If you’re a new or soon-to-be parent, you may have come across the term “DockATot” and wondered what it’s all about. Known as a baby pod or baby dock, the DockATot has been a game-changer for countless parents, providing a safe and comfortable space for their little ones. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the wonders of a DockATot and explain how it can be used to its full potential, making those early days of parenting a whole lot easier.
What is a DockATot for Babies?
A DockATot is a specially designed cushioned mat that offers support and protection for your baby when you need to put them down. Its unique rounded shape is intended to mimic the cozy environment of the womb, providing a snug space for your little one. With a DockATot, parents can rest assured knowing their baby is safe and secure, unable to roll over or hurt themselves. This versatile baby pod offers a comfortable spot for your baby to relax around the house and on-the-go, both indoors and outdoors.
How to Use a DockATot ?
Designed to be lightweight and portable, a DockATot can be easily carried wherever you need to keep your baby close.
We recommend using the DockATot Deluxe+ dock for babies from newborn up to 8 months. The DockATot offers a range of possibilities for its use:
Baby Gym: Use the DockATot as a baby gym by attaching a toy arch to keep your baby entertained and engaged.
Hands-Free Time: Place your little one in the DockATot while you attend to household chores, giving you the freedom to get things done without worry.
Tummy Time: Prop your baby’s arms over the cushioned edge of the DockATot to facilitate tummy time, allowing them to explore their surroundings more easily.
Relaxation Station: Create a cozy spot for your baby to lounge while you enjoy a well-deserved break with a cup of tea or a moment of relaxation.
Diaper Changes and Dressing: The DockATot provides a secure and comfortable space for getting your baby dressed or changing their diapers, preventing them from wriggling away.
Portable Play Mat: Take the DockATot with you on your outings to provide your baby with a familiar and comfortable play area wherever you go.
Imaginative Play: Let your little one’s imagination run wild as they transform the DockATot into a boat, bus, or airplane during playtime.
Safe Haven: When your baby is feeling unsettled, the DockATot offers a reassuring and cozy haven where they can feel calm and secure.
Sibling Protection: The DockATot provides an extra layer of support and protection when older siblings want to cuddle the baby, ensuring a safe interaction.
Monthly Photoshoots: Capture adorable monthly milestone photos to track your baby’s growth using the DockATot as a backdrop.
When to Use a DockATot ?
While physical connection is crucial for parent-child bonding, there are times when you need to attend to other tasks. Whether it’s cooking dinner, doing laundry, or simply needing your hands free, a DockATot offers a safe and comfortable resting place for your baby until you can hold them again. It’s also useful in new environments, such as during evenings out, vacations, or hospital visits, providing a familiar and secure space for your baby to settle.
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The arrival of a new baby is an exciting, life-changing experience. We at Baby Boo understand how daunting the experience can be however we have made a few suggestions as you read, please click on the links to make your life easier as new parents.
The road ahead is sure to be one with many twists and turns, and to get ready for the unexpected, it pays to be prepared with the things you’ll need as you usher your new, tiny little human into life in this world.
But what do you really need?
Is it necessary to buy everything in the ‘baby things’ aisle, or are there some items you can forego?
For new parents, there are a few baby essentials that are going to be critical to providing proper care for your bundle of joy. In this new-born checklist, we’re breaking down the basics for you all in one place.
Tick all of these on your shopping list, and you’ll be sufficiently prepared to parent like a pro!
This checklist includes all the baby bare necessities in the following categories:
Baby’s first year is going to call for clothing that suits the seasons. This means t-shirts, onesies, pyjamas, and more.
It’ll be a good idea to shop for articles of clothing that are deemed 0-1 years or infant in size. While you can count on your baby growing significantly in the first twelve months, you shouldn’t have to worry about him or her outgrowing their first outfits until at least six months have passed.
Look for clothing that is all-cotton or as close to it as possible. Polyester blends can be easier on the pocketbook (and even better-fitting), but they can also irritate baby’s skin in some cases.
To make sure you’re ready to keep your new-born snug, cosy, and comfortable, shop for:
4-6 infant t-shirts
6-8 short-sleeved onesies
4-6 long-sleeved onesies
4-8 pajama sets
6-8 pairs of socks
2 pairs soft booties (optional before baby walks)
4-6 pairs stretch cotton pants
2-4 cotton sweaters or hoodies
2 knit caps
A sunhat
2-3 pairs no-scratch mittens
4-5 seasonally appropriate outfits for going out and about
Infant snowsuit and/or bunting (if you plan to go out in the cold)
Mild soap for laundry
Nursery Essentials
Modern nurseries are a far cry from what our parents and grandparents used to raise us.
Even with developments in technology that can help new parents, some ‘tried and true’ basics are needed for a safe, welcoming, and nurturing baby nursery.
At the very least, you’ll need:
A place for baby to sleep
Storage for baby’s clothes and other items
A place to change Nappies
If you’re pressed for space, you can probably nix the niceties like a white noise machine or humidifier. However, they can go a long way in making baby more comfortable.
To outfit your new nursery, you’ll want to shop for:
It’s impossible to adequately prepare for the arrival of a new baby without considering how you’ll manage Nappies.
Some choices include reusable cloth Nappies, disposable Nappies, or a combination of the two. Cloth Nappies can be a fantastic money-saver, but they require the extra effort of additional cleaning and laundering, which might not be worth the dollars you save.
Let’s not forget about hybrid Nappies (yes, this is a thing)! Some modern Nappies are reusable, flushable, and compostable.
Remember, too, that baby wipes also come in a wide variety of options. You’ll need to choose between pre-moistened or dry, disposable, or reusable cloth, and bulk or grab-and-go. Ideally, a balanced mix of all of these is best, as situations will call for all of them at some point.
Keeping baby clean is an around-the-clock effort. So, however many Nappies or wipes you think you’ll go through, add 25% to it.
To cover all your bases, be sure to get:
2 or more changing table pads
2-4 changing pad covers
2-4 simple grasping toys (for distraction during changes)
Dirty Nappies pail like these from Munchkin
Nappies rash ointment
Wipes or cotton cloths
Small thermos to hold warm water (for cleaning babies younger than 6 weeks)
Plastic wipes holder
Nappies bag (make sure this is washable)
2-4 packages of new-born or ‘size 1’ Nappies
12-18 cloth Nappies covers (if using cloth or disposable inserts)
24-48 (or more) presold cloth Nappies and cover
Feeding Essentials
No new-born baby needs checklist would be complete with a rundown of the feeding essentials.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to feeding. And it’s a good idea to consult with your Health visitor or GP to determine a plan for optimal nutrition.
One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make centres around using formula vs breastfeeding. If you do choose formula, you’ll want to be 100% comfortable with the ingredients that are included in most pre-packaged brands.
If you’ll be opting for extended breastfeeding, it will help to have a strategy in place for managing your baby’s transition to a bottle. For many new mothers, breastfeeding will continue into the toddler stage, which will require an ample supply of nursing bras and tank tops!
As you make your way down your baby needs list, don’t forget these feeding items:
In days of old, it was common for babies to be washed in portable basins or even buckets.
Due to their small size and comparatively small skin surface area, babies don’t need a significant time investment to properly bathe. And it often won’t require drawing a full bath in the bathtub or committing to an hour-long activity to keep your baby clean and comfortable.
Specially designed infant tubs and hammocks can make bath time much easier for both of you. And many can be found at a bargain at thrift stores or yard sales (just be sure to sanitize them!).
Baby items needed for bathing include:
2-3 hooded towels (optional)
2 packs of washcloths
Cotton swabs
Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Infant bathing tub
Baby nail clippers
Soft brush
Digital thermometer
Bulb nasal aspirator or Nose Frida
4-6 pacifiers (if applicable)
Toys for the bathtub from Munchkin will make bath time fun!
Linens and Sleep Essential.
Nothing soothes the soul like a soundly sleeping baby.
To create a comfortable, warm, and snuggly place for baby to snooze, you’ll want to include plenty of padding, soft cloth, and at least one waterproof liner. Blankets should range in weight and thickness to suit the indoor temperature, and there should never be so much bedding that it could disrupt baby’s regular breathing.
As you shop for all the new-born stuff you’ll need, be sure to read the safety disclaimers that are printed on sleep products made especially for new-borns.
Be sure to include these sleep-related items on your new-born baby checklist:
4 receiving blankets
2-4 cotton blankets
2 swaddles (optional)
1-2 wearable blankets (sleep sacks)
Cradle, bassinet, or co-sleeper with cotton sheets
2 Cot mattress pads
2 waterproof liners (one for the bassinet or co-sleeper and one for the Cot)
In the days and weeks after first bringing your baby home, you’ll have more and more opportunities to get out and start exploring the world with your new-born.
No matter where you go or what you do with your baby, you’ll need to be equipped with everything you might need for ‘baby duties’ while out-and-about. After all, everything your baby needs at home, he or she will also need on-the-go!
Convenient, compact new-born baby items are often manufactured for the expressed purpose of being portable. Take advantage of all these handy, time-saving products designed for easy, intuitive use any time your baby is away from home.
Be sure your list of new-born needs is complete with the following ‘on-the-go’ items:
As your little one starts interacting with the world, they’re going to express interest in everything in their environment that means EVERYTHING!
Every manner of stimulation is going to be a new discovery. This goes for sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
Baby’s playtime is made more fulfilling and enjoyable when colourful, high-contrast, and tactile objects are abundant. This is an important time in the beginning of your child’s cognitive development. To help your baby get the most out of playtime,
be sure to add these items to your list of things you need for a new baby:
Bright, high-contrast (black, white, red, green) art prints, mobile, and books
Rounding Out Your Baby Items List
As you make progress through your essential baby items list, it can be easy to forget that you will need some things, too!
Remember not to neglect yourself. You’re going to be more available to meet the needs of your baby when you have what you need to stay comfortable, collected, and attentive.
So, go ahead and splurge on an ultra-comfy pair of shoes or a well-made, spacious handbag. Don’t cut corners when shopping for basic needs for yourself!
