Case Results
Infant Death Raises Alarms Over Inappropriate Use of Dock-A-Tot in Sleep Settings
Brand Name
Dockatot
Manufacturer
Wildchild Stockholm, Inc.
Model Name
Product Description
The Dock-A-Tot Deluxe+ is a multi-functional infant lounger designed for babies aged 0–8 months. It features a soft, padded base with raised, cushioned sides meant to create a snug and womb-like environment for supervised lounging, tummy time, diaper changes, and play. The product is marketed as portable and lightweight, with a washable cover and convenient handles for carrying around the house or on the go.
The Deluxe+ dock is often placed in cribs, bassinets, or beds by consumers; however, it is not intended for unsupervised or overnight sleep, and doing so poses significant suffocation and positional asphyxiation risks. The manufacturer explicitly states that the dock should only be used while the infant is awake and under direct supervision.
Case Details
1-Month-Old Infant Found Unresponsive After Sleeping on Dock-A-Tot
On July 8, 2023, a 1-month-old infant was placed to sleep on his left side atop a Dock-A-Tot in a crib. A rolled-up swaddle blanket was used behind his back to keep him in position. Approximately six hours later, the infant’s father checked on him and found the baby still in the same position but noted he may have shifted more onto his stomach. Tragically, the infant had passed away during that time.
This case underscores the dangers of using infant loungers like Dock-A-Tot for unsupervised sleep, particularly when paired with other soft bedding.
Injury Brief
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have long warned against the use of sleep positioners, loungers, pillows, or soft bedding in infant sleep environments. Key risks include:
- Suffocation from soft surfaces or positional asphyxia.
- Rolling onto the stomach in an inclined or cushioned surface.
- Entrapment between soft items or crib walls.
- False assumptions about safety, leading to unsupervised sleep use.
Dock-A-Tot and similar products are intended for awake, supervised use only, yet are often marketed or misinterpreted as safe for naps and overnight sleep.
Retailers
Where Are Dock-A-Tot Products Sold?
Dock-A-Tot loungers have been widely sold through major retailers, including:
Parents who own a Dock-A-Tot or similar infant lounger should immediately stop using it for sleep and follow AAP guidelines for safe sleep:
- Always place babies on their backs to sleep.
- Use a firm, flat mattress with a tight-fitting sheet.
- Keep the sleep area free of soft objects, toys, and bedding.
Liability
The manufacturer of Dock-A-Tot, Wildchild Stockholm, Inc., issued a statement extending condolences but maintaining that the product was not intended for sleep. Their response included the following key points:
- Dock-A-Tot is designed only for awake, supervised use.
- The Deluxe+ model was removed from sleep marketing several years ago.
- The company supports AAP guidance recommending babies sleep on a firm, flat surface with no soft objects.
- This incident reflects misuse, not a product defect, according to Wildchild.
However, even with labeling, companies have a duty to prevent foreseeable misuse—particularly when lives are at risk.
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