Baby loungers can be a great help in the first few months after birth. In the past few years, they’ve become increasingly more popular thanks to lots of celebrities who have snapped their own babies all cozy in their loungers.
They’re a fantastic invention, providing babies with a cozy place to lay, snooze, or play. The design of these types of loungers is fantastic at keeping your baby calm and happy as it makes them feel like they’re being hugged.
We’re going to be looking at two of the most popular baby loungers: Snuggle Me Organic and the DockATot Deluxe Dock. Both of these products provide a safe and snuggly space for your little one to relax.
But what are the similarities and differences between them? Let’s take a look.
In this article
Baby Loungers – What You Need To Know
These types of padded loungers were originally designed to help co-sleeping parents get a better night’s sleep.
They allowed them to co-sleep confidently as they give babies a space of their own to snuggle into, allowing mom and dad to get the sleep that they so desperately need.
Then a few years ago, the AAP and Health Canada all announced that using any type of baby lounger, baby pod, or baby nest unsupervised could possibly put your baby in danger.
This is due to the fact that your baby could roll over or turn to the side and suffocate against the walls of the lounger. There is also the risk that a baby could roll out of the nest and fall off a bed.
The new recommendations stated that these types of loungers shouldn’t be used unsupervised. That’s why it is not advised to use these loungers when co-sleeping.
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Baby & Sleep – The Facts
A full-term healthy newborn and those babies up to around three months of age should be spending the best part of a 24 hour day asleep. That means they should be sleeping for around 14 to 17 hours in a day.
Remember that these hours aren’t consecutive and that during the first month of its life, a baby will only sleep for around 2 to 4 hours at a time. This is due to it being woken when they’re hungry.
At night, a baby should clock up around 8 to 12 hours of sleep. They will, of course, still wake at regular intervals for feeding. They will make up the rest of the time by taking around 2 to 5 short naps during the day.
Now with all this sleep going on while you can still supervise them, the baby loungers become the perfect safe place to let them catch 40 winks while you enjoy a hot cup of coffee and put your feet up.
The Similarities
A Sleep Solution
There are two groups of people that are looking at using a baby lounger. Those that are looking for a safe place for their baby to nap and those that are looking for a safe space for their baby to co-sleep with them.
Everyday life and the exhaustion of being a new parent often means that these two groups need overlap.
One of the biggest similarities between the Snuggle Me and the DockATot is that they were both originally designed for both of these exact needs: to provide a safe space for co-sleeping and a safe place for the baby to nap.
Both have raised sides that clearly define the space for the baby, which is far safer than baby just being in mom and dad’s bed where they could be rolled on by a parent or get tangled up in the blankets.
However, after new warnings with regard to the safety of using these kinds of loungers unsupervised, a baby could roll over onto their side and suffocate against these raised sides.
That means what was deemed a safe space and a product that gave parents peace of mind while co-sleeping no longer serves that purpose. This is especially worrisome if your baby is older and has gained some motor skills.
DockATot has a slightly different design that makes it more suitable for co-sleeping. It’s a little bigger than the Snuggle Me, ensuring that there’s more of a gap between the sides and baby.
Snuggle Me also states that their lounger isn’t to be used as a sleep device per AAP recommendations.
Both of these products offer a safe place for your baby to relax. As long as they’re supervised, there’s no reason that they cannot nap in them during the day.
They provide the baby with a feeling of being hugged, which may allow them to be out of mom’s arms for her to rest or get on and do what she needs to do.
Ratings
Both of these loungers are highly rated on Amazon and have received many great reviews. Snuggle Me is rated as 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 2,017 ratings, while DockATot is rated as 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 909 ratings.
Practicalities
The covers of both loungers are removable and machine washable. This is really practical as baby often spits up or has a diaper explosion. The covers also come in a wealth of different colors and patterns.
The Differences
Hugging Action
The biggest difference that you’ll find is the actual construction of the loungers. The Snuggle Me has like a sling at its center that hugs your baby when placed inside. While the DockATot doesn’t have this hugging action due to its tubular sides.
Materials
While both products are fully machine washable and separate covers can be purchased, only the Snuggle Me has different material options.
The Snuggle Me Organic lounger has a cover made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, while the Snuggle Me Linen Lounger has a cover made from GOTS-certified organic linen.
Both loungers are made from the same GOTS-certified organic cotton and hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill. The DockATot is only available in hypoallergenic materials that are all OEKO-TEX certified fabrics that do not harbor heat.
Size Options
The Snuggle Me comes in one size which is designed and recommended for babies aged 0 to 9 months.
The DockATot is available in two different sizes, the Deluxe and the Grand. The Deluxe is designed for babies 0 to 9 months, while the Grand is designed for babies and toddlers 9 to 36 months.
The Grand is designed to help older children to feel safe and comfortable. It can also help with the transition from crib to bed as the bumpers act as a bed guard, preventing your child from falling out.
The Grand as you would expect is much bigger than the Deluxe. The Grand is 24 inches wide by 39-47 inches long depending on whether you close the clasps or not.
The Deluxe is only 18 inches wide by 29-34 inches long depending again on whether the clasps are closed or not.
Snuggle Me
Patented Design
The Snuggle Me has a design that does exactly what its name suggests: to snuggle your baby. This sensation is created by the unpadded center sling section that when you place your baby in it causes the sides to come in and hug your baby.
This hugging action helps to keep your baby on their back. This unpadded center sling section is perfect as it rests perfectly on whatever surface you place the lounger on. This surface should be flat and firm.
This lounger is only recommended for your baby while they’re sleeping on their back the same as the safe sleep recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Age Range
The Snuggle Me is most suited to babies under 6 months. This is due to the way that the sling center cradles and hugs your baby.
Once a baby becomes more mobile, they tend not to need or want that close hugging sensation and often want a little bit of space to stretch out.
Portable Sleep Solution
One of the best features of the Snuggle Me is that it can be taken anywhere with you. It can be used on a variety of different surfaces such as a bed, a couch, or even the floor, although this will depend on your baby’s age and mobility.
It’s perfect to take to grandma’s house or even on a family vacation. It allows your baby to rest and relax in a familiar sleeping area even though they are in unfamiliar surroundings. It also comes with a travel bag exactly for this purpose.
Materials
The Snuggle Me Organic lounger is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and filled with hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill. This one has a cover that is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton.
You can also purchase a Linen Lounger that’s made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and filled with hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill but the cover is made from GOTS certified organic linen.
The Snuggle Me states that it is 100% made in the USA and is fully machine washable.
Size
It’s 18 inches wide and 27 inches long. This is a decent sized area for a young baby to relax.
Multi-Use
The Snuggle Me has multiply uses making it great value for money. It has been used as a co-sleeping tool. Although this is now not recommended by the manufacturers.
It can also be used for playtime or even to just be able to keep your baby close while you go about your day at home, making them feel like they are in the middle of it all.
It’s perfect for tummy time, which helps your baby to strengthen their head and neck control. Some users have reported that it is helpful in dealing with reflux too.
Guarantee
Another great feature of this lounger is their LOVE IT guarantee which states that they’ll accept returns and exchanges of products purchased directly from their website within 60 days of the purchase date.
It also comes with a 6-month manufacturing warranty.
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DockATot
Hugging Action
The DockATot provides a cozy and safe environment that gives your baby a gentle hug which helps them to feel snug and secure. Once your baby gets bigger, you can undo the buckle at the bottom and give them a bit more room for their legs.
Size Options
The DockATot comes in two sizes the Deluxe and the Grand. The Deluxe is 18 inches wide and 29-34 inches long, the 34 inches is when the clasps are open.
The DockATot Grand is 24 inches wide and 39-47 inches long, the 47 inches is when the clasps are open.
Age Range
The DockATot is recommended for ages 0 to 8 months. There appears to be more room within the lounger area, making it perfect even when your baby has increased mobility. The DockATot Grand is suitable for babies and toddlers aged 9-36 months.
Design
The DockATot was designed in Sweden and is manufactured in Europe. Due to its European heritage, it has a large following overseas.
Materials
All materials used come pre-washed so they’re ready to use. All fabrics used are OEKO-TEX certified, so they don’t harbor heat.
Safety first
DockATot is perfect for babies to sleep on their backs while co-sleeping as long as all Sleep Safety guidelines are being followed. It can also be used for supervised tummy time inside the DockATot.
It isn’t recommended for sleeping on the tummy but then that is never recommended for babies. It’s also not recommended for use inside a crib or pack n play. It should always be placed on a flat and firm surface.
Multi-use
The DockATot is a multi-use lounger that offers a comfy spot for your baby to rest, lounge, play, cuddle, even do tummy time and diaper changes. It also has built-in handles for easy transportation from one room to another.
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FAQs
Can either a Snuggle Me or DockATot be used in a crib?
Both the Snuggle Me and the DockATot should only be used under supervision. The Snuggle Me is a great place for your baby to hang out relax or sleep while under your close supervision.
Is it safe for babies to sleep in Snuggle Me or DockATot?
Yes, but only under close supervision. They should never be left alone to sleep in either product.
Even though both products were originally designed as a co-sleeping aid, trusted authorities have advised against their use for this purpose due to the risk of suffocation.
Is the Snuggle Me Washable?
Yes, it’s fully machine washable. You can purchase a liner to go between the cover and lounger to reduce the need for washing the actual lounger.
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The Final Thought
Personally, I think that the choice of product that you make will greatly depend on the age and stage that your baby is at. It’ll also depend on your baby and whether they like the feeling of being hugged and held close.
If your baby is very young and enjoys that feeling of being snug and secure, the Snuggle Me is perfect for them. It will provide the perfect solution for those first few months.
However, if your baby is older or like mine did not like the feeling of being snug, swaddled, and hugged, the DockATot would be a better option for them.
It would offer a good solution and the clasps can be opened allowing your baby to have even more space to stretch out. Whichever you choose you will not be disappointed!
