Doona
Doona sells only one stroller—actually, a combination car seat and stroller. The product was the brainchild of Israeli industrial designer Yoav Mazar, who previously worked for baby gear company Tiny Love.
Mazar named the stroller after his daughter, Danielle. The impetus for the car seat/stroller combination came from a desire to simplify life with baby and avoid hauling around quantities of gear. "While we understood the importance of protecting (our daughter), the day-to-day use of infant car seats and strollers was agonizing,” according to Mazar.[1]
The Doona car seat meets car seat safety standards in both Europe and the US, allowing it to be used across continents. Doona offers two versions: Core (with different colored fabric canopy) and Midnight with upgraded fabrics.
Flagship Model: Doona Car Seat & Stroller
The Doona Car Seat & Stroller (17 lbs., see price on Amazon) is a "fully integrated all-in-one travel system" with an infant car seat and fold away stroller frame and wheels. When used as a car seat, it has the following features:
- Adjustable handlebar that doubles as an anti-rebound bar.
- Duckbill style canopy in 7 colors with a black base and yellow accented wheels.
- Three-layer side impact protection.
- Removable, washable fabric and energy absorbing foam.
- Rear facing only from 4 lbs. to 35 lbs. and includes infant insert and head support.
- Includes a latch base for use in the car.
- FAA approved for use in an airplane without the base only.
- "Contains no hazardous heavy metals, lead content, Phthalates, PAHs, Cadmium, Azodyes, and other unsafe materials."
When deployed as a stroller, the Doona has these features:
- The integrated frame and wheels unfold from under the seat with the push of a button.
- Handlebar telescopes once the seat is unfolded.
The Doona can only be used as a rear facing infant car seat, so you will have to choose both a new car seat and a stroller once your child reaches the 35 lb. weight limit or 32" height limit. At 17 lbs. plus the weight of your child, the car seat will be a challenge for a lot of parents to lug around, especially as your child reaches the weight limit (17 + 35 = 52 lbs.). Finally, the Doona does not have an integrated storage basket–storage bags are available as accessories for an additional cost.
Doona offers an upgraded version of their car seat/stroller called the Midnight Edition (see price on Amazon). The stroller comes with an upgraded black seat fabric, black canopy with faux leather details and a black faux leather handlebar cover.
Safety Recalls
As of this writing, there have been no safety recalls on Doona's Car Seat & Stroller.
Is Doona FAA approved?
Yes. According to Doona's website: "Doona . . . has been certified by the US and European authorities for air travel." The seat is only approved for use on airplanes without the car seat base.
Is Doona safe for newborns? Only for infants?
Yes. Doona includes a free newborn insert with every car seat/stroller. The insert works from birth to 11 lbs. The Doona is an infant only, rear-facing car seat for babies 4 lbs. to 35 lbs. with a height limit of 32". When a baby's head is an inch from the top of the seat, they have reached the maximum weight of 35 lbs. and/or the harness strap level is lower than the shoulder height, Doona should no longer be used by your child.
Does the Doona stroller grow with baby?
Yes and no. Once your baby reaches the seat's maximum height and weight restrictions (about 18-24 months of age), you can no longer use it as a car seat. Most parent then purchase a new convertible car seat and a new, separate stroller.
Is Doona flame retardant free?
Doona's website states that “all materials used by Simple Parenting (Doona's parent company) are carefully tested and approved under the most strict American and European standards and the REACH regulation, including SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern). Not only are the materials used free of any hazardous chemicals, they are also tested for their durability and quality to assure the safe and continuous use of the products.”
Is Doona banned in Canada?
Doona's car seat does not have a Transport Canada National Safety Mark, therefore it cannot be sold in Canada. It is also illegal to use the Doona car seat in Canada. It does not comply with the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seat Safety regulations.
Does Doona need a base?
No. Doona can be installed without the included base.
Does Doona fit in an overhead bin on airplanes?
Yes and no. Doons will fit in most overhead bins on airplanes, but bins vary by type of airplane, so you may want to check with your airline.