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FAQWe pride ourselves in being unbiased gear experts. Learn more about how we research, expertly review and curate products here.
When you first bring your precious bundle of joy home, they spend a lot of time snoozing. And many new parents find that a baby lounger—like the Snuggle Me or DockATot—is a helpful piece of baby gear to have on hand.
Though the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says these spaces should never be used unsupervised or for overnight sleep, these structured pillows can help create a snug and soothing environment for your little one to nap or lounge.
But which one is better? And do you really even need one? Our gear experts tested, reviewed and compared the Snuggle Me vs DockATot. Here’s what they had to say.
Snuggle Me Organic vs. DockATot: Main Differences
While both the Snuggle Me Organic and the DockATot function as a sort of portable bassinet, they have notable differences. Both loungers are cylindrical pillows with short sides to help keep baby snug and contained, but the Snuggle Me Organic resembles a narrow donut pillow, which more closely mimics the cramped environment of the womb, while the DockATot is a flatter, broader mattress with structured sides, providing more room to move around as your little one grows.
The other big difference that some new parents can’t help but prioritize: The Snuggle Me comes in mainly single colors, but the DockATot comes in dozens of trendy prints, like marble and florals, that are perfect for your newborn photo shoots.
Is the Snuggle Me Safer Than DockATot?
Despite differences in design, both baby products—the Snuggle Me Organic and DockATot—are equally safe places to rest baby when used properly. According to the safety guidelines from each brand, parents should never use these baby loungers for co-sleeping, overnight sleep or unsupervised sleep or play.
You should always follow safe sleep guidelines and put your little one down in the Snuggle Me or DockATot on their back without any blankets, pillows or soft objects. It’s also important to refrain from carrying these baby loungers with your baby inside.
Snuggle Me: Pros and Cons
Snuggle Me Dimensions & Size
- Average dimensions: 29 x 17 x 4.5 inches
- Average weight: 4 pounds
The Snuggle Me Organic is an infant lounger that’s meant to, well, snuggle your newborn baby by creating a comforting, safe environment for sleep or playtime. It’s designed to mimic the environment of the womb—something that helps many little ones better adjust to life in the outside world.
The lounger, which is made in the USA of 100 percent organic cotton and polyester fiber, is designed a bit like a cylindrical donut pillow that’s fully connected all around. It has a thin interior mattress that seamlessly transitions to fat, cushioned bumpers. The whole thing is then encased in a removable cover (sold separately).
Parents love how easy the Snuggle Me is to clean. The entire thing—both the lounger itself and the removable covers—is washable. There are also lots of add-ons available, like a waterproof mat to help keep the product clean. You can also buy matching feeding support pillows, swaddle blankets and more.
Best for: Budget-conscious families who want an organic option
Pros
- Organic materials
- Entire product is machine-washable
- Many complementary add-ons available for sale
- 60-day return window and 6-month warranty
- Less expensive than DockATot
Cons
- Can’t go in the dryer
- Some parents say the narrow design makes some babies sweaty
What Our Team Thinks:
“While both products seem widely acceptable and comfortable from baby’s perspective, which is the most important perspective, this means it’s up to you to decide! If organic material or price point or seeking a product a plush product to cuddle around your baby, opt for Snuggle Me.” — Megan Larsen, Gear Expert
DockATot: Pros and Cons
DockATot Dimensions & Size
- Average dimensions: 29 x 18 x 6 inches
- Average weight: 3 pounds
The DockATot and the Snuggle Me Organic are both baby loungers, so why is the DockATot so much more expensive? For starters, the DockATot is a little bit roomier in design, which gives your little one a little bit more space to move around. Some parents also say their newborn babies don’t get quite as sweaty in the DockATot.
The DockATot Deluxe also comes in a wide range of trendy patterns, like florals, marble and gingham. It’s hard for new parents to resist the adorable patterns—they make for some very cute newborn photos. And since the machine-washable cotton covers are all removable, you can purchase separate covers if you’d like to change things up every once in a while.
Functionality-wise, the DockATot is just like the Snuggle Me. The lounger, which has a flat center sling and short, squat sides, is designed to mimic the comfort of the womb. It serves as a great spot for your little one to engage in supervised lounging, playing, cuddling and tummy time. You can even use the space for diaper changes.
If you shop DockATot, you’ll find many compatible accessories, including a highly convenient travel bag that allows you to easily transport the baby lounger. You can also buy items like toy arches, cabana kits (little sun shades) and matching nursing pillows and bassinets.
Best for: Families who want a little more space and access to fun patterns and play accessories
Pros
- Lots of trendy patterns
- More play accessories available
- Machine-washable insert and covers
- A less restrictive design that the Snuggle Me Organic
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not organic
What Our Team Thinks:
“From this WingMom’s perspective my preference lies with Dock-A-Tot, mostly because I fall for the fashion-forward, design aesthetically pleasing baby products, ALWAYS! If you prefer designs, machine washable and comfortable, but more structured lounger, opt for Dock-A-Tot. You truly cannot go wrong and if you properly care for your lounger, the resale value or even regifting to family and friends is a big bonus!”— Megan Larsen, Gear Expert
DockATot vs. Snuggle Me Organic: Comparison Chart
| Snuggle Me | DockATot | |
|
Avg. Retail Price |
$109 |
$195 |
|
Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price |
$70 |
$96 |
|
Age Requirements |
0-9 months |
0-8 months |
|
Size |
29 x 17 x 4.5 inches |
29 x 18 x 6 inches |
|
Portability |
Very |
Very |
|
Material |
Organic |
Not organic |
|
Comfort / Shape |
Very |
Very |
|
Ease of Cleaning |
Very |
Very |
|
Sleep |
Supervised |
Supervised |
Price Comparison
Both baby loungers are relatively expensive items, but the Snuggle Me Organic infant lounger is the more affordable choice. The Snuggle Me Organic retails for $109, while the DockATot Deluxe retails for $195. However, you can find both for an average of 50% off retail when you shop with us. Right now, we have DockATots starting at just $33 and Snuggle Me loungers as low as $20.
Winner: Snuggle Me Organic
Period of Use Comparison
The Snuggle Me Organic can be used from 0-9 months, while the DockATot can be used from 0-8 months. That said, both baby loungers have a height limit of 21 inches, and most parents will find their younger babies will outgrow the DockATot or Snuggle Me Organic long before 8 or 9 months.
Winner: Snuggle Me Organic
Size Comparison
At, 29 x 18 x 6 inches, the DockATot Deluxe is slightly roomier than the Snuggle Me Organic, which measures 29 x 17 x 4.5 inches. Since the design on the DockATot isn’t quite as restrictive, some parents find it’s more breathable. Plus, it affords more room to move around as your little one grows.
Winner: DockATot
Portability Comparison
Both the Snuggle Me Organic and the DockATot are highly portable, but the DockATot has built-in carry handles that give it a slight edge. Just note: You should never carry either product with your child inside of it.
Winner: DockATot
Material Comparison
Both baby loungers are made of ultra-breathable fabrics and comfortable materials, but the Snuggle Me Organic is made in the USA of 100 percent organic cotton. The DockATot itself is not made from organic fabrics, but the covers are 100 percent cotton.
Winner: Snuggle Me Organic
Comfort and Shape Comparison
The two infant loungers are both designed to mimic the comfort and security of the womb, but the DockATot is slightly flatter and broader. Some parents find their babies get overly hot in the more narrow Snuggle Me Organic.
Winner: DockATot
Ease of Cleaning Comparison
The DockATot and the Snuggle Me Organic are both exceptionally easy to clean. Both baby loungers have machine-washable inserts and removable covers. It’s worth noting, however: While the covers can go in the washing machine, the inserts cannot go in the dryer.
Winner: Tie
Safety & Sleep Comparison
According to safety guidelines by both brands, as well as the AAP, neither product should ever be used for overnight or unsupervised baby sleep. You should also refrain from co-sleeping with the DockATot or Snuggle Me Organic. Even supervised napping is not recommended.
Winner: Tie
Snuggle Me or DockATot: Which is Better?
When making your list of baby items to buy, you might start to sweat a little bit. Babies need a lot of stuff—and, boy, does it get expensive quickly. Here’s some good news: You don’t necessarily need a Snuggle Me Organic or a DockATot. Some parents just find infant loungers make nice additions to other baby swings and play gyms, since they serve as an extra spot for baby to lounge. They also serve as a safe, comfortable place to “park” your baby while you accomplish chores like folding laundry or cooking dinner. Plus, these loungers are portable enough to take on the road—say, to grandma’s house.
If you’d really like to have one, but are concerned about price, opt for the Snuggle Me Organic. It’s a quality baby lounger made out of organic materials—you’ll just have to be ok with a more limited selection of prints. If, on the other hand, you really want something deluxe and cute to boot, opt for the more expensive DockATot. It’s a touch roomier, plus comes in a host of fun patterns and has compatible accessories like toy arches (sold separately) to enhance playtime.
Interested in learning more? Check out our complete buying guide for baby loungers.
