What is the Doona X?

The Doona infant car seat has long been one of the most innovative baby gear products on the market, easily recognizable for its one-of-a-kind design. The Doona is both an infant car seat and a stroller, delivering travel system functionality in one clever singular piece. While most travel systems are created by pairing an infant car seat with a separate stroller, the Doona stands alone as an infant car seat with stroller wheels integrated directly into the car seat itself. With the push of a button, the wheels quickly deploy, transforming the Doona from car seat to stroller in seconds.

The Doona has gained popularity with parents worldwide and has become a common baby registry staple for on-the-go families, city living, and travel. While the Doona has always been the only option in the stroller-and-infant-car-seat category, Doona has raised the bar with the new Doona X. Originally launched in Europe, the Doona X instantly created buzz in the U.S. as American families eagerly anticipated its crossover to the American market. The wait is finally over: the Doona X has arrived, and it is everything parents have been dreaming of.

In this article, we’ll examine why a Doona is one of the most useful baby products to have on hand from day one, provide a full review of the new Doona X, and compare it to the Doona+ to help you determine which Doona is best for your family—and whether the new Doona X is worth the splurge. Spoiler alert: we think it is!

What's New with the Doona X

The Doona X introduces several new features and upgrades, with the most impressive being its recline function. Unlike the Doona+, the Doona X includes a mechanism that allows the seat to recline when used in stroller mode.

This new integration is especially important for newborn strolling. While the curved, C-shaped position of an infant car seat is necessary for proper vehicle safety and crash protection, extended time in that same position should be limited whenever possible. The Doona+ presents an understandable contradiction: its brilliance lies in its deployable wheels, allowing parents to transition quickly from car transportation to stroller use, but baby’s positioning remains the same in both modes.

The Doona X helps solve that challenge. In stroller mode, the seat reclines back to create a more comfortable newborn and infant stroller position. This helps support a more open, relaxed position for baby while giving parents greater flexibility during everyday outings, travel, and on-the-go use.

Doona X vs. Doona+

Both the Doona X and Doona+ offer the same core car-seat-to-stroller functionality. While the Doona X includes several upgrades and features not found on the Doona+, most notably its recline ability, the Doona+ still has its advantages.

The Doona+ is lighter overall, which can make a difference, especially considering that the car seat has to be lifted on and off its base throughout the day. Add in the weight of a growing baby, and that difference could be a reason to opt for the Doona+.

Deciding between the two will come down to how much you prioritize the new upgrades on the Doona X, including its unique recline feature, compared with the lighter-weight design of the Doona+.

Why Choose a Doona Infant Car Seat + Stroller

With so many stroller and car seat combos available—either packaged together as coordinated travel systems or sold separately and paired with car seat adapters—it’s fair to ask: Why choose the Doona or Doona X over a traditional travel system?

The decision comes down to your family’s specific needs. If you prioritize immediate ease of use during your baby’s first year, on-the-go convenience, city-friendly functionality, or easier airplane travel, the Doona+ and Doona X should absolutely be strong considerations. 

Doona X Safety Features

The Doona X offers advanced safety features that strongly compete with many industry-leading U.S. infant car seat brands.

The Doona X base, which is pre-installed and remains in the vehicle, includes rigid LATCH for a quick, secure, and error-proof installation. Rigid LATCH also helps reduce side-to-side movement. The base also features a stability load leg, which extends from the base to the vehicle floor to help reduce rotation in the event of a crash.

Beyond the base, the Doona X is stacked with important safety features, including energy-absorbing foam, enhanced side-impact protection, and compliance with the newest U.S. federal safety standard, FMVSS 213B.

When questioning whether a car seat that transforms into a stroller is safe, the answer is most certainly yes. In fact, every component that allows the Doona X to function as a stroller also doubles as a safety feature. Its handlebar can be positioned to act as and anti-rebound bar, its wheels tuck into the shell to enhance side-impact protection, and even its legs are designed to absorb crash energy.

Doona X Accessories

The Doona X comes with its base, infant insert, and vehicle seat protector included. Doona also offers separately sold accessories designed to improve everyday functionality, including stroller storage options, weather protection, and travel bags.

• Essentials Bag
• Essentials Tote Bag
• Travel Bag
• Padded Travel Bag
• Pack & Go Basket
• Storage Basket
• Sunshade Extension
• 360 Protection
• Insect Net
• Extra LATCH Base

Is the Doona X Worth It?

The Doona X is absolutely worth it for families who want the convenience of an infant car seat and stroller in one streamlined design, with the added comfort, safety, and usability upgrades parents wished for in the original Doona. Its new recline feature makes stroller use more comfortable for newborns and infants, while the rigid LATCH base, stability load leg, enhanced side-impact protection, and updated safety compliance give parents added confidence. The Doona X is heavier than the Doona+, so families who prioritize the lightest possible option may still prefer the original. But for parents who want the most advanced Doona, especially for city living, travel, quick errands, and everyday on-the-go convenience, the Doona X delivers meaningful upgrades that make it well worth the splurge.

Doona X FAQ

What is the Doona X?

The Doona X is an infant car seat and stroller in one. Instead of attaching an infant car seat to a separate stroller frame, the Doona X has integrated stroller wheels built directly into the car seat. With the push of a button, it transforms from car seat to stroller, making it a convenient option for travel, city living, quick errands, and everyday on-the-go use.

What is the difference between the Doona X and Doona+?

The Doona X includes several upgrades over the Doona+, including 3 recline positions, a no-rethread harness, a fuller-coverage UPF 50+ zip-off canopy, a 2-position adjustable handlebar, quick-release wheels, a smoother opening mechanism, and a new LATCH base with rigid LATCH and a stability load leg. The Doona+ is lighter, while the Doona X offers more comfort, convenience, and updated safety features.

Does the Doona X recline?

Yes. One of the biggest upgrades on the Doona X is its 3-position recline. In stroller mode, the Doona X can be adjusted to Sit, Relax, or Lean Back, giving newborns and infants a more comfortable stroller position compared to the original Doona+.

Why is the Doona X recline feature important?

The Doona X recline feature is important because it makes stroller use more comfortable for newborns and infants. While an infant car seat’s curved position is necessary for vehicle safety, the ability to recline in stroller mode gives baby a more relaxed position during walks, errands, and travel.

Is the Doona X safer than the Doona+?

The Doona X includes newer safety upgrades compared with the Doona+, including rigid LATCH, a stability load leg, enhanced side-impact protection, and compliance with FMVSS 213B. Both the Doona+ and Doona X are designed for infant car seat safety, but the Doona X offers more advanced safety technology.

Does the Doona X have rigid LATCH?

Yes. The Doona X base includes rigid LATCH, which creates a secure connection between the base and the vehicle anchors. Rigid LATCH helps support a more stable installation and reduces side-to-side movement.

Does the Doona X have a load leg?

Yes. The Doona X base includes a stability load leg that extends from the base to the vehicle floor. A load leg helps reduce rotation in the event of a crash and adds another layer of installation stability.

Does the Doona X have anti-rebound protection?

Yes. The Doona X includes anti-rebound protection. Its handlebar can be positioned to help act as an anti-rebound bar, helping manage movement during a crash.

Is the Doona X FAA approved?

Yes. The Doona X is FAA approved, meaning it can be installed on an airplane seat. This makes it a strong option for families who plan to fly with their baby during the first year.

Can the Doona X be used without the base?

Yes. The Doona X can be installed without the base using the seat belt path for baseless seat belt installation. This is especially helpful for taxis, ride-shares, grandparents’ cars, travel, and airplane use.

Does the Doona X come with a base?

Yes. The Doona X comes with a LATCH base included. The Doona X base features rigid LATCH and a stability load leg for added installation support.

What comes in the box with the Doona X?

The Doona X comes with the infant insert, LATCH base, and vehicle seat protector included.

What accessories are available for the Doona X?

Doona offers separately sold accessories designed to improve everyday functionality. Doona X accessories include options for stroller storage, weather protection, and travel. New accessories made specifically for the Doona X include the Pack & Go, Storage Basket, and Summer Canopy.

How long can my baby use the Doona X?

The Doona X can be used up to 30 pounds and from 17 to 32 inches. Always stop using the Doona X once your baby reaches either the height or weight limit.

How much does the Doona X weigh?

The Doona X weighs 19.6 pounds. It is heavier than the Doona+, but that added weight comes with upgraded features such as recline, a no-rethread harness, and enhanced stroller functionality.

How much does the Doona+ weigh?

The Doona+ weighs 17.2 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the Doona X. Families who prioritize the lightest possible infant car seat and stroller option may still prefer the Doona+.

Is the Doona X good for newborns?

Yes. The Doona X is designed for newborns and infants starting at 17 inches and up to 30 pounds. Its recline function makes stroller mode more comfortable for newborn outings compared with the original Doona+.

Is the Doona X good for travel?

Yes. The Doona X is an excellent travel option because it combines an infant car seat and stroller in one piece of baby gear. It is FAA approved, can be installed on an airplane seat, and eliminates the need to bring a separate stroller frame for quick airport transitions.

Is the Doona X good for city families?

Yes. The Doona X is especially helpful for city families who frequently use taxis, ride-shares, buses, subways, trains, elevators, and tight sidewalks. Its car-seat-to-stroller design makes quick transitions easier without needing a separate stroller frame or adapters.

Is the Doona X good for suburban families?

Yes. The Doona X can also be a great fit for suburban families who are frequently in and out of the car for errands, appointments, school drop-offs, older siblings’ activities, and quick daily outings.

What surfaces is the Doona X best for?

The Doona X is best for paved and smooth surfaces, including city sidewalks, shopping aisles, malls, airports, and everyday errands. It is not designed to replace an all-terrain stroller for rough trails, gravel, sand, or long outdoor walks on uneven terrain.

Does the Doona X replace a full-size stroller?

The Doona X can cover your baby’s immediate newborn and infant transportation needs, but many families still choose a full-size stroller or next-step stroller later. The Doona X is ideal for the first year, while a full-size, lightweight, all-terrain, or convertible stroller may become more useful as your child grows.

Is the Doona X better than a traditional travel system?

The Doona X is better than a traditional travel system for families who prioritize convenience, travel, city use, and saving space. A traditional travel system may be better for families who want a larger stroller basket, bigger wheels, long-term stroller use, or more stroller features beyond the infant stage.

Does the Doona X save trunk space?

Yes. One major benefit of the Doona X is that it does not require a separate stroller frame in the trunk. Since the wheels are integrated into the infant car seat, it helps save storage space in the car and at home.

Does the Doona X need car seat adapters?

No. The Doona X does not need car seat adapters because it is not attaching to a separate stroller. The stroller wheels are built directly into the infant car seat.

Is the Doona X worth the price?

Yes, the Doona X is worth it for families who want the most advanced Doona option with added comfort, safety, and convenience features. Its recline function, rigid LATCH base, stability load leg, no-rethread harness, upgraded canopy, and smoother stroller functionality make it a strong investment for city living, travel, and everyday on-the-go use.

Should I choose the Doona X or Doona+?

Choose the Doona X if you want the newest Doona model with recline, upgraded safety features, a no-rethread harness, and improved stroller comfort. Choose the Doona+ if you prefer a lighter-weight design and do not need the added upgrades. Both offer the same core car-seat-to-stroller convenience, but the Doona X is the more advanced option.

Who is the Doona X best for?

The Doona X is best for city families, frequent travelers, parents using taxis or ride-shares, suburban families constantly moving in and out of the car, families with older siblings, and parents who want a convenient newborn travel solution from day one.

Is the Doona X the best infant car seat stroller combo?

The Doona X is one of the most innovative infant car seat stroller combos because it combines both functions in one product. For families who want fewer pieces, faster transitions, and easier travel, the Doona X is one of the strongest options available.

Can the Doona X be my only stroller?

The Doona X can be your only stroller during the infant stage if your main needs are quick errands, travel, city transportation, and smooth-surface strolling. As your baby gets older, you may want to add a full-size, lightweight, all-terrain, or convertible stroller depending on your family’s lifestyle.

What strollers is the Doona X compatible with?

Because the Doona X is designed to function as a stroller itself, it is not compatible with any strollers.

When will the Doona X be available for purchase at Bambi Baby?

Bambi Baby will be restocked with the Doona X in September. If you have questions regarding availability, shipping timelines or where to see the Doona X near you, email us at cs@bambibaby.com 

Why should you trust Bambi Baby?

At Bambi Baby, our decades-long commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted authority in the baby products' industry. With over 40 years of experience, we have developed a deep understanding of what parents require when choosing the perfect gear. Our expert team is dedicated to guiding you through this important decision with personalized recommendations, ensuring that the gear you pick perfectly matches your lifestyle and needs.

Still have questions? 

Bambi Baby experts are ready to connect! If you have any more questions regarding the Doona X, you can reach us at cs@bambibaby.com or chat with us on our website. We would love to hear from you!

We would also love to see you in store! Feel free to visit any of our store locations in New York, New Jersey, or Miami if you prefer personalized assistance from one of our experts. We're here to ensure you find the perfect gear for your baby with confidence and ease.