DockATot

Welcome Earthside, little one! Now that baby is here, you want a safe and easy solution to helping them adjust to naps and night-time sleep. Look no further – the DockATot is portable, super cozy and comes with adorable covers to match your personal style. So, stop on in and shop with us at ECOBUNS BABY + CO in store or click HERE to shop online to get your DockATot.

Here are some great frequently asked questions answered to help get you started with this amazing product! READ MORE

Can I use the DockATot in a crib?

DockATot is not for use in the crib, due to the guidelines put out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. All materials have been rigorously tested for breathability and air permeability, but DockATot cannot recommend it for use in the crib. The Grand can only be used in a toddler bed or big kid-sized bed, once the child is at least nine months old, and then only placed at a height that allows the child to safely descend on his own.

DockATot puts safety first. There have been incidents where babies have suffocated after becoming entrapped between a soft product and the side of a crib, bassinet, wall, or other surface, and also incidents where babies have suffocated on soft bedding like blankets or soft toys. This is why DockATot warns against using a DockATot in a crib, bassinet or other contained area, and warns that blankets and pillows should not be placed in the DockATot. When it comes to an infant's resting environment, bare is best!

What size should I buy?

Many people ask if they can simply purchase the Grand from the start, so here is the skinny on the best size for your little and why each product is best suited for different stages.

• The DockATot Deluxe is intended for babies 0-8 months or 5- 22 lbs, and is to be used for lounging, supervised napping, supervised tummy time, safe co-sleeping, changing diapers, cuddling and playing.
• The DockATot Grand is for tots 9-36 months or 22-40 lbs, and can be used for all the same activities as the Deluxe as well as a way to facilitate comfortable sleeping in toddler beds and single beds. The bumpers on the Grand act as a bed guard for young kids, allowing them to settle more easily in a bigger bed and make an easier crib to bed transition.

The larger size is not recommended until baby is 9 months old. Many parents use the Deluxe size beyond the 9 month mark, as you can unbuckle the bottom to make more room. DockATot was created to mimic the womb, so the snugger the fit, the better it works. The thicker density provides a safer and more supportive environment for younger babies and is also better for tummy time.

DockATot’s experience is that parents seem to think the baby has outgrown the Deluxe size way before baby is uncomfortable. The design includes clasps that lengthen the legs of the DockATot Deluxe, so babies can get longer use out of it. The clip at the foot end, specifically on the Grand, is intended to be used for easy portability and storing and must remain unbuckled during use. One of their trademarks – "Reinventing the womb" – indicates that the DockATot is supposed to be snug. There are many users that tell us that they have used the Deluxe size up until 10-12 months. This creates a feeling of snugness, which is very comforting for the child. It's as if the child is being held in a sense.

How do I use the DockATot?

The DockATot has many wonderful uses, including sleeping, tummy time and playtime, as children get older. For use during tummy time, place the baby in DockATot with the rounded tube under the baby's chest and armpits with his arms in front of it. This position also allows for play and observation. Prop a board book open in front of your baby, or place a favorite toy within reach. Babies tend to grasp at any interesting objects, in turn encouraging weight-shifting, reaching and fine motor development. A baby on his tummy must be watched at all times. If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, place him on his back in the dock to continue snoozing. Snoozing in the dock must be supervised.

A Message About Sleep SafetyDockATot recognizes that many people believe strongly that infants and young children should never sleep with adults in their bed while others believe—equally strongly—that such co-sleeping provides valuable emotional benefits. DockATot’s founder is a passionate bed-sharer and co-slept with both of her boys when they were infants, using the dock. When used in an adult bed properly, DockATot is very safe for co-sleeping. Just make sure to follow these important instructions:

DockATot should always be placed in the middle of the bed (not near the sides) and at the top of the bed during co-sleeping. DockATot and its protective sides facilitate correct back positioning while preventing the baby from rolling out of bed, hitting his head against the headboard, getting caught between the bed and the wall or wriggling down under the covers. The sides also help prevent parents from rolling on top of the baby. The sides are also comfy enough for the parent to have his/her arm over the side to pat and reassure the baby.

• Always place your baby on his/her back to night and naptime sleep on a firm sleep surface to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Keep baby’s sleep area in the same area where parents sleep to reduce baby’s risk.
• Give your baby plenty of supervised tummy time when they are awake for healthy development. DockATot makes tummy time fun and comfy for baby.
• The DockATot™ must always be used in a child-safe and "supervised environment." A supervised environment is one in which a semi-alert, non-inebriated adult is co-sleeping next to baby. Adult does not need to be awake next to baby.
• Child’s head should always be positioned at the head end of the DockATot.
• Keep the baby’s sleep area free of loose items, such as toys, crib bumpers, pillows and blankets. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of wearable blankets.
• Always ensure that the DockATot is placed fully supported on its back on a flat, firm, and stable surface.
• The DockATot Deluxe should not be used for unsupervised sleep. A supervised environment is one in which a semi-alert, non-inebriated adult is co-sleeping next to baby. Adult does not need to be awake next to baby.
• The DockATot Grand makes for a comfortable and snug sleep area for children ages 9-36 months. Please make sure to unbuckle the clip located on the foot end of the Dock to ensure a safe sleep environment.
• When using the DockATot Grand in a child’s bed, ensure that the Dock is of a manageable height from which the child is able to safely descend.
• The DockATot Grand must not be used for infants.
• Failure to follow these warnings could result in death or serious injury.

Whether you use DockATot or not, we urge you to follow the safe sleeping tips extended by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission because absolutely nothing is more important than the safety of a child. Please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/ for more information.

Can I use the DockATot for co-sleeping?

YES, you absolutely can!!!

To safely co-sleep with the DockATot, simply follow these guidelines:Remove all stuffed toys and other play things

• Remove excessive bedding, including thick mattress padding and pillows 
• Never place an infant or young child on a waterbed 
• Never leave the child unattended and only allow sleep with a sober adult, one who can awaken easily 
• Only place an infant on his or her back face up and in the center of the dock 
• Check to be sure that no window cords or the like can be reached from the bed 
• Do not allow infants to co-sleep with another toddler or child 
• Do not allow pets in the bed 
• An adult who is obese should not be allowed to co-sleep with the baby

Whether you use DockATot or not, we urge you to always follow the safe sleeping tips recommended by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission because absolutely nothing is more important than the safety of a child. Please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/ for more information.

How should I wash and properly care for my DockATot?

Each piece of the dock is washable, care instructions are below for each piece (for more detailed instructions please refer to the label on the bottom of your cover)

• Cover: Machine wash on cold in a garment bag and hang to air dry.The cover is made of 100% cotton. Like every single part of the dock, the cotton cover has been rigorously tested and proven free from harmful substances. As opposed to synthetic fibers, all natural fibers shrink a bit when washed the first time. Thanks to special finishing and pre-washing procedures we have taken, we have reduced the shrinkage to about 2.5-3%. This shrinkage has been taken into account when cutting and sewing the pieces for the cover. 
• Pad: Hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry.
• Tube: Machine wash inside a garment bag in cold, then tumble dry on low to dry. You can shake or fluff to redistribute the filling if necessary.

Source: DockATot