Doona
The Doona infant car seat is a stroller-car seat combo. As of today, the Doona and the Evenflo DualRide are the only infant seats on the market with this feature — all other infant car seats have to be clicked into a separate compatible stroller. The Doona was designed to make traveling with a baby easier and more convenient, eliminating the need to carry around a separate stroller. It’s an excellent option for busy parents who are always on the go.
- You frequently use Lyft/Uber/Taxis.
- You travel often within the US and Canada.
- You don’t want to buy a separate stroller.
- You would prefer a lightweight infant seat.
- You are expecting a very small baby.
- You need a seat that is compact front to back.
- Anti-rebound Bar
- Integrated stroller mode
- European seat belt routing for baseless mode
Our Review of the
Doona
The Doona infant car seat is a stroller-car seat combo. As of today, the Doona and the Evenflo DualRide are the only infant seats on the market with this feature — all other infant car seats have to be clicked into a separate compatible stroller. The Doona was designed to make traveling with a baby easier and more convenient, eliminating the need to carry around a separate stroller. It’s an excellent option for busy parents who are always on the go.
Our recommendation: From birth until it’s outgrown, between 9-12 months
An infant car seat that also turns into a stroller
From birth
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
Anti-rebound Bar
The handle of the Doona has an anti-rebound bar (ARB) position, an added car seat safety feature that can reduce the secondary movement of the car seat, called rebound, during a crash. When a collision occurs, the car seat will move forward, towards the front of the vehicle, and rotate downward. And as we all know from high school physics, every action has an equal and opposite reaction — so after that initial movement, the car seat will rebound, or “bounce back” towards the backrest of the vehicle seat. The ARB minimizes this bounce-back effect, helping limit the car seat movement and your child inside it! Overall, they’re a great feature on a rear-facing car seat!
Integrated stroller mode
The Doona has a truly innovative, one-of-a-kind stroller mode feature! You can use the car seat as a stroller with the integrated stroller wheels for quick trips. The integrated stroller is obviously noteworthy and eye-catching…and, of course, super convenient! The other seat like this is the Evenflo DualRide.
European seat belt routing for baseless mode
This seat can be installed baseless with European or American/Standard belt routing. You can find a video showing both of those methods here. The European routing method is preferred!
Seat is good for you if
You frequently use Lyft/Uber/Taxis.
You’ll be ready to ride in a single step when you’re using the Doona in a taxi or rideshare. Just install the Doona baseless like this, and you’re ready to go with the car seat mode! When you reach your destination, it’s just as easy to keep moving: you’ll unbuckle the car seat, unfold the stroller wheels, and be on your way with the stroller mode. You won’t need to unload a separate stroller and attach your infant car seat, so the Doona will make loading and unloading a seamless experience!
You travel often within the US and Canada.
If you are a frequent flier within the US and Canada, the Doona is an FAA-approved car seat and one of the best car seats for air travel. You’ll travel light without a base or a separate stroller, setting you up for a smooth trip with less gear.
You don’t want to buy a separate stroller.
Maybe you’re unimpressed by the trendy baby strollers compatible with your car seat of choice, or you don’t have the space for a full-sized stroller that can accommodate a newborn in a car seat or bassinet. Either way, the Doona car seat and stroller in one solves your problem! Use the Doona for the first year or so, and then you can switch to something new — whether that’s a compact stroller that fits perfectly in your sedan’s trunk or even a wagon to cart multiple kids around in style.
Use caution if
You would prefer a lightweight infant seat.
This is one of the heaviest infant seats on the market today, so some parents may find it difficult to lift it in and out of the car with a growing baby buckled up inside. With the stroller wheels, you can avoid lifting and carrying this seat most of the time — but it’ll still have to be hoisted into the car, which might be challenging for some caregivers.
You are expecting a very small baby.
The lowest harness height is about 7″, meaning the Doona does not work well for small babies whose torso is often less than this! If you’re expecting a small newborn or need a car seat for a preemie, this car seat and stroller in one is not your best option. Check out the Evenflo DualRide instead which has a much better fit for small babies.
You need a seat that is compact front to back.
This car seat takes up a lot of space front-to-back when it’s installed in the car. It won’t be the best choice infant seat for small cars or tall front-seat passengers.
Quirks to be aware of
No ease of installation features
Head insert is highly recommended
The head insert on the Doona is highly recommended for the duration your child rides in the seat. The manufacturer has said it adds additional side impact protection.
Child Fit Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Doona is an FAA-approved car seat. This is an excellent option for domestic travel. You can roll it through the aisles of most planes, so that’s quite a helpful feature. If traveling internationally with or without the base, a locking clip will be needed. You can contact your manufacturer to get one for free. We have a video here of how to use one. For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our Wheels Up Course and private Facebook group.
Videos
SITS Bottom Line
The Doona is a good option for caregivers expecting average or large-sized newborns, but it’s not a great option for smaller babies or preemies! If that’s you, check out the Evenflo DualRide instead. Overall, it is a great car seat, and its longevity, ease of use, and unique stroller mode make it stand out. It’ll last most babies about 9 to 12 months before it’s outgrown, so you may need another stroller down the line — but by then, an inexpensive umbrella stroller will work!
Similar Car Seats
Specifications
Doona
Product Information
Weight: 16.5lbs
Width: 17.5"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 32"
Weight: 4-35lbs
Head Height Rules: at least 1″ below the top of the car seat
Forward-Facing Limits
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
High Back Booster Limits
Other Important Details
Preemie Fit
may not work well
Expiration Limit
6 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after any crash
Harness
rethread
Lock-off
no
Handle Positions for the Vehicle
anti-rebound position
Vehicle Seat Protectors
This brand allows the Doona Vehicle Seat Protector