Have you ever fantasized your car seat turns into a stroller, so you won’t have to carry two gears at a time? Then, the Doona Infant is Santa offering to you. Well, when I first saw it, it kind of raised my eyebrows, but then I realized how this hybrid car seat turned stroller can be a lifesaver for many busy urban parents out there. So, without any delay, let’s dive in for an in-depth Doona Stroller review to find out if it is worth the hype and if you should consider it for your baby!
Doona Stroller Review
The premium Doona car seat is an innovative car seat that converts into a stroller! This car seat stroller is also great for traveling and day-to-day use. Besides its compact and portable whether you are on taxis or an airline, Doona Car Seat gets you everywhere.
It’s a convertible infant car seat that comes with a base to turn it into a compact stroller system. As a car seat stroller, it has all the features you may need; a heavily padded, comfy seat with side impact protection, UPF 50+ sun canopy. As a stroller, it boasts wheels and a long adjustable handlebar.
If you have any doubts about its capability, I found it durable, and it also glides well on city streets and sandy beach and easily move through narrow spaces. However, it’s not a regular stroller, so don’t expect it to perform like a full-sized travel system like the UPPABaby Vista V2. Read my full review to learn more about its performance, terrain capacity, and its usage.
Let’s begin with the pros and cons of the Doona Stroller:
Pros
- All-in-one car seat stroller
- Lightweight and compact
- Approved for air travel
- Safe and convenient
- Features better side impact protection
Cons
- Expensive and limited lifespan
- Storage bags sold separately
Dona Stroller Specification
Features | Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller |
Weight | 16.5 lbs. |
Age Limit | Newborn up to 1 year old. |
Folded Dimensions | 23.6×17.3×26 inches |
Unfolded Dimensions | 39×17.3×32.2 inches |
Weight capacity | Up to 35 lbs. |
Basket capacity | 5 lbs. appox |
Seat Recline | No |
Reversible seat | No |
Safety harness | 5-point |
Suspension | Yes |
Fold | |
Bassinet | No |
Car seat compatibility | |
Canopy | Yes |
Handlebar | Adjustable |
Convert to double | No |
Doona Stroller Review: Features
Design
The Doona Car Seat is uniquely designed to be an all-in-one infant car seat that you can also convert into a stroller system with just a few simple clicks. It’s designed to simplify the daily of urban parents on the go and to keep them away from dragging a stroller and traditional car seat together (it’s 2-in-1 in a single purchase). Besides its trendy design, it’s available in very attractive color options:
- Desert Green
- Flame Red
- Greyhound
- Midnight Edition
- Nitro Black
- Racing Green
- Royal Blue
Safety
Before doing this Doona Stroller review, I made sure that this unique car seat stroller has undergone rigorous safety tests and has been certified by various organizations, including the US Federal Aviation Administration. In our scrutiny, we find its array of safety features, including better side-impact protection, an anti-rebound bar, and a five-point harness system, are practical and useful to keep your baby safe in both car seat and stroller mode. Besides, Doona offers an adjustable infant insert and head support for added support and an integrated canopy to protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays.
Folding
Folding the Doona Car Seat stroller is very simple. Go through the easy-to-follow steps of Doona infant car seat folding:
Step 1: Keep the handlebar in the upright position and lock the wheel.
Step 2: Pull the lever located on the back of the car seat.
Step 3: Push the release buttons on the sides of the frame and fold the frame until it clicks into place.
Step 4: Lift the car seat by using the carry handle and install it in the car.
Performance
While doing this Doona stroller review, I tested this Infant car seat’s performance as a car seat and as a stroller. As a car seat, Doona is outstanding, featuring an infant insert and head support that keeps the baby comfortable and safe. You can use this car seat from your baby’s birth until it outgrows (up to 35 lbs). Now, when we took Doona on different terrains, its performance was average since the wheels are plastic made yet durable.
It glides well on city streets, parks, and also on the sand. We locked its swiveling front wheels, and the wheels kept the stroller stable on different terrains. Besides, the stroller mode features a convenient brake system, an adjustable handlebar, and a compact size that will surely ease up your daily life with your newborn.
Although it maneuvers well on urban terrains, bear in mind that it’s a car seat and not meant for a long or stressful outing as in a stroller. According to some experts, a baby less than four months should not be in a car seat for more than 2 hours a day. Keeping naïve babies in a car seat for a longer duration can block their airways and also cause harm to their spine. So even if you’re using Doona, it’s suggested to remain cautious and use it for a shorter course.
Handlebar
Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller features a telescoping adjustable handlebar to suit the height and comfort of the person behind the stroller. Short to tall parents will be content with its handlebar, which height is easily adjustable, ranging from 33 inches up to 40 inches. While pushing the stroller, you will find its ergonomic handlebar grip comfortable and convenient.
Durability
The Doona Car Seat has a high-end finish and a sturdy build to withstand daily use. Its aluminum frame provides strength and durability, which lasts until your baby outgrows. Besides, the car seat underwent rigorous safety and quality tests that meet industry standards. Its unique design and durable build make parents easily rely on and use the stroller mode conveniently for day-to-day use.
Ease of Use
The Doona Car Seat stroller’s simple and intuitive design is very convenient for parents with a newborn baby. During the Doona Stroller review, I attempted the stroller mode, and it took just a few seconds! The functionality of stroller mode provides a great relief to the parents and keeps them apart from buying a traditional stroller with a car seat and adapters.
Besides, the car seat is easy to install on taxis and Uber, making it a game changer for traveling and tackling the hustle and bustle of city life. Talking about taking it outside, its ergonomic handlebar offers comfortable pushing, and its compact size makes it easy to maneuver through narrow spaces.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Maintaining some easy-to-follow instructions below, you can clean and maintain the Doona infant car seat:
- Fabric cover: The fabric cover is removable and machine washable. It’s recommended to wash it in cold water and tumble dry it on low heat.
- Plastic parts: Wipe down the plastic parts with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the plastic parts of the gear.
- Buckles and straps: Regularly inspect the buckles and straps for any signs of wear or damage. You can use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean them.
- Base: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the base of the car seat. Avoid using any cleaning products that could damage the base.
Wheel and Brakes
The Doona car seat stroller is a four-wheeled buggy that is made of durable plastic. The swiveling front wheels make the stroller easy to operate on different surfaces, even on the sand! The rear wheels are larger and fixed, which keeps the stroller stable and balanced. During the Doona stroller review, I noticed the wheels have some kind of shock-resistant mechanism, and they can take on bumps while on the go.
The Doona car seat stroller’s brake system is integrated into the wheels. The brake pedals are color-coded so that you can easily identify them. The green pedal is for brake releasing, and the red pedal is for engaging.
Doona Stroller Comparision
Features | Doona Stroller | Nuna PIPA Urbn | Uppababy Vista V2 |
Weight | 16.5 lbs. | 3.30 kg (without canopy and insert) | 12.4 kg |
Age Limit | Newborn up to 1 year old. | Newborn up to 1.5 years | Newborn up to 4years+ |
Folded Dimensions | 23.6×17.3×26 inches | 44 x 65.3 x 84.5cm. | |
Unfolded Dimensions | 39×17.3×32.2 inches | L 65 x W 43.5 x H 57 cm | 91.4 x 65.3 x 100.3cm |
Weight Capacity | Up to 35 lbs. | 13kg | Up to 50 lbs |
Basket Capacity | 5 lbs. appox | No | Up to 30 lbs |
Seat Recline | No | No | No |
Reversible Seat | No | No | Yes |
Safety Harness | 5-point | 3-point | 5-point |
Suspension | Yes | Yes | |
Bassinet | No | Yes | |
Canopy | Yes | Yes | Extra-Large |
Handlebar | Adjustable | Adjustable | |
Convert to Double | No | No | Yes |
View on Amazon | View on Web | View on Amazon |
Doona Stroller Review: Verdict
The Doona infant car seat is a unique and innovative baby gear that offers convenience and safety to parents and their babies. If you are a busy urban parent with a newborn and need to travel a lot, I strongly recommend this car seat stroller that will bring utter convenience and comfort while on the go. However, if you’re on a budget, or need all the amenities of a regular full-size stroller, then Doona might not be a good fit for you.
Doona Stroller Review: FAQs
Is Doona Stroller Worth It?
Doona Stroller is a unique product specially made for parents with newborn babies. Doona is actually a high-end car seat that you can convert into a stroller. As a premium infant car seat, Doona is absolutely worth it, as it has all the premium perks, and as a stroller, it’s highly capable of meeting your day-to-day and traveling needs.
Is Doona Car Seat Safe?
Yes, the Doona car seat is safe; the car seat has undergone several safety tests and has been approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Besides, parents can rely on its side-impact protection, anti-rebound bar, and five-point harness system.
How long can your baby use the Doona?
You can use the Doona infant car seat from the birth of the baby up to one year (35 lbs.). If your baby outgrows early, you might have to shit another car seat.
Can baby sleep in Doona?
Yes, your baby can sleep in Doona. However, when your baby sleeps in a car seat, it’s recommended to buckle up the baby properly and not leave babies unattended.
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