When you’re a new sleep-deprived mom or dad, you’ll try anything to get a few more z’s!
But what should you choose when it comes to the DockATot vs Boppy Lounger?
We tried both and I can’t wait to tell you what we thought!
Please note: this post is NOT sponsored by either of these companies and contains my honest thoughts about each of these products.
This a reflection of my experience as a new mom who was desperate to get her babies to sleep.
In fact, my first didn’t sleep more than 6 hours a night until she was 9 months old!
It was rough.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I could earn a commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase using them.
DockATot vs Boppy Lounger: Real Mom Reviews Which is Better
The first thing you should know about the DockATot (often misspelled as “Dock a tot“) is that there are actually two different types of them meant for two different age groups – we have both!
There is the Deluxe+ Dock and the Grand Dock.
The Deluxe+ Dock is meant for ages 0 to 8 months and the Grand Dock was created for 9 to 36 months.
The Boppy Newborn Lounger was created by the brand Boppy who specializes in pillows for nursing and pregnancy.
They’ve also since expanded to baby carriers.
Here’s a side by side comparison of the two products I’ll be breaking down.
More ideas for new and expecting moms:
Where is DockATot Made?
DockATot is made in Estonia.
You’ll notice that DockATot prides itself in being made in Europe.
But as Slovak and Croatian diaspora, my husband and I wanted to know exactly where it’s made (at the odd chance maybe one of our little countries is manufacturing these things).
Estonia is pretty close, haha.
What is the DockATot Deluxe+
According to DockATot’s US website, DockATot is described as a:
“
multi-functional lounging, playing, chilling, resting and snuggling dock for baby and tots 0-36 months
“
But there’s more to the story.
Why was the DockATot created?
The DockATot was originally launched in Sweden (released under the brand name Sleepyhead in Europe and Africa) as a co-sleeping option for new parents.
In Europe and Asia, cosleeping is actually quite normal though.
However, here in Canada and the United States, co-sleeping remains an extremely controversial subject.
In fact, it was so controversial in Canada that the DockATot is no longer even sold here.
I literally can’t even access the US version of the website here since it redirects me to the Canadian one.
However, I can get onto the South African website where its recommended usage is described as:
“
Sleepyhead (DockATot) Deluxe and Sleepyhead Grand are designed to be comfy and ultra-reliable sleeping pods for little ones ages 0-36 months. You can use Sleepyhead for safe co-sleeping, crib inserts, supervised tummy time, play time, snuggle time, naps, as a changing station, or any time you need to put baby down in a comforting spot.
“
I’m happy I got both of mine when I did because, while you couldn’t get the DockATot itself online (it was no longer approved by the Canadian government at that point), you could actually still buy covers for them on Indigo and other Canadian retailers.
The problem comes down to the dangerous ways some people were using the product.
How We Used the DockATot Deluxe+
The DockATot Deluxe+ is my go-to co-sleeping tool when I spend the night at my mom’s.
I place my baby in it wearing JUST her sleeper – my babies both ran hot or I would have put a onesie on underneath her sleeper.
The side bumpers are meant to prevent her from moving while simulating a parent’s embrace.
For us, it also worked in preventing her from rolling side to side.
Our first night at the hospital after she was born, N already rolled over onto her stomach while I tried to sleep!
After that, I was paranoid and only took short attempted naps while my husband monitored us both.
Here’s my newborn baby sleeping in her dock at one day old.
As Nadia has grown larger, the fit is also more snug which gives this mama more peace of mind.
DockATot Deluxe+ Pros:
- depending on your government’s guidelines, it can be a safe co-sleeping option for your baby
- can be used in a crib or as a co-sleeper
- made with quality materials in Europe (Estonia)
- recommended for ages 0 to 8 months old
- removable covers mean messes are easy to clean up
- thick fabric means messes don’t get through to the pillow
- handle makes it easy to transport
- breathable fabric keeps baby cool
- travel bags are available to keep your dock clean when you’re on the go
- proximity of side bumpers mimics parent holding baby
- enclosed on all sides when the bottom clip is fastened
- when unclipped, can be use as a diaper changing pad
- helps baby in transition from crib to bed
- Grand size can be purchased when kids outgrow Deluxe+
DockATot Deluxe+ Cons:
- expensive
- flat surface may be uncomfortable for your baby during awake time
- baby does not have a good view of surroundings from this position
- not considered safe for sleeping in North America
- unavailable to purchase brand new in Canada (check Facebook Marketplace for used ones)
Here’s a photo of my 3.5 month old enjoying her DockATot Deluxe+ 🙂
What is Boppy Lounger
I’ll admit it, when this was first suggested to me by Amazon, I wondered what on earth it was and why anyone would need it!
Did I really need to spend another $33 USD on baby gear?
After growing tired of carrying my baby everywhere during the day and her growing tired of me laying her flat on her back, I gave it a try.
What a GAME CHANGER!
The Boppy Newborn Lounger is a baby support pillow that was designed with a recessed interior to fit your baby’s cute little toosh!
And like washing a nursing pillow, you can throw it into your machine for a very easy and good clean.
Where is Boppy Newborn Lounger Made?
The Boppy Lounger is made in China.
Boppy Newborn Lounger Pros:
- inexpensive
- recessed interior so baby has a better view
- better in aiding digestion than a flat surface
- takes up a small amount of space
- handle makes it easy to transport
- made specifically for newborn babies
- breathable fabric that’s easy to spot clean
- lightweight
- machine washable for larger spills
Boppy Newborn Lounger Cons
- only usable for 0-4 months*
- NOT for sleeping
- no bumpers so baby may slide forward or roll
- should be machine washed on its own
* my daughter grew out of it at 3 months old
She also started pushing up with her legs which caused her to slide out of the lounger.
Here’s my 3.5 month old in the Boppy Newborn Lounger 🙂
Which is Better: The DockATot Deluxe+ or Boppy Lounger?
I actually have two answers for you depending on your situation!
You Have a Terrible Sleeper: Get the DockATot Deluxe+
If you talked to me when I had just my first baby, I would have told you the DockATot Deluxe+ is the only way to go.
But my needs were VERY different back then.
Since my firstborn was a TERRIBLE sleeper, catching up on rest every moment I could get it was my priority.
In fact, I credit the DockATot with actually getting her to sleep at least 6 hours straight in the first place.
This FINALLY happened when she was 9 months old and we had purchased the DockATot Grand in a desperate attempt to get her to sleep.
I will always be grateful for this thing!
Here’s M at one-year-old sleeping in her DockATot Grand.
This dock is meant to feel like an embrace for larger babies (and toddlers!) and is NOT meant for newborns.
You shouldn’t use a Grand until your baby reaches AT LEAST 8 months old.
Do note that the price tag is higher because it’s large enough to accommodate kids as old as 3 years old – my taller than average now 4-year-old still fits inside and has taken naps in there this year!
You need somewhere to put your baby down during the day: Get the Boppy Lounger
Nadia is NOT usually a fan of being in the DockATot during the day!
But the Boppy Lounger gives me a comfortable (and safe) place to put her down while I’m tidying up or spending time with my older daughter.
The pillow also has a slight incline to aid in digestion.
I don’t know how you feel after eating but I’m definitely more comfortable sitting up than lying down.
Imagine how your baby, who’s still developing, feels after a big nurse or bottle feeding!
Do you need a Boppy Lounger and a DockATot?
Since the Boppy Lounger and DockATot are completely different products, you may actually benefit from picking up both of them!
Although I personally went with a Snoo for my newest baby, I have experience using the DockATot from my first daughter and can tell you that it helped her start sleeping through the night.
Now, back then, I only had one baby! So, I was fine carrying her around all the time because I didn’t have another little person depending on me.
With two, I need a safe spot to put down Nadia when I help Marina with the potty, cooking for her, etc.
If you have one child, the DockATot is probably enough.
But if you have two kids, I recommend getting both the Boppy Newborn Lounger and the DockATot Deluxe+ since they serve different purposes.
For $208 USD combined, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing your baby is comfortable all day long.
Depending on where you live and what you’re comfortable with, the DockATot vs Boppy Lounger debate is easily solved when you consider why each product was designed.
The Boppy Lounger was NEVER recommended as a place for your baby to sleep.
It has a slight incline so your baby can have a great view of the world while she rests her head.
This also promotes a position that’s better for baby’s developing digestive system than lying her flat on her back alone.
The DockATot however, was originally developed as a safe co-sleeping option.
And although it is still sold as such in some parts of the world, in North America, the DockATot is now recommended as a baby lounger in the United States.
Please refer to your local government’s safe sleeping guidelines and product instructions before using either the Boppy Lounger and DockATot Deluxe+ for your newborn baby.
Wishing you safe sleeping and lots of love in your first days as a new mom, friend!
Nikki Slivarich
Writer
Blessed mama of two beautiful little girls. I’m a full-time blogger and social media content creator who teaches moms and boss babes how to start an online business. Follow me on social for clever ideas to make money using the platforms you already love!