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Celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Laura Whitmore, Novak Djokovic, and more, have been spotted with the Doona infant car seat in the past. What makes this Doona car seat special is that it becomes a stroller at the click of a button.
The Doona car seat is technically more of a car seat but it works well as a pushchair as well. With the push of a lever, the infant car seat transitions into a compact stroller.
- Pros: Transforms into a stroller. No need for a separate, heavy travel system. Small and maneuverable in stroller mode. Adheres to US and EU safety standards
- Cons: Slightly on the heavier side. For storage, you need to buy separate accessories. Seems pricey
The best thing about the Doona is that it can quickly convert from a car seat into a stroller in just a few seconds at the click of a button. It’s a car seat with “integrated wheels”, and is available in a range of colors. It also has a huge celebrity following.
- Suitable: 0+ car seat, birth to 13kg
- Product weight: 6.5kg
- Fitting: Compatible with Doona Isofix base, and seatbelt
Review
The problem with most travel systems is that you have to laboriously maneuver a bulky car seat and a separate hard-to-fold stroller every time you have to go out with your baby. So when Doona came out with a game-changing car seat that unfolds into a stroller, we had to take a look at it. Here’s what we discovered.
Who is this product designed for?
It’s ideal for families on the go.
Practicality
Very much. Lifting is limited to putting it in and taking it out of the car. It’s ridiculously easy to maneuver. Because of its low-profile design, it can turn tight corners and fit into smaller spaces. As a city dweller, this made tooling around with it on foot, without any need for a car, completely worthwhile.
With most travel systems, you have to get the stroller out of the car, unfold it, and then get the car seat out and lock it into the stroller. With the all-in-one Doona, this process takes a few seconds before you are out of the car and ready to roll.
The Doona is incredibly easy to use – be it adjusting the handlebar, the strap length or the brake system . The whole process of opening and closing is intuitive and smooth. The covers also come off (for washing).
Portability
The Doona can be used as a child seat in an aircraft, and it can be incredibly useful at the airport. Planning to hire a car when on travel? You can use it a as a car seat you trust which can be attached using a seatbelt.
Its a bit heavier though at 6.5kg (without a baby) compared to other car seats (most weigh around 3-5kg),
The Doona car seat makes traveling with an infant much easier. It easily converts from an infant car seat into a compact stroller (its a one-touch transformation).
Just one pull of the action handle extends the wheels, and to stow the wheels you pull the same handle while pushing the big wheel against the foot. It’s comfortable for infants and easy to maneuver in tight places.
It’s a revolutionary product, and I guess that is why it costs more. When in stroller mode, there are some accessories you may have to buy. The stroller doesn’t feel very sturdy when going over difficult terrain such as gravel, but it’s good for quick trips to the local shops or to a shopping mall.
Design
While it may not have the appeal of a Bugaboo or an iCandy, the focus here is more on functionality, convenience, and the innovative design. Having said that, it looks unique and is sure to make a few head turns.
The product is available in a wide range of colors, although the main bulk happens to be black.
Safety and comfort
The product is high in quality and comfort as well.
The car seat features a unique three-layer side impact protection, anti-rebound bar crash technology, a five-point safety harness and ergonomic infant insert. It is made of reinforced polymers and uses rust-free aluminum.
The infant insert ensures the baby’s body is ergonomically supported in the correct position.
The isofix base (bought separately) is easy to install using the easy-to-follow instructions. Lights on the isofix base indicate if the installation is correct.
The verdict: Doona infant car seat
The Doona is a perfect alternative to bulky travel systems, and will appeal to city-dwellers who use local transportation a lot, and also to those who live in apartment or compact homes. It is perfect for those with busy lives and lots of errands to run. The switch between carrier/carseat/stroller is effortless and makes you wonder why there aren’t many such options. However, if you need lots of storage on your stroller, this is not going to suit you, but if you want a compact stroller that does everything, go for it.
Related: Check out the best Doona Accessories. Also check out the Doona Liki Trike, a stroller that transforms into a trike
Useful Links
Doona Car Seat & Stroller User Guide / Instruction manual
StrollerBoards is a family managed website with me (Ben) and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing baby travel gear. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical solutions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
Grayson says
While it is one of the heaviest infant seats on the market due to the mechanics involved that turn it into a stroller, when it comes to convenience for travel and for people with limited space in their home, the Doona is a great product,