8 Cheaper Dockatot Alternatives (+The Best DockATot Dupe!)

Almost every parent that I know has heard of the Dock A Tot. It has gotten a lot of praise for helping their baby sleep (for supervised naps). You can also use it after bathing your baby or when you need to get things done with your clingy baby.

But it’s so darn expensive!

It’s almost the price of a stroller, crib, or bassinet – baby items that I think are more essential. And you don’t even know if your baby is going to like sleeping on a Dock A Tot! 

But if you need one and you’re looking for a cheaper dockatot alternative, then this article is for you.

I’ve put together the most popular DockATot dupes that recommended by a lot of parenting websites and even parents online. 

Some of these DockATot knockoffs are also GOTS certified, and have more or less, the same features of the Dock A Tot.

I’ve also included other dock a tot alternatives that are not baby loungers but they’re still comfortable enough for your baby to lounge and hang out in.

Let’s start with a quick comparison table at my top Dock a Tot alternatives.

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In a Hurry? We Recommend…

The best DockATot dupe in our opinion, is the cheaper but premium baby lounger, the Snuggle Me Organic!

Cheaper Dockatot Alternatives: Feature Comparison Table

This is best viewed on a desktop. Here’s a quick comparison guide of our top 3 baby loungers that are similar to the Dock A Tot.

Features	Snuggle Me	Mamibaby	Lalame
Size	29 x 17 x 4 inches, center is 20.5 x 7 in	31.5 x 19.6 inches	35 x 17 x 5 inches
Weight	3 pounds	3.5 pounds	3.39 pounds
Safety	GOTS certified	Oeko-Tex certified	Organic cotton
Portable	Yes	Yes	Yes
Maintenance	Entire lounger with cover is machine washable	Removable, double sided machine washable cover	– Entire lounger is machine washable – Waterproof cover is not removable

Below is more detailed info on these dockatot alternatives plus other comfy loungers or similar items that your baby can hang out in.

Best Dockatot Alternatives 

Snuggle Me Organic Baby Lounger

The Snuggle Me Organic is not as similar to the DockATot when it comes to the padding and the adjustable bottom part feature. 

But they’re usually pitted against each other, making the Snuggle Me a good dockatot alternative. 

If you want to see a detailed comparison review of the Snuggle Me Organic vs DockTot which you can check here.

The Snuggle Me is USA-made, with materials that are organic, sustainable, and non-toxic, making it safe for newborns.

Its ethically made materials are GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard certified, which is the highest certification for ONLY organic materials. 

This means they won’t cover products that have non-organic materials or don’t comply with ethically social standards.

It’s light enough for travel and easy to clean. Just chuck the entire baby lounger in the washing machine and air dry it afterward! 

No need to assemble it again, unlike the Dock a Tot.

The Snuggle Me also comes with a cover to protect the baby lounger from spit-ups, vomits, and the occasional diaper blowouts.

You can also buy the lounger with a cover plus the travel bag separately.

It doesn’t have a padded base though and the sides can’t be cinched to make it tighter.

However, those very features create a sort of cradle when you put your baby on the lounger, as the sides are pulled in and the center becomes narrow.

This prevents your baby from rolling and gives them a hugging sensation, making the space snug for a newborn.

This feature helps which lets them sleep better, as they feel more secure and comforted in that space.

It’s almost half the cost of Dockatott, it’s USA-made and has a high-quality material, making it our top choice for a dock a tot alternative.

How does it compare to the DockATot?

• Comes in 2 sizes (like the Dock A Tot)
• Makes newborns feel snugger and cradled (unlike the the Dock A Tot)
• Half the price of a Dock A Tot

Pros

• Cheaper
• Baby safe materials
• Cradles newborn better than Dock A Tot
• Entire lounger is machine washable
• Light and Portable
• Includes cover and travel bag
• Minimalistic design
• Can fit inside a crib, pack n play, bassinet

Cons

• No base padding
• Expensive replacement cover

Mamibaby Baby Lounger

The Mamibaby is a great dock a tot knock off, which just like the Dock A Tot, also carries the Oeko-Tex Certification. Which means that the material used is safe and gentle for your baby’s skin.

It has a 3d High-density padding, which can last longer and offers great support for a newborn.

Some parents mentioned their taller, older babies rolling out of it. But I think if that happens, it’s probably time to use a crib or other sleeping alternatives for nighttime sleeping.

It has a ribbon at the bottom part that allows you to tighten up the baby nest, to make your newborn feel snug and secure.

You can also easily open it up and provide more space for your baby.

Its zippered cover is also machine-washable, making it convenient to clean.

A few parents mentioned it’s not easy to assemble after washing. 

There’s also a tendency for the ribbon to move inside the cover. Here’s a tip though to prevent that from happening.

Its replacement cover is not cheap so I suggest getting the Mamibay lounger with a replacement cover. Which is a tad affordable.

How does it compare to the Dock A Tot?

• Oeko-Tex certified (like the Dockatot)
• Adjustable – can tighten or widen space for baby (like the Dock A tot)
• Makes newborns feel snugger and cradled (unlike the Dock a Tot)
• Way cheaper than a Dock A Tot

Pros

• Cheaper
• Baby safe materials
• Cradles newborn better than Dock A Tot
• Light and Portable
• With handle and includes package bag
• Double-sided, machine washable cover
• Can fit inside a crib, pack n play, bassinet

Cons

• Expensive replacement covers
• Have to assemble after cleaning
• Has complains of a flimsy zipper

LaLaMe Organic Baby Lounger

The LalaMe is a good cheaper version of the Dock A Tot, made with organic cotton, making it safe for your baby’s skin.

t can also be adjusted to be tighter and snug for your newborn or have more leg space for a bigger baby, just like the Dock a Tot!

Another convenient thing about this Dock A Tot dupe is that the whole lounger is machine washable. No need to assemble bumpers or cushions!

It also has a waterproof cover that’s stain and odor-resistant, a convenience for parents who have to deal with a lot of spit-ups, diaper leakages, and other messes.

You can’t remove the cover though, unlike the Snuggle Me Organic, so that can be a hassle. 

Especially if you’re traveling and you don’t really need to wash the entire lounger in the washing machine.

Other parents have complained about the lounger losing its shape when washed multiple times. 

There’s no available replacement cover for sale for this lounger, so some parents just opted to DIY a lounger cover.

How does it compare to the Dock A Tot?

• Organic cotton (like the Dock A Tot)
• Adjustable – can tighten or widen space for baby (like the Dock A Tot)
• Makes newborns feel snugger and cradled (unlike the Dock A Tot)
• Way cheaper than a Dock A Tot

Pros

• Cheaper
• Baby safe materials
• Cradles newborn better than Dock A Tot
• Comes with a waterproof, stain, and odor resistant cover
• Light and Portable
• With handle and includes travel bag

Cons

• Cover is not removable
• Replacement covers are not available
• Has complains of losing shape with multiple washings

Skip Hop Playful Retreat Baby Nest Lounger

This baby nest lounger is comfy enough for babies up to 9 months old, or at least until they are starting to roll over and sit up independently.

It comes with a snug, breathable cushion insert which you can remove to accommodate an older, bigger baby!

It’s also convenient for cleaning, as it’s machine-washable.

This Skip Hop baby nest also has a removable toy arch and comes with a shooting star toy, to distract and keep your baby busy.

It also comes with a carrying case so you can easily pack it up for travels, vacations, quick visits to grandparents, and whatnot.

How does it compare to the DockATot?

• Comes with a toy arch and toys (like the Dock A Tot)
• Can accommodate bigger babies (like the Dock A Tot) but not toddlers
• Machine washable cushion insert (unlike the Dock A Tot)
• Made with Polyester/polyurethane foam

Pros

• Machine washable cushion insert
• With detachable toy arch and soft toy
• Comes with a carrying case

Cons

• Not as cheap

Fisher-Price See & Soothe Deluxe Bouncer Hearthstone

This isn’t a DockATot dupe or knockoff, as well, it’s a baby bouncer!

But it can be a great Dock-A-Tot alternative, especially if you prefer something that can soothe and calm your baby down.

Just take note that this is not suitable for naps nor is it recommended for unsupervised playtime. 

Bigger, more mobile babies, those that are already rolling or trying to sit up, can get out of it or worse!

It has 20 minutes of music and sounds plus overhead mobile toys though, which is enough to keep your little ones entertained.

Parents love its soft cushion and lightweight material, which makes it easy to move it from one room to another.

Some are not a fan of its big warning sticker, which can be an eyesore. And others wished it was foldable so it would be easier to store.

Still, it’s a great Dock A Tot alternative as it is comfortable for your baby to hang out in and it’s easy to assemble. 

And it’s convenient enough, so you can free your hands and do some work, fold the laundry, clean the messy house, and such.

How does it compare to the DockATot?

• It’s a baby bouncer, not a baby lounger
• Heavier than the Dock A Tot
• But much more affordable

Pros

• Cheaper DockATot alternative
• Comes with music and toys
• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to Assemble

Cons

• Not foldable
• Need Batteries

Fisher-Price Portable Bassinet

This is a great Dock A Tot alternative to keep your baby safe and cozy, even if you’re outdoors!

It has an adjustable canopy that can cover your baby from the sun (UPF 20) and protect it from bugs.

It comes in a frustration-free, easy-to-open packaging, making it easy to assemble.

Parents also like its comfortable padding and its easy-to-carry feature – it folds flat so you can store it quickly or carry it conveniently for traveling.

It also comes with some toys, which is perfect for some newborn developmental activities.

And has enough space in it, for an infant to do some tummy time!

Some parents find it a bit annoying that they can’t set the canopy down all the way. So you either get a half dome or a full dome. Some also find it’s a bit heavier than expected.

But overall, parents love that it’s definitely worth the price. You can use it on the go anywhere – indoors, at outdoor picnics, visiting in-laws – while keeping your baby safe, happy, and comfy.

How does it compare to the DockATot?

• It’s a bassinet, not a baby lounger
• Heavier than the Dock A Tot
• But so much cheaper!

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to assemble
• Can be used outdoors
• Comes with canopy and toys
• Portable

Cons

• Can’t fold down the canopy completely
• Not as light as the DockATot

SwaddleMe By Your Side Sleeper Bassinet for Breastfeeding

The SwaddleMe BedSleeper is a cheaper Dock A Tot alternative, comfy enough for your baby to lounge in.

It’s mostly convenient if you want your baby on your bed for breastfeeding and you don’t want your spouse rolling on your little one, as it has a sturdy metal frame.

Some parents wished that there were some padding around the frame, as their babies keep bumping their heads on it.

Others also noticed that this bed sleeper tends to make some noise when their baby is moving in it.

Still a lot of moms find it very convenient and useful, as they can quickly check on their baby because of its mesh material.

Although, it’s not GOTS certified.

It’s padding is actually made from polyurethane so some moms opted to buy a different padding and cover it.

It’s very durable though, and portable and can be easily be carried for vacations and travels.

How does it compare to the Dock A Tot?

• It’s a bedside sleeper, not a baby lounger
• Made from Polyurethane (unlike the Dock A Tot)
• But cheaper than a Dock A Tot

Pros

• Cheap
• Sturdy and durable
• With metal frame to protect the newborn from getting rolled over
• Breathable mesh sides
• Foldable and portable
• Wipe frames with a damp cloth

Cons

• Tight fit on a queen-size bed
• Shifts baby’s position when there’s movement on the bed

ChildLike Baby Lounger

The ChildLike baby lounger is not as popular as the other dockatot knockoffs. 

But it’s a great contender for its super affordable price and its soft, velvety, machine washable cover.

Its material is also OEKO-TEX certified, making it safe for an infant’s use.

It also has a water-resistant mattress, which is a great feature to have for diaper leakages and other messes.

The ChildLike baby lounger also has a thick base so your baby can be comfortable in it, even if you place them on the floor!

The bottom clasp can be closed up to make it a snug fit for your newborn or to open it up, to accommodate a taller baby.

There are not many reviews about it since it’s not as well-known as the other dockatot alternatives.

But a parent mentioned that it had a flimsy zipper and one said that the bumper padding is not as thick and is almost flat.

The ribbons can also slide out of the cover.

How does it compare to the Dock A Tot?

• GOTS certified
• Adjustable – can tighten or widen space for baby

Pros

• Way cheaper than a Dock A Tot
• Baby safe materials
• Light and Portable
• Comes with a waterproof mattress
• Removable, machine washable cover

Cons

• Replacement covers are not available
• Not popular = not many online reviews
• Has complains of lounger being almost flat
• Has complain of a flimsy zipper

Other Dock A Tot Alternatives

For Sleeping

Dock a Tots, baby nests and even bouncers, are only recommended for supervised activities. Manufacturers don’t even advise this for napping or overnight sleeping. 

So if you’re looking for another safer dockatot alternative, aside from bassinets, you can also use travel cribs, pack n play, cribs WITH a wearable swaddle or sleep sack!

Swaddles or sleep sacks will make your baby feel secure and can also prevent sudden movements or Moro reflex, which can cause them to wake up multiple times.

Sleepsacks can also maintain your baby’s body temperature without the danger of overheating. 

It’s also much better than a regular blanket as there’s no risk of it moving and suffocating them.

You can check out some cribs, bassinets, and other sleeping options here and some sleep sack recommendations below.

For Waking Times

Another doc a tot alternative that’s not a baby lounger, are Montessori play gyms, baby swings, and rockers.

These are for waking times so if you want to bond with your baby and interact with them, these are the perfect items to put your baby in.

I would highly recommend a baby gym or a Montessori play gym, as your baby could start doing tummy time on it and a lot of other things that can help with their development. 

Especially if the baby activity gym has its own set of toys and even its own mobile app to guide parents on how to play with their baby!

There are also baby swings or rockers that you can easily move around the house or even bring with you for traveling.

You can check out some highly recommended baby gyms, swings, and rockers here.

Features to Consider in a Knock Off Dock a Tot

Safety

The number one feature to consider in a dock a tot knock-off is its safety. Doctors, nurses, and even manufacturers themselves don’t recommend baby loungers for napping and overnight sleeping. 

Your baby can turn their head and smush their face on the side, suffocating them. 

Or they can angle their neck in such a way that can cause asphyxiation. That’s actually the reason why the Boppy Lounger has been recalled.

So please take note and remember that warning if you have the intention of using a dock at tot alternative for unsupervised sleeping.

Comfort

The material should be non-toxic and safe even for newborns. It should be soft and comfortable for your baby to lie on. 

It shouldn’t feel rough on their skin and there should be nothing poking out or bending in that could make lying down on it unbearable for your baby.

It would also be great if it doesn’t make your baby too hot or sweaty.

Size

Look for a baby lounger that’s lightweight and can be carried easily from one room to another.

You would want something that’s portable so you can just move it anywhere and keep your baby close when you need to do chores or work.

It would also be great if that baby lounger comes with its own travel bag, so you can bring it with you for visits to in-laws or vacations.

Maintenance

Ideally, a baby lounger should be easy to clean and maintain. Especially when there are newborn messes to handle, such as spit-ups, vomits, and diaper blowouts.

It would be great if the baby lounger has its own cover so you don’t need to look for one that can fit it.

It would also be more convenient if it’s easy to clean and chuck in the washing machine. One that can be easily assembled is also ideal to have.

Dock a Tot Knock off: Helpful Tips 

Tie it or pin it

Some dock a tot knock-offs like the Mamibaby and Childlike has ribbons that tend to move inside the cover. 

To avoid that, do either of the following BEFORE putting the baby lounger in the washing machine:

• Tie and double knot the ribbons. Make the knot big enough that it won’t slip inside the cover.
• Use a safety pin. Pin the ribbons to the cover so they won’t move.

Put a changing pad

Most baby lounger covers are not waterproof (except for the LaLaMe Organic Baby Lounger ).

So I suggest putting a blanket over the baby lounger, then placing a changing pad under that blanket. So the lounger will be protected from your baby’s spit-ups and poonamis.

Just remember to always supervise your baby when they’re on the baby lounger, especially when they’re lying down on it with a blanket.

FAQ: Dockatot Knockoff

How To Find a “Cheaper Version” of DockATot

• Buy it second-hand

You can find one on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or you can also check out some gently used and open box Dockatots here.

• Get it from Etsy

Type in “baby nest” and see other baby loungers that are similar to a dock a tot.

Just take note of the materials and remember that some of them didn’t go through the usual regulatory process or standard test for safe baby items.

Takeaway on Dockatot Alternatives

These dockatot knock offs are not a newborn essential item. But, but and a big BUT! I do know that feeling of trying everything but your baby just won’t sleep, especially at night.

And I know how desperate we, parents, can get. Especially when you’re a sleep-deprived, overwhelmed mom who’s also breastfeeding and is taking care of other kids. Desperate enough to buy and try anything to make our little bugger sleep.

I didn’t use a baby lounger but I used a baby swing for my baby (which is also not safe for overnight sleeping, by the way) then when she couldn’t sleep at night!

I also know a lot of parents who have used a baby lounger for sleeping and their baby was perfectly fine. 

So just remember the risk and warnings that come with a baby lounger. 

If you’re having second thoughts about it, I would just highly recommend a bassinet (especially if you’re breastfeeding) then use a sleep sack on your baby.

Sleep Sack

But if you’d still like to try a dock a tot knock off, I hope this article has helped you decide on the best dockatot alternative for your baby.