In the world of baby loungers, the Snuggle Me and the Dock A Tot reign supreme. But which one is better? Below you will find our breakdown of the Snuggle Me Vs Dock A Tot and we will reveal which is best.
We have tried both of these baby loungers (or nest pillows, as many refer to them) out, so we know what they’re all about. We are here to go over the details, talk about what sets them apart, and help you decide which will be the best for you!
Since this article was originally published, lawmakers have called for a halt on the sale of baby loungers. Keep in mind, baby loungers are NEVER safe for sleep and your baby should be under constant supervision if using one. If you choose to forgo a baby lounger, a baby swing or bouncer is a good alternative.
Snuggle Me vs Dock a Tot: The Breakdown
When reviewing baby loungers there are a few things we consider; materials, comfort, ease of cleaning, size, pricing, and the capability for co-sleeping.
| Ranking Categories | The winner is… |
|---|---|
| Materials | Snuggle Me |
| Comfort and Shape | Dock A Tot |
| Ease of Cleaning | Tied |
| Size | Dock a Tot |
| Pricing | Snuggle Me |
| Co-Sleeping | Neither! |
Want to know more about how we selected a winner for each category? Check out our detailed descriptions below! Understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision on which lounger is better suited for your needs.
*If you are considering co-sleeping, read below for further information. Be sure to also discuss it with your doctor.
Materials
There are a couple of different material options for the Snuggle Me. For example, the Snuggle Me Original has a cotton cover with a polyester fill. But with organic products being in high demand, Snuggle Me also came out with a version made of organic cotton.
Here’s the most important thing though; no matter what Snuggle Me lounger you go with, you can rest assured that the materials are 100% natural, chemical-free, and all of them are made in the USA.
The Dock A Tot doesn’t come in any organic fabric options. However, its materials are hypoallergenic and breathable.
Winner: Snuggle Me
Comfort and Shape
The Snuggle Me is extremely comfy, no questions about it. I feel like I am laying my baby on top of a cloud when I set them in it! It has a pillow that goes all the way around, providing a snuggly hugging feeling. One thing to consider with the DockATot vs Snuggle Me is that some parents report that the Snuggle Me can make some babies a bit hot.
Dock A Tot is flatter and broader in comparison with Snuggle Me. As a result, their lounger has more ventilation, so you don’t have to worry about babies becoming hot or sweaty. There’s more room in the center for babies to move around. Plus, the Dock A Tot opens up at the bottom to make room for growing legs and feet meaning your little one can use them for longer.
To put it simply, the Snuggle Me is like a donut pillow and the Dock A Tot is more like a little bed with a bumper around it.
Winner: Dock A Tot
Ease of Cleaning
Snuggle Me vs Dock a Tot; which is easier to clean? Luckily, they both have some pieces that are machine washable. If you talk to any parent who has used a baby lounger (or any baby gear for that matter) chances are they’ll tell you that it is all kind of a pain to clean. But, it has to get done!
The Snuggle Me loungers and covers can both be tossed in the wash on a cold gentle cycle. The cover can then be put in the dryer on low heat or no heat. However, it is recommended that you hang the lounger up to dry.
Cleaning the Dock A Tot is pretty similar to above. As for the cover, all you have to do is throw it in the washer and dryer. It doesn’t even have to be on gentle settings. If your baby spits up or makes a mess in the cover- no problem, just toss it in and it’ll be ready in no time. The pad should be hand washed and set out to dry. As for the tube, it shouldn’t need washing. Just shake it out to fluff it back up.
Note: Because both the Snuggle Me and Dock A Tot have a cover, you can typically avoid washing the pillow part!
Winner: Tied
Check out care instructions for the Dock a Tot below!
Size
Size is another difference between Snuggle Me and Dock A Tot. The Snuggle Me comes in infant size (0 to 8 months) and toddler size (9 months-3 years).
Dock A Tot also comes in different sizes; the Dock a Tot Deluxe and the Dock a Tot Grand.
Winner: Dock A Tot
Price of the Snuggle Me Vs Dock a Tot
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, then look into the Snuggle Me. They are generally more reasonably priced. Snuggle Me’s run around $100, depending on color and fabric. The Dock A Tot Deluxe Plus runs around $175.
Winner: Snuggle Me
What You Need to Know About Co-Sleeping
Let’s chat about safe co-sleeping. Baby loungers were initially invented as a co-sleeping tool to help parents and babies get some sleep. But then the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) and CPSC announced a few years ago that leaving babies in loungers unsupervised is dangerous.
For example, the baby could roll out of the loungers by accident. They also pose a suffocating risk (the baby could turn to the side and have trouble with the padded sides). In other words, they’re lovely to have around, but you should still use caution with loungers.
Dock a Tot used to have fewer restrictions for co-sleeping. However, because the United
States passed the new Infant Sleep Product Rule in 2022, the Dock A Tot Deluxe+ is now being phased out of production in the United States. Dock A Tot has announced that they will have a new product coming in 2023 and we can’t wait to try it out when it is released!
What about Snuggle Me? Their company stated that their pillow is not to be used for co-sleeping. You can still use their products to help the baby rest or play, but it should be done under supervision.
Winner: Neither, baby loungers cannot be safely used for co-sleeping.
All About the Snuggle Me
As the name says, the lounger snuggles the baby by cradling them. It reminds them of being in the womb and gives them a sense of comfort and security. Parents can use Snuggle Me for tummy time to encourage head and neck movement. There are some reports that the lounger is able to help with reflux too.
The design has a sling-type of fabric in the center, surrounded by a soft pillow. Then, a cover is placed over the entire thing. This keeps everything smooth and enclosed. Keep in mind that the space in the center sling is smaller than the Dock A Tot.
The nice thing about Snuggle Me is they have organic versions, which means the materials are all-natural and chemical-free. And their products are made in the USA. They also come with a guarantee– if you don’t love it, you can send it back within 30 days.
Ideal for:
- Newborns and small babies
- If your baby loves being swaddled with a blanket
Pros:
- Organic
- Resembles the hugging effects of the womb
- Comes with a 30-day guarantee
Cons:
- Takes longer to clean (has to be hung up to dry)
- May cause some babies to become a bit sweaty, especially during hot weather
- Unsafe for co-sleeping and naps, your baby needs to be removed immediately if they are sleepy and placed in their crib or bassinet
Shop Snuggle Me and Dock A Tot Below!
All About the Dock A Tot
The Dock A Tot is another lounger designed to cradle the baby and provide comfort. It was first invented in Sweden.
What’s nice about this lounger is the amount of space in the center. It’s large enough that there is a bigger gap between the baby and the sides. This means older babies, even toddlers, can still fit in the Dock A Tot. Some parents consider that a big bonus.
Unlike the Snuggle Me, the larger center comes with a padded bottom, so you can put the lounger directly on the floor, and it would still feel comfortable.
Ideal for:
- Babies and toddlers
- If your baby/toddler loves laying down
Pros:
- Easier to clean
- Padded bottom
- More room in the center
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a hugging effect like Snuggle Me
- Newborns can’t use Dock A Tot Grand (a different version)
- Unsafe for co-sleeping and naps, your baby needs to be removed immediately if they are sleepy and placed in their crib or bassinet
Check out a more detailed review of the Dock a Tot here!
For the Toddler Mamas; Snuggle Me Organic Toddler vs Dock a Tot Grand
If you are looking for a lounger for your toddler, you will want to focus on the toddler-sized Snuggle Me Organic or Dock a Tot Grand. We recommend the Dock a Tot Grand because of the opening on the bottom which allows an older child much more movement.
Snuggle Me vs Dock a Tot: Which One Is Better?
When it really comes down to it, do you go with the Dock a Tot or Snuggle Me? We recommend the Snuggle Me because of its versatility, but it really comes down to your preferences and what you consider a must-have in a product.
Will you go with the Doc a Tot or Snuggle Me? Let us know below in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better dock a tot or snuggle me?
When it really comes down to it, do you go with the Dock a Tot or Snuggle Me? We recommend the Snuggle Me because of its versatility, but it really comes down to your preferences and what you consider a must-have in a product.
Is snuggle me safe for sleeping?
No, the Snuggle Me is not intended to be used for baby sleep and is designed for supervised use only. It is a lounger and does not meet the safety guidelines that a crib/bassinet should.
Can newborns sleep in dock a tot?
The Dock A Tot is not intended to be used for baby sleep. It is meant for your baby to lounge in during awake times.
Which is safer DockATot or Snuggle Me?
Both the Dock A Tot and Snuggle Me are safe as long as they are being used according to their guidelines. Your baby should be supervised in their lounger at all times.
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