dock provides a “barrier” from little magnatiles, playschool people, balls, and the girls running around right next to him. It designates a space just for Guy and allows him to be slightly shielded from the crazy that surrounds him. The girls will also take breaks from playing to go check on Guy, which always warms my Mommy heart.

2. LOUNGING

I hadn’t really thought about using the dock for this, but Leah discovered that it’s quite nice for movie nights. She grabs her panda bear and blankie and snuggles up in her own perfect little spot. I think her little grin says it all…

3. PLAYING

I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I’m not going to let the girls get all sweaty and messy in the summer heat and then play in the DockATot. (Even though the cover is super easy to just throw in the wash.) But we do let the girls play in it, especially since it brings them together for some pretend play. They have seriously upgraded their playtime game from cardboard diaper boxes to now using the DockATot.

You know what made all of Mya’s dreams come true? When she realized the DockATot was really a nest. Also, don’t be jealous of her bird costume. 😉 And Leah’s dreams usually consist of fishing on a boat. So these kids are basically living their best lives.

4. TUMMY TIME

I’m the worst at having my babies do tummy time. The worst. When they’re just strengthening their little muscles, I wrongly think they’re painfully straining and struggling. Buuuuut… with the DockATot, Guy is propped up and is so much more comfortable. I probably still don’t have him do it as often as I should, but the dock has definitely reminded me to encourage tummy time.

5. RESTING

Unintentionally, Guy has fallen asleep in the dock many times. It is always supervised sleep in the living room while we are playing around him. (Otherwise, he is usually just taking naps in his crib.) The below pictures crack me up because they are within the first hour of receiving our DockATot in the mail. I was so excited to have the kids try it out that I neglected to remove the cardboard used for transport (not recommended, of course.) So Guy was sleeping on a hard piece of cardboard under the cover and yet he still loved his new set-up. 

Having a baby makes you realize how much “stuff” you can accumulate. Do we really need 4 different strollers (my selection depends on the day and my mood), 10 swaddle blankets (the prints are just so cute), a boppy pillow for each house level (I’m not carrying that shit up and down the stairs), and now a big pillow pad baby lounger?

Yup.

I would usually say “less is more,” but when it comes to the comfort of our children and the even more carefree nature of the day, sign me up for whatever you’re selling because I’m going to that party.

In the end, the DockATot is a luxury for our family. I feel fortunate to have one and we use it throughout our days. I love how it’s safe, tested for breathability, and comforting to our littles. The DockATot is handmade and 100% all natural cotton. They also offer a wide selection of patterns to meet everyone’s individual style. We went with “Bananas For You” and I love the big leaf pattern so much.

If you, too, would like to try out the DockATot, you can get $10 off your order by going HERE.

We received product compliments of DockATot. My opinions are all my own.