Is the Doona worth it? My review after 3 years
TDLR: BUY IT! This is my #1 most recommended item, especially for city dwellers and families who like to travel. Yes, the Doona is worth it!
When I first laid eyes on the Doona, I thought it was the ugliest stroller ever. At $500+, and looking like a black and decker tool, is the Doona worth it? After I actually had a baby, I now recommend this product to ALL parents.
I am not joking when I say that parents have literally stopped me on the street to ask me what the brand is when they see me swiftly collapse the stroller and pack it into the car with ease, all while my child is sleeping soundly inside.
So, I get why many parents who have not tried it might think, why on earth would I need an ugly Doona? The handle is so low! Why do I need a car seat with wheels? Is the Doona worth it? Well, I’ll tell you why it’s actually a super smart investment, worthy of making it to the top of Wirecutter’s list.
Is the Doona Worth It? A Complete Breakdown
What Is a Stroller Car Seat?
A stroller car seat is basically a car seat with wheels. It is a hybrid baby travel system that combines an infant car seat with a built-in stroller. Instead of detaching the car seat from a stroller base and carrying it separately, a stroller car seat allows parents to seamlessly transition between car and walking modes with minimal effort.
The Doona Stroller Car Seat is the most well-known product in this category, designed to provide ultimate convenience for parents on the go. With its built-in wheels that fold in and out, it eliminates the need for a separate stroller during the infant stage. But is it worth the investment? Let’s break it down.
Cost Comparison: Doona vs. Other Car Seat + Stroller Combinations
The Doona typically retails for around $550. At first glance, this might seem pricey, but let’s compare it to purchasing a separate car seat and stroller:
- UPPAbaby Mesa V2 + UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller
- Car Seat: ~$400
- Stroller: ~$700
- Total: $1,100
- Nuna PIPA Lite RX + Nuna TRIV Next Stroller
- Car Seat: ~$500
- Stroller: ~$700
- Total: $1,200
- Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 + Graco Modes Nest Travel System
- Car Seat: ~$200
- Stroller: ~$400
- Total: $600
The Doona is an all-in-one stroller system, eliminating the need for a system. Is the Doona worth it? I think it’s a no brainer.
Seasoned parents will know that while it’s possible to own one stroller “for life”, in reality, you have different needs at different ages, and the Doona is perfect for the newborn to toddler phase, especially for families who like to travel.
Why the Doona Is Essential for Travel
I’ll illustrate below how the Doona saves you a ton of time over its lifespan. You save several steps each time you get in and out of the car.
Getting your child into the car without Doona (3 steps):
- Strap child into the car seat
- Put car seat into the pre-installed car seat holder of your car
- Fold your stroller and put it in the trunk
Getting your child into the car WITH Doona (2 steps):
- Strap child into the car seat
- Put car seat into the pre-installed car seat holder of your car
Taking your child out of the car without a Doona (3 steps):
- Go to the trunk, take out and unfold your stroller, bring it around to the side of your car.
- Release the car seat from the car seat holder
- Click the car seat onto the stroller frame
Taking your child out of the car WITH a Doona (2 steps):
- Release the Doona from the car seat holder
- Release the wheels from the Doona.
If you are in an Uber, I find it scary each time I close the door and walk to the trunk with my baby inside! What if they drive off after I close the door?!
Is the Doona worth it? It depends how much these extra steps, repeated daily over years, matters to you.
Domestic & Daily Use
- Perfect for quick errands: No need to lug around a separate stroller when popping into stores or doctor’s appointments.
- Compact for city living: Great for urban environments where space is limited and public transportation is common.
- Easy to pick up to walk down stairs: The handle can be set to lock straight up, allowing you to carry the stroller like a basket down a flight of stairs. This is not possible with traditional strollers
International Travel
- Airplane-Friendly: The Doona is FAA-approved for air travel, meaning it can be used as an infant car seat on planes.
- Ride-Sharing Ready: Since it doesn’t require a separate car seat holder, it’s great for Uber, taxis, and rental cars. Just secure with the seatbelt!
- Hotel & Public Transport Convenience: Eliminates the need to carry both a stroller and car seat in new cities.
Other Considerations
International Car Seat Standards
The Doona meets U.S. (FMVSS 213), European (ECE R44/04), and other international car seat regulations, but it’s essential to check country-specific requirements if traveling abroad. Some nations, like Australia, have stricter regulations that may not approve the Doona for use in cars.
Longevity & Weight Limit
- Weight Limit: The Doona accommodates babies from 4 to 35 lbs (up to 32 inches in height), which typically lasts until around 12-15 months.
- Limited Use Period: Unlike a separate stroller, you will need to transition to a different option after your child outgrows it.
- Weight of the Doona: At 16.5 lbs, it can be heavy when lifting in and out of the car.
Storage Limitations
- No storage basket: Unlike traditional strollers, the Doona lacks storage, so carrying a diaper bag can be tricky without additional accessories.
- Add-ons available: Doona offers accessories like a snap-on storage bag and travel bag to help with space constraints. I used it constantly and I loved the bag!
Who Should Get the Doona?
✅ Great for parents who frequently travel or live in cities ✅ Perfect for those who rely on taxis, ride-sharing, or public transport ✅ Ideal for parents who want a quick and easy solution for everyday use ❌ Not the best for those who need long-term stroller use or extra storage
Final Verdict: Is the Doona Worth It?
If you prioritize convenience, travel-friendliness, and compact design, the Doona is a fantastic investment. However, if you’re looking for a stroller that will last beyond the first year and provide ample storage, you may want to consider alternative travel systems.
I personally think everyone should use the Doona for the first 12-18 months, then switch to a travel stroller after that. We use the car a lot and eliminating the need to take out and unfold a stroller out of the trunk is a HUGE plus.
Would you buy the Doona, or do you prefer a separate car seat and stroller? Let us know in the comments!
