Ashwin Lewis
The DockATot Deluxe+ is a small, nest-like station for babies to rest, lounge, play, and do tummy time. It has been marketed as a safe sleep product for babies, but there are concerns about its safety. The DockATot has been banned in Canada, and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a notice of violation, stating that the product is unsafe for infant sleep and may not be imported, distributed, or sold in the United States. Safe sleep experts agree that there is no safe co-sleeping and that the DockATot should not be placed in a crib, bassinet, or other sleep surface. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on their backs in a bare crib without any additional bedding, pillows, or blankets to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
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What You'll Learn
The DockATot is not safe for unsupervised sleep
The DockATot is a small, nest-like station for babies to rest, lounge, play, and do tummy time. It is not recommended for unsupervised sleep. While the DockATot website advertises the product as "100 percent breathable", this is not a regulated term in the US. The term breathability is only a marketing term also used by the makers of raincoats, sports bras, and bandages.
The DockATot is designed as an in-bed co-sleeper, and co-sleeping is one of the biggest risk factors for infant sleep deaths. The American Academy of Pediatrics has determined that the safest place for babies is in their crib. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has also cautioned that babies should be placed in a bare crib without any additional bedding, pillows, or blankets. There is a concern that an infant who can scoot or crawl out of the DockATot might get trapped between the side of the crib/cot, cradle, bassinet, or play yard.
Safe Sleep Experts agree that there is no "safe co-sleeping". The DockATot does not meet CPSC standards for a safe sleep environment. Only products labeled with the words "crib", "bassinet", or "play yard"/"playard" meet these standards. The DockATot has been banned in Canada and has been issued a notice of violation by the CPSC, which states that the product violates the Infant Sleep Products Rule and may not be imported, distributed, or sold in the United States.
The DockATot should not be used in a crib, bassinet, or play yard. It should only be used while babies are on their back and under the supervision of a caregiver.
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Co-sleeping is a risk factor for infant death
Co-sleeping is a common practice, with surveys showing that 9 in 10 parents co-sleep with their baby. However, it is important to recognize that co-sleeping can be a risk factor for infant death, specifically Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While many parents find that products like the DockATot help their babies sleep, it is important to understand the risks associated with co-sleeping and to prioritize safe sleep practices.
The DockATot Deluxe+ has been marketed as a sleep product for babies, but it does not meet the safety standards for a safe sleep environment. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States has issued a notice of violation, stating that the DockATot violates the Infant Sleep Products Rule and may not be imported, distributed, or sold in the country. Reports of infant deaths associated with DockATot products have been shared by members of the public, raising concerns about the safety of the product.
Co-sleeping, in general, is a risk factor for SIDS. Sleeping on a sofa or armchair with a baby, for example, can increase the risk of SIDS by up to 50 times. This is because babies can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and cannot breathe. Additionally, if a baby was born prematurely or weighed under 2.5 kg, co-sleeping can be especially hazardous. In these cases, it is recommended to provide the baby with their own clear, flat, and separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket.
To reduce the risk of SIDS and create a safe sleep environment, parents should avoid co-sleeping on sofas or armchairs and ensure that their bed is prepared appropriately if co-sleeping unintentionally occurs. It is crucial for parents to have open conversations with health professionals about co-sleeping and receive proper advice on how to reduce the risk of SIDS. While co-sleeping may be a common practice, prioritizing safe sleep practices can help prevent infant deaths and ensure the well-being of babies.
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DockATot's breathability claim is not a regulated term in the US
The DockATot Deluxe+ has been deemed unsafe for infant sleep by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC issued a notice of violation to DockATot, informing the company that its product violates the Infant Sleep Products Rule and may not be imported, distributed, or sold in the United States.
Despite this, the DockATot continues to be marketed and sold as a sleep product for babies, and many parents use it as such. The DockATot website cites breathability as the only safety regulation or standard related to sleep, claiming that the product is "100% breathable." However, it is important to note that "breathability" is not a regulated term in the United States. It is simply a marketing term, and the standard cited by DockATot is a British standard for air permeability of infant pillows.
In the United States, safe sleep experts unanimously agree that pillows, regardless of their breathability claims, should not be used in a baby's sleep environment. Rebreathing carbon dioxide is believed to be a major contributor to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This means that anything that can create an air pocket, such as a blanket, crib bumper, stuffed animal, or mom's sleep shirt, poses a risk for infants.
While some parents swear by the DockATot, claiming that it helps their babies sleep, safety must always come first. The DockATot is designed as an in-bed co-sleeper, and co-sleeping is one of the biggest risk factors for infant sleep deaths. Safe sleep experts agree that there is no safe co-sleeping, and the DockATot does not meet CPSC standards for a safe sleep environment. Therefore, it is important for parents to be aware of the risks associated with using the DockATot for infant sleep and to prioritize their child's safety above all else.
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DockATot has been banned in Canada
The DockATot is a small, portable bed for infants with soft, padded sides. It is marketed as a multi-functional product that can be used as a sleep surface, changing mat and tummy time mat. However, the product has faced scrutiny from experts and regulatory bodies in several countries due to safety concerns.
In Canada, DockATot has been banned since late 2017. Health Canada issued a warning about the suffocation risks associated with baby nests or baby pods, which was believed to refer to DockATot and similar products. Health Canada bans any sleep products that do not meet their strict safety standards. Notably, Health Canada's warning came after a 2016 incident in Australia, where a similar in-bed co-sleeper product was linked to an infant death.
DockATot pushed back against Health Canada's warning, claiming that their product is not intended for baby sleep. However, their marketing and social media presence contradicted this statement, as images of babies sleeping in DockATot products were prevalent on their Instagram feed.
The safety concerns surrounding DockATot are not limited to Canada. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a notice of violation to DockATot in 2022, stating that the product violates the Infant Sleep Products Rule and may not be imported, distributed, or sold in the country. The CPSC also highlighted reports of infant deaths associated with DockATot products, emphasizing the risks of using unsafe sleep products for babies.
Safe Sleep Experts in the U.S. agree that there is no safe co-sleeping, and placing the DockATot in a crib, bassinet, or other sleep surface is against the manufacturer's warnings. They emphasize that pillows, regardless of breathability claims, should not be used in a baby's sleep environment due to the risk of rebreathing carbon dioxide, a contributor to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
While some parents have found success with DockATot in helping their babies sleep, safety remains the top priority. It is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks associated with DockATot and similar products, and to prioritize safe sleep environments for their infants.
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Safe sleep alternatives for babies
Sleep safety for babies is a crucial topic, and it's understandable that parents want to ensure their baby is sleeping safely. The DockATot Deluxe+ has been deemed unsafe for sleep by the CPSC, and there are reports of infant deaths associated with this product.
So, what are some safe sleep alternatives for babies? Firstly, it's important to note that the safest way for a baby to sleep is flat on their back without any pillows, blankets, or toys in their sleep space. This significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Inclined products with an angle greater than 10 degrees, such as rockers, gliders, soothers, and swings, should never be used for infant sleep.
Swaddling is a popular option for newborns, as it provides warmth, security, and comfort. However, it's important to ensure that the fabric is secure and doesn't come loose, as this can pose a risk of suffocation. There are also swaddle transition products that offer more room for leg movement while still providing some restriction and enclosure. Sleep clothing, such as wearable blankets or sleep sacks, are also considered safe alternatives.
It's important to avoid any products that are not specifically designed for safe sleeping, and to always follow the recommendations of trusted organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC. Creating a safe sleep environment for your baby is crucial, and it's always better to prioritize safety over any potential sleep aid solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Doc-a-Tot is not safe for sleeping. It has been banned in Canada and does not meet CPSC standards for a safe sleep environment.
The Doc-a-Tot is designed as an in-bed co-sleeper. Co-sleeping is one of the biggest risk factors for infant sleep deaths. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has cautioned that babies should be placed in a bare crib without any additional bedding, blankets, or pillows.
Safe alternatives to the Doc-a-Tot include a Pack and Play or a crib. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in their own crib, sharing a bedroom with their parents but not the same sleeping surface.
The Doc-a-Tot website states that the Deluxe version, made for babies up to nine months old, is not for unsupervised sleep or nighttime sleep. If you are watching your baby with supervised napping, then you can use the Doc-a-Tot.
Experts unanimously agree that pillows, breathable or not, should not be used in a baby's sleep environment. Denis Leduc, a community-based pediatrician and clinical director of the newborn nursery at Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital, says, "There's no question that the DockATot isn't a safe sleep device. On the contrary, a baby can easily obstruct its airway by turning towards one of those elevated sides."
