Doona Review: A Game-Changer for Urban Parents
Ah, the joys of parenthood — the first laughs, the cuddles, and oh, the gear! If you’re anything like me, trying to choose the right stroller and car seat can make you feel like you’re preparing to scale Everest rather than just navigate the city streets.
Enter the Doona Car Seat & Stroller Travel System 2-in-1 Combo, a unique “car seat mobility solution” that fills a niche for certain types of parents (not everyone!). We asked a group of our readers to contribute to this Doona car seat review, so you’re getting more than the perspective of one single person. Let’s go…
A Unique Car Seat to a Stroller Combo
Picture this: You’ve just managed to get your little bundle of joy comfortably settled in their infant car seat after them passionately arguing against it. Now, you’ve reached your destination, and it’s time to get them out… but wait, you don’t have to wake them up! The Doona seamlessly transitions from an infant car seat into a stroller; it’s basically the Transformer of the baby gear world.
That’s Right… It’s a Car Seat with Legs
This innovative product seamlessly transforms from a car seat to a stroller in seconds, making it a perfect solution for on-the-go parents who need to transition quickly without sacrificing safety or ease of use.
Its compact design means it fits easily into the trunk of a car or the corner of a room, saving precious space in car or home. The practicality of this design is a win for city dwellers. Plus, the stable install without a base means you can jump from sidewalk to Uber without breaking a sweat.
Keep reading for our in-depth, non-bias Doona car seat review.
How Much Does the Doona Cost?
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, you need to know that the Doona car seat stroller is one of the priciest infant seats on the market; it runs from $550 to $650, which is undoubtedly at the very high end compared to regular (ahem, civilian) infant car seats.
But remember, the initial investment in a Doona is higher because its dual functionality, especially if you aren’t shelling out money for a separate stroller.
Who Should Use The Doona Car Seat and Stroller
The Doona is designed for those who put a premium on convenience, utility, and, admittedly, those who don’t mind the extra weight.
Keep in mind, the Doona will only be used for about 12-15 months, depending on how quickly your child outgrows it by height (infant car seats are almost always outgrown by height rather than by weight).
Doona fits the bill for the following niches:
- Urban parents: Those living in cities who appreciate the Doona’s compact size and maneuverability for navigating busy sidewalks and public transportation where a full-size stroller (or 2 separate pieces) is too much to schlep.
- Parents with Older Kids: Far and away, the biggest fans of the Doona are parents with older kids. Doona is perfect for those quick dropoffs and pickups when you just need to run in and out, like to the preschool or school door, without having to carry along and assemble a separate stroller.
- Parents who run a lot of errands in the car, with baby in tow: Are you the type of person who does a lot of errand-running in-person? Some people prefer to shop in person. One of our reviewers loves the Doona because her other child has medical needs, and they were in and out for medical appointments several times per week.
- Travel enthusiasts: Families who travel often and need a quick, easy solution for moving between car, airport, and exploring destinations. Doona installs easily on a plane. It’s the ideal solution for navigating the airport, airplane and ground transportation situation, especially if you have older kids to chase around.
- Those with limited living space: People with smaller living spaces or minimal storage who value the Doona’s dual functionality, saving the need for separate car seat and stroller storage. If you are living in a studio in NYC or Tokyo, nobody has room for a separate stroller.
- Active, on-the-go families: Those with a fast-paced lifestyle who benefit from the convenience of transitioning from car seat to stroller without waking a sleeping baby. Are you the type of parent who can’t sit still and is always out and about (by car)? You know who you are 😉
- First-time parents: New moms and dads looking for a simple, straightforward, and safe mobility solution for their newborn who don’t want to worry about car seat/stroller compatibility or those who don’t want to mess with assembling a stroller and car seat every time. You’re already sleep-deprived, let’s not make the situation worse by added mechanical complexity to your life. For this reason, we also recommend it for…
- Grandparents: Looking for a no-brainer car seat/stroller solution for your grandkid? Provided you have smooth surfaces to stroll on and understand the added weight of the car seat, this is a perfect solution for grandparents.
- Minimalists: Families who prefer to own fewer, more versatile items that serve multiple purposes and contribute to a clutter-free lifestyle.
Doona Reviewers Say…
“The Doona has saved me with preschool pick up and drop off this year, total game changer and is perfect for allll the appointments especially as it fits into exam rooms nicely. It has fit in nicely but doesn’t replace our UppaBaby Vista. Different uses and we were lucky enough to get our Doona used to help with the steep price tag!” – reader C. Beck
“It is definitely heavier than the Chicco Keyfit 30, but totally worth not having to worry about a stroller when getting three in and out of the car.” – reader C. Yegian
“Living in a big city (Los Angeles), it was the perfect car seat stroller for our needs – we could take an Uber/travel without worrying about a car seat, super compact for moving around and riding on the subway/busses, and just so convenient to be able to transfer a sleeping baby in any situation. We are definitely using it for our second baby as well!” – reader L. Straw
The Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller Is Especially Great For Those Who Don’t Have A Car
With the Doona, you seamlessly transition from a secure car seat to a nimble stroller in seconds, a feature that seems tailor-made for the car-free parent. It eliminates the need for cumbersome gear ill-suited to the urban lifestyle, where space and convenience are paramount. Whether you’re hailing a cab for a playdate or navigating the city’s bus or subway, the Doona’s compact design makes it easy.
Conveniently, the Doona installs best without the base, and uses a European belt path with color-coded markings to guide you through the baseless installation, so it’s easy to install on the fly (vs. the Evenflo Shyft, for example).
Pros and Cons
Why We Love the Doona Infant Car Seat
To recap, there are so many reasons we recommend the Doona Car Seat Stroller Combo.
- Seamless Transition: The built-in stroller situation is truly unique – and the biggest selling point of this stroller.
- Urban-Friendly Design: Its compact size is ideal for navigating narrow aisles and bustling sidewalks,
- No-Base Installation: Perfect for families who are always on the move, the Doona’s flexibility accommodates the “it’s complicated” relationship many of us have with car ownership.
- Ease of Travel: For those of us who’ve juggled a baby in one arm and a stroller in another, the Doona feels like a deep breath of relief. Whether you’re navigating through airport security or hopping on the subway, the Doona handles it all with grace, empowering parents to explore the world with their little ones confidently.
- Safety Features: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Doona car seat and stroller a 5-star rating in October 2016 for its overall ease of use. The Doona also received a 5-star rating in frontal collision tests, which are the most common type of car accident. Note that Doona is not sold in Canada or Australia because it was designed to meet US safety standards.
- Saves Precious Space: Living in the city means making the most out of every square inch, and the Doona is a champion at conserving space. Its dual functionality eradicates the need for both a bulky car seat and stroller combo, though it may not be the only stroller you own.
- Stress-Free Maintenance: The Doona is incredibly easy to keep clean, which parents can appreciate. The covers are removable and washable, making those inevitable spills and messes a non-issue. Plus, the high-quality materials ensure it stands up to the test of time and use, staying fresh and functional through all of life’s little adventures.
However, every hero has its hurdles:
Cons for the Doona Car Seat Stroller
- Weight: Number one complaint. You may find that you become frustrated with it as your baby gets heavier. Trying to lift a car seat (and stroller) that weighs about 17 lbs., plus the weight of your baby, in and out of a vehicle isn’t for the faint of heart – or for a mom who is recovering from a Cesarean birth!
- Limited Storage: The Doona encourages you to adopt a minimalist approach to packing, challenging you to distinguish between must-haves and nice-to-haves. However, you can purchase additional storage options.
- Price: Definitely one of the priciest infant car seats on the market.
- Handle Height: The handle height is on the shorter side, making if challenging for taller parents (seriously, no one over 6’0″ should be using this stroller. For tall folks, keep reading below re: Evenflo Shyft)
- Wheels’ Off-Road Capability: While it thrives in urban environments, the Doona prefers to stick to smoother paths. This is definitely not the stroller for unpaved terrain.
- Crash Test Results: The reviews are mixed, here. While Consumer Reports rates it highly for safety, other third parties disagree (specifically compared to other infant car seats): “While considered safe by federal standards, it does not potentially offer an additional margin of protection like higher-scoring seats might.”
- Wide base: Wider base does not fit well in smaller cars.
Doona Car Seat Stroller vs. The World
I know a lot of you are wondering if the Doona is worth the high price tag?
Let me start by saying it is highly unlikely that Doona will be the only stroller you need, especially for first-time parents. We find that second-time (and more) parents usually already own another stroller, but first-timers will most likely want a beefier/more full-featured stroller for longer stroller trips – one that can handle rougher terrain, has more storage etc.
Let’s compare it to the alternatives:
Doona vs. Evenflo Shyft DualRide
The new(ish) Evenflo Shyft DualRide ($499) made it’s debut last year (2023). Let’s compare the Doona vs. the newer Evenflo product.
The Doona offers a slightly better build quality, which might be expected, as Evenflo is generally considered an economy brand. But don’t discount the Evenflo…
In essence, the Evenflo Shyft offers a similar product at a similar price, but with the niceties you don’t get with the Doona (Evenflo definitely going for the value play…). Specifically, the Evenflo Shyft offers a taller handlebar and a no rethread harness.
In the newborn department, both seats claim to fit preemies down to 3 lbs (Evenflo) and 4lbs (Doona).
The Evenflo Shyft DualRide also excels with additional features for convenience, such as detachable carriers, a storage bag, a belt-tensioning device and Bluetooth alerts, which are a part of the mid and upper-level packages. The base on the Evenflo also has an anti-rebound bar, while the Doona does not.
However, the DualRide has some drawbacks, particularly in smaller vehicles where it requires extra space during installation, which might not be ideal (neither of them are, which is ironic). Also, the process of installing the DualRide without its base involves cumbersome reattachment of wheels, a step that is not required with the Doona (if you install the seat with the wheels attached, the two front wheels must be removed). Note also that the Evenflo weighs about 3 lbs more than the Doona (with the wheels on). Doona is already a very heavy infant seat, so adding 3 lbs is getting into the ridiculous territory, weight-wise.
Ultimately, it comes down to which one best suits your needs, especially since they are around the same price.
At the end of the day, Doona is lighter weight (ha) car seat stroller solution and has a slightly better build quality, but has very a very short handlebar and requires a manual rethreading to adjust the strap height. The Evenflo comes with more accessories, has taller handlebar, an anti-rebound bar, but is heavier and requires removal of the front wheels to get it into the car. They are both designed for the in-and-out of the car lifestyle – or very urban lifestyle.
Decisions!
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A lot of parents also ask…
What about the Doona Travel Stroller vs City Mini?
When choosing between the two, Doona is a simpler solution, seeing that it’s one piece, and City Mini, parents often find themselves weighing the benefits of convenience against those of long-term usage.
Both strollers cater to the urban family, but in different ways. We are really comparing apples and oranges, here, because they are very different product types.
For those weighing the two, the Doona, is a unique, all-in-one solution that simplifies the transition. Using the City Mini, on the other hand, requires you to carry a separate stroller, but offers more storage, a more comfortable ride and more creature comforts, like a larger sunshade. It really depends on whether you want one simple piece or gear – or two.
So you’ve owned a larger, full-featured stroller in the past, so you are wondering –
What about the Doona vs UPPAbaby Vista?
I’m not really sure why people are asking this. When comparing the Doona with the UPPAbaby Vista, we’re comparing two vastly different strollers; it’s almost like comparing a car and a golf cart.
The UPPABaby Vista is a large, full featured stroller that even fits 2 children. The Doona is the exact opposite; a minimalist, 2-in-1 piece of gear meant for ultimate efficiency. They are truly on opposite sides of the spectrum.
Getting More Out of Your Doona With Snap-On Storage and Doona Accessories
Enhancing your Doona experience can be a game changer, especially when you’re navigating the bustling city streets or preparing for a long day out. We highly recommend the add-ons, especially the storage. With the right add-ons, your Doona can transform from a simple car seat-stroller into a super-efficient travel system.
Here are some add-ons to consider:
- Doona Infant Insert & Head Support: Crafted from bamboo fabric, these ensure your baby is snug, supported, and comfortable from those first rides. The breathable material is perfect for keeping baby cool and comfy.
- Doona Snap-on Storage: Increase your storage capacity without compromising the Doona’s slim profile. It’s ideal for extra diapers, wipes, and those just-in-case outfit changes, making it perfect for longer outings.
- Doona Rain Cover: The Doona rain cover is specifically designed to fit snugly over your Doona, keeping your little one dry and cozy, whatever the weather.
- Doona Sunshade Extension: Protect your baby’s delicate skin with this additional layer of UV protection, especially during those sunny day strolls or when you’re out and about in the summer months.
- Doona Wheel Covers: Handy for when you transition from outdoor strolling to indoor use, these covers keep your floors clean by covering the wheels of your Doona.
- Doona Travel Bag: For the family that loves to travel, this bag keeps your Doona safe and secure on flights, and makes carrying it through the airport a breeze.
- Doona Essentials Bag: Perfectly designed to maintain your Doona’s stability and easy maneuverability, this bag attaches to the front of your Doona, providing easy access to all your essentials and extra storage.. of course!
- Doona Cup Holder: Because let’s be real, parents need their coffee (or tea or smoothie) on-the-go. This cup holder securely attaches to your Doona handlebar, providing easy access to your favorite beverage while strolling.
Each of these add-ons serves to enhance the Doona’s functionality, making life a little bit easier for the adventurous, on-the-go family.
So, is this car seat and stroller worth it? Final Thoughts on the Doona Travel System Car Seat and Stroller Review
Doona is a great solution for specific niches of people, especially those who have older kids (toddlers, preschoolers) – and need a quick in-and-out of the car solution. If your daily adventures are mostly on smooth sidewalks or navigating through subway stations craving for that tiny stroller footprint, Doona’s practically singing your name. Planning on jet-setting with baby in tow? It’s also a no-brainer win.
We don’t recommend Doona for parents over 6’0″ (ish) or for those who cannot bear the added weight of carrying around a heavy seat (between collapsing the legs and installing it into a car). We also don’t recommend it for those who want a lot of bells and whistles on their stroller, like ample storage. If you’re the type who likes to to pack the kitchen sink when heading out, maybe a separate stroller system would be your jam, offering that extra room for all your (and baby’s) essentials.
Where to Buy the Doona
Doona is available on Amazon, Nordstrom and Pottery Barn Kids.
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How To’s/FAQs
How To Use The Doona: Switching From Car Seat To Stroller
The magic of the Doona rear-facing infant Car Seat & Stroller combo lies in its elegantly designed mechanism that allows it to transform from a car seat into a stroller in just seconds — and it’s incredibly straightforward to use.
At the heart of its design, the lever is conveniently located at the back of the car seat.
When it’s time to switch from car seat to stroller mode, simply press the button on the lever, and then pull it up. This action releases the wheels, which smoothly roll out and lock into place, creating a sturdy, ready-to-go stroller.
To return to car seat mode, just push the stroller’s legs up until they click back under the seat, ready to be safely installed in the car. It’s this seamless transition that makes the Doona not just a piece of baby gear, but a supportive companion for parents navigating the challenges of city living with a little one in tow.
For those of you who want step by step instructions:
- Locate the lever at the back of the car seat.
- Press the button on the lever.
- Pull the lever up to release the wheels.
- Allow the wheels to smoothly roll out and lock into place, transforming it into a stroller.
- To revert to car seat mode, push the stroller’s legs up until they click under the seat, ready for car installation.
How to Switch the Doona From Stroller To Car Seat
Switching the Doona from stroller to car seat mode is as graceful and straightforward as you’d hope, ensuring you can keep up with the pace of city life while your little one rests securely. Here’s a gentle step-by-step guide to help you effortlessly transition the Doona back to its car seat configuration:
- Ensure the stroller is stationary: Before you begin, make sure the Doona is still to prevent any movement during the transition.
- Press down on the red safety button: Located near the lever, this button ensures the transition process is intentional and safe.
- Lift the lever found at the back of the Doona: By doing so, you initiate the folding of the wheels. This lever, designed with your convenience in mind, requires minimal effort.
- Guide the wheels upwards: With a smooth motion, push the wheels up towards the base of the seat. They’ll glide effortlessly into place, locking securely as they prepare to take on their role as a car seat once again.
- Check that everything is secure: Once the wheels are tucked away, double-check to ensure everything is locked in place. Your Doona is now ready to be installed in the car, offering another layer of warmth and security for your precious cargo.
Remember, these moments of transition aren’t just about changing the form of a piece of baby equipment; they’re opportunities to pause and appreciate the incredible journey you’re on with your little one. The Doona is more than just a travel system; it’s a partner in your adventures, designed to make each step (or roll!) as smooth and worry-free as possible.
How To Release the Doona From The Latch Base
Releasing the Doona from the Latch Base is a straightforward process that has been thoughtfully designed to ensure convenience and safety. Here’s a comforting step-by-step guide to help you through:
- Position Yourself Comfortably: First, stand alongside the Doona. It’s important you feel stable and have a good view of the mechanism to proceed confidently.
- Locate the Release Handle: You’ll find the release handle at the back of the Doona car seat, just above where it connects to the car seat base. This handle is designed for easy access.
- Press the Release Handle: Gently but firmly press the release handle. This action disengages the car seat from the latch base.
- Lift the Doona: With one hand on the release handle and the other supporting the Doona, lift it straight up out of the base. It should come away smoothly, without the need for excessive force.
- Check Your Surroundings: Before moving away, make sure the path is clear. Safety first, always.
Remember, each step in the process of using your Doona, from installing it in your car to walking down the street, has been designed with your family’s safety and comfort in mind. Releasing the Doona from its base is just another example of how intuitive and user-friendly baby gear can make all the difference in your daily life, letting you focus on the joy and adventure of outings with your little one. If at any moment you feel unsure, take a breath and go through the steps again. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
How to Safely Strap the Doona into a Car
Ensuring your Doona is securely strapped into the car is paramount for the safety and comfort of your little one during travel. Here’s a reassuring step-by-step guide to help you secure the Doona with confidence and attach the car seat into a car:
- Position the Doona Correctly: Place the Doona car seat rear-facing in the back seat or rear of your car. This position is recommended for the highest level of safety for infants.
- Align the Seat Belt: Thread the car’s seat belt through the designated guides on the Doona car seat. There are clear markings to show you exactly where the belt should go, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
- Buckle Up: Fasten the car seat belt, ensuring there are no twists in the belt and it locks in place. Pull the shoulder part of the seat belt to tighten the lap section, creating a firm fit that doesn’t allow the Doona to move more than an inch side to side or front to back.
- Check the Recline Angle: Make sure the Doona is reclined at the correct angle for your baby’s maximum safety and comfort. The Doona comes with an indicator to help you find the right angle.
- Final Safety Check: Give the Doona a gentle shake to ensure it’s securely installed. The car seat should not move significantly. If it does, recheck the belt paths and tension, adjusting as necessary.
- Comfort and Peace of Mind: Before setting off, make sure your baby is comfortable and securely fastened within the Doona itself. Adjust the harness so it’s snug against your baby’s body, with no more than one finger’s width of slack.
By following these careful steps, you can feel assured and at peace, knowing your baby is safely secured in the Doona car seat while you travel. It’s all about making those car journeys not just safer but also more enjoyable for you and your baby, allowing you to make the most of every day, whether you’re off on an exciting adventure or simply navigating the routine.
Remember, taking a moment to ensure everything is set up correctly can offer immeasurable peace of mind. You’re doing a great job, and we’re here to support you with every mile and smile along the way.
