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My Complete Doona Stroller Review

I’ve been noticing more and more parents use the Doona stroller, so I decided to do my own research and see if it’s really worth the price.

The stroller you see in the image above belongs to a friend of mine who swears by this car seat and stroller combo. I spoke to her, and to other parents. I also researched every aspect, from the safety features of the infant car seat to the height of the stroller and more. And the review below is a summary of my findings.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller
An incredibly convenient and easy-to-use car seat & stroller. Easy to clean. Great for travel and every day use. Smooth drive. Sleek and Modern Aesthetic.

The bottom line is that this is the most convenient and easy-to-use stroller I have seen. But it has some downsides. It is not the right choice for everyone, and there are many things to consider.

Keep reading to discover whether or not the Doona stroller should end up on your baby registry!

Detailed Description

Before we dive into the things I like and the things I don’t like, let’s first take a look at what the Doona stroller actually is.

The Doona Car Seat Stroller can best be described as a fully integrated travel system. The car seat and stroller are built into a single piece of equipment, which means you won’t have to fuss with pulling the infant car seat out of the car seat base and maneuvering it into the stroller.

With the Doona Car seat stroller, it’s as simple as one, two, three: take the car seat off the base, click a button, and allow the wheels to drop down. Then, you can go anywhere you want – without your precious baby being any the wiser.

Is the Doona Stroller Safe?

The most straightforward answer to this question is it depends. The car seat and stroller itself are designed with safety in mind. All products go through internal and external testing to ensure they’re safe for the public and that the products meet the strictest safety standards of the United States and Europe. In fact, the stroller is employed with many fail-safe mechanisms to fend off potential accidental injury.

So what’s the issue? The concern is that this travel stroller is so convenient that many parents decide not to take their baby out of it for an extended period. For instance, they will travel to the park, go for a walk, and head back home – all without taking their baby out of the travel stroller.

The problem with this is that newborn babies should not sit in their infant car seat for longer than 30 minutes at a time, and young babies up to four months should only be allowed up to two hours in their car seats (although the less time, the better).

Leaving your baby in car seats for too long can block their airways, causing cardiorespiratory distress. Not only that, but extended periods in car seats can wreak havoc on your little guy or gal’s growing spine.

With that in mind, yes, the Doona stroller is safe, but not if you use it more than you ought to.

Is the Car Seat Safe?

Okay, so the stroller mode is safe as long as parents don’t overdo it. But what about the car seat specifically? Well, Doona has ensured that their car seats provide a safe and secure spot for your baby to ride along in the car. Are they known as the safest car seats on the market? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be one of the safest car seats you’ll run across. Here are a few of the top-notch features the car seats provide:

Five-Star Crash Rating

One thing all parents are concerned about is whether or not their car seats are going to withstand a crash. That’s why Doona took the initiative to establish an in-house testing facility, so they could be sure your baby is safe, even in the unfortunate event of an accident.

The tests proved that the Doona car seat would keep your baby safe – even during crashes that occur during inclement weather or at high speeds. By the end of the 20 tests, the Doona car seat was given a 5-star rating to provide you with peace of mind.

Anti-Rebound Protection

Another great feature of the Doona car seat is the anti-rebound bar strategically placed against the back of the car. During a collision, the anti-rebound bar absorbs the bulk of the impact, offering your baby top-tier impact protection that keeps them safe.

Side Impact Protection

Most car seats come with some level of side protection, but Doona decided to take this protection a step further. They crafted double-wall structures constructed with two layers of impact-absorbing plastic plus a layer of EPS and foam, ensuring the ultimate side impact protection for your baby.

Five-Point Harness

All Doona car seats come with a five-point harness that restrains at the shoulders and hips. These rigid points absorb most of the impact during an accident, ensuring your baby is safe and sound.

Removable Infant Insert and Head Support Included

Many people buy special car seats and accessories to keep their newborns cozy and secure, but with the Doona car seat, there’s no need to worry about purchasing extras. The Doona car seat comes complete with an insert that supports your baby’s posture, creates a near-flat place to lay, and provides added head support – which is essential during those first few weeks of life.

Is the Doona Stroller Comfortable?

Ok, moms and dads – we’ve gone through the safety features of the Doona car seat stroller. It’s time to relax, at least a little bit. Now, we need to discuss the comfort level. After all, every parent (myself included!) will agree that while safety is the number one concern, comfort is a close second.

For Baby

Your little guy or gal will certainly be cozy in this car seat, whether you’re using it in car seat mode or stroller mode. This is especially true during the newborn stage when the insert and head support will create a snug and cozy spot for him or her to lay. But don’t worry – even older babies (up to 35 pounds) will find this car seat plenty comfortable.

For Parent

The good news is that the Doona comes with an adjustable handlebar, so most heights will find the Doona stroller comfortable to work with. However, it is not the greatest option for super tall husbands and wives. Most people have said that anyone over 5’9 may find the Doona uncomfortable, needing to slouch in order to push their baby around. This is somewhat to be expected, though, considering this is a car seat and stroller built into just one piece of equipment.

How Does it Drive?

Safety? Check. Comfort? Check. What’s left? Now we need to discuss how this “baby” drives.

For the most part, the Doona stroller rides well on flat surfaces. This is true whether you’re going for a walk around the block, through a department store, or even through an airport.

Where the Doona stroller comes up short is traveling through rough or uneven terrain. The wheels are pretty small, and there is nodampening system, so it’s a real struggle to try and push it on anything other than a flat surface. For instance, this should not be your go-to for the beach, hiking, or other areas where it’s not entirely flat.

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Is the Doona Stroller Easy to Fold and Unfold?

Knowing that the Doona stroller doubles as a car seat and a stroller sounds wonderful – but it also sounds complicated. Just think about that travel system you’ve struggled tooth and nail with (and if you have never dealt with this system before, consider yourself lucky!).

But have no fear – the Doona car seat and stroller is here. Okay, but on a more serious note – this thing is ridiculously easy to hold and unfold. It takes a single motion and a few seconds to turn the car seat to stroller mode, making it the most convenient option for new parents on the market.

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Is the Doona Stroller Easy to Clean?

At this point, you’re likely sold and can confidently say “yes” if asked Is the Doona Stroller worth it? But don’t rush off to purchase just yet. I have a few more things I have to share with you. And one of these things is how easy it is to clean.

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The stroller and the car seat can be wiped down with a wet wipe or cloth whenever you need to remove stains or grime. But the real game-changer is the 100% washable cushions. Let’s face it – every baby will cause messes, especially in car seats. Having washable cushions means you don’t struggle to brush off stuck-on messes, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.

The other standout feature is the water-repellant canopy. Being entirely water-repellant, you won’t have to worry about any build-up or mishaps with the canopy. (Plus, the sun, rain, and other harsh weather conditions will stay out of your baby’s face – who doesn’t love that?)

There is a drawback to consider, though. The wheels will get dirty throughout your adventures. While this isn’t typically a big deal, it is when it comes to the Doona. That’s because the Doona car seat stroller doesn’t get stored in your trunk space. Instead, it’s stashed right on the car seat base found on your backseat. So, you will need to clean them off before placing the Doona car seat back inside your car – especially if you’ve traveled through mud or other dirty terrains.

Is it Good for Travel?

Seeing as how this product goes from car seat to stroller in a matter of seconds with little effort, it’s a top-notch option for traveling. You don’t have to worry about purchasing a second, bulky stroller to place in the trunk, leaving extra room for essentials (like that extra makeup bag you never get to bring or plenty of snacks for the car ride!).

The Doona car seats are also a cinch to use. While other car seats may be a nuisance to try and click into the car seat base, the Doona car seats are easy-breezy. Just lift the car seat up and into the base. Wait to hear the “click,” and you’re good to go.

The Doona car seat stroller isn’t just great for car rides, though. It’s also a fantastic option for those who engage in public transportation – bus, plane, etc.

Not only is the Doona car seat stroller easy to maneuver through the airline and airplane aisle, but it’s 100% FAA approved so that you can take it just about anywhere within the United States and Europe.

Of course, it’s not all good news for the Doona car seat stroller. The Doona is very heavy – weighing around 16 pounds. So, that is something to consider, especially if you’re trying to carry it down an airplane aisle with a baby in tow.

If you’re planning to bring the car seat base for your child, you will need to tack an extra ten pounds on top of that. (It will also need to go through the gate check!)

What I Like Best About the Doona

Is this really the must-have car seat and stroller combo for your child? Let me share some of the things I like best about the Doona car seat stroller to help you decide.

Incredibly Convenient

As a mom with two kids, I can confidently tell you how much I despised travel systems. They’re clunky, difficult to operate, and an overall hassle – which you don’t want to deal with when you have a newborn baby, let alone two kiddos!

That said, I love that the Doona operates as a car seat and a stroller. There is no need to maneuver the car seat around, which almost always leads to waking up your baby. And anyone that has ever had a baby knows that this can easily lead to a crying disaster, and who wants that?

So, if you’re looking for complete and utter convenience, the Doona car seat stroller combo is a definite must.

Easy to Use

When I first heard of the Doona car seat stroller, I figured it would be bulky and difficult to manage. A car seat and a stroller in one? Yeah, talk about a giant-sized nightmare. But it’s surprisingly easy to use. In a single motion, you can turn the car seat to stroller. It takes only a matter of seconds, too, which is a lot better considering it can take several minutes to work with travel systems.

Easy to Clean

Another big perk is that the Doona car seat stroller is easy to clean. Babies are messy. They will spit up, their bottle will leak, and they’ll toss food around. Not only that, but anything can happen while you’re out and about – hello, random bird poop or dirt from a sudden gust of wind!

Regardless of how your items end up dirty, the fact remains the same – all of your baby gear and accessories will eventually become dirty. But the Doona is a cinch to clean. It can be wiped down quickly, and the washable cushions ensure that your baby doesn’t have to sit around in filth. Win-win!

Safe for Babies!

Every parent will agree that safety is crucial when purchasing new baby equipment, and the Doona is plenty safe. It has plenty of added features and unique constructions to achieve top-tier safety for your child.

Great for Traveling

If you’re someone who enjoys traveling, like me, then you will definitely appreciate the Doona. Seeing as how the Doona is a two-in-one product, you won’t have to fuss with traveling with a car seat and a stroller. You don’t even need to bring the base along – unless you really want to. The car seat can be connected using the seatbelt instead.

Sleek and Modern Aesthetic

The last thing to love about the Doona car seat stroller is that it has an exceptionally contemporary design that’s cool, calm, and casual. The state-of-the-art equipment exudes class and luxury while being effortless and fully functional. Say goodbye to “typical” stroller combos and opt for the sleek look of the Doona.

What Can Be Improved?

While there are many things to love about the Dooan, there are some drawbacks to consider. Here are some things I didn’t like about the Doona, personally, and feel they need to be improved.

Very Heavy

The first issue is the weight. This thing weighs 16 pounds, not including the 10-pound base. Sure, it’s still not as heavy as most travel systems on the market, but it surely isn’t the lowest-weight one, either. While it’s not a huge issue, it can quickly become a problem – especially if you need to carry it up the stairs or bring it through the gate check.

No Storage

Its convenience can also be its downfall. Since the Doona includes the car seat and the stroller in one platform, there is literally no extra room available. This means that there is zero storage – not even a cup holder. This can be detrimental, especially since you must always carry certain items for your child.

The good news is that Doona has made top-notch bags and backpacks that match the Doona car seat and stroller (check out the “accessories” section below). While it doesn’t replace the convenience of storage underneath a stroller, it works for those who want the stroller but can’t go out and about without their essentials.

Seat Restrictions

Again, convenience can also be the downfall – especially regarding the seat. For one, the seat is only parent-facing. This is fine, especially when your child is very young. But as your child grows, they will want to see things around them – and the seat on the Doona does not allow for that.

The other problem is that the seat can’t move from the 45-degree angle. So, there is no option to recline the seat or make it sit upright. Again, this is not a big deal for young babies. But as your child ages, they will want to sit up and see what’s going on – in which case they will not be able to.

No Option for Double

Yes, the Doona can go from car seat to stroller in a matter of seconds. It’s a pretty nifty thing. But it can’t do one significant thing – convert into a two-seater. With the Doona, you only get a single seat – and nothing more. There is no option to add a section car seat or even a seat or stand for an older child to travel along. That said, it’s not the best option for families with multiple kids, especially if they’re close in age.

Not Great for Taller Folks

Well, I’m 5″9, and I can say that this stroller would be somewhat challenging to work with. Sure, the handlebar is adjustable, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have limits. Considering this car seat and stroller combo, there simply isn’t any extra room for the handlebar to adjust further. This means that taller folks – like me – might consider passing on the Doona.

Only Good For a Year

The Doona can only accommodate kids up to 32 inches or 35 pounds, whichever one comes sooner. For most kids, that’s around the 1-year mark. So, after the first year, you will need to purchase new equipment for your older baby, which means you will be spending a lot of money on something that likely won’t last beyond a single year.

Verdict

Honestly, the Doona can work well for anyone who doesn’t want to purchase a car seat and a stroller separately. However, there are many things to consider. For instance, the Doona may not be great for those with two kids who are close in age or for taller individuals. People who travel often might consider this two-in-one product because of its impressive convenience, especially if they tend to stay on flat surfaces.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller
An incredibly convenient and easy-to-use car seat & stroller. Easy to clean. Great for travel and every day use. Smooth drive. Sleek and Modern Aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Doona stroller worth it?

The Doona car seat stroller is definitely worth it. That’s because you won’t have to worry about purchasing a car seat and stroller separately, which can cost you a lot more. Not only that, but you won’t have to struggle with the nuisance of a separate car seat and stroller. So, while it may cost a little more money, you can’t put a price tag on convenience (or your sanity, for that matter).

Does the Doona ever go on sale?

If you want to purchase the Doona but are not crazy about shelling out the money to get one, you might wonder if the Doona ever goes on sale. While the Doona car seat stroller sometimes goes on sale, it’s not very often. Most of the deals are very sporadic and do not last long, so you need to be on your toes.

The only time where it’s most likely for a Doona to go on sale is during Black Friday. You can find Black Friday deals on the Doona at stores like Buy Buy Baby or directly on the Doona website.

What size is the Doona?

Some people may be under the impression that the Doona is humungous – after all, it’s a car seat with wheels tucked inside to allow it to turn into a full-fledged stroller. But surprisingly enough, the Doona is quite compact. Folded, it’s 23.6 x 17.3 x 26 inches. Unfolded, it’s 39 x 17.3 x 32.2 inches.

The best part is that you don’t have to worry about how much trunk space it will take. Remember – this is a two-in-one product. There is no need to store this thing in the trunk. Simply break it down into car seat mode, place the car seat on top of the latch base in your car, and go.

What age is the Doona for?

This is a great question, especially considering how much the Doona costs. Well, the Doona is designed for newborns and young babies. You can place your newborn (at least four pounds) in the Doona until they have reached 32 inches or 35 pounds – whichever one comes first. For most children, that means around the 1-year mark.

That said, it’s true that the Doona doesn’t have incredible longevity. You will need to purchase new equipment after the first year (in most cases – or a short time afterward). However, most shoppers will claim that the Doona is worth it for the first year of life.

How heavy is the Doona car seat?

The Doona is a whopping 16 pounds, and that is not including the 10-pound base. (However, most people do not need to consider the weight of the base as they will not need to carry it unless moving between two cars or taking it through a gate-check).

What does this mean? Well, the Doona car seat stroller is somewhere in the middle in terms of weight. It’s not as heavy as some travel systems, but it’s not as lightweight as other stroller options.

Honestly, 16 pounds isn’t too bad for a two-in-one stroller. The biggest hurdle will be when you need to carry it in and out of the car seat base. Other than that, it’s relatively lightweight and a cinch to push. You won’t feel like trying to push around a pile of bricks!

Can I use the car seat without the base?

The Doona car seat can be used without the included base, which is one of the reasons why it’s one of the best options for those who regularly travel – especially by plane, bus, or taxi. Simply install the car seat using a seatbelt, and your baby will be safe and good to go!

Where is the Doona made?

The Doona stroller was launched in China and is also made in China.

What’s in the Box?

When you purchase a Doona car seat stroller, you know you’re getting everything you need to be prepared for the upcoming birth of your baby. Inside the box, you will find the Doona stroller, Doona car seat, car seat base, vehicle seat protector, insert and head support pieces for infants.

What Other Accessories Can You Get?

The Doona comes with lots of other accessories to take your product to the next level!

  • Essentials bag $60 – Since the Doona lacks storage space, they’ve created this essentials bag to keep all of your necessities in one great spot.
  • All-day bag $90 – Take more than the must-haves with the giant all-day bag.
  • Travel bag $50 – This is more like a backpack rather than a bag and is the perfect option for any parent looking for more storage.
  • Padded travel bag $100 – Keep your belongings safe and sound with the padded travel bag!
  • Handlebar cover $30 – This luxurious-looking cover not only ups the aesthetics of your Doona stroller but keeps it from getting hot during summer activities.
  • Sunshade extension $40 – Always ensure your baby is safe from the elements in their seat with this excellent extension!
  • 360 Protection $45 – The more protection, the merrier. The 360 add-on ensures nothing reaches your precious baby in their seat.
  • Wheel covers $15 – The wheels on a Doona can get dirty fast, which isn’t ideal for your car. You can put an end to messy car mishaps by purchasing a set of wheel covers.

Comparison to Other Strollers

Not sure if the Doona is right for you? Are you considering purchasing a different type of stroller? Take a look at how the Doona compares to three other popular stroller types.

Doona vs. Doona Plus

The original Doona is no longer sold. Now, the new and improved Doona is known as the “Doona,” although it is technically the “Doona Plus.” The only real difference is that the Doona “Plus” has all-new colors to choose from, compared to the original turquoise option.

Doona vs Nuna Pipa

The Nuna Pipa travel systems are also quite popular, but they are two separate pieces of equipment – the car seat and the stroller. However, the stroller portion folds down almost entirely flat and can be rolled like a piece of luggage. It also comes with a three-position incline, so older kiddos can check out the world around them as they get older. The car seat can be rear or forward facing and comes with all of the features you’d find on the Doona.

The most significant difference between these two popular models is that the Doona is a two-in-one system, while the Nuna Pipa is separate. However, the Nuna Pipa has far more options to enjoy. Both are great for travel near and far. It really comes down to personal opinion.

Doona vs Uppababy Vista

The Uppababy Vista is, without a doubt, the best purchase for growing families. That’s because there is a slew of configurations, including a bassinet for newborn kiddos. The Uppababy Vista can also accommodate up to three children at once, making it the perfect option for those with multiple kids around the same age.

Of course, the Doona can only handle one child. The main draw of the Doona is that it’s a two-in-one product that only requires a single piece of equipment, rather than needing to struggle with a car seat and separate stroller.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller
An incredibly convenient and easy-to-use car seat & stroller. Easy to clean. Great for travel and every day use. Smooth drive. Sleek and Modern Aesthetic.

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