doona travel system review

Doona Car Seat and Stroller Review: A Unique All-in-One System

After five years of testing, our experts still say this innovative piece of gear is convenient, durable and worth having for your baby.

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The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting & Pets Lab met the Doona with skepticism when it hit the market more than five years ago, but since then we've been won over by how convenient and versatile the system is, notably in infancy. Members of our team plus consumer testers—a dozen people altogether—have used the Doona for years and logged thousands of hours of testing, providing rich feedback. (Some parents passed a Doona down to a second sibling.) The Doona Car Seat and Stroller has proven to be not just practical but durable.

Your baby will fit in the Doona from birth until around age 2, at which point you'll need to buy a convertible car seat . That can make its $550 price tag seem high, until you factor in how much use you can get out of your Doona—and how much space it might save.

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller

Is a Doona Car Seat and Stroller worth the money?

We do recommend the Doona, but it's not for everyone. We named it the best car seat and stroller combo , beating out traditional travel systems that include a full-size stroller with a separate infant car seat and base.

What is so special about a Doona stroller? If you're frequently in and out of your car in the suburbs, or your family travels a lot by car and plane, you'll likely love having just one piece of gear seamlessly work in a vehicle and then on the ground. If you're a city family that might start an outing with a stroll and then end up calling a rideshare, the Doona is also for you. One tester told us, "It's for anyone who wants to make their life easier on a regular basis."

However, if you're an urban family without a car and you rarely get in anyone else's vehicle either—sticking with strolling and mass transit—we would say that the Doona probably won't provide the same level of benefits. Also, if your child is already past the first birthday, you might not want to invest in the Doona for only one year of use. But it's ideal from the early months (we'd even recommend it for getting a newborn home from the hospital) and it's worth adding to a baby registry .

How easy is it to use this car seat-stroller hybrid?

Our experts have found it extremely easy to transition the Doona from car-seat mode to stroller and back again once you learn the technique, which is simple but unique. It really only take a few seconds to convert it. There are many helpful videos on YouTube, including some from the Doona brand. You can also watch this clip of our Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman demonstrate the ease of the Doona during a TV segment.

Our testers note that there's an initial learning curve. "Sometimes it's hard to close because the wheels need to be at a certain angle for it to click all the way down," one mom, who has used the Doona for two kids, told us. "I saw a mom with a new Doona trying to get it right at the airport and I stopped to show her how to do it smoothly. Once you know, you know."

You can safely transform the Doona from stroller to car seat and vice versa with your baby safely strapped inside it the entire time. That convenience is a favorite feature.

How long can a baby use a Doona?

Some of our Lab experts and testers were able to use the Doona until a bit past their child's second birthday , and others switched out before the second birthday. It's a rear-facing infant car seat that fits a child up to 35 pounds and 32 inches tall, which many kids reach at age 2. That's the same weight and height as many of the other top-performing infant car seats on the market.

One tester parent told us, "The extending handle can get sticky over time. That's why we actually bought a new one when we had our second child. To be fair, that was after more than two years of use with our first, who was always big and heavy for his age." Other parents were able to pass their Doona down to a second child.

Can the Doona be your only infant car seat?

You don't need another infant car seat —just the Doona will do. Rothman's pro tip (she used the Doona with all three of her kids) is to keep the car seat base in whichever vehicle you use most often. Snapping it in and out of the base is the fastest way to travel. But the Doona can also be secured in any other vehicle using a backseat seat belt.

A tester who noted that her family did an "insane amount" of travel during their son's first year said, "Personally, we used ours for travel and backup if we were going to be in someone else's car." In their case, they kept a different car seat installed in their SUV and used the Doona for all ancillary rides and plane trips, sometimes traveling with its base (if they'd have a rental car) and sometimes not (if they'd be in rideshare vehicles).

What's it like to use the Doona Car Seat and Stroller?

There are a few downsides and tradeoffs. In stroller mode, there's no underseat storage in the Doona, since it has to fold down to car-seat form. If you expect to be out all day and need to carry an enormous amount of stuff, you may want to have a full-size stroller for that. But you can buy a mesh storage bag made especially for the Doona that can hold seven pounds of cargo.

Doona Snap-On Storage Bag

The stroller is easy to push—it can roll over curbs and bumpy sidewalks without problem—but it is not an all-terrain stroller. If you need something for the beach, we recommend a stroller wagon and if you're frequently tackling rough trails, we like a jogging stroller .

Another aspect that's important to note is that the Doona seat is always at the same angle. We think the angle is upright enough for a baby to see what's happening around them but reclined enough for rest. Still, it's worth acknowledging that with most traditional strollers, and with some traditional infant car seats, you can adjust the recline while on the Doona, you can't. We feel the benefits of using the Doona are worth that compromise.

For rear-facing infant car seats, "harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and be placed through the slots located at or below your child’s shoulders," as explained by the National Highways Traffic and Safety Administration. With the Doona, as your baby grows, you will occasionally need to rethread the harness straps to keep up with your child's shoulder height. Rethreading is a traditional feature of infant car seats but some newer models from other brands now have no-rethread harness straps. Find directions for how to rethread the harness on the Doona site .

Finally, in car-seat mode, this is an infant car seat that's a bit too heavy to carry around—16.5 pounds to be exact, plus you have to factor in the weight of your baby. You won't end up carrying it by the handle as you would carry around any other infant car seat; once it's out of the car, you'll want to put the wheels down and roll it instead.

Unfolded, the stroller measures 17.4" x 32.3" x 39". Rothman says that the telescoping handle works for her when it's pushed in, and also works for her over-six-foot husband when the handle is extended.

The base connects in your car's backseat using the LATCH system. Folded into car-seat mode, the Doona measures 17.4" x 26" x 22.4". Our testing showed it easily fits into most sedans as well as SUVs.

The Doona is sold in six colors: red, gray, black, blue, olive green and bright green. There's also a special Midnight Edition in a more luxe black fabric with faux-leather accents and an all-black aluminum handlebar with a removable cover. The Midnight Edition is an extra $100, for a total of $650.

Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller – Midnight Edition

How safe is the Doona Car Seat?

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has previously given the Doona Infant Car Seat a rating of 5 out of 5 stars ("excellent") for overall ease of use, but that rating has since expired. NHTSA plans to include the current model in its 2023 ratings tests; updated ratings are expected to appear on its website in late 2023.

In our testing, we like how the Doona's handle functions as an anti-rebound bar when it is in car-seat mode. Lower the handle so it rests against the backseat as you travel and, if you come to a sudden stop, it will help absorb the force of the impact. Additional Doona safety and certification information is listed on the brand's website .

We had testers who were able to bring the Doona on an airplane for their baby to sit in, since it is FAA-approved. The car seat is 17.4 inches wide and most airplane seats are between 17 and 18 inches wide. Note, however, that FAA approval doesn't guarantee that any given airline has to let you use this or any other car seat; different airlines, crews and countries may follow different rules.

Also note that if you want your baby under age 2 to sit in a car seat on an airplane you need to buy them their own plane ticket and attach the car seat using the airplane seat belt.

How we test car seats and strollers, including the Doona

The parenting experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute look at car seats and strollers both in the Lab and in real-world conditions. Every stroller is pushed over multiple terrains. We time and rate the ease of fold and try every adjustment for the seat and handle. For the Doona stroller, we have had consumer testers send us feedback at every appropriate stage—infancy, babyhood and toddlerhood. We've tested the Doona for thousands of hours over five years with a dozen families.

For car seats, our experts check with the NHTSA to be sure that each car seat we recommend has passed Federal Safety Standards. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, “Child restraint systems,” has long been the testing standard ; there is now also additional testing , called FMVSS No. 213a. We also perform in-Lab and at-home tests to assess safety, ease of installation, stability, ease of adjustments, ease of getting babies in and out and more. We have tested the Doona infant car seat in a variety of vehicles and with rear-facing babies from birth through age 2.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Our experts have been testing consumer products for more than 100 years with the aim of helping assure that everyone can buy safe, trustworthy products for their home and family. Our Good Housekeeping Institute in New York City employs engineers, scientists, culinary pros, nutritionists and more. In addition, we maintain thousands of consumer testers who provide us with valuable feedback.

The Doona was tested and reviewed by Chief Technologist & Executive Technical Director Rachel Rothman , a mechanical engineer with more than 15 years of experience at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She's also a mom to three kids ages 6 and younger who provide her with plenty of testing opportunities.

Contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn wrote this review. Hartshorn has reviewed baby gear for more than two decades, first with American Baby magazine, then for Parents magazine and now for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She's a mom of two kids who are now young adults.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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Is the Doona Car Seat & Stroller Worth the $550 Price Tag?

Fact-checking standards, latest update:.

Super-convenient stroller

What is the doona car seat & stroller.

Who is the Doona best for?

My honest experience — the pros:

And the cons of the Doona

Tips and tricks for using the doona, so…is it worth it.

I recommend  the Doona to all of my friends who are expecting. With that said, it only lasted us for a year, so if you want a stroller that will be with you until your child outgrows strollers, there are plenty of options that are compatible with car seats that work great.

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Worth It? The Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Reviewed

We’ve been using the Doona Car Seat & Stroller for almost eight months now — so, this review has been in the works for a while. I wanted to really put the Doona through its paces before offering my opinion.

It is, after all, not a small investment. The Doona travel system is a cool $550 to $650 depending on the exact model — more if you add any of the optional accessories. And at a time when you’re already being pitched all the pricey baby things , well, it’d be a nice amount not to shell out if the product wasn’t really worth it.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller c/o (also at: Nordstrom , Amazon , Target , Pottery Barn , Dillard’s and buybuy Baby )

Doona Car Seat & Stroller Pros & Cons (+ Tips!)

So, the question is, of course: Is the Doona Car Seat & Stroller worth it? The short answer is yes . A pretty big ol’ yes from me, in fact — but there are some caveats. Not at all when it comes to the Doona’s design or operation; both are mostly well executed. But it’s clearly more suited to some lifestyles and environments than others.

Keep reading for the full scoop.

What is the Doona Car Seat & Stroller?

The Doona Car Seat & Stroller is basically a car seat with collapsible wheels and a telescoping handle that allow it to become a compact stroller, in and of itself. It’s rated for babies 4-35 lbs (worth noting, this is the same as our Britax B-Safe ) and weighs just over 17 lbs, which is 5-6 lbs more than your average car seat, and even 10+ lbs more than the Nuna PIPA Lite .

It’s got all the safety ratings you could hope for in a car seat, with side impact protection comparable to other leading car seat brands and a 5-star safety rating in frontal collision tests. It arrives fully assembled with a (somewhat flimsy, but effective) seat protector and a LATCH car seat base that works with all standard car seat anchors.

Other Doona accessories , including a rain cover, a snap-on storage bag, and more are all sold separately. 

The Doona Car Seat & Stroller is $550; the Midnight Edition (all-black frame and canopy) and Gold Limited Edition (partially gold frame and gold-splattered canopy) are $650, but they also include a Handlebar Cover (valued at $30) and Essentials Bag (valued at $60). We have the Midnight Edition (also at Amazon ).

Not sure if I even need to mention this, but first and foremost, the whole Doona getup is chic. We have the Midnight Edition, and it almost feels like a neutral accessory. I’ve never felt less clunky with a babe at my side.

Aside from the stylish design, the obvious main benefit of this travel system is convenience.

Do I Want A Car Seat That’s Also A Stroller? Yes, For Naps & Travel.

When Eleanor was very small, especially, and was napping on and off all the day long, it was extremely handy to be able to pop her in and out of the car while sleeping and stroll about town without having to transfer her or transfer the car seat to a separate stroller base.

Even so, disconnecting the car seat from the base takes some serious practice (more on that in a minute) – and since the car seat is on the bulkier side, it gets bumped around quite a bit trying to maneuver it in and out of the car. (We have an SUV and I’m not the tallest, so it might be a smoother operation for someone taller. Or with a shorter vehicle. Or both. Ha.) This is all to say, it’s enough jostling that, now that Eleanor is older, she’s not as likely to sleep through the clunky transfer.

Compared to our Britax car seat, which we used with our older daughter and had on hand as a second car seat for Eleanor, the Doona is both heavier (by almost 6 lbs!) and bulkier. But, like, it’s also a freaking stroller , so of course it’s packing around a lot more hardware. And because it’s a stroller, there are far fewer instances where you’re actually lugging the thing around awkwardly in the crook of your arm, so the only time you really notice the weight is when you’re lifting it in and out of a vehicle or taking the stairs.

And the fact that you can literally go from a car seat to a very compact stroller within seconds makes it a clear winner for travel. We’ve yet to fly with Eleanor, but it would make getting around an airport a breeze, and we did quite a few road trips this summer where not having to pack a separate stroller freed up a fair amount of valuable space in the car. When we went to Bend, OR, it was ideal for walking downtown from our airbnb and for pulling up alongside a brewery picnic table (or three). It was equally great for a couple of summer trips to Truckee, CA (read: no snow on the ground). I think in wintry conditions there are certainly all-terrain strollers that would be better suited to the job. 

When it comes to running errands, its compact size makes the Doona really shine. In smaller grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, it’s particularly convenient.

Another unexpected bonus of the Doona’s small size? With the handle in the lower position, it’s the perfect size for my older daughter, Lana (age 7), to push herself. Would I trust her to navigate a full-on jogging stroller through a busy farmers market? I mean, maybe in a pinch. But she can actually get the Doona around with a fair amount of control, which is exceptionally helpful when my hands are full.

How Is The Doona’s Storage? Well…

This brings me to one of the biggest cons of this compact system: the lack of adequate, easily accessible storage. I say this knowing full well that the Doona doesn’t promise to replace your primary stroller, but it is something to consider if you’re hoping to use it often for grocery shopping or errand running.

I mentioned it’s great in Trader Joe’s, and it is – for small trips. Because there’s no storage, if you’re planning to push the Doona, you can only shop for what you can carry in a handbasket, whereas, when I use our jogging stroller, the cargo area in the stroller doubles as my cart. Most of the time, if I’m grocery shopping or running larger errands, I end up transferring Eleanor out of the Doona and into a baby carrier so I can push a cart. This is fine now that she’s older and she’s generally awake for such escapades, but when she was younger and I was trying to avoid having to transfer a sleeping babe, it made things a little tricky.

That said , the Doona does offer options for added storage.

The first, which came with our Midnight Edition, is the Essentials Bag. It’s a shoulder bag that can be clipped onto attachment points on the handle when the car seat is in stroller mode. The quality of this piece is great — it’s well-made and good-looking. But with a suggested 3 lb weight limit, it’s geared for, you guessed it, just the essentials. Diapers, wipes, an included changing pad, a bottle, my phone/small wallet/sunnies/lip gloss, maybe a snack. Adding an adult water bottle would probably push the weight limit. So while it’s not roomy enough to make it my full-time diaper bag, and it doesn’t help with shopping or errands, it’s nice to have.

Other options for adding storage to the Doona include the All Day Bag , which is a larger version of the Essentials Bag that attaches to the rear of the car seat when it’s in stroller mode, and the Snap-On Bag Storage , which adds a roomy zippered compartment to the backside of the car seat (again, can only be attached in stroller mode). Both larger bags have a weight limit of 6.6 lbs.

My solution? More often than not I skip Doona’s essential bag and wear the Kanken backpack as a diaper bag, outfitted with an organizing insert that is game-changing .

If there were some way to add an open, easily accessible sling-like cargo compartment to the Doona, it would be only too handy, but the low profile and compact size make that fairly improbable.

And again, the Doona isn’t really designed to replace a full-function stroller, so I’m just splitting hairs. Moving on.

Is It Easy To Use The Doona Travel System? Yes, With Practice .

Since this review is getting a little more in-depth than I intended (surprise, surprise!), let’s dig into a couple more facets of using the Doona Travel System that I wondered about before I got my hands on it: 1) the overall ease of use; and 2) the stroller’s suspension (or, in this case, the lack thereof).

Getting the Doona in and out of stroller mode is swift and easy. There’s a slight learning curve to making it a smooth transition that’s less jarring to the occupant, but I quickly became a pro and now find it to be a pretty dang slick operation. I find it easiest to sit the Doona on the ground and release the wheels as I’m raising the stroller, versus letting them swing down abruptly.

As for using the car seat with the included LATCH car seat base, things could be smoother. Connecting it is simple enough, if not a bit clunky. (Remember, we’re talking 17 lbs plus the weight of your babe, and the presence of wheels means you need ample space to navigate the car seat onto the base without scuffing or dirtying the back of the front seats).

It’s releasing the car seat from the LATCH base that is particularly goofy to me. This video kinda shows it . You have to have the handle in the upright position to lift the car seat in and out of the vehicle, and squeezing the triggers on both sides of the car seat handle can be awkward if you can’t fully reach the far side of the car seat (see above re: tall car/not-so-tall me ). Then, once the handle is upright, you depress and push the release latch simultaneously while you lift the car seat up off the base.

The person demoing this in the video makes it look like a breeze, but I don’t have the leverage to do it in one step, so I have to depress and push the latch while lifting the car seat only enough to release it and then use both hands to maneuver the freed seat out of the car. It adds maybe five seconds to the whole process, so again not a deal breaker, just…awkward.

Covering Mostly Urban & Suburban Terrain? The Doona Is For You.

As for the Doona stroller’s suspension, um, well, there isn’t any. But that may or may not make a difference for you.

Because the Doona’s stroller hardware is understandably compact, the small wheels and lack of suspension mean it performs best on smooth surfaces.

• Sidewalks, asphalt, tile, linoleum, paved trails? All great.
• Boardwalks? Doable, but be vigilant. (We’ve gotten hung up on the rogue raised board a time or two, and it brought us to an abrupt halt and almost upset the stroller.)
• Cobblestones, dirt and gravel paths? Nope. Skip.

This means just how much stroller use you can get out of the Doona comes down largely to where you live and how you intend to use it.

It’s perfectly adequate for getting around in urban and suburban settings. If you’re planning to push it through a developed neighborhood or down a city sidewalk — or through, let’s say, a mall or a museum — you’re golden . This is where the Doona excels.

Around here, where the majority of our local walks include some mix of dirt and paved trails, we find ourselves using a full-size stroller with real tires and suspension and reserving the Doona for in-town errands.

When Eleanor was a newborn who couldn’t yet fit into a conventional stroller seat, this meant having a separate infant car seat that could be used with a separate stroller system when we intended to cover rougher terrain. We had both on hand already, but if you were starting from scratch, it’d be worth considering whether you were willing to either invest in a second system or default to babywearing if you’re planning to cover uneven ground.

Ok, So Where Does That Leave Us? Final Thoughts…

Phew. So, where does this all net out? If you’re primarily looking for a car seat that you can roll rather than lug , look no further. Doona is aces.

It’s especially valuable when baby is very young and sleeping more sporadically on the go, like all those pediatrician appointments in the early days. And if you live in an area where most of your walking will be done on paved surfaces — or even metro systems, where you want a very small stroller footprint — I can’t imagine a better solution. Planning to travel frequently? Easily a win.

If you’re willing to do some combination of strolling + babywearing, it’s also super likely you could get away with a Doona for most needs.

If you plan to take babe out and about on more rugged terrain, or you frequently envision needing a cargo area for running errands or holding a full day’s worth of baby gear and accessories, you’ll probably benefit from having a separate stroller system, as well — or a different car seat and stroller solution, entirely.

For our uses, and considering the fact that we already had an alternate car seat and stroller system that we can turn to for more robust needs, the Doona has more than earned its keep as our primary car seat.

Making the Most of Your Doona Car Seat & Stroller

Before I go, we quickly learned a few things that make using our Doona even more convenient:

• As mentioned above, I like to set the car seat on the ground and raise it up as I release the wheels, so they extend in one smooth motion (versus pulling the release and letting them swiftly swing down, which can be a little jarring).
• We added a cup holder (under $10) for stashing coffee or a water bottle and a phone. We attach it to the non-telescoping part of the handle and adjust it so that the screw clamp doesn’t interfere with the canopy. Can’t recommend it enough.
• With both our car seats, we found a stretchy, jersey car seat cover to be invaluable for nap time or super stimulating environments, especially when Eleanor was itty bitty. (Note that we only use this cover out of the car.)

Where To Buy The Doona Travel System

The most obvious place to buy a Doona is right through the manufacturer’s website . They have the most comprehensive selection of colors and accessories. It’s also available at several other popular retailers, including Nordstrom , Amazon , Target , Pottery Barn , Dillard’s and buybuy Baby if you have gift cards to spend or loyalty program perks/points you’d want to accrue on the larger purchase.

Back to top

Hope this was helpful, friends. If you have additional tips for using the Doona, feel free to drop them below. And if I missed anything and you have questions, ask away!

Thank you to Doona for generously gifting the convertible car seat/stroller featured in this post. I chose to put together this review on my own, and it includes my unbiased impressions of the product. Hope it was helpful!

Friends!  Follow me on Instagram  for accessible, easily adaptable recipes; sneak peeks of The Mom Edit content (and sales!); and more snippets of our life on the Northern California coast. And if you feel so inclined, pop over to my personal food + lifestyle blog,  The Pig & Quill , where I share salty scribblings from my kitchen and home life. Byeeeeee!

Photos by Carolyn Stockman .

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It's worth it: The Doona car seat-stroller duo makes life easier

I could live without almost every piece of baby gear — all except for my Doona stroller and car seat. I recommend it to every single expecting parent, even pregnant strangers I meet on the street.

I’ve had the Doona since my first child was born nearly six years ago. The company sent it to me to test out and I have used it faithfully ever since. All three of my kids have come home from the hospital in it. Since 2017, our Doona has traveled with us to 15 states, seven national parks and four countries.

After our second daughter was born, I gave it away, assuming I was finished with having babies. When I found out an unexpected third was on the way, I begged my friend for it back.

SKIP AHEAD Why we like it | Our experience with the Doona | Other products to consider

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The doona car seat and stroller.

The Doona is a car seat and stroller in one — with just the click of a button it transitions from one mode to the other making it the ultimate multifunctional baby accessory that takes you from the street to your car easily. It comes with an infant insert and head support for newborns and is available in seven colors.

Its materials are free of hazardous chemicals, and are breathable, removable and washable. (Washability is key, in my opinion since strollers get positively filthy.) The Doona also has two layers of durable, impact-absorbing plastic that is reinforced with foam layers to provide enhanced impact protection, which protects your baby in case of an accident, according to the brand.

There are a variety of other accompanying accessories you can purchase to make the stroller even more of a vital part of your everyday parenting routine. I immediately added on the $60 essentials bag that connects to the stroller’s push handle; it’s especially useful since the Doona doesn’t have extra storage space like a lot of large strollers.

Essentials Bag

Why we like it.

When transitioning from the street or house to your car, you don’t need to detach the car seat and then fold up a bulky stroller. You press a button on the back of the Doona and the wheels fold up neatly inside of it. The transition is so smooth you won’t even wake a sleeping baby.

Additionally, there is a car seat base attachment for your vehicle so you can easily click the seat in and out. Separately, it is also easy to hook the Doona into almost any car using a seatbelt. As someone who lives in the heart of Philadelphia and often travels with my kids, I love this function because it means I can take my baby out for long walks and then take a taxi home. At 17.2 pounds, I find the Doona is easy to lift and maneuver in and out of cars.

As a car seat, the Doona met all of my expectations for safety. It has a five-point harness to protect the child in case of an accident, while the stroller handle doubles as an anti-rebound bar that helps prevent it from flipping back toward the rear of the car in a crash, according to the brand’s website.

The Doona also comes fully assembled in the box. This may not seem like such a huge benefit, but when you are an expecting or new parent every second counts, and the fact that the stroller is ready to go within seconds of arriving truly matters.

Our experience with the Doona

I have carried the Doona onto boats, trolleys and trains and brought it onto plenty of beaches with the accompanying $40 sunshade . I once took it on a gondola up to the top of a mountain. When parents walk into restaurants, hosts and waiters often frown at the sight of any stroller. When I show them how the Doona folds up and tucks away so seamlessly, their eyes often light up with delight.

Doona Sunshade Extension

And don’t forget airplanes. If you’re willing to pay for a seat, the Doona is aircraft approved and fits neatly into a standard airplane seat ( without the base ). In the event you want to save money and sit the baby on your lap, it is as easy to check at the gate as any stroller I’ve tried. I also purchased the $50 travel bag that you can wear like a backpack when traveling. The stroller fits right inside the water-repellant bag that also folds down into an integrated pouch when not in use.

Doona Travel Bag

The Doona isn’t limited by age, but there is a weight limit of 35 pounds. For my babies, this was around 18 months, though none of my kids wanted to abandon the Doona. My three and a half year old still tries to climb into it.

Few product decisions are as fraught for an expecting parent as which stroller to purchase. Every parent you meet has an opinion about what they love and what they hate. Strollers inspire both devotion and ire in equal measure. My ultimate praise for the Doona can be boiled down into a single sentence: It is one of those objects that simply makes life as a parent easier.

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Other products to consider.

While I am extremely loyal to the Doona because it doubles as my stroller and car seat for the first year and a half of my childrens’ lives and is so easy to travel with, there are other highly rated stroller/car seat combos that offer similar features. The below options are all considered “travel systems,” which means you can use their various components as both a car seat and stroller.

Safety 1ˢᵗ Grow and Go 8-in-1 Modular Travel System

The Grow and Go Sprint has eight seating configurations including parent- and outward-facing positions, for growing kids. It has an infant car seat that attaches (and detaches) to the stroller frame as you move in and out of your car. And unlike the Doona, it offers a large storage basket, plus a canopy tray with cup holders for parents. It can accommodate children up to 50 pounds and comes with a step-up bar that’ll help kids climb into their seat as they get older, according to the brand.

Safety 1ˢᵗ Grow and Go Sprint 8-in-1 Modular Travel System

Evenflo pivot modular travel system with safemax car seat.

This highly rated stroller and car seat system offers six different modes of use and can hold children up to 50 pounds. The multiple configurations include: carriage mode (which lets your baby recline and stretch out), toddler mode, or a frame stroller with infant car seat, according to the brand. Additionally, it has a three panel canopy to provide your baby with shade and privacy as you walk.

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System

Why trust select.

Jo Piazza is an award-winning journalist with over twenty years experience in the field. She is a mother of three children and has used the Doona for all three of them while traveling around the world.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Jo Piazza is an award-winning journalist and bestselling author of the books "You Were Always Mine" & "We Are Not Like Them".

Doona Stroller Car Seat: Is It a Must-Have? (Spoiler: It’s Not!)

If you’re reading this you probably saw or heard of this “amazing car seat that converts into a stroller”. I get it, Doona is incredibly trendy in the US at the moment.

Many celebrities are using it (which the company is promoting heavily) so people easily get talked into having one as well. They’re also great with their marketing campaigns, so influencers are also loving Doona.

If you read my other reviews you know by now that they’re unfiltered, non-sponsored and more than whether I like the product or not, so I will go into different aspects of the trendy Doona here as well (probably way too much you might need to know) 😉

However, as another trendy brand Uppababy has proved to us before – trendy doesn’t always mean good, even despite a hefty price tag. Or safe, like in the case of a popular item Dock-a-Tot, which is heavily promoted on every American registry but it’s unsafe for sleeping and this is why it’s actually banned in Canada.

Before anyone asks, Doona is actually banned in Canada as well because the angle of the car seat is not adjustable and hence considered unsafe according to Canadian standards. Don’t even try to sneak it through the border – it’s subject to a ton of fines and voided insurance.

Doona is also not a non-toxic car seat, which I actually found out later and it adds to its con s – I explain more in the article under cons.

Is Doona Stroller Worth It?

I’ll be real. It didn’t cross my mind to get the Doona with the first baby because I automatically disregarded it due to the price and the fact it’s a car seat and the baby shouldn’t be in it for long periods of time.

A year and a half later many friends tried to talk me into getting a Doona because it’s convenient. I think quite often it’s worth paying for the convenience if your time and patience are limited, especially with two kids, I began researching the Doona more and more.

The more I researched, the more I realized that Doona is a product that was designed with a good idea of not having to carry your car seat around, but consumers often misinterpreted it.

Lots of you are asking if Doona is a good stroller for NYC and the answer is: absolutely not.

While it is convenient and hence why so many people think it’s worth it, Doona is not a stroller and shouldn’t be used as a stroller for walks. The more I talked to actual doctors and people who know what they’re talking about (not just random consumers), the more I realized that Doona surely isn’t a must-have and whether you want it or not depends on your lifestyle.

For some it might be worth it, for others, it might not be. However, you should know all the facts before making your decision.

Either way, these days there’s a better similar car seat & stroller combo on the market called Evenflo DualRide – it basically has everything Doona doesn’t offer and more, so if you really think that you MUST HAVE the car seat stroller then I recommend going for it over Doona.

Can Doona Be Your Only Stroller for the First Year?

I think whether you should get Doona or not depends on where you live for sure, but also there are several things to consider for the sake of your baby’s health.

Most importantly, Doona should NOT be your only stroller for your baby because it’s NOT a stroller . It’s meant to be used as a car seat, in and out of the car for quick trips, but you shouldn’t be rolling around your baby in Doona for walks or in the city.

I found so many reviews saying “we just use it to roll the baby around the house because it’s convenient” – every sane pediatrician would cringe at this. It’s very unhealthy for infants under 4 months who should have limited time in the car seat. The official recommendation is 2 hours in the 24-hour cycle, but the less the better and newborns under 4 weeks newborns should spend 30 minutes a day at a maximum in a car seat).

I am aware that in the US it’s pretty common for infants to roll around in their car seats everywhere, but it doesn’t mean that it’s safe or good for babies. Many people naively disregard it as gossip, but babies die every year due to extended periods of time in their car seats . It can not only block their airways but it’s also very bad for their spines in the long term, so please keep this in mind. (It also applies to sleeping in baby swings).

It increases the risk of SIDS due to the fact that oxygen saturation levels (the amount of oxygen in your blood) are lower when children are in child car seats, many parents claim “my child slept in a car seat and is fine” – sure, deaths are rare, but reduced oxygen can lead to other issues in the future.

In Europe, it’s pretty common knowledge not to stuff your babies in car seats and bassinets are a way to go – hence why Doonas are approved but not very popular at all because it’s just a car seat (and quite frankly, car seat choice are way better and much more lightweight in Europe).

In fact, when I did a poll on my own social channels about which car seat I should get I received a ton of messages from people telling me why Doona is not a good idea at all. It’s something people just know. (Ironically, I know a similar thing happened to a pretty popular European influencer/photographer who said he’s never seen so many people advocating against a product – with the product being Doona and he ended up getting a Babyzen Yoyo instead .)

I know some friends who took their Doonas to the supermarket in the UK and were asked by strangers why are they destroying their infants’ health and putting them at risk. Rolling babies around in a car seat, whether it’s a Doona or anything clipped to your stroller is considered insanity.

This brings me to the next point: is Doona safe?

Is Doona Car Seat Safe?

There’s no denying that Doona is safe if used as a car seat and exclusively as a car seat and not a stroller. If you plan on rolling with it all day then no, unfortunately, it’s not safe (explained above).

It’s an approved car seat, so if you buy it directly from their website or approved retailer (eg. Magic Beans or BuyBuyBaby) you can be sure that your baby will be safe in it.

Why am I insisting on an approved retailer? Simply because there have been fake Doona 4-1 car seats on Amazon just last year and these car seats were not safe. They had nothing to do with the original Doona car seat. Sadly, as a former Amazon seller I know too well how easily regulations can be bypassed for Amazon so it doesn’t surprise me that the fake Doonas sneaked into Amazon.

Is Doona the safest car seat on the market? Sadly, it’s not. In case you didn’t know, to meet federal safety standards, a car seat is strapped to the center of a bench seat, which is then projected rearward to simulate a frontal crash of 30 mph (and let’s be real – that’s pretty slow). For more detailed rankings, you can look to independent crash test reports from trusted sources, including Consumer Reports.

Doona actually performs WAY below average in terms of head injuries (which makes sense for small babies because the head can get wobbly with little side cushioning), and it doesn’t get to the top 10 car seats on the US market in terms of safety. It has terrible ratings actually compared to other car seats on the market.

Flying with Doona Car Seat

Doona is FAA-approved and can be taken on the plane. Yay! But…

Doona is 17.3″ wide, which makes it too wide to fly and won’t be allowed on some planes on various airlines. It includes some Alaska Airlines aircrafts, some from American Airlines, Southwest, and various others.

As it’s an infant seat, also often called a bucket seat, it’s naturally meant to be strapped rear-facing and it’s not meant to be used front-facing, which makes it not allowed on various non-US airlines. Most airlines allowed approved car seats, but they MUST be secured rear-facing for take off and landing, but then turned forward-facing in order not to block the recline.

In the case of Doona, it is not possible which makes it:

• ineligible on Air France, British Airways and KLM as it cannot be turned forward safely
• You can use it on Emirates if your baby is under 6 months old and not older and you must be seated on bulkhead seats only.
• You can use it on Etihad only if your baby is under 6 months old and only in Business or First class (not in Economy)
• Too wide for Asiana airlines and rear-facing cannot be used at all

Pros of Doona Stroller

Convenience.

The biggest advantage of the Doona is that you don’t have to carry it out of the car. You just pop the wheels and seconds and boom – you can roll with it.

Once you know what you’re doing it’s easy to use. It naturally also has a break so the whole thing won’t roll away from you.

The stroller has a push and pull-on mode, but I honestly don’t know when would you ever need to pull your infant behind you in a car seat.

Washable Cushioning

Doona has fantastic washable cushions and a water-repellant canopy that offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The fact that it’s all washable is great because it’s not the case with all car seats.

However, I must say that lots of more experienced people mention that despite the extra cushioning the car seat offers less side protection. As I naturally have no resources to perform reliable crash tests I simply cannot comment on it, but will link some here in case anyone wants to see the results.

The included head support is also washable which is great for spit-ups, but I feel like it gets too snug for older babies and offers not enough protection for newborns.

There’s also a removable infant insert for babies up to 11 pounds.

Cons of Doona

This one is quite obvious – for $599 with the base but without any accessories, Doona is not cheap.

Add a bag (either $40, 60 or $90 depending on size), sun protection ($45), rain cover ($40) and travel bag ($100) if needed and you come down to over $800 for possibly less than a year of usage. Absolute insanity.

Disclosure not to sound like a hypocrite – admittedly, I did pay $399 for Cybex Cloud Q Carseat for my second child, but unlike Doona I think it’s worth it in some circumstances like mine (I described it in my Cloud Q review). In the case of Doona stroller, I think it’s not worth the price considering all its cons.

The problem with expensive infant car seats in general is that if you happen to have a big baby they might not last you very long . Doona says the maximum height is 32″ or 31lbs, which is pretty standard for all infant car seats. I honestly say that while it says maximum it doesn’t also mean it’s comfortable until 32″. I think passed 27″ it’s pretty tight and pushing it.

Some parents claim to use Doona up until 15 months, but in case of my firstborn, we switched him to a convertible car seat by 8 months because he was already 30″ in height and looked painfully uncomfortable even a month earlier. In a Doona baby’s feet are dangling without support passed 28″ so I’ll say you really shouldn’t stretch it to the max.

I know some people whose babies were not only tall like mine, but also chubbier so they only got about 6 months’ worth of Doona usage. It’s sort of like a Snoo baby bassinet – some parents swear by its worth (it’s $1000 and can only be used up to 4 months), others think it’s absolute insanity, but hey – if you can afford it it’s your money.

Not Non-Toxic

A majority of children’s car seats in the United States are filled with toxic chemical flame retardants due to an outdated 1972 federal flammability regulation . So is Doona, unfortunately.

The fabric used on the Doona is sprayed with a flame retardant. This is not used on the infant height adjustment pillow or head support. 

Chemical flame retardants do not bind well to the products that they are used on. That means that they are released into our environment as air particles, dust, and direct transfer. As children spent plenty of time rubbing in their car seats, it’s an important factor.

Those flame retardants are toxic and linked to various diseases and there’s no proven benefit of it.

There’s no denying that Doona is heavy – 16.5 lbs . While it seems like you never need to carry it because it has wheels it’s not the case. You still might have to carry it up the stairs, or simply get it out of the car and lift it back up.

The base is also 10 lbs. You’ll never carry the base unless you want to gate-check it if you’re flying with a baby .

Speaking of flying with a baby, if you decide to bring your Doona on the plane you will usually have to carry it through the aisle (officially you can’t roll strollers down the aisle so you might be told off) so assuming your baby is a standard size and 50th percentile you will carry 16.5 lbs of the car seat & in case of a 4-month-old as an example, about 16 lbs of a baby on top of it. It’s a mission.

While technically Doona or cabin-approved strollers fit through the aisle, only once (out of over 150+ flights) I was able to roll anything airline-approved down to my seat (probably because I was flying alone with a baby while having a cold and looked very desperate, haha!).

The other million times I flew I was told to fold everything before entering the plane and carry it on because flight attendants insisted it was not legally allowed to roll a baby in a stroller or car seat through the aisle due to other passengers’ safety.

There’s no option for storage because it’s not a stroller – it’s a car seat . This means you need to carry your diaper bag and other extras yourself instead of just putting them under the stroller.

You can get a mini storage compartment but it’s tiny – you’ll fit a bottle and a diaper there, and you still have to remove it before putting it in the car. It is a pain in the butt.

Then again, it’s really not designed to work as a stroller so the lack of storage isn’t surprising but might be important for people to consider.

Even if you just use it for short trips out of the car to Target it makes things difficult, because then you need to roll your Doona and the cart which is pretty inconvenient. I know some people put car seats inside the cart (which again, is not considered safe because of the angle) but you cannot even do it with Doona as because of the wheels it takes lots of space in the cart not leaving you much room for shopping.

Wheels on Doona Stroller

Wheels are small because they have to be small – otherwise, the car seat wouldn’t fit. While the wheels are an advantage, keep in mind that when it’s muddy or snowy outside you’re putting all this dirty inside your car, not in a trunk.

The Doona also has no dampening system , so it is a rough ride over any uneven surfaces.

Your car will get filthy quickly including the inside of your car door. They do have a car protector but it makes the base slide a bit so some people aren’t comfortable with it. They also sell wheel covers, but who has time for that really?

Low handlebar

The handlebar is painfully low. Unless you’re 5’5 the handlebar is going to feel low and uncomfortable, because again – it’s a car seat and not a stroller so it cannot be extendable for safety.

If you’re taller it really makes you slouch and feels weird – some parents laugh that for tall husbands it looks like you’re pushing a toy stroller and frankly, I must agree. On uneven terrain, it’s a pain in the butt to push a stroller with a handlebar that’s too low.

Seat Only Parent Facing and No Recline

As it’s an infant car seat the seat can only be facing the parent when rolling around in a stroller mode. the seat orientation is not ideal for young babies. Once older though, curious babies can be frustrated they cannot see what’s going on when strolling (I know mine was after 6 months) so it’s frustrating.

Doona is also angled at a car seat level (45 degrees), so the child cannot sit upright. It will frustrate the crap out of most curious babies and toddlers for sure. Unless your child is a unicorn baby and is fine sitting and staring at the sky then it’s not the most fun experience.

No Option for a Double

If you’re planning more kids you might think that Doona might be worth it because you will reuse it. Sure, however, Doona is a single option – no boards, no extra seats .

If your kids are less than 2.5 years apart your toddler might not walk to walk (or will walk but not where you want him to walk) so it gets tricky.

Other Things to Consider About Doona Stroller

Few things that might not be cons or pros, but might be important to think about and decide whether it’s a con or just something that you might be willing to oversee.

Installation Without a Base

Especially if you live in NYC or other cities where you don’t need a car, you might consider Doona so you can easily and safely get around with it by taxis. Yes and no.

Doona is a piece of cake to put in a car with a base, but naturally, you won’t be dragging a 15lbs of a base with you around the city, so will have to install it “European style” with a seatbelt. Which isn’t just one click and it takes a few minutes.

I was laughing at Doona’s marketing video from NYC of “how easy it is to put it in a taxi” – sure thing it’s easy if you just put the car seat in the car without strapping it, as the video ends before the lady actually installs it in the car #MarketingTricks.

Is Doona a Good Travel Car Seat Then?

I think once again, it depends on your preferences and where you’re going to travel.

If you’re traveling around the US or Mexico then it could be. It’s easy to roll through the airport, if you purchase a seat for your infant it’s FAA-approved to take on board , and so on.

However, if you’re traveling to Canada or Europe then unfortunately it’s not a good option as it’s simply not approved for usage there, so you’re subject to fines and voided insurance in case of a crash.

It’s also important to note that non-US airlines do not always allow car seats on planes (and often they must be pre-booked) and in most cases only front-facing car seats as allowed after take-off and landing because infant rear-facing car seats limit the recline of the person in front of you.

In all honestly, I’ve taken thousands of flights around the world and never saw a single person using a car seat on a plane outside of the US. It’s just not a common thing to do.

I’ll also be brutally honest – unfortunately, if you live in a US city and don’t own a car things get tricky with infants. If you need to run around all day with a baby and want to take Ubers/Lyfts you need to have a car seat but it’s also bad to keep babies in car seats all day. Basically, you’re screwed either way if you want to keep your bub as safe as possible.

For older toddlers and kids there are foldable booster seats or foldable car seats such as WayB Pico that is easily portable, but it doesn’t exist for infants. The closest to it is Cosco Scenera Next (if you’re getting one get the convertible version because quite frankly it’s more of a bucket seat without it with no head support), but it’s still not a small portable seat.

Most places in the US require by law to have a child in a car seat when in a car or taxi (NYC does not require it, but you naturally want to keep your little one safe). In cities where public transportation is available, you can just use a bassinet and take public transportation.

I never took a car seat with me on my solo European escapades and was able to move around with metro, trams and public buses without issues and never had to use cars with the baby – just like everyone else around me. But, in the US it can be tricky as quite often there’s no other way of getting somewhere other than a taxi.

Issues in the Winter with Doona Car Seat Stroller

This is something I never considered with my kids as my first was born in the spring and my second was born in the winter but Mexican winter, so I never had to deal with newborns surrounded by snowy or cold weather.

As a parent, you want to keep your kids comfy, especially when they’re tiny during the first few months. If you’re expecting a winter baby it’s only natural to think about a snowsuit or outdoor sleep bag to keep an infant warm and cozy.

Sadly, neither of those work with a car seat . Winter attire adds to space between car seat straps so it’s advised to undress the baby before strapping them to a car seat.

It’s not a problem if you’re just in and out of the car – you can cover your little bubs with a blanket, but if you thought of wondering around NYC with it then you’d either have to have a child covered with a blanket without winter attire (that’s a ton of fun if you have a kicker baby :P) or not strapped and undress him before hopping into a taxi. Not an ideal solution.

Issues in the Summer

Car seats run hotter than strollers. My firstborn spent his first year in Europe, so temperatures were moderate but I still felt like my son was always sweaty when in the car seat.

However, now that we live in Utah from May to September temperatures range between 90 to 105 degrees. Even in the car with AC on the baby is melting in an infant car seat. I absolutely cannot imagine keeping a baby in the car seat when it’s over 80 outside.

P.S. Throwing a cover on top of the car seat actually increases the temperature inside it .

Verdict – Doona Stroller Car Seat Combo:

While Doona can be a good car seat solution for some people, it shouldn’t be your only travel system for the first year of the baby.

If you can afford Doona, a standard stroller, and then the next car seat after a year then it might be worth a purchase if you think you’ll use it enough.

If you want the safest car seat available, then Doona is not the answer as while it passes it performs badly in crash tests.

If you typically will have your baby in your own car, I would go with a more typical travel system or actually skip an infant car seat altogether and get a convertible car seat that will last you years.

However, if you’re looking for a stroller for NYC, have a smaller car (like an electric vehicle or compact car), it’s your second child, or planning on having another fairly soon, then I think you’ll be better off spending money on something else.

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26 comments

Thank you for writing your article! It really helped me to decide whether or not I should get the Doona. I do have a question for you. What would you suggest for a 14 mo old when flying? I have the cybex which is the car seat/stroller and I take that to the door…pack the base in my luggage. I was looking at the Doona for the convenience of it. Any other suggestions, since you traveled a lot, that could be a stroller and car seat? Thanks!

Your 14-month-old still fits in the infant car seat? Lucky! 😀 Out of all my travels with both kids, I only brought a travel system (clippable car seat to a stroller) once, and my husband and I instantly regretted this decision. It was unnecessarily heavier, the baby was getting sweaty and uncomfortable, so I don’t recommend any.

I’m always bringing a travel stroller into the cabin and check car seat at the counter (not to lug it at the airport), but since my older is tall he’s been using WayB Pico since he was about 15-18 months old (that one also fits in the overhead so we never check it) and now the second child is using Cosco Scenera Next for the time being (he stopped fitting in any infant car seats at 8 months just like my first son) and we check that at the counter.

No base or anything like that – just a lightweight car seat easy to maneuver when traveling. Neither I or my friends ever brought a base for traveling because it’s huge and heavy, and once again – unnecessary.

I am so glad I came across your review! I have been lusting over the doona for a few weeks now and your article completely changed my mind. I have a hand me down city mini from my sister that I use with a chicco key fit car seat. We’re planning on traveling a bit over the next few months and I’m worried that the stroller + adapter + car seat will be annoying. My baby is 5 months old but on the really small side (just 13 pounds). We need a car seat for when we land to get to and from the airport etc so that’s why I was considering the doona but not worth the price if we’re only going to use it for 2 or 3 trips – do you have any recommendations? At what point can she safely/comfortably sit in the city mini (or a travel stroller)?

All travel strollers will have printed on them to use the seats from 6 months up, but in reality, it all depends on your baby as the date is approximate. The 6 months is based on allowing the baby’s spine to be rested but in a car seat vs bassinet, the spine isn’t resting anyway so many people just put the seats in a recline position at 4 months. Some baby’s muscles are strong at 4 months and they’ll want to be seated upright (eg. my first child refused the bassinet) vs some babies won’t be ready for it until even 7 months (eg. my friend’s child who was just not ready to sit upright because of the lack of head control). Most kids though are ready about 4.5 months 😉

Where are you headed? If you just need it to/from the airport then it might not be worth bringing the car seat – better to order transport or a taxi with a car seat, but also not all places require car seats in a taxi or even are accustomed to it (I’ve been to a few places where it was basically impossible to install a car seat in a taxi). But if you want to bring your own car seat the most economical car seat for travel would be Cosco Scenera Next – it’s extremely lightweight.

how come you said NYC doesnt require a car seat? i just read their law and anyone under 8 will need some sort of restraint.. please clarify or send link where you got your sources. thank you

Private cars do, but not taxis. Taxis are exempt from this law. Here’s a link: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/passengers/passenger-frequently-asked-questions.page “Children under the age of seven are permitted to sit on an adult’s lap.”

I completely disagree with everything in this post. Not sure how I got here as I was looking at getting my doona replaced after an accident… but a lot of this information is so skewed and just, misleading. The doona isn’t THAT heavy, even my orthopedic surgeon was impressed with how light it was, it has wheels it’s not like you’re going to be carrying it around like an infant carrier. People reading this need to not be influenced by one persons skewed review.

I’m afraid you cannot logically disagree with everything in the post, because a big part of the article is facts, not opinions in regards to its safety, what it does to infants’ spines when they’re in it for extended periods of time when used as an actual stroller and not just in and out of the car (in fact, even the actual Doona manufacturer confirms it).

Doona IS indeed significantly heavier than various other car seats on the market (it’s over 3 times heavier than some of the lightest ones) and if you have stairs or need to conquer cobblestones you will be carrying it indeed. Not to mention having to lift it into the vehicle which is an issue when women are recovering from c-sections for example.

Doona is not banned in Europe, and therefore absolutely not issue to any fines etc.

Regards Maria

Where did I say Doona is banned in Europe? It’s banned in Canada. It’s just not popular in Europe. However, if you bring a Doona (or any car seats) from the US to Europe that IS indeed banned, because all US car seats are illegal in Europe and vice versa.

Was looking at the Donna for our last baby, #6, due on Thanksgiving. However after this article I see it’s nothing more then a waste of money. Thank you for the eye opener. My 21 month old just outgrew her infant bucket, Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit 35, so I’ll just wash it on up and save it for the new baby. Yes, my babies are super petite and all where born at 5lbs, so I’m expecting almost 2 years from the infant bucket with new baby. Do you have any car seats that are good for the next stage? We have a Graco Wayz and I don’t like it lol.

We had this Graco before, along with Graco Slim Fit, and I hated them too – too many pieces to clean. Currently trying out Evenflo Maestro and so far no concerns and easy to get the dirt out, because it’s just one piece.

I’m live in the UK and I was seriously considering buying the Doona for my 1 year old (late, I know). I’m so glad I came across your article, it’s put me off but I’m glad! Something about it didn’t sit right with me from the start! Thank you.

I wish I had seen this article prior to purchasing because it has been a total nightmare. We were drawn to it for the fact of being able to wheel the infant while holding our daughter who is less than two. However, our plan backfired because our doona broke within three months of use – the wheels wouldn’t click in. Doona states on their website they cover manufactured issues but they asserted we damaged ours. Also, the head support is terrible for newborns. So we are back using our nuna pipa lite that we bought for our daughter and highly recommend.

That sucks, but I’m not surprised. The head support is a joke on the Doona and when I talked to experts they all agreed that the wheels make the car seat less safe for multiple reasons :/

I have a friend who started out with the doona. Baby was too big for the infant insert but still too small to safely ride in the carseat and maintain her own airway properly due to the angle of her neck (but mom did not know this until it was almost too late!). Her chin was tucked to far to her chest and she stopped breathing during the car ride! She pulled her baby limp from the seat. There’s a reason it’s illegal in other countries! She took the seat to the fire department so the chief could inspect it and since there’s no way to recline baby to a safe angle for breathing properly before they develop more neck/head support, this makes it absolutely not safe for our babies!

Thank you for taking the time to write your article on the Doona! It was incredibly helpful in my decision process, and I ultimately decided to purchase one. Now that I have it, I’m wondering what other suggestions you might have for a 14 month old when flying?

I currently have a Cybex car seat stroller – so at the airport, I take it up to the door and then pack the base into my luggage. While this is convenient enough, I know there are other options out there like the Doona. Do you have any other recommendations since you’ve traveled with your child so much? What do you suggest for parents looking for something that can serve both as a car seat and a stroller? Thank you for all of your insights!

There aren’t any solutions for older kids since only infant car seats can be clipped into the stroller and this is why when the child has outgrown the infant seat but isn’t quite ready for a booster yet is very tricky for travel and general commuting. The best solution for the US is WayB Car Seat as it fits under the stroller (or can hang from it) and fits nicely in the overhead bin of the plane – search for my full review here on the blog 🙂

Thank you for writing this comprehensive article. I’m an American living in the U.K. and Doonas are definitely becoming more popular here – as a soon-to-be first time mom I’ve had them recommended to me already. After reading your article it’s going to be a hard pass from me!

You state that the doona is not and should not be used as a stroller (agreed) yet you review it as if it is a stroller, comparing it to stroller features. It’s a car seat…compare it to car seats. Very misleading.

Because people look at it as a stroller, while as we both agree on – it’s not, so this review explains it.

Last month I travel to Europe with Donna, it is approved for flight within continental Europe. The baby traveled conformably on Donna and we use it during the whole trip. Great choice. Only one item.

Hi, I was wondering if you could post a review on the evenflo as it is your recommended replacement? Would super appreciate it!

Yes, it’s actually scheduled to be posted next week 🙂

THANK YOU! I already had a sense that this product was just not it but you summarized it all perfectly…. so many reasons I feel like it just doesn’t make any sense! Yet people will not stop INSISTING that I must buy it in NYC. This question is now put to rest.

So hi my names kaera ive used this travel system for 9 months now with my son so I’m a teen mom with autism I had him when I was 12 I’ll be 13 in 2 months so i love this travel system it works so well so I got it in the racing green color so I’ve brought him to dance class with me in this to school with me in this and my moms brought him to work with her in this it’s supper easy to go in restaurants so I’ve been on 2 vacations with this so he weighs 19 pounds and is 22 inches so hes used this since birth I’m a first time mom so it’s the only thing I’ve ever used my only complaint is that it’s heavy it weighs 16 pounds and my son weighs 19 pounds so with him in it it’s rather heavy

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The Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Reviewed by Two Moms

In a nutshell:

If you’re often on the go or live in a city, the compact, easily adjustable Doona Car Seat & Stroller is a great asset for baby’s first year. Our product testers praised its travel-friendly design, simple setup and supportive seat. However, keep in mind that it can’t be used into toddlerhood and may not be the most comfortable for tall parents to push at length.

Strollers and car seats are often at the top of each parent’s must-have baby gear lists—so why not get a model that safely serves both purposes? Case in point: The Doona Car Seat & Stroller. This car seat stroller combo has been wildly popular for years on end, due to its convenience, compact size and highly adaptable design. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that it earned a spot in our most recent Best of The Bump awards .

To really pin down why so many parents rave about the Doona, we had two moms put it to the test. Below, find their honest opinions on using the stroller on a daily basis, as well as pros and cons, technical specs and more to consider before you click “add to cart”.

Overview of the Doona Car Seat & Stroller

About the doona car seat & stroller.

• Versatile, 2-in-1 design
• Easy to assemble and convert
• FAA aircraft approved
• Suitable for newborns
• Rear-facing only
• Minimal storage space
• No one-handed fold
• Handlebar height may not be comfortable for tall parents

Before diving into all the details, let’s go over the top features you should know about the Doona Car Seat & Stroller before you buy. The Doona occupies a unique space in the stroller world—and the car seat world. Unlike travel systems, which allow a car seat to connect to a separate stroller frame, the Doona is an all-in-one device, transforming from car seat to stroller and back. The clever design offers the benefits of a car seat and a stroller, of course, and can be easily converted between the two while you’re on the go. This makes it an ideal option for parents who live in cities, regularly use public transport, travel a lot or are just often on the move. The Doona’s handlebar can be used in four different modes and doubles as an anti-rebound bar when installed in your vehicle. Whether you’re using it as a stroller or a car seat, you can count on the setup to be a piece of cake, thanks to the user-friendly buttons and intuitive fold. Even better, the compact design provides all of the same features you’d expect in a full-size option, including a five-point safety harness, a UPF 50+ sun canopy and durable wheels, to name a few. All in all, you can count on this convenient car seat stroller combo to be your go-to on journeys big and small throughout your little one’s first year.

Dimensions (open): 17.4" (L) x 32.3" (W) x 39" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 17.4" (L) x 26" (W) x 22.4" (H) | Weight: 17.2 lbs. | Weight capacity: 35 lbs. | One-handed fold: No | Number of children: 1

How We Tested the Doona Car Seat & Stroller

To put the Doona Car Seat & Stroller to the test, The Bump editors conducted extensive research on the popular set of wheels. Then, we put it to the test. Here are the steps that we took to create this article:

• We put the Doona through two rounds of tests. One was completed in-house by Kellee Kratzer, former managing editor, and the other was done by an independent product tester, Juanita, who has no affiliation with The Bump.
• We asked Juanita to carefully assess it for ease of pushing and steering, folding and unfolding, ease of use, features, style, value and, of course, safety.
• We researched what was being said about the Doona Car Seat & Stroller in The Bump community forums to better understand what parents liked (and didn’t like) about this model.
• We considered several factors when analyzing this stroller, such as open and folded dimensions, weight capacity and modes of use, to name a few.
• We read user reviews to see how this stroller has worked for a wide range of families.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles , including product reviews.

Doona Car Seat & Stroller Review

When testing the Doona Car Seat & Stroller with their infants, Kellee and Juanita both considered the model’s features, performance and design. Below, read about their specific thoughts on a range of details, from the handlebar positions and car seat installation to newborn-friendly aspects, storage accessories and everything in between.

Folding and unfolding

The main appeal of the Doona is how seamlessly it converts from a stroller to a car seat and back again. From the get-go, Kellee was amazed at how straightforward it was to use. “All of the features were easy to master, and my husband and I were quickly impressed with this car seat stroller combo right from the very first use,” she told us. “We strapped my son into the seat in the hospital room and wheeled him down to the car, where we transitioned it back to the car seat for our drive home.”

Thanks to its intuitive design, the Doona can be folded and unfolded in seconds once you get the hang of it. All you have to do is press the gray wheel release button on the handlebar to slide it back, use your foot to steady the wheels and then push the red safety lock button on the back to transform it into a car seat. Kellee confirmed this, telling us: “Converting the Doona is fast and easy—a quick squeeze of the lever at the back of the car seat drops the wheels out and down to convert the seat into a stroller or vice versa.” The compact style may also be a plus for petite parents. In one of our forums, a member of The Bump community, k_mama91 , commented: “I’m petite so I liked that [the Doona] didn’t need to be snapped into a stroller that I would fight with folding down.”

That being said, there’s always room for improvement and what may work well for one parent may not for another. Juanita suggested that it could’ve been more compact when folded. “I would’ve liked it if the wheels could fold or just get tucked once it’s folded and the car seat is on the base. That would be very helpful to make a bit more room in the car,” she commented. This is just something to keep in mind if you have a smaller vehicle or would prefer a sleeker car seat.

Ease of pushing and steering

Chances are you’ll be using your stroller on a daily basis in a wide range of scenarios, so you’ll want one that’s easy to push and steer, no matter the location. Kellee told us that she and her husband have found the Doona super smooth to push and steer. “In our seven months of using the Doona, we’ve never had a problem with the conversion from car seat to stroller. Despite the bumpy sidewalks of New York City, the wheels of our model are holding up nicely. Included safety mechanisms—a green brake-release pedal and red brake pedal—work well, but sometimes the green pedal comes up slightly and we need to adjust,” comments Kellee.

Conversely, Juanita and her husband reported some difficulties pushing the Doona on different terrains but overall had a positive experience with it. “When on good ground it’s smooth and easy to push. It’s easy to maneuver through different places because it’s so tiny. The steering on bumpy ground is okay and it also does well when on grass which I loved. It’s so lightweight to push it up or down a sidewalk,” Juanita explained. Kellee was also a fan of how lightweight the stroller was, telling us: “I love how convenient the Doona is around the house too. At 17.2 lbs., it’s light enough to carry up one flight of apartment stairs without even converting to the car seat.” Compared to other travel systems which may range anywhere from 20 to 30-plus lbs., the Doona is notably lighter which also makes it more simple to push and steer.

Ease of use as a stroller

In stroller mode, one of the Doona’s standout features is its adjustable handlebar, which can be used in four positions. The first mimics that of an upright suitcase, which is convenient when navigating crowded stores, restaurants or busy streets. The second—pushed back—allows you to seamlessly put baby in and take them out of the seat. Both of these handle positions enable the stroller to roll right up to a table at a restaurant before baby is old enough for a high chair—another highlight of this product. Plus, “the handlebar has a great grip on it and keeping it clean is easy!” adds Juanita.

To extend the Doona’s handlebar out to its fullest length (38.9"), it must be placed in the third position setting. “We don’t typically use it at this level, but we’ve found that it’s the perfect height if you have older children (or nieces or nephews) who love to push strollers,” Kellee said. This is also the position you’ll use when the Doona is in car seat mode. The brand refers to it as anti-rebound protection, meaning the handle will absorb the impact in a collision and prevent the seat from rotating quickly toward the back of the seat, therefore reducing injury.

The fourth position is where the handle is fully extended. Unfortunately, if you’re tall, this mode might not be very comfortable for you. “My husband, who is 5’ 10", has to shorten his stride to walk behind the stroller when he’s pushing it,” explained Kellee—so definitely consider the height of who’ll be pushing the stroller before you buy.

Ease of use as a car seat

Now let’s get into how the Doona works as a car seat. The Doona isn’t just built for convenience, but it was also carefully designed with your little one’s safety in mind. The double wall structure—which enables the wheels to fold up into the body of the seat—means there are two layers of impact-absorbing plastic. Additional layers of energy-absorbing foam and textile also provide enhanced side-impact protection for added peace of mind.

To install it, first, you’ll need to fold the wheels into the stroller by pressing the gray handlebar and the red safety lock buttons simultaneously. You can then lift it into your car and place it on the seat (rear-facing, of course). From there, you’ll use the seat belt to secure it; just thread the bottom part of the belt through the front of the seat and then the top of the belt through the blue latch on the back of the seat. Gently pull the seat belt to ensure everything is stable and supported. Lastly, move the handlebar into the anti-rebound position—and then you’re good to go!

Both moms who tested the Doona for this article praised the car seat for being easy to set up. “The instructions were very clear, but if we got stuck on some part and couldn’t figure it out we looked up a video. The videos out there are very helpful as well! It took around 5 minutes after reading all the instructions to install, and it felt very secure once the base was in place,” Juanita explained. At first, Juanita admitted she was concerned about how effective the car seat would be due to the unique design. But, she was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked once she put it in her vehicle. “When we installed it felt secure and very stable,” she said.

Similarly, Kellee appreciated how simple the installation process was—though she set up the Doona with the base, which is available to purchase separately but not a requirement to use the car seat. She commented that it was straightforward to secure the base in her vehicle. “A green button lets you know it’s securely locked, and a glance at the instructional stickers on the side of the base makes it easy to tell whether the seat is level and in the proper position to keep baby safe,” she explained, adding, “It’s also a snap to attach or remove the car seat from the base—just a quick push of a button, and it slides in or out quickly.”

Moreover, both moms liked how snug and secure their children were in the car seats once they were installed. “Similar to other car seats on the market, the Doona has a padded five-point harness, which we found easy to buckle our son into,” Kellee said. Likewise, Juanita told us, “I really loved how easy it was to take my baby out and put him back into the seat. The harness is very easy to adjust the height and tighten; he feels and looks very comfortable.”

While the 2-in-1 model offers plenty of pros, it also comes with a few cons. One of those has to do with weight; while the Doona is light compared to strollers, it’s heavy compared to other infant car seats . “My issue with the design of the Doona is that it’s so heavy. [It’s] 15.5 lbs. instead of 8-ish for most car seats (and then add in a 7- to 20-lb. baby). I know the idea is that you always use the wheels, but so often (actually most of the time because I usually carried it into my daughter’s daycare and into our house while she slept) I’m carrying the car seat up some stairs or into the house,” explained Clobert , a member of The Bump community. (And we should note that Clobert is being generous—the Doona is actually over 17 lbs.) k_mama91 agreed that the Doona has room for improvement as a car seat, commenting, “I found it to be bulky and uncomfortable compared to regular infant seats." That said, k_mama91 added that “online reviews say this is a great seat for city dwellers who Uber as it’s one piece of equipment and doesn’t require a base.”

To sum it up, if you’re looking for convenience above all else, this hybrid design is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. But, if you’d prefer a car seat that’s lighter and sleeker, the Doona may not be the best choice for your family.

Stroller features

Despite its compact design, the Doona is still packed with plenty of the same features you’d find in a full-size stroller. Highlights include the UPF 50+ sun canopy, the five-point safety harness and the durable wheels. What’s more, the high-quality model is made from breathable textiles and inner foams; some pieces can even be removed and washed.

If you’re a new parent, you’ll find the Doona is complete with an array of newborn-friendly details, making it a great option for baby’s first year. When testing, Kellee used the included infant insert, which comes free with the purchase. “Our son weighed less than 7 lbs. and wasn’t big enough for carriers, so we relied heavily on the Doona for several months—so much so that we preferred it over a carrier once he passed the 8-lb. mark,” she commented. According to the brand , the insert can be used from birth until your little one reaches 11 lbs., at which point it can be removed to ensure comfortable growth. “The insert does come out as your child grows, and we kept the head portion in for continued extra protection,” Kellee told us.

With or without the insert, though, the Doona has a soft interior, which creates a cozy environment should baby nap while you’re out and about. Juanita also praised this feature, saying: “My baby fit very well in the car seat/stroller. We can see that there is room for growth when he gets a bit bigger and [heavier]. The headrest gave my baby a lot of support when he napped. It made his head stay in place which I really love.” One thing to note: Kellee mentioned that the insert showed sweat stains after a while, but don’t fret—it’s washable.

While the Doona (sadly) isn’t complete with a handy undercarriage basket, there are some great storage add-ons that are sold separately. The Doona Essentials Bag , for instance, hooks into two slots on the back of the seat when it’s in stroller mode. This diaper bag features side pockets perfect for phones and keys—plus, a front zipper lets you access the large compartment without taking the whole bag off of the stroller, which Kellee found super convenient. For even more storage space, there’s a snap-on stroller accessory as well. To prep your Doona for changing weather throughout the year, a rain cover and protective sun shade are also available.

Last but not least, if you’ll be using your Doona as a travel stroller, the Doona Travel Bag makes it easy to gate check before you board your flight. “For our family, the Doona is particularly helpful at the airport. We use it as a stroller until we get to our gate and then we zip it into the lightweight backpack-style travel bag to gate check it at the airport,” Kellee told us.

Style and design

“We get nothing but compliments in our neighborhood, especially employees at restaurants who have never seen a stroller so small,” raved Kellee. You’ll also appreciate that this set of wheels delivers on both style and durability. “The fabric has held up well, and we’ve had no rips or tears. Our son tended to chew on the shoulder protectors, so they got quite dirty, but luckily they unbutton, which makes them easy to clean,” Kellee told us.

The Doona comes in an array of on-trend colors, ranging from luxe neutrals to brighter, contemporary hues. If you live in an urban area and will often be using it on sidewalks and public transport, Kellee suggests opting for a darker tone. “We went with the Doona in black figuring it would be a good option for New York and we were right since it did show less dirt from the city streets,” she said.

Value for money

For a stroller that can only be used for a finite amount of time (the rear-facing style, unfortunately, won’t grow with baby through toddlerhood), the Doona does come at a higher price. “The price tag is hefty, and when baby outgrows the car seat portion, you’re out a stroller too,” k_mama91 pointed out. That being said, many parents believe it’s worth it for the level of convenience this hybrid design offers. “I think it’s worth the price for this 2-in-1 and it’s a car seat/stroller that will last you for a long time. It’s durable and well-made, and the price is fair for what you are getting,” says Juanita. The price may be a point of consideration for some, but, according to Kellee, “it’s really the only stroller and car seat you’ll need for the first year.” We wholeheartedly agree!

Final Thoughts About the Doona Car Seat & Stroller

It comes as no surprise that both moms who tested the Doona Car Seat & Stroller for this article highly recommend it. “Since the very first day, we’ve continuously received compliments from hospital employees to passersby on the street on the Doona’s sleek design and functionality. The company refers to it as the Next Generation Car Seat, and it really is like nothing anyone has seen before. It’s a great asset for an urban family, but I would also recommend it to anyone who drives a lot since you don’t have to pack an extra caddy or stroller for when you arrive at your destination,” explains Kellee. Juanita agrees with this, saying it’s especially useful for those who travel frequently. “I would recommend the Doona to new moms or moms that want to try a new brand out. It’s useful for someone who doesn’t want to always travel with a stroller and a car seat,” she commented. The bottom line? If you’re looking for a car seat stroller combo that can really do it all from the earliest days of parenthood, the Doona is worth the investment.

About the writer:

Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor at The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. O’Regan-Reidy has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. With over a four-year career in digital media, O’Regan-Reidy has written dozens of articles about baby gear, aiming to create engaging, helpful articles that inform new and seasoned parents.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Mom of a 2-Month-Old Put the Nuna MIXX Next Stroller to the Test

The 9 Best Travel Strollers for Stress-Free Trips

Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller Review From Mom of Two

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Doona Car Seat Stroller Review – The Ideal Travel Stroller

The Doona Car Seat Stroller is fabulous for travel. It’s easy to use and easy to transition from car seat to stroller which makes it basically the best travel car seat stroller. 

Table of Contents

FAQ’s About the Doona Car Seat Stroller

Is the doona as nice as other car seats and strollers is it as safe, how much does the doona cost.

Where can I purchase a Doona? 

How long can a baby stay in a doona car seat, is the doona car seat safe for newborns, does doona work for toddlers, does the doona car seat need a base, are doona car seat strollers worth it, can i take a doona on a plane, the website says the doona in the color i want is sold out i want one but now how do to get one, does the doona come with anything like a base or newborn insert, does the doona make a good everyday car seat/stroller is the doona just for traveling, are there any downsides to using the doona, how do you turn a doona car seat into a stroller.

I hope this helps you and your family decide if the Doona is right for you!

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Hi there! I am about to travel overseas with my almost 1-year-old and have the Doona. The airline doesn’t allow rear facing car seats to be used on the flight. Doona recommends rear facing use only, but on one of your pictures it looks like you have the Doona installed forward facing on the flight. I’m looking for more information on if it’s possible to use the Doona forward facing and how to best do this. Figured I would ask you as it looks like you have a lot of experience in using the Doona. Thank you!

Yes, so we just flew with her facing forward for the flight. You can see in one of the photos how we have it buckled across. Hope this helps!

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Doona Infant Car Seat Review (2023): A One-of-a-Kind Complete Travel System

January 1, 2022 by Peter Leave a Comment

Please click image for more info

Any parent who likes to keep things simple will truly appreciate the Doona Infant Car Seat, which is billed by its maker as the first ever all-in-one travel system. This innovative model conveniently can be converted from a car seat to a stroller, and back again, with the simple push of a button. It does this by way of wheels that can be folded down and back up again with ease. This makes it a practical option for families who prefer to travel without stowing a potentially bulky stroller in the trunk.

Designed to be used in a rear-facing manner, this car seat features a five-point harness, an anti-rebound bar, and LATCH connectors. In the stroller mode, this model is known for its maneuverability and ability to handle tight turns with ease. It boasts stretchy, breathable fabrics and is available in black, gray, or a handful of bright colors like red, green, and blue.

Overview of Doona Infant Car Seat

This comprehensive travel system is a favorite among many parents who don’t want to lug around a separate stroller. Its double-wall structure allows the four wheels to fold right into the frame, while these walls’ impact-absorbing properties also provide extra protection during a crash. What serves as the handlebar in the stroller mode doubles as an anti-rebound bar in the car seat setting.

 Converting it from the car seat to the stroller simply involves squeezing the lever on the back for the wheels to drop down. Pressing the same lever allows you to roll it back up into car seat mode. As a stroller, it maneuvers and makes tight turns with ease, due to its sleek, streamlined build. It comes with a cushioned, supportive head insert as well as another one that properly aligns a newborn’s head, neck, and back. It’s approved by the FAA for air travel, and is backed by a generous two-year warranty.

This model is made for children weighing from four to 35 pounds and who are up to 32 inches in height. The combined seat and stroller component weighs only 16.5 pounds. It is manufactured by the Simple Parenting company, which was founded by a father who wanted a compact, convenient means of getting around with his daughter.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, tests and evaluates car seats for usability, instructions, and safety. Here is how it rated the Doona Infant Car Seat for these factors:

• Evaluation of labeling: 5/5 stars
• Instructions : 5/5
• Securing the child : 4/5 stars because some fabric blocks visibility of the harness slots, and also the harness requires rethreading when its height settings are adjusted.
• Installation features : 5/5 stars
• Overall ease of use : 5/5 stars
• The Doona Infant car seat lasts for 6 years.
• Where to find expiration date on Doona Infant car seat? You can find the expiration on the sticker at the bottom of the Doona car seat.

Video Overview of Doona Infant Car Seat

Doona Infant Car Seat Specs

Doona infant car seat features.

What is included with the Doona Infant Car Seat?

When you purchase this model, you’ll receive the combination seat and stroller, a LATCH-enabled base, an infant insert, a head support, and a vehicle seat protector. Accessories available for purchase separately include a footmuff, handlebar cover, rain cover, snap-on storage, insect net, travel bag, wheel covers, and more. What’s more, replacement parts are readily available online.

Who is the Doona Infant Car Seat Suitable For?

This convertible model is great for busy urban families, as well as for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with a stroller that takes up a lot of space in the trunk. It is a highly convenient choice for those who use Uber or taxi services on a frequent basis. It’s suitable for little ones who weigh from four to 35 pounds and are no more than 32 inches tall. It’s FAA approved for airplane travel when used without the base.

Pros and Cons of the Doona Infant Car Seat

• Triple-layer side-impact protection
• Transforms easily from car seat to stroller
• Folds up to a convenient, compact form
• Extremely lightweight
• Stroller maneuvers well and can make tight turns
• Clear instructions and labeling
• Plush bamboo fabric
• Available in a variety of colors
• Large canopy
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
• FAA approved
• Some vehicle seat belts are not long enough to install this model in seat belt mode.
• Tall adults may need to bend over to push it in stroller mode.
• High price point

Doona Infant Car Seat Installation Videos

Installing the base with the LATCH connectors:  

Installing the base with the lap shoulder belt:

Installing the base with the lap belt only:

Installation without the base:

Doona Infant Car Seat Owner’s Manual

The manual can be accessed at:

Doona Infant Car Seat Manual

Doona Infant Car Seat vs. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35:

Donna Infant

Primo Viaggio 4/35

While there is not currently another model similar to the all-in-one Doona, we’ve chosen to compare it here with the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, a high-end, rear-facing infant car seat that’s suitable for babies of the same weight and height range. While it doesn’t convert into a stroller, and the stroller component must be purchased separately, the Primo Viaggio is compatible with strollers made by Peg Perego and Agio. It can also be used with some models of Baby Jogger, BOB, Thule, and UPPAbaby strollers, which may require the purchase of an adapter.

 Both the Doona Car Seat and Primo Viaggio 4-35 offer reliable side-impact protection, and the LATCH-equipped bases are easy to install. When it comes to adjustment, one advantage the Primo Viaggio 4-35 has over the Doona is the harness doesn’t need to be rethreaded to adjust for height. In the weight department, however, chances are the Doona car seat/stroller, at 16.5 pounds, will be significantly lighter than the Primo Viaggio 4-35 and any stroller you choose to pair it with. Both of these premium products are rated well for safety and overall quality, so your decision may come down to whether you prefer a model that’s combined with the stroller or one that’s separate from the stroller.

Babylist's Doona Infant Car Seat Review

City life as a new parent is not the easiest thing in the world. The Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller is a premium-priced infant child restraint that transforms into a stroller. The dynamic duo rarely comes together, and for some people, the price is worth the combination.

One of the biggest worries we as parents have when it comes to infant car seats is safety. The Doona Infant Car Seat has strong crash test results and easy-to-use LATCH anchors to help secure it in the backseat. If you choose to use the vehicle seatbelt system, the installation gets a little bit more complicated.

Doona Infant Car Seat (click image for more info)

The most prominent feature is that it is an infant car seat and stroller in one. It eliminates the need to tote around a child carrier and a stroller. It is pretty comfortable for your baby, too. The fabric is durable, and there is plenty of padding. The Doona Infant Car Seat stroller has a full canopy to protect their sensitive eyes and skin from the sun.

If you walk or use public transportation to get around, the Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller is worth the hefty price. It the solution when you need an infant car seat you can trust and transport, and a stroller for those walks in the park.

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Graco Extend2fit vs 4Ever: Features, Pros & Cons, and How to Choose

Growing up I was a carefree male going about life like there was no tomorrow. Naturally, I ‘grew’ up, settled down and started a family.

Going from an independent carefree male to a family man was somewhat of a U-turn and required a lot of learning. Luckily for me, my wife works in education and has always been the shining light always ahead of me on all factors kids related.

Initially, my wife didn’t have a driving license (luckily this has now changed and it does make life easier), and all things car related were my task. Child locks were the obvious starting point which lead me down a rabbit hole.

So far we have personally tested dozens of convertible car seats and have owned five despite neither of our kids having reached the age of 5! Simply put, a car seat can be great on paper, work great on trying out but can fail on you in real life.

This is why I have put together this website – to help inform and educate you!

Of course, as I mentioned above, at the end of the day your experience will be the best test so I’d love to hear your experiences and feedback in the comments.

To contact me personally, please do so through my  contact page .

I look forward to hearing from you!

P.S. If you click a link on my site and end up buying a car seat on Amazon, I’ll get paid a small commission (or as the Amazon lawyers put it: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases”)

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Doona Car Seat And Stroller Review: Are They Worth The Hype?

Aliza friedlander.

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.

Let’s talk about car seats. Considering you can’t leave the hospital – or go anywhere for that matter– without one, a car seat is arguably the most important purchase for any new parent.

But with so many to choose from, picking the right infant car seat paralyzed me. Anxious about finding the “right” one. I made my husband spend hours on Consumer Reports, looking up safety ratings, reviews, and any other information to guide me. I asked every single mom friend I know what car seat they used and spent months thinking about it.

I’d heard about Doona in passing, but since it didn’t exist when I had my first two daughters, I didn't think twice about it. I assumed I’d use the same car seat I previously used. Slowly though, I started noticing almost everyone who had an infant car seat had a Doona . And I mean everyone – friends, celebrities, influencers, random people on the street.

My interest piqued; was Doona the way to go? I had to find out… and I wasn't disappointed. Keep reading to find out why both my husband and I feel like Doona is a must for your new baby.

• Incredibly safe (this is my number 1 priority)
• Convenient for on-the-go parenting
• Easy to use

We don't like

• Heavy when not using the wheels
• Bulky enough to make tight parking spots an issue
• No built-in storage, just additional purchase options

Featured Product

Car Seat & Stroller

Don’t pass on doona.

With a seven-year age gap between my middle daughter and younger daughter, there have been a lot of new baby inventions since my last go-around. Doona is hands down the one new item that’s made parenting on-the-go so much easier.The Doona car seat (from $550) not only excited me, but also my usually even-keeled husband, who's now raving to other parents. I’d walk in on conversations of him explaining to them why he wished he had this car seat with our older two daughters—and I couldn’t agree more.

Safety was my number one priority when it came to finding a carseat, but I wasn’t sure what to look out for. So I reached out to a specialist. “The US has a Pass/Fail system, so any car seat on the market is safe. It doesn't matter if you spend $700 or $70, the safest car seat is the one that's life stage appropriate and installed correctly,” says Liz Humphrey, a Child Passenger Safety Technician. “Read your car seat manual front to back a couple times. Read the child safety section of your car's manual a couple times.”

Doona passes the safety tests in both the United States and in Europe and has a five-star rating from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). It’s also very easy to install, both with the Doona base or seatbelt. This gave me confidence that anyone who needed to drive my baby could properly install the carseat.

Other safety features I loved include the infant head support, the five point harness and the anti-rebound bar: the carseat handle is placed closest to the seat of the car to provide better impact absorption.  

Doona’s Stand Out Qualities

The most exciting and unique thing about Doona is the retractable wheels that make it a car seat and stroller in one. The retractable wheels fold underneath the carseat in one easy motion – you just have to push the button in the back and it goes from stroller to car seat in seconds.

“The Doona is a good option for parents who often travel by plane, live in the city, already have children who no longer use a stroller, or babywear and don't plan on purchasing a stroller,” says Humphrey. “Also, keep in mind it is a car seat and you must follow the height and weight limits even though it acts as a stroller.”

While Doona works as an easy-on-the go stroller, it’s important to note there is no storage. That being said, Doona does offer great accessories for additional costs, including the Essentials Bag ($60) that you can connect directly to the handle. Because Doona is not designed to replace the traditional stroller, you are probably going to want to buy yourself another, more sturdy stroller in addition to the Doona.

Additionally, Doona’s handle pivots from car seat handle to stroller push bar. I never have to carry the car seat anymore; I just pop out the wheels and pivot the handle so it becomes the stroller push bar and I can push the baby anywhere. With my older two, I got bad wrist pain (mommy wrist, a type of tendonitis, is real!) from carrying the car seat inside and outside constantly.

I also love that the car seat comes fully assembled, so you don’t have to worry about putting it together wrong. You can either click the carseat into the base that comes with the stroller, or you can use a seatbelt. We traveled with the Doona to San Diego and I had no problem securing it into the car with a seatbelt, something I felt nervous to do with the car seats I had with my older two daughters. It also makes it easy for grandma to take the baby—she doesn’t need to have a base in her car, which is a plus!  

Essentials Bag

Doona Is Used By Everyone… and I mean EVERYONE

Once I started thinking about car seats again, I noticed almost everyone had a Doona. When I took my older daughters to the beach, I noticed multiple people with Doonas. I even stopped some of them to ask what they thought of the carseat. The reviews were all the same; that it was the best car seat and a must-have.

And it’s not just people like you and me who have the Doona. It seems to be the go-to carseat of choice for every celebrity who is a new parent. We’re talking about some of the biggest stars in the movie, music and sports world like Jennifer Lawrence, Ed Sherran, Khloe Kardashian, Steph Curry, and many more.

Doona is More Than a Car Seat Brand

While Doona’s car seat is their best known item, the brand has other awesome products like its foldable Liki Trike (from $250), which is great for going to the park, and has a Sens Alert, a monitor to alert parents or caregivers if the child is accidentally left behind.

It is important to note that Doona is on the pricier side, but it comes with a base and is the car seat/stroller combo. I remember snap-and-go portable wheels to go with my other infant seat car seat, which added up to about the same total cost as an all-in-one Doona. Because of how easy it is to travel with kids and the fact I no longer need to struggle with lugging a car seat in and out of the car, it’s worth the price.  

Doona is on the road to making parenting a bit easier, one item at a time. So don’t miss out on this amazing baby car seat you’re going to wish you had, and join the thousands of parents, including myself, who are using Doona today. Shop it here.

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Doona Infant Car Seat review

The Doona is the world’s first infant car seat with fully integrated wheels, switching from chair to pushchair in seconds. The system has four wheels that collapse under the seat base; when the wheels are released (with the push of a button – one hand holds the seat handle and the other releases the wheels) hey presto! you have a pram.

As a pram for quick trips and urban living, the Doona is unrivalled in convenience. Here's what parents James and Charlotte thought of the Doona Infant Car Seat...

How did this product make your life easier?

This Pram was brilliant for short trips out, such as when I wanted to take both kids out to the park or for a small shop trip. Some of the big advantages of it are that, unlike a traditional travel system , you do not need to disassemble and reassemble the pram every time you get in and out of the Car. The pram is also very light, and very easy to steer, compared to some larger prams which makes going out on short trips a breeze. The Doona is stylish and I often have comments from other parents surprised at the size and compactness of it. Many describe it as cute!

The Doona I had was grey and came with an Isofix base to fit the pram into in the car. Unfortunately, my car does not have Isofix points on it, so I was unable to use the Isofix base. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the seat was able to fit in, even without the Isofix. When I went to visit my mum, we tested the Isofix base in her car, and I am pleased to report that it only adds to the convenience of the Doona experience. The Doona seat is significantly larger than the average child seat because of the wheels stored underneath. This can mean that you may have to push the front seats forward more than you would for some car seats. I could imagine this may be an issue in some smaller cars.

The biggest disadvantage to the Doona is the lack of storage space available as the place where storage would normally be on a pram is taking up by the fold-out wheels. This can make it inconvenient for longer trips where you will be out for more than a couple of hours, and bigger shopping trips where you may have to carry lots of bags. Because the pram is so light it is not easy to hang bags of it either as it easily messes up the weight distribution.

Would you recommend this to other parents?

I would recommend this product to other parents, mainly as a complimentary item to a full-size travel system or pram. The Doona gets used every day in our house, and I use it in many situations where I would have before taken out a full-sized travel system. This has cut down the time taken to get out in many cases. However, it is not a complete replacement for a travel system and remains unsuitable for longer trips and trips where you need to carry lots of things, such as larger food shops.

Would you choose this product above all others on the market?

Having used the Doona, I definitely would choose this product again in the future. I feel it would be complementary to a full travel system, and not instead of. The biggest advantage of the Doona is the convenience and speed at which you can get out the door with your baby which makes it perfect for smaller trips or when you are in a hurry. However, if I were on a budget I would not say this is an essential piece of kit, as you could make do with just a standard travel system.

What changes would you make to this product?

If I had to make any changes to this product it would mainly be surrounding the storage space. I would like there to be some way of being able to store more on the pram, maybe a bucket underneath or some more clips on the handles or around the frame to be able to hook bags onto it. Other than this the Doona does exactly what it should do and remains a convenient and easy-to-use pram great for everyday use.

Product Information

Dimensions:  72.3 (L) x 46.5 (W) x 40.2 (H) cm

TUV and FAA Aircraft Approved for travel

Anti-Rebound Crash Technology

Superior 5-point safety harness

New-born infant insert cushion provides a near-flat ergonomic position for your child

Fail-Safe Mechanisms to prevent misuse

Tested and certified as an Infant Car Seat, a Stroller and a Reclined Cradle

The only car seat with integrated wheels

Unique double-wall ‘Side Impact Protection’

Helps keep your boots clear and decluttered of travel system parts

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The 13 Best Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Verywell Family / Dera Burreson

Infant car seat and stroller combos (often called travel systems) make toting your baby around safer and more convenient. The best travel systems come with an infant car seat that either converts into a stroller or clicks right into one, allowing you to transition your baby from the car to the stroller without having to wake or unstrap them. When shopping for the right one for your family, consider the travel system’s safety features, weight and height limitations, stroller configuration options (especially if you have multiple kiddos), and overall ease of use.

We’re big fans of travel systems because they help new parents rest easy knowing that the car seat and stroller are designed to work well together, and they’re convenient if you know you’ll be on the go with your baby often. We consulted with car seat experts as well as stroller and car seat safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to determine what makes a high-quality travel system. A board-certified pediatrician on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity regarding car seat and stroller travel systems, safety features, and height and weight limitations.

We used this information to select 25 travel systems to put through rigorous testing at the Verywell Testing Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, assessing the ease of assembly, installation, and use, as well as their portability, design, maneuverability, and overall value. Then, we sent our top picks out to our editors, who have been testing them with their families for the past three months. This real-world test is ongoing, so we’ll be sure to keep this list updated with additional insights as we learn more about the travel systems’ long-term performance. Stroller and car seat combos from brands like Doona, Uppababy, Nuna, and Graco are just a few of the standouts.

• We Also Tested
• How We Tested
• What to Look For

Why Trust Verywell Family

Best overall, uppababy cruz v2 stroller.

• Assembly 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5
• Installation 4 /5

Attaching each part is simple

Intuitive assembly

Deluxe design

Car seat and stroller sold separately

Car seat canopy isn’t the most secure

Uppababy is known for its deluxe, user-friendly baby gear, and its Cruz travel system is no exception. Currently, the Uppababy Cruz V2 and Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat & Base are sold separately, but they function as a dynamic travel system that is easy to assemble and install in the car. (In fact, we found that assembly was so intuitive it wasn’t necessary to read the directions.) Since adapters are pre-installed, you simply need to pop on the wheels, detach the car seat from the base, and attach it to the sturdy stroller frame.

Our test revealed that attaching and detaching the Mesa V2 car seat and Cruz V2 stroller is as easy as pushing a button. Plus, attaching the car seat to the base was a breeze, clicking right into place, and an indicator turns green when the level is correctly adjusted. (We appreciated the clear directions for this step.) Installing the base with the LATCH system wasn’t difficult, either—once we figured out how to get the latches to release from each side, it was simple to clip them in. You can also choose to install the car seat without the base by threading a seat belt through the slots. 

We were impressed by the travel system’s thoughtful design and ample padding. The Cruz V2’s spacious cargo area holds a medium-sized diaper bag, and you can also access the cargo from the front of the stroller if desired. However, there’s a bar along the bottom of the back cargo space that can make it awkward to wiggle items in and out. The stroller has the same beautiful, modern look and ergonomic leather handle as other Uppababy strollers, and we liked the car seat’s handle, which can be repositioned to be an anti-rebound bar while driving. We did struggle to keep the Mesa V2’s canopy on securely, though we appreciated that the travel system comes with a rain canopy and a mesh canopy. Folding the stroller had a bit of a learning curve at first, but it wasn’t difficult.

Even with the car seat attached, this travel system felt super lightweight, and it glided smoothly across the various surfaces we tested, like turf and gravel. It was easy and enjoyable to push, and although its large wheels made pulling it up stairs tricky, it was lightweight enough to carry up the stairs if needed.

While it does have a higher price point, the Uppababy Cruz V2 and Mesa V2 provide long-term value and can grow with your child, since the stroller has a reversible toddler seat. The travel system as a whole has a top-tier design, and the parts are simple to attach, detach, and install, making it a clear choice for our top spot.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 25.5 pounds | Dimensions: 37.5 x 22.75 x 40 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: 10 to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 10 pounds | Dimensions: 17 x 26.5 x 23 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Uppababy Vista V2 (without an adapter) and other Uppababy strollers

Best Maneuverability

Nuna mixx next + pipa lite rx.

Pottery Barn Kids

• Assembly 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Installation 3.5 /5

Great maneuverability

Car seat easily attaches to the stroller

Ergonomic finger grooves for folding

Installing the car seat and base in the car is tricky

The Nuna Mixx Next + Pipa Lite RX Travel System drives like a dream and has an impressive sleek and modern design. The travel system includes the brand’s Pipa Lite RX infant car seat, PIPA series base, and Mixx Next stroller, which is pretty simple to assemble, though some fiddling around was required during our test as several parts were nicely hidden by fabric to enhance the stroller’s overall look.

This car seat/stroller combo particularly wowed us with its maneuverability. Thanks to its suspension, the stroller drove smoothly across several surfaces in our obstacle course and the rubber wheels provided great traction. Even with a fully loaded diaper bag, the travel system was lightweight enough to make turning super easy, but it still felt stable on different surfaces. Plus, the stroller stayed completely still when the brake was engaged.

Attaching the car seat to the stroller was simple, with accessible buttons and levers and a clicking noise when the seat was securely fastened. It was also straightforward to attach the car seat to the base since there’s an indicator that turns green when you’ve attached the clips and set the floor support correctly. Getting the base installed in the car, on the other hand, took some effort. We found that the base clips are best installed one at a time while bracing yourself against the base, which isn’t ideal. Adjusting the base’s height also required a good bit of wiggling.

This Nuna travel system impressed us when it came to its sleek design. In addition to its appealing look, all of the materials felt high-end and thought out in terms of placement. The car seat’s interior was soft and cozy, and the stroller’s canopy had a handy magnetic peekaboo flap. Though the cargo space is narrower than we’d like, it is tall. Finger grooves on the top and bottom of the stroller assist with folding.

At $1,300, this travel system is certainly an investment, and we wish that extras like a snack tray, rain cover, and car seat case were included. However, if you have room in your budget, this stylish travel system is so easy to steer and looks great.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 28.5 pounds | Dimensions: 32.8 x 23.8 x 45.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: NB to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 6.9 pounds | Dimensions: 26.5 x 15 x 23.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 32 pounds / up to 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Only compatible with Nuna strollers

Best for Cities

Doona car seat and stroller.

• Assembly 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4.8 /5
• Value 3.5 /5
• Installation 5 /5

Simple to take in and out of a car

Easy to carry up stairs

Other options are more versatile

Handlebar can’t be adjusted

If you’re looking to save on space, the Doona Infant Car Seat is a single piece of gear that pulls double duty as a car seat and a stroller. We recommend it for those who live in a city, particularly if you get in and out of cabs or ride shares frequently. To convert the Doona from a stroller into a car seat, engage the brake, push the handlebar up and back, press a button on the top pack of the car seat, then push the frame of the stroller down (with your foot in front of the back wheel) until the wheels tuck into it. It sounds more complicated than it is—it took us just under a minute to do the conversion after we figured it out.

Taking the Doona in and out of the car was more pleasant to do than most other travel systems we tested. When folded, it clicks right into the car seat base, and an indicator on the base turns from red to green when it’s in correctly. To remove it, press a button on the base, push a large piece on the base inward, and pull the Doona towards you. Then comes the best part: You don’t have to grab a stroller out of the trunk. Simply press the button at the top pack of the seat, the wheels swing out, and boom: It's a stroller again.

The LATCH system itself is easy to install with handy clips and release buttons, and a dial helps you raise the seat until it’s at the right height. You also have the option to secure the base by fitting the car’s seat belt into the green clips. Even with a 20-pound weight inside, we were able to lift it up to carry up the stairs, which would come in handy for city parents living in a walk-up apartment or traveling by subway. We were also able to pull it backwards up the stairs. It was smooth to push around (even one-handed), and there are two clearly marked pedals to engage and disengage the brake.

The fabric on the seat and canopy felt nice to the touch, though the canopy didn’t extend too far. (You can purchase sunshades , mosquito nets , and rain covers separately.) The seat, which is padded for impact protection, is covered with a cooling bamboo charcoal fabric that can be removed and washed to clean up messes. When folded, the stroller handle acts as an anti-rebound bar, which is a clever (and helpful) touch. The handlebar’s height can’t be adjusted, though, so it may not be an ergonomic fit for taller adults.

While this is a niche purchase, it’s a unique and highly convenient option for someone who doesn’t want to deal with several pieces of equipment or those who travel around a city often and frequently take cabs and ride shares.

Key Specs: Weight: 16.5 pounds | Dimensions: 39 x 17.3 x 32.2 inches (unfolded) | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / up to 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: N/A

Best Design

Chicco corso le modular travel system.

• Design 4.9 /5
• Installation 4.5 /5

Roomy cargo space

Attaching the car seat to the base can be done with one hand

Handlebar isn’t adjustable

A well-designed travel system, the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System has deluxe features and is easy to use. Right away, we were impressed by the tool-free assembly and thorough instruction manual, though clicking the stroller pieces together required some elbow grease. Removing the stroller’s arm bar and replacing it with the car seat adapter was a cinch, and so was sliding the car seat onto the stroller. We were able to lift the car seat into the base with just one hand (it clicked right into place), but to detach it, we needed two hands: one to press a button, and the other to lift out the seat.

The best travel systems give you the option to install the car seat into the base with a LATCH system or the car’s seat belt. This Chicco travel system has both: If you’re using the LATCH system, the base has handy clips that you slide over some hooks in the seat, then a liquid level shows you if the seat is level. To install the car seat without a base, simply use the car’s lap belt and chest belt for added security.

Above all else, this travel system stands out in the design category. The stroller’s roomy cargo space has separate compartments to hold all of your baby gear, including a diaper bag and bottles, and the clip-on cup holder was a plus. We also liked the canopy, which zips to extend or retract, and you can flip up a flap for extra airflow. The stroller is compact when folded and doesn’t take up all of the room in a trunk, and all of the parts connect and lock into place intuitively. Our only complaints about this travel system’s design are that the stroller’s bumper bar needs to be removed to attach the car seat, and the shoulder strap has to be repositioned each time you buckle your little one in. Also, the handlebar’s height is not adjustable, like the one on the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System .

During our test, this stroller turned beautifully around tight corners, but we struggled to get it over the curb. Though taking the stairs caused quite a bit of noise, we think the ride would be fairly smooth for a baby. Overall, the Chicco Corso LE Modular Travel System scored highly in each category, and at $600, it’s about half the price of some other top models, like the Nuna Mixx Next + Pipa Lite RX Travel System , which retails for $1,300.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 18.7 pounds | Dimensions: 34.5 x 24.8 x 42.8 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 8.5 pounds (10 pounds with base attached) | Dimensions: 28 x 15.5 x 22.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: All Chicco strollers (no adapter needed)

Best Convertible

Graco modes nest2grow travel system.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

Several configuration and conversion options

Large and easily accessible cargo space

Snack tray and parent cup holder included

Not a portable option

The Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System is a great purchase if you’ve got multiple little ones or are planning to expand your family. The travel system alone can be a single toddler stroller, a single infant stroller, or a double stroller for a toddler and infant with the included infant car seat. And, with the purchase of a second stroller seat , it converts into a double stroller with over 15 possible configurations.

During our test, we found the assembly to be fairly straightforward, with our only frustration being that the car seat didn’t stay in place at the lowest car seat height. Detaching the infant car seat simply required the push of a button, but attaching it was a bit trickier—we had to carefully guide the seat into the correct position. Attaching the car seat to the base, on the other hand, was super smooth: The car seat snapped right in and out. There's a very clear level indicator, so you know exactly when the car seat is positioned correctly.

Installing the car seat base into the car with the LATCH system was a breeze. After snapping in the connectors, we simply tightened the straps and checked the indicator to make sure it was level. Once in, it was super secure; so secure, in fact, that detaching the base was a tough task, requiring us to totally unhook the LATCH connectors. If you plan to be moving from car to car frequently, this might not be your best option. 

The stroller is heavy and built like a tank, which poses some challenges. While it’s simple to fold, it has a large footprint (even when folded) and requires a good bit of effort to turn when it’s fully loaded. At the same time, the stroller’s heft makes it feel incredibly sturdy and secure. There are many design features that we appreciated, including a very roomy cargo space that still had ample room after we loaded it up with a full diaper bag. It also had faux leather detailing on the handlebar, which adjusts to two different positions, making it great for caregivers of different heights. The footbrake was easy to engage and release, and the travel system came with a removable cup holder for the adult and a removable snack tray for the kid.

This travel system is at a lower price point than many of our other picks, so it’s reasonable that there are some quirks. If portability isn’t a priority, this travel system gives you a lot for your money with the many conversions to choose from.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 36 pounds | Dimensions: ‎43 x 26.4 x 44.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 7.5 pounds | Dimensions: 29 x 18.3 x 16.2 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Graco car seat (no adapter needed)

Best Assembly

Evenflo shyft dualride.

• Design 4.4 /5
• Value 3.7 /5
• Installation 4.3 /5

No assembly required

Can detach car seat from wheels

Padding is removable and washable

Maneuvering the car seat into the base is finicky

Must be fully installed in the base to detach carrier from wheels

When you welcome a new baby, you likely have a lot of gear to put together. The Evenflo Shyft DualRide comes assembled and ready to go—just unlatch it and pop it open—so you have one less thing to build for your baby. Similar to the Doona, the Evenflo Shyft DualRide is an all-in-one travel system that converts from a stroller to an infant car seat. 

The Shyft’s seat is higher off the ground than the Doona, which is a plus because it helps the carrier stay cleaner. On the other hand, it’s also much heavier than the Doona—the Shyft weighs nearly 13 pounds more—and trickier to maneuver into the car due to its bulkiness. (It would be a better fit for an SUV rather than our editor’s sedan.) Once you’ve hoisted it into the car, though, the Shyft clicks right into the car seat base, which can be installed via the LATCH system or the car’s seat belt. A level indicator and a loud click tell you when the seat is correctly attached to the base. To remove the carrier, all you need to do is pull a white lever on the back, and the car seat is released right away.

Unlike the Doona, you can remove the Shyft’s wheels from the carrier if desired, but oddly, you can only detach the carrier from the wheels when the system is installed in the car seat base—so, if you’re away from your car and want to remove the wheels, you can’t. However, when the wheels are docked, it’s easy to remove the car seat: Simply pull on a lever and shift the carrier forward, and it pops right out. 

The Shyft has no storage area, which is not ideal for parents needing to tote around baby gear. It does come with a detachable cup holder and a storage bag, though. Its handlebar is tall enough that caregivers can push it without hunching over—the Doona’s handlebar may be a little short for adults parents to reach comfortably—and the UPF 50+ canopy is nice and thick without feeling constrictive. The stroller is a “cakewalk” to maneuver, our editors found, and it wheeled through our obstacle course with ease. It was a little tricky to take over sand, but it’s great on turf and pavement. The straps on the no-rethread harness, however, are a total pain to adjust.

One unique design feature of the Shyft is Evenflo’s SensorSafe technology app, which alerts you (via a compatible app) if your child unexpectedly becomes unbuckled, has been in their seat too long, or is left unattended. It also tells you if the car’s temperature is too hot or cold.

Priced at $550, the Evenflo Shyft DualRide costs the same as the Doona, so it’s a matter of assessing each option’s features to determine which is the better fit for your family. Both travel systems steer nicely and cut down on the pieces of gear you have to deal with. But if the ability to detach the carrier from the wheels is important to you, only the Shyft is able to do so. And if a lightweight option is more of a priority, the Doona weighs 13 pounds less and is less bulky, making it a little easier to maneuver in and out of the car.

Key Specs: Weight: 29 pounds | Dimensions: 29 x 19 x 16 (unfolded), 18 x 18 x 31 inches (folded) | Weight/Height Limit: 3 to 35 pounds / 15.7 to 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: N/A

Verywell Family / Tamara Staples

Best Installation

Britax b-free premium & b-safe gen2 flexfit plus travel system.

• Maneuverability 4 /5

Quick assembly

Magnetic peekaboo window

No cup holder or snack tray

Struggling to install a car seat base into your car can be time-consuming (and potentially dangerous), so we love how this one from Britax is quick and simple to install. Beginning with the assembly, this travel system proved itself in our tests: All we had to do was pop in the wheels, canopy, and car seat adapter. 

During our test, we were able to attach the car seat to the stroller and car seat base with just one hand, and detaching was similarly easy, though we required a second hand to depress a lever. Where the travel system really shone was the installation, which took us under two minutes. The base quickly clicked into place thanks to the LATCH system, then we tightened it by pulling on the middle straps. Once installed, the base felt wonderfully sturdy and stable in the car.

Folding the stroller wasn’t intuitive at first, but it was simple once we figured it out, and the loop you pull to collapse serves as a handle when it’s folded. While we liked that the toddler seat reclines, adjusting it was tricky: We needed to push the slider and the straps at the same time, which took some effort. A mid-size diaper bag was a snug fit in the cargo space, though there was room for additional smaller items in the carrying bag attached to the handlebar. The canopy, which attaches to the base with a hook and loop closure, is adjustable and has a mesh peekaboo window that can be held back with the magnetic closure for viewing. 

Unlike most of our other picks, this stroller only has one front wheel, which helped us navigate curbs with ease. The stroller did struggle a bit going over sticks and was heavy to turn, though it turned smoothly overall. It’s $650, which is pricier than some of our other picks, like the Graco Modes Pramette Travel System and Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System (both under $350), but we think this one’s simple installation makes it worth it.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 22 pounds | Dimensions: 44 x 24 x 42 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Newborn to 55 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 11.6 pounds | Dimensions: 26.6 x 17.9 25.9 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Select Britax models (with included adapter) and BOB Gear jogging strollers (with adapter)

Best Car Seat

Chicco bravo trio travel system.

Intuitive car seat base installation

Quick, straightforward assembly

Fold isn’t very compact

The car seat is the heart of a travel system, so a good one is a must-have. This Chicco travel system features an infant car seat that attaches to the stroller and car seat base with ease, and in our tests, we appreciated just how intuitive using each part was. 

We snapped all components together in just over five minutes, and it was also quick to attach the car seat to the stroller: After reclining the toddler seat, we clicked in the car seat to attach, then pulled on a lever to take the seat back out. The same goes for attaching the car seat to the base, but you pull on a handle to detach it. A bubble indicator helps you find the right car seat placement.

Similarly, installing the car seat base was a breeze. Since clicking in the latches and pulling the strap to secure the seat was so straightforward, we didn’t even need to refer to the instructions. Plus, the stroller folds quickly with the push of a button and a lift of the handle, which doubles as a carrying handle once it’s collapsed, making it easy to put it into the trunk or storage. It is a bit bulky when folded, though you can remove the snack tray to make it fit in smaller spaces.

This travel system’s aesthetic look is nothing special, but there are some thoughtful design features. The cushioning in the infant car seat and the toddler stroller seat is super soft, and there are conveniently located cup holders for the adult and kid. The cargo area fits a mid-sized diaper bag, though you do have to lift the seatback to access it. When we took the travel system out for a spin, it drove smoothly over most surfaces, but it did struggle to get up curbs and the left wheel felt a bit loose.

If you’re looking to make your life a little easier, consider this Chicco travel system for its simple installation and assembly.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 24.9 pounds | Dimensions: 35.2 x 22.8 x 42.7 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 16.5 pounds | Dimensions: 27.5 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 30 pounds / 30 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: All Chicco strollers (no adapter needed)

Graco Modes Pramette Travel System

• Assembly 3 /5

Canopy has a mesh peekaboo window

Toddler seat turns into infant pramette

Car seat pops right into the stroller

Material on the toddler seat and infant car seat is rough

You’ll get a lot for your money with this 3-in-1 Graco travel system, which functions as an infant car seat carrier, a bassinet, and a toddler stroller (with a few adjustments, the toddler seat converts into a bassinet for younger babies). 

In addition to being very versatile, this travel system also proved to be quite simple to use. It was simple to attach the infant car seat to the stroller once we located the slots, and all we had to do to detach it was push a button on the handlebar, which was doable with just one hand. The car seat also clicked into the base easily—to detach, you’ll need to reach up under the canopy to find the release button. Whether you’re a travel systems expert or a new parent, the instructions clearly illustrate how to install the car seat base via the LATCH system (a little force was required to tighten the belt) or the car’s seat belt.

The travel system’s design is user-friendly with a one-step fold, a reclining toddler seat, and a roomy cargo space that fit a diaper bag and a tote bag during our test. While the handlebar isn’t adjustable, it has a nice foam grip and an attached cup holder and phone holder. The adjustable canopy has a mesh peekaboo window for breathability and visibility. We thought the material on the toddler seat and infant car seat was a bit rough, but the car seat does have a padded backrest. If you prefer softer material, we recommend the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System .

Even when fully loaded, this travel system maneuvered over curbs and around corners like a dream, and it glided smoothly over various terrains in our obstacle course. For a high-quality, multi-function travel system that looks pricier than it is, we think $330 is a great value.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 21 pounds | Dimensions: 34.7 x 25.6 x 42.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 17.2 pounds | Dimensions: 27.5 x 17.5 x 25.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Graco car seat (no adapter needed)

Best Portability

Baby jogger city sights travel system.

• Design 4 /5
• Value 3.8 /5

Easy to attach the car seat to the stroller

Compact fold

Toddler seat can face adult

Not a lot of bells and whistles for the price

The Baby Jogger City Sights Travel System gets its name for a reason: After your little one graduates from an infant car seat to the toddler stroller seat, they can face forwards or backward to take in all of the sights. We found the travel system to be quite user-friendly: The car seat clicked right into the base and could be detached in one step, and after we located the compartment with the LATCH system clips, installing the base into the car was simple. A bubble indicator shows you when the parts are aligned. To attach the car seat to the stroller, we took out the toddler seat, slid on the two adapter pieces, then clicked on the car seat. (It can be removed with the press of a button behind the headrest.) 

We did need to watch a tutorial to figure out how to fold the stroller, but once we did, it was easy. The stroller is ultra-compact when folded, measuring just under a foot tall, so you can toss it into your trunk alongside other gear. In addition to a sleek appearance, this travel system has a vegan leather handlebar and bumper bar, an adjustable canopy, and there is plenty of padding on the seats.

The stroller performed well on most terrains—it was a little bumpy over sticks—and turned nicely. We felt confident pushing it thanks to how smoothly it glides. Though this Baby Jogger travel system doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles (cup holders and a snack tray are sold separately), its compact folded footprint is great for those with small trunks or limited storage space, and we loved the way it drives. It’s pricier than other options on our list, but it is more affordable than the Uppababy and Nuna travel systems , which retail for over $1,000.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 24.4 pounds | Dimensions: 31.4 x 23.2 x 40.5 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat key Specs: Weight: 18 pounds | Dimensions: 28.5 x 17.3 x 26.5 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Baby Jogger stroller (with adapter) and select strollers by other brands

Best Storage

Graco modes nest travel system.

Several car seat position options

Components are easy to attach/install

Very large cargo area

Loaded stroller takes effort to push

Unfolding the stroller is tricky

The Graco Modes Nest Travel System has ample storage space, which is ideal if you’re packing up for a picnic in the park or need to carry many toys and playdate supplies. The massive cargo hold can fit two or three diaper bags or backpacks, which are easy to access, plus a kid’s snack tray and parent’s cup holder are included with the kit.

Although assembly wasn’t difficult, during our test we did find it necessary to read the instructions. Switching between configurations was pretty effortless, since the car seat snapped into the stroller frame with an audible click, and it clicked right into the car seat base, too. A level on the side indicated when the seat was placed correctly, and there’s also a handy visual guide to show the best placement. To remove it from the base, we pushed a lever at the bottom of the base and pulled the car seat up and out.

The car seat felt stable when secured with the LATCH base and the seat belt, so you have two great options. We needed to consult the manual to install the LATCH system into the car, but after that, it was straightforward to clip in. Our primary critique is that the stroller was difficult to unfold—we needed to unlock the closure latch with one hand and pull the frame up with the other, which is a bit tricky to do all at once.

The Graco Modes Nest Travel System’s overall design looked more upscale than it is. The stroller’s handlebar is wrapped in grippable faux leather, and the metal frame looks and feels solid. We particularly liked that the car seat can be placed at multiple heights when attached to the stroller, and it can also be positioned closer to or farther away from the adult who’s pushing it. 

The stroller’s wheels turned well and it glided nicely over different surfaces, though we needed to exert some effort to push the fully loaded stroller. For the overall ease of use and roomy storage space, $430 is a great value for this stroller, which is available in several colorways.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 22 pounds | Dimensions: 38.1 x 26.8 x 41.9 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Up to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 7.5 pounds | Dimensions: 29.1 x 18.3 x 16.2 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 pounds / 32 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Any Graco car seat (no adapter needed)

Best Budget

Baby trend expedition jogger travel system.

• Assembly 2.5 /5
• Design 3.6 /5
• Maneuverability 4.3 /5
• Value 4.8 /5
• Installation 4.8 /5

Also functions as a jogging stroller

Car seat attaches to the base easily

Standing fold

Basic design

Attaching the car seat to the stroller is tricky

For parents who are on a budget or don’t plan to use a travel system all too often, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System is a great choice. Plus, it doubles as a jogging stroller with just one locking swivel wheel at the front. Its features are more basic than high-end options, but there’s still plenty to love about this affordable travel system.

The stroller comes mostly assembled, so we only needed to pop in the two back wheels and snap on the snack tray. The tray took some effort to attach, but it’s included with your purchase, which is a bonus. Attaching the car seat to the stroller was a bit trickier and it took several people to get it right, largely due to confusing directions and tabs that were hard to unlock. Uniquely, the car seat clicks in over the toddler tray, and though there’s a bungee cord on the side for security, this didn’t feel like the most stable option. 

However, it was a breeze to install the car seat base with the LATCH system, which slid right into place and tightened easily, as well as with a seat belt. Then, the car seat clicked right into the base. We appreciated the simplicity of the car seat: The same button attached it to the stroller and the base, and the handle was positioned just right to help you navigate it into the car. 

When it came to the stroller’s design, we found pluses and minuses. We liked its one-step, standing fold, and the two carrying handles for getting it in and out of the trunk. Other features just fell a bit flat, though. There are handy cup holders and a phone compartment, but both were a bit too small to hold a standard-sized water bottle and an iPhone 12, respectively. The rubber handle has a good grip, but we didn’t love the tire-like feeling. The canopy also didn’t adjust well—it kept coming all the way forward—and the seat material didn’t feel high-quality. However, the toddler seat can recline, which was a plus.

Even with just one front wheel, this stroller maneuvered well. We liked that you have the option to drive the stroller with the front wheel locked or unlocked, and it handled multiple terrains like a champ. It also turned pretty smoothly and had a spot to put your foot on to help you get it up a curb. While this Baby Trend car seat and stroller combo had some quirks, it proved itself when it came to value. Not only is it the most affordable option on our list, but it even gets you a jogging stroller and travel system all in one.

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 25.5 pounds | Dimensions: ‎47 x 21 x 41 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: Newborn to 50 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 15.8 pounds | Dimensions: 16.3 x 14.7 x 26 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 30 pounds / 30 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Select Baby Trend models

Best Sturdy

Britax willow brook travel system.

• Design 4.2 /5
• Value 4.2 /5

Seat belt securing mechanism for installation

Easy to assemble

Stroller feels heavy to push

The Britax Willow Brook car seat and stroller combo is an excellent option if reliability is your top priority. The travel system includes the Britax Willow car seat, the Aspen car seat base, and the Brook baby stroller.

During testing, the sturdiness of this stroller caught our attention right from the beginning. Assembly was a breeze and everything clicked tightly into place and didn’t move, even when shaken. The process was so intuitive that we didn’t even need to read the instruction manual! All components come partially assembled; the stroller wheels, which are clearly labeled front or back, are the only pieces that need to be attached—they pop right into place on the bottom of the stroller frame with no problems. The car and stroller seats seamlessly click into the stroller frame adapters and feel very secure. Both can also be used in front- or rear-facing mode.

Installing the car seat base in the car was just as seamless, thanks to clear instructions, useful indicators, and a few helpful features. For example, the base has recline indicators and is equipped with Britax ClickTight technology, which is a mechanism that locks the seat belt into place when installing the base. During testing, we found this three-step process of opening, threading the seat belt, and closing the mechanism really straightforward, and we liked that it takes the stress out of car seat installation using a seat belt. The base can also be installed via the LATCH system; you’ll find the connectors in the compartment labeled "lower connector storage." The lower connector strap should be secured using the ClickTight system and belt guides on the base and then secured to the vehicle’s lower anchors.

When it comes to design, we love the luxurious fabrics on the Willow car seat and the Brook stroller because they feel soft to the touch and are free of flame-retardant chemicals. The car seat also has an infant insert for extra padding (which is washer and dryer-friendly) and is appropriate for babies 4 pounds and up. You’ll find multiple adjustment points on the car seat (little slits where you can thread through the harness) at the shoulders, hip, and between the legs that can be pulled for a snug or looser fit as your baby grows to the weight limit of 30 pounds. 

We also love that the Brook baby stroller comes with a parent cup holder that’s placed high (right on top of the handlebar), making your drink accessible without bending over. In addition, a snack tray fits onto the front of the stroller seat for your little one’s goodies while on the move. 

The stroller is a little heavy to maneuver. We took it on walks and around an obstacle course, making three-point turns, pushing it around tight corners and on multiple surfaces, including uneven surfaces. While we found it quite easy to pivot, it was strenuous to push it in general. It felt even heavier on surfaces like grass and astroturf, where it moved pretty slowly. Although it was a bit of an effort to push, it turned without difficulty and never felt like it would tip over, demonstrating its sturdiness once again. 

At $450, we think this travel system is a good value considering the impressive car seat features and the simplicity of assembly and installation, which reduces some of the stress of navigating a car seat. While the stroller is slightly more challenging to push around, we love the feeling of safety knowing our little one is in a secure and sturdy stroller. 

Stroller Key Specs: Weight: 22 pounds | Dimensions: 34 x 23.75 x 42 inches (unfolded) | Weight Limit: 4 to 30 pounds

Car Seat Key Specs: Weight: 8.99 pounds | Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 12 inches | Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 30 pounds / up to 21 inches tall | Cross-Compatibility: Britax Brook and Brook+, B-Free and B-Lively (with adapters); Bob Gear Wayfinder (with adapters); Nuna Demi Grow Peppe Next, Ivvi Totl (with adapters); UPPAbaby Ridge, Vista 2, Cruz V2 (with adapters); Maxi Cosi Zelia (with adapters); Cybex Eezy S Twist (with adapters).

How We Rated the Best Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems

4.8 to 5 stars:  These are the best car seat and stroller travel systems we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars:  These best car seat and stroller travel systems are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars:  We think these are great best car seat and stroller travel systems, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars:  These best car seat and stroller travel systems are just average.

Travel Systems We Also Tested

• Evenflo Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System : While assembling the stroller is a dream, the travel system as a whole isn't easy to use. Getting the various parts into the proper alignment is challenging, and folding the stroller is not intuitive and requires a good bit of elbow grease. 
• Maxi-Cosi Gia XP 3-Wheel Single Travel System : This travel system doesn't have an intuitive design: Detaching the car seat from the stroller is quite difficult, even with both hands, and the car seat base requires a lot of force to move around. As such, we think the price isn’t justified.
• Cybex Talos S Lux Stroller & Aton 2 Car Seat Travel System : Across the board, this travel system does not feel sturdy and is difficult to use, and the materials feel surprisingly low-quality for the price.
• Baby Trend Muy Tango All-Terrain Pro Travel System : Assembling this stroller is straightforward, but after installing the car seat base with the LATCH system and attaching the car seat, the unit was concerningly shaky.
• Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System : Though we like that you can attach the car seat to the stroller without removing the snack tray, this travel system falls short in the design category: The lap buckles are difficult to adjust, the cup holders are shallow and feel flimsy, and the canopy is smaller than most.
• Peg Perego Vivace Stroller and Primo Viaggio 4-35 Lounge Car Seat : This stroller maneuvered exceptionally well and we loved how easy it was to assemble and how seamlessly the car seat attached to the stroller. However, removing the car seat was a different story—we struggled to get it off and it felt really heavy. We were also concerned by how unstable the base and car seat felt when installed using the seat belt.

How We Tested Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems

We evaluated the best car seat and stroller combos in two stages: a controlled lab test and a long-term test in the real world. First, 11 testers evaluated 23 car seat and stroller travel systems at the Verywell Testing Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We examined the strollers and car seats individually and then together as a travel system. 

To begin, we assembled the strollers right out of the box, noting whether the assembly was intuitive or complex and if the directions were helpful or confusing. We then assessed each stroller’s design, looking carefully at the feel of the fabric, how intuitive the buckle was to use, and whether they had certain features, such as a footrest, cup holders, an adjustable canopy, a reclining seat, and a reclining handlebar. Next, we placed a diaper bag loaded with baby essentials (the diaper bags weighed between 20 and 30 pounds) into the cargo space and took the stroller for a brisk walk around an obstacle course, navigating it over multiple terrains, around sharp corners, and through narrow spaces, before executing a three-point turn.

Then, we assessed the car seats—each car seat was rear-facing with a weight limit of 30 or 35 pounds—by buckling in a sandbag “baby.” We picked up each car seat, taking note of simplicity, maneuverability, and whether it could be carried with one hand. Next, we attached the car seats to the strollers, noting how the attachments worked, if the car seat popped in easily (or one-handed), whether the sandbag stayed in place, and if the setup felt safe.

Once attached, we adjusted the stroller’s canopy and took note of its roominess and if it provided full coverage. We then repeated the same steps we followed with the stroller, executing a three-point turn and taking it through an obstacle course and over different terrains. Next, we took the travel system up and down stairs to test for stability and then detached the car seats. For the final steps, we used real cars to test the ease of car seat base installation. After installing the bases, we attached and detached the car seats, noting if the process was intuitive, if it would have woken up a baby, and how well the car seat locked into the base.

After our lab test, editors took our top picks home to continue testing them with their own families. They've been testing these travel systems for over three months now, and we'll continue to update this article as we learn more. Additionally, we consulted with Michelle Pratt , Certified Child Passenger Technician and founder of Safe in the Seat, on safety and what to expect from a high-quality travel system.

What to Look for in Car Seat and Stroller Travel Systems

Safety features.

When shopping for a travel system or car seat stroller combo , safety is a primary concern. All car seats on the market have to meet federal car seat standards so they’re safe when used correctly. However, “that ‘when used correctly’ part is the key,” says Pratt. She recommends looking for features that help you use the car seat component correctly every time. “For some families, this means prioritizing the easiest base install. For others, it’s more important to choose a car seat that offers super-simple harness adjustments to accommodate a growing baby,” she says. 

Other safety features to look for include a UPF canopy, stroller wheel locks, a five-point harness, and an anti-rebound bar. Regardless of the features your travel system has, make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling and using it.

Weight and Height Limitations

Every travel system has height and weight limitations for both the car seat and the stroller. It’s important to make sure your baby fits within these limits for their safety. Plus, keep the limits for the car seat in mind so you’ll know to transition your baby into a larger rear-facing seat when the time comes.

“Infant car seats are designed to be used from birth. This applies to travel systems too,” Pratt says. “Just make sure that the car seat and stroller manuals are both followed carefully.” Since travel systems include regular stroller seats in addition to the car seat, you’ll want to pay close attention to the requirements for that, too. “For example, some stroller seats don’t recline enough for newborns, so there may be age requirements or milestone minimums—such as sitting up—before a baby can use the stroller seat instead of riding in their car seat,” Pratt adds.

Stroller Configuration Options

Many travel systems and car seat stroller combos are designed so that your child can use the stroller as they continue to grow well past the infant car seat stage, while others, like the Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base , are strictly for the infant phase. Some of our picks have many conversions, like the Graco Modes Nest2Grow Travel System , which can convert into a double stroller without purchasing a second seat.

Think about what you’d like out of the product to help you narrow down your best options. If you plan to have another baby close in age, a double travel system that can fit an infant and a toddler is a useful choice.

Ease of Use

Loading your kids into the car is hard enough—no one wants to add fighting with complicated baby gear into the mix. When shopping for a travel system, you’ll want to find a stroller that’s simple to set up and break down so you can toss it in the trunk. When it comes to the car seat, you’ll need one that clicks in and out of its base or the stroller without a big fuss. After all, the point of a travel system is to make your life easier!

The type of travel system that’s most convenient for you will also vary based on your lifestyle. “City dwellers with minimal storage space or those who frequently use rideshares may want a small, compact-fold stroller that opens and closes with one hand,” says Pratt. “And suburban families will have a whole different priority list. They may want a stroller that handles a bit rougher terrain or fits in their minivan with the third row up.” Luckily, car seat and stroller combos come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so there’s one out there that will fit your family’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there are many benefits, travel systems particularly come in handy if you travel by car with your baby often. These systems consist of a compatible infant car seat, stroller, and car seat base, so they’re designed to work together to make transporting your baby more practical. “It’s so convenient to click an infant car seat into the stroller for quick errands, doctor’s appointments, or neighborhood walks,” says Pratt. “Just be mindful of how much time a baby spends in their car seat outside of the car, and offer lots of breaks.” 

Plus, car seat safety is incredibly important, and it can be helpful to have gear that’s specifically made to go together so you can ensure you’re using the pieces correctly. Some infant car seats are also compatible with other brands’ strollers, but if you’re using different brands, make sure that the pieces are confirmed to be compatible and safe to use together.

A LATCH system—an acronym for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children—is a common way to secure a child’s car seat without using the vehicle’s seat belts. Typically, LATCH systems are found in car seat bases, and they consist of latches, hooks, and anchors that keep the car seat securely in place at the right height.

After installing a car seat base that has a LATCH system into a vehicle (which can be relatively permanent if you frequently drive the same car), you’ll need to attach the base and the car seat each time you strap your baby into the car. Thankfully, most brands make this process easy and safe, with helpful indicators and clicking sounds letting you know when the car seat is positioned correctly.

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a commerce writer and avid shopper herself, she enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. After personally testing more than 20 car seats and strollers in our lab and through the streets of New York City, she has become quite an expert on the subject. Her favorite strollers so far are the stylish Uppababy Vista V2 (it has tons of conversion options!) and the lightweight Bugaboo Butterfly for travel. For this article, Phoebe also spoke with Michelle Pratt, Certified Child Passenger Technician and founder of Safe in the Seat, in addition to carefully reviewing guidance from the AAP on car seat safety and stroller safety.

Additional reporting by:

Ashley Ziegler  is a full-time parenting writer, a mom to a 1- and 4-year-old, and she has personal experience in researching and using infant carriers, strollers, and travel systems. Key considerations she focused on when selecting these products include personal experience, safety features, ease of use, and user reviews.

American Academy of Pediatrics. Car Seats: Information for Families .

American Academy of Pediatrics. How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller .

Car Seat Checkup . HealthyChildren.org

Best Travel Systems of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

They say never wake a sleeping baby. Smooth transitions from car to stroller make that a reality!

Mommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

A travel system combines an infant car seat  with a compatible stroller , allowing you to easily attach and detach the car seat as needed.

The ability to easily pop the car seat onto the stroller is a game-changer, helping your baby stay sound asleep when transitioning into and out of the car.

Fortunately, we've been reviewing travel systems for over 10 years, and if we made our own, here is what it would look like:

✔️  Fits Chicco car seats. ✔️  Fits Britax car seats. ✔️  Fits UPPAbaby car seats. ✔️  Fits Graco car seats. ✔️  Reversible seating position. ✔️  Expands to fit two+ children. ✔️  Bassinet & toddler seat included. ✔️  Easy car seat attachment. ✔️  Stroller weight limit ≥50 pounds. ✔️  Stroller frame ≤20 pounds. ✔️  One-handed recline & fold/unfold. ✔️  Compact fold fits midsize trunk. ✔️  No-rethread harness. ✔️  Big, UPF 50+ canopy. ✔️  Canopy with peek-a-boo. ✔️  Four-wheel suspension. ✔️  Large diameter wheel. ✔️  Locking front wheel(s). ✔️  Smooth and easy to maneuver. ✔️  Adjustable handlebar height. ✔️  Durable construction. ✔️  Stands when folded. ✔️  Storage pockets & large basket.

Of course, you will also want the travel system to fit your style (color, patterns) preferences and meet your budget constraints. That's a lot to ask, and very few travel systems meet the needs of picky parents!

Every year we test new travel systems and update this list with the best we find. Below are the top 5 models we've tested, followed by detailed reviews of over a dozen different options.

• Top 5 Travel Systems Comparison Table
• 1. Best Overall: Chicco Bravo Trio
• 2. UPPABaby Vista V2 & Mesa
• 3. Britax B-Free & B-Safe 35
• 4. Doona Travel System
• 5. Britax Willow Brook
• 6. Evenflo Pivot Xpand
• 7. Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
• 8. Graco Modes Nest
• 9. Maxi-Cosi Zelia
• 10. Nuna Mixx Pipa
• 11. Chicco Viaro
• 12. Graco FastAction Fold
• 13. Baby Trend Expedition

Full disclosure: Some of these travel systems, including the Maxi Cosi, Doona, Britax, and Baby Jogger models, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer.

If you've been around our site, you know that we absolutely love the Chicco, Britax, and UppaBaby car seats. Conveniently, those same companies also make several awesome strollers, including the Chicco Bravo, Britax B-Free, and UppaBaby Vista.

Unfortunately, sometimes putting the perfect car seat on top of the perfect stroller can cause unexpected issues: the stroller can become top-heavy and unstable, the car seat doesn't attach or detach easily from the stroller, or the stroller suddenly becomes challenging to maneuver.

Here are the Best Travel Systems of 2024!

1. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35 are two of the most popular and best-selling infant car seats on the market, next to its new sibling, the Chicco Fit2. Take that awesome KeyFit car seat and combine it with the versatile Chicco Bravo stroller, and you have a stellar combination. What makes this travel system different is that the stroller can be used in several ways. When your baby is too little for the big stroller, you can completely remove the stroller seat and use it as a lightweight frame for attaching the car seat. Super easy to fold up, throw into the trunk, and pop open. Or, you can leave the stroller seat attached and use its huge canopy to completely cover the car seat and your baby. In this manner, the stroller can function as simply a stroller frame for connecting the car seat, or as a complete stroller that can also have the car seat attached. Of course, both seats can't be used at the same time by two children, but it does give you access to the large canopy. That's an awesome feature and we really appreciated Chicco's ingenuity. A couple of other things make this stroller stand out, including the cup holder and parent tray, all-wheel suspension, adjustable handlebars, a large storage bin, decent canopy size, and one-handed folding (the handle is under the seat). The KeyFit 30 and 35 car seats support infants as small as 4 pounds and as heavy as 30 or 35 pounds (respectively), and the stroller seat supports kiddos up to 50 pounds.

The car seats are amazing, safe, and overall great quality; it has been at the top of our best infant car seat list several times and for good reasons! The KeyFit car seats are a hair smaller and lighter than the B-Safe, and some of that weight savings is by not having a steel-reinforced frame, though it is equipped with energy-absorbing foam, side-impact protection, and an easy installation process. The KeyFit's big brother, the Fit2, also has some excellent features and specifications (see our review of it here ), so if you prefer that seat you can buy it separately and attach it easily to the Chicco Bravo frame. Speaking of attachments, the travel system comes with a car seat attachment bar that looks a bit like a bumper bar, that the car seat attaches to (and detaches from) super easily. No issues there, and we loved the versatility of this combination! A bit less expensive than the UppaBaby or Britax travel system, coming in at around $300-350 depending on color options, but definitely not cheap! Who else loves the Chicco Travel System? Our friends at Babylist, BabyCenter, and WhatToExpect all consider it a top pick! Impressed? Check out the Chicco Trio Travel System here .

2. UPPABaby Vista V2 & Mesa Travel System.

The UPPABaby Travel System is definitely one of the sharpest-looking travel systems on the market, with the sleek urban lines and aluminum on the Vista stroller, and the high-end detailing of the Mesa car seat. This is definitely head-turning baby gear, and you'll pay for it! This UPPABaby travel system is the most expensive on our list, coming in at about $1000 for the stroller, car seat, and bassinet . We'll let you decide whether it's worth it. While it's a big investment, you're getting some great features and luxury. Starting with the Mesa car seat, which is usually around $350, is a top-rated infant car seat that is usually listed in the top 5 of our best infant car seats list . It's one of the easiest-to-install and use car seats we've ever tested, with its auto-tightening LATCH system, seat belt lock-offs, adjustable recline base, easy-to-use level indicators, and no-rethread shoulder harness. For safety, it has a double layer of side-impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and supports babies from 4 up to 35 pounds rear-facing. In our testing, we found it super comfortable and easy to use, with premium quality throughout.

We didn't like that some of our test babies had sweaty backs after sitting in it during the warmer months, but the Merino wool option did help alleviate that situation (Merino Wool is very breathable). The stroller is one of the best in existence, though it is quite expensive. It has class, style, durability, reliability, and versatility. It's truly a one-in-a-million stroller, and if we could take the Chicco Fit2 or Britax B-Safe and combine it with this stroller, we would be like kids in a candy store! The stroller has an enormous canopy, a big storage bin, a reversible seat (front-facing or parent-facing), and extraordinary versatility. It can be used with the carriage alone, with the toddler seat, or with the car seat that snaps in without any adapter. Or, it can be used with TWO kids! You can do two car seats, two toddler seats, a car seat and toddler seat, two carriage bassinets, and several other configurations. It has amazing versatility, and that baby carriage attachment is second-to-none. In our testing, we fell in love with the stroller and we don't know how we've survived without having it in our lives! This is really the travel system of your dreams, save for some minor limitations of the car seat and the extravagant price. If you can afford it, we think it's worth the splurge! Who else loves the UppaBaby travel system? Our friends at Babylist, WhatToExpect, and The Bump also call it a top pick! Interested? Check out the UPPABaby Travel System here .

3. Britax B-Free or B-Lively and B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit+ Travel System.

What do you get when you combine the top-rated Britax B-Safe Gen2 infant car seat with the awesome all-new Britax B-Free or B-Lively stroller? You get a winning travel system that is truly awesome in every way! The car seat itself is feature-rich and carries the Britax reputation for safety, reliability, versatility, and quality. Made right here in the USA, the B-Safe Gen2 supports babies as little as 4 pounds and as heavy as 35 pounds (or 32" in height). The Britax car seat is a little bit heavier than most options (just like with its convertible car seats ), but that's because it has a steel-reinforced frame, substantial side-impact protection, and EPS energy-absorbing foam. Safety always comes first with Britax, and the B-Safe is their flagship car seat with a fantastic crash test and safety reputation. The new Gen2 version of the B-Safe is bigger and roomier than the previous version, providing a more spacious and comfortable shoulder area for bigger babies. It comes in two versions, the FlexFit and the FlexFit+, only the latter of which includes an anti-rebound bar on the car seat base. While it's a bit more expensive, we strongly recommend the FlexFit+ for added safety. Now for the stroller. Britax offers their travel systems with several stroller options, including the B-Free (our favorite), B-Lively (lighter weight), B-Ready (good versatility), and B-Agile (good price). In our experience, the B-Free and B-Lively are the best all-around strollers for use as a travel system. In addition to their core features (lay-flat recline, one-handed fold, all-wheel suspension, huge canopies, and compatibility with all Britax and BOB infant car seats), the B-Free adds a higher weight capacity (65 vs 55 pounds), adjustable handlebar, all-terrain tires in a three-wheel configuration, and more storage pockets. We really love the folding mechanism of these strollers, which is truly a 1-handed operation (push a button on the side and then grab the handle at the back of the seat and pull up - super easy!), and the 20-pound (B-Lively) or 22-pound (B-Free) weight makes them more manageable than other strollers with a similar feature list.

The B-Free is also easy to push and steer with one hand, which is nice given that there's no cup holder to hold your coffee! Some cool things we found were the hidden zipper pocket underneath the footrest area, which you flip up to access the storage bin, the zip-open canopy extension that made the canopy truly huge, and the zip-open peek-a-boo window. Attaching the car seat to the stroller is very easy - the travel system comes with two car seat adapters, one for each side of the stroller. Once you snap the adapters on, you can leave them on for as long as you need, and the car seat very easily snaps onto and off the stroller. It worked like a charm, and were super impressed with this combination! Definitely worthy of this top spot on our list, though it is a bit pricey coming in at about $550. Who else loves the Britax travel systems? Our friends at Babylist, What2Expect, and The Bump consider them a top pick! Interested? Check out the Britax Travel System here .

4. Doona Travel System Integrated Car Seat & Stroller.

The Doona gets a lot of points for originality and convenience as the only travel system that converts from a car seat to a stroller using an integrated frame and wheels. This integrated travel system is for parents who are tired of lugging around a separate stroller and car seat, having the stroller take up too much space in the back of the car and entrance to the house, and worrying about car seat and stroller compatibility. The Doona solves all of that by mounting a folding stroller frame right to the bottom of the car seat, allowing you to switch quickly back and forth between the car seat and stroller mode in about 5 seconds. It's a perfect option for families with smaller homes or apartments, smaller vehicles, and families that travel a lot by ride-sharing or taxi. The Doona accommodates babies as small as 4 pounds, making it a nice option for preemies, and all the way up to 35 pounds (or 32" tall). Those are pretty standard specifications for a car seat, and match the best ones out there (such as the Britax B-Safe Gen2 and Chicco Fit2). To accommodate such small babies, it has a super soft lower infant insert that you can remove once your baby is about 2-3 months of age. The head support side impact system has plush memory foam, and all of the seat fabrics are high quality and soft. Speaking of safety, it has three layers of side impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and a handlebar that doubles as an anti-rebound bar when installed in a vehicle. Clever! The Doona system does include a separate LATCH-equipped car seat base, though it can also be installed using the European belt path for a base-free installation. The car seat is surprisingly easy to install into the vehicle, especially if you're using the base. The only downsides are: the harness requires rethreading, no steel-reinforced frame, the canopy isn't as large as we'd prefer, and the seating area is somewhat narrow for larger babies.

So what about the stroller? Well, we don't need to consider how easy or hard it is to attach the car seat to the stroller since they're integrated, so that's a definite bonus! To transition between the car seat and stroller modes, you pick up the car seat with one hand and use the other hand to push a red button on the back and squeeze the wheel release lever. The wheels drop down from the bottom and click into position. Because the Doona weighs about 16.5 pounds, this isn't an easy feat if you don't have reasonable upper body strength. Once the wheels are down, there are two modes - you can use it in what Doona calls pull-along mode which simply means that the car seat handle is pointing straight up, and full stroller ("on the go") mode which involves positioning the handle down and towards yourself. The stroller is pretty bare-bones and basic, which is to be expected given that it has to fold up into the bottom of the car seat and maintain a reasonably low profile. Specifically, the wheels provide a somewhat rough ride quality and there are none of the basic stroller features you might want: storage basket, pockets, cup holders, trays, etc. One of our biggest gripes with the Doona concept is that we got our backseats a bit dirty from the stroller's wheels; not a huge deal and can be solved with a seat cover if you're worried. This is a truly innovative travel system that solves a very common problem, and we're overall impressed with the idea and execution. Who else loves the Doona travel system? It's a top pick by our friends at Babygearlab and WhatToExpect! Interested? Check out the Doona Car Seat to Stroller Travel System here .

6. Britax Willow Brook Travel System.

Britax is world-renowned for making high-quality car seats and strollers with superior safety features, comfort, and versatility. Their flagship infant car seat, the B-Safe Gen2, is one of the best-selling car seats in the world and consistently sits at or near the top of our annual list of the best infant car seats . Traditionally, Britax travel systems combine a full-size one-piece stroller with an adapter that allows you to attach the B-Safe car seat; these work well but are somewhat heavy and can have limited versatility. That said, we were excited to see this new addition to the Britax lineup for three primary reasons. First, the Willow Brook stroller uses a modular design that allows you to attach a toddler seat in a forward- or rear-facing position, or the Willow infant car seat in a forward- or rear-facing position. Second, the ability to detach the toddler seat (rather than it being integrated into the stroller frame) means that the stroller is much lighter weight when the infant car seat is attached. Finally, the Willow Brook travel system is much more affordable than most other travel system options from Britax, including the B-Free and B-Lively, coming in at about $400 including the stroller frame, toddler seat, and infant car seat.

We were lucky enough to get our hands on a sample of the new Willow Brook travel system late last year (thanks for the sample, Britax!) and were excited to test it out. Starting with the Willow infant car seat, we absolutely love how Britax took the successful ClickTight system from their convertible and booster car seats and integrated it into the base of the Willow. The ClickTight system provides a very secure installation that gives you confidence that your child is safe in the vehicle. They also integrated their new RightSize system that helps you make fine-tuned adjustments to the hip, shoulder, and crotch areas, resulting in a perfect fit as your little one grows. The car seat also uses the famous SafeCell crumple zone technology, quick-push LATCH connectors, anti-rebound bar (on the Willow S model), and the cover can be removed and machine washed. Limitations include a relatively low weight limit of 30 pounds, and the shoulder harness requires manual rethreading to adjust the height. Of course, at this price point, those features shouldn't be expected from a Britax travel system. For the stroller, we loved the toddler seat, its canopy and recline settings, the comfort and quality of the seating materials, and the easy-to-use five-point harness. Attaching and detaching the toddler seat and infant car seat was simple and intuitive, and we loved how both seats can be attached front-facing or rear-facing. The toddler seat can be used with a child up to 44" tall or 50 pounds. The stroller wasn't quite as smooth, sturdy, or nimble as the Britax B-Free (see above), but at this price point, we thought it performed surprisingly well. The frame is lightweight yet strong, the folding/unfolding sequence is easy and effortless, and our test toddler loved the tray with its snack area and cup holder. Oh, and parents get a cup holder too! Notably missing was an adjustable handlebar, expansion to two children, and wheel suspension. Overall, we loved this new addition to the Britax lineup of high-quality travel systems that prioritize safety and functionality. The Willow Brook does this at a relatively accessible price point and we thought it showed surprising levels of quality and versatility. Highly recommended for parents looking for the Britax reputation without breaking the bank! Interested? Check out the Willow Brook Travel System here .

6. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System.

We've always associated Evenflo with inexpensive baby gear that was never really impressive in any given way. Our experience with the Evenflo Pivot Xpand travel system changed our opinion for the better. We were super impressed with what Evenflo pulled off here. They made a truly impressive travel system that not only feels, looks, and acts like a much more expensive stroller and car seat combination, but is available for about $400. We realize that seems expensive for an Evenflo travel system, but hear us out! This system combines the great Evenflo SafeMax infant car seat (about $200) with the new and super versatile Pivot Xpand stroller. Add those two together and you end up with a truly awesome travel system that caught us off-guard! Where do we start with this stroller? Evenflo pulled out all the stops. This stroller has a super rich feature list: adjustable handlebars, a HUGE lower storage bin, self-standing fold, rear-wheel suspension, cup holder, and versatility that makes any stroller on this list look like a chump! This stroller has 22 different modes and functions as both a single stroller and double stroller, combining the infant car seat and toddler seat in tons of different ways. The fact that it can work as a double stroller is why they call it the "Xpand" system, a little bit like the Britax "B-Ready" system, and it defies the assumption that double strollers need to be huge and cumbersome. Here are some of the things we loved: the toddler seat can be reversed to be front-facing or parent-facing, or it can be reclined back to make it more like a baby carriage. And it can be put up front or lower down, without using any adapters. That's right, the adapters are built right into it, which is truly amazing!

We never thought we'd be saying this about an Evenflo product, but this stroller really rocks - it feels high quality and sturdy and looks super chic and modern. One of our reviewer moms wrote "this stroller is amazing, can I buy the sample?" That's a ringing endorsement from a mom who uses the UPPABaby system, which costs three times as much. The only thing we'd suggest to Evenflo is to make the tires a bit thicker and better quality, they are somewhat thin and cheap. So how about that car seat? This travel system includes the Evenflo SafeMax, which is their top-of-the-line infant car seat. It supports babies as small as 4 pounds (with the infant insert) and as heavy as 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall). What makes it so safe? Well, it has big side-impact protection and kudos to Evenflo because it is the only car seat that has been roll-over tested. It also has an anti-rebound bar, which reduces rotational forces and the potential for injury in the event of an accident. And it's very comfortable, with thick padding and soft-touch fabrics that are also pretty easy to clean. Installation was easy, it was easy to attach and detach from the base and the stroller, and we thought the seat actually felt very high quality (especially for the price) and we were impressed overall. Cons? Well, the handlebar was a bit cumbersome to adjust, the shoulder harness required rethreading from behind to adjust, it's surprisingly heavy, and it's just not up to par with the Britax, Chicco, or UppaBaby car seat options. There's a lot to love here, especially with the stroller, and we think you'll be happy overall with this travel system. As an update, we've been testing this system for over 2 years now and it has withstood the test of time! The wheels are a little worn at this point, but nothing major to report. Who else loves the Evenflo travel system? It's a top pick by our friends at Babylist, BabyCenter, Babygearlab, and The Bump. Interested? Check out the Evenflo Pivot XPand Travel System here .

7. Baby Jogger City Mini Travel System.

Baby Jogger is well-known for their awesome City Mini GT2, City Select, City Tour, and City Summit (jogging) strollers. But they aren't so big in the car seat market, though their City View convertible car seat has some pretty good reviews (including ours!). This travel system comes with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, their most popular and one of their most expensive strollers. The City Mini GT2 is stylish, versatile, high quality, easy to maneuver, and comfortable for the littles. It is ranked in the top 5 for the best luxury strollers of the year, given its easy fold, sturdy and durable build quality, adjustable handlebar, big forever air all-terrain rubber tires, large UV50 canopy coverage (and peek-a-boo window), and the super high weight limit of 65 pounds. In our testing, we loved the hand brake (rather than the foot brake), how easy it was to steer, the super comfortable seat (with adjustable calf support), and the one-handed fold. The GT includes a car adapter for the City GO infant car seats. However, we didn't like that everything is an add-on for more cost - like the parent tray, cup holder, other car seat adapters, child tray, rain cover, etc. It's expensive as-is (about $370), and it really starts to add up when you add in accessories. Relative to the regular City Mini, the GT2 version brings the higher weight capacity, the hand brake, adjustable handlebar, and big wheels; so a lot of what we like is bound specifically to the GT2 model. There's a lot to like here, but also some limitations that keep it from ranking higher in our lists. By default, the City Mini stroller is compatible with the Baby Jogger City GO infant car seat. The City GO is a pretty decent car seat, and this was the first time we actually got our hands on it for testing. It supports babies from 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall), and has nice plush infant inserts. The fabric itself is great, but the padding is substantial. We liked certain things - the seating area itself is nice and wide, when placed on the floor is has a rounded base so parents can rock it front-to-back, and the base and car seat aren't excessively wide.

But we didn't like a few things. First, it felt a little outdated relative to the top-rated Britax, Chicco, UPPABaby, and Peg Perego car seats. Second, clicking it into and out of the base, or attaching/detaching from the stroller wasn't anywhere near as easy as the higher-rated travel systems. Third, the canopy was large but also a little clumsy - it clicks loudly and has a crunchy fabric noise when you're adjusting it. Fourth, adjusting the harness didn't involve rethreading (which is great), but it also was a total pain to adjust since you need to do it from the rear. And we couldn't figure out how to remove what we assumed was the upper infant insert padding (around the shoulders and head), but it doesn't come out and makes it really cramped once our test babies were over about 4 months old. Together, those are some big limitations for an infant car seat priced around $250. So what are the other options? If you really like the City Mini GT2 stroller, you can purchase an adapter to make it work with your favorite car seats. For example, there's an adapter for the Britax B-Safe, the Chicco KeyFit 30/35 or Fit2, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, and the Graco SnugRide Click Connect models ( see all their adapters here ). That was smart of Baby Jogger, to provide so many adapters to make it possible for parents to purchase one of the best strollers on the market (the City Mini GT2) and couple it with their favorite car seat (which was not likely to be the City GO). That's also one of the reasons we've included this travel system up here on our list, since the City Mini stroller has so many compatibility options that make it a potentially winning situation for picky parents who want to mix and match! Who else loves the City Mini GT2 as a travel system? Our friends at Babylist! Interested? Check out the Baby Jogger Travel System here .

8. Graco Modes Nest Travel System.

We love the Graco Snugride car seats, which offer serious bang for the buck, with high-quality materials, comfort, versatility, and safety at a very reasonable price point. What Graco was lacking, however, was a high-end stroller to match the Snugride car seats. Well, enter the new lineup of Graco Modes travel systems! From the fewest to most features, they have the Modes Element, Modes Pramette, and Modes Nest. The Modes Nest system adds the Snugride 35 Lite Elite model (rather than the DLX or LX), a height-adjustable seat, an expandable storage basket, and a self-standing fold. It's the most expensive of the Modes models, coming in at about $399, but we think it's also the most sophisticated and functional of the models. You already know we love the Graco Snugride car seats, and the 35 Lite Elite is no exception. This car seat usually sells for about $170 and is one of Graco's higher-end models, offering Snuglock installation, Simply Safe (front adjust) harness system, side impact protection, and a washable removable cover. It supports babies from 4 pounds up to 35 pounds, or 32" tall, while maintaining a super lightweight build of only 7.2 pounds. The Modes travel system includes not only the car seat but also the base with its 4-position adjustable recline to fit a variety of rear seat inclines. The car seat pops into and out of the stroller using the Snuglock system, which is a simple and easy mechanism.

The stroller has a ton of helpful features, with highlights including a seat that is not only reversible (front- or rear-facing) but can also recline and turn completely into a lay-flat infant bassinet (so you don't need to purchase a separate one!)! One of the most unique aspects of this stroller is that the seat is height adjustable, allowing you to raise the seat up closer to you, or push it down farther away. That simple feature is something we ended up loving during our tests, because it helps suit parents of all arm lengths (maybe not a t-rex, however) and makes it possible to easily pop a pacifier back in, or even bottle feed your baby while strolling. Awesome idea, and well executed! The stroller also has a huge storage basket, folds very easily, and we found it highly maneuverable and sturdy. It was smooth over the bumps, nicely sized for doorways and tight turns, and fit readily into the back of a CR-V, Outback, Accord, or RAV4. And bonus points for having a cup holder. Cons? Well, attaching the car seat and toddler seat wasn't entirely confidence-inspiring. Sometimes we thought we heard an audible click but it wasn't actually attached, so you need to double-check that things are lined up appropriately. Also, assembly took about 45 minutes and seemed needlessly complex! Other than those minor gripes, we love this new addition to our list and think it's an awesome solution for parents looking for Snugride travel system! Who else considers the Graco Modes travel systems a top pick? Our friends at Babylist! Interested? Check out the Graco Modes Travel System here .

9. Maxi-Cosi Zelia Travel System.

Maxi-Cosi, as the name suggests, makes some of the coziest baby products on the market, including their adorable and comfy infant car seats (the Maxi Cosi Mico Max) and the super versatile and luxurious convertible car seat (the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max). But comfort is not the only thing they do right. Their products are well-made, high quality, safe, and versatile; this Zelia travel system is no exception. While the Maxi Cosi Mico infant car seat is on our best infant car seat list, it isn't near the top of our list. That's mostly because we found things a little finicky, cumbersome, and too pricey for our tastes. But to be fair, it's in the top 10 for the year, making it a really great option. It supports babies from 4 to 30 pounds (or up to 32" tall), has big inflated side impact protection, EPP energy-absorbing foam, and it's actually pretty lightweight given its relatively bulky footprint (mostly in its width). While the canopy of the car seat isn't great, the canopy of the Maxi Cosi stroller is pretty impressive.

In fact, there are a ton of things that are really impressive about this stroller. First, the seat can be folded down into a lay-flat carriage bassinet for your baby. Second, the seat is completely reversible so your baby can face forward or backward. Third, it supports babies as small as 5 pounds and kiddos up to 50 pounds, which is a pretty respectable range. It also has a cup holder, a huge canopy (did we say that already!?), a peek-a-boo window, a well-sized storage bin, one-handed folding, a bumper bar, and a decent recline. There were some limitations, however. First, it was a bit of a pain getting the car seat to attach and detach from the stroller because it requires really good hand-eye coordination to attach it, and then two hands to detach it from each side. Second, it was nice that it was a little lighter weight than some others on this list, but it also didn't feel as sturdy or well-constructed as others. And that's unfortunate because it's about $400 for the travel system, and that's a lot to cough up. Interested? Check out the Maxi Cosi Zelia Travel System here .

10. Nuna Mixx and Pipa Travel System.

Nuna makes several very high-quality strollers and travel systems, all of which are compatible with the popular Nuna Pipa infant car seat (the Pipa, Pipa Lite, and Pipa Lite LX). These include the Nuna Demi Grow stroller, Nuna TRIV stroller, Nuna Mixx, Nuna Pepp, and Nuna Tavo. Most of these strollers are available as travel systems, simply combining the sale of a Nuna stroller with one of the Nuna Pipa models. Typically the Nuna Pipa is about $300 if purchased alone, the Nuna Pipa Lite is about $350, and the Nuna Pipa Lite LX is about $399. Note that the Lite versions need the base, while the non-Lite version can be installed in a vehicle without a base. When you purchase a Nuna travel system that combines one of these car seats with a stroller, you end up spending only a little bit less than you would be purchasing them separately. For instance, the Nuna Mixx stroller costs about $650 alone, but when combined with the Pipa Lite LX it's about $999, saving you about $50. We got our hands on the TRIV, Mixx, and Tavo for testing, and we were impressed with the quality of all of them. Nuna makes high-end products that are simple, stylish, lightweight, and functional. So while we're including the Mixx travel system here, realize that you'll be very happy with any of these options - this just happens to be the model we fell in love with! So what's to love? Let's start with features. The Pipa Lite LX supports babies from 4 up to 32 pounds (or 32" tall), and only weighs 8 pounds without the base (the base is about 14 pounds and includes a load leg). The car seat is Greenguard Gold certified and contains no fire retardant chemicals. It has an awesome "dream drape" canopy that provides full UPF 50+ coverage from the elements (with a peek-a-boo window), side-impact protection, a base crumple zone, included infant insert, FAA certified for air travel, and modern quick-connect LATCH. What it doesn't have is a no-rethread harness, anti-rebound bar, or steel-reinforced frame.

Regarding the stroller, its integrated toddler seat supports up to 50 pounds while weighing a hefty 27 pounds. But that weight brings some awesome features, like a true lay-flat sleeping recline (with 5 positions), a no-rethread harness, a super intuitive and easy one-handed fold, very high quality and plush padding and fabrics (including a removable and washable seat liner that is insanely comfy, revealing a high airflow mesh back), four-wheel suspension, an amazing full-coverage canopy, reversible seat, adjustable handlebars, pop-up footrest and boot cover, an included Mixx ring adapter (that allows one-handed attachment of any Pipa car seat), and super easy fold and unfold. In our testing, we fell in love with the smoothness and maneuverability of this stroller, which were both fantastic. We also think it's the most comfortable stroller we've ever tested, and that's saying a lot! We loved the magnetic canopy extension (the dream drape), the no-rethread harness height adjustment (which is really rare), and the fact that the seat can be converted from a thick and warm pad to a relatively minimalist and high airflow mesh seat back. Together, the Nuna Pipa and Mixx make great partners, and you can also purchase the Nuna Mixx bassinet to attach for newborns, infants, and hopefully longer naps! That's another $150. To be honest, we're not in love with the Nuna Pipa in general, we think for the price it's rather limited in features while prioritizing style and weight savings. But the stroller more than compensates for those limitations, with its comfort, maneuverability, and style. We think it's an excellent stroller, making this a pretty darn good travel system overall. Limitations of the stroller include no cup holders or storage pockets for parents, no ability to expand to two children (check out the awesome Nuna Demi Grow for that), and a somewhat limited-size storage bin. Overall, if you're sold on the Nuna Pipa already, this is a great way to integrate it with a super high-quality, stylish, and surprisingly functional stroller. Who else recommends Nuna travel systems? Our friends at Babylist, WhatToExpect, and The Bump! Interested? Check out the Nuna Mixx and Pipa Travel System here .

11. Chicco Viaro Travel System.

This Chicco Viaro baby travel system is very similar to the Chicco Bravo (above) in a few ways. First, it includes the top-rated Chicco KeyFit 30 or 35 infant car seat, which is a truly fantastic infant car seat with a great reputation and track-record for safety, comfort, versatility, ease of use, and style. You can't go wrong with the KeyFit 30, making this automatically a great option for discerning parents. Second, it includes a quality stroller that uses a lightweight aluminum frame, a 3-wheel design, and many features (a great storage basket, one-handed fold, weight limit of 50 pounds, etc) that will sound very familiar with the Chicco Bravo. What are the differences between the Chicco Bravo and Chicco Viaro? The Viaro uses a 3-wheel design while the Bravo uses a 4-wheel design, which makes for some differences in stability and maneuverability: the Bravo is a bit more stable, while the Viaro is a bit more maneuverable. Another difference is that the Bravo uses an awesome adjustable-height handlebar that makes it suitable for both shorter and taller parents, whereas the Viaro's handlebar is not adjustable.

In our testing, the height was fine for average-height parents, but taller parents or grandparents (over about 6 feet) might get a sore back and shoulders after pushing this stroller. The Viaro also isn't as versatile in its settings - the Bravo lets you reconfigure the seat and canopy to remove elements to shave off weight and basically allows you to use it as a car seat stroller frame without all the added bulk and weight. But the Viaro doesn't let you reconfigure in this way. There are also some other differences worth considering: the Bravo's canopy is bigger, its rear brake is more substantial, and it has a four-wheel suspension (the Viaro is only front suspension). How about some benefits of the Viaro: it has a great snack and bottle tray for your toddler or big kid, and it is a bit lighter (18 versus 23 pounds). In our testing, we loved that the Viaro was easy to maneuver, relatively simple and lightweight, and easily fit the KeyFit (and Fit2) car seat. We found some minor annoyances such as the fact that it doesn't lock into a folded position, and the rear brakes were individually locked as opposed to a yoked locking system. So overall, the Viaro generally pales in comparison to the Bravo. But if you're looking for a relatively simple and more cost-effective travel system that works perfectly with the KeyFit 30, this could be a great option for you. Interested? Check out the Chicco Viaro Travel System here .

12. Graco FastAction Fold Travel System.

Graco is famous for its expansive line of SnugRide Click Connect infant car seats. In fact, the assortment of SnugRide car seats is so expansive that it confuses the heck out of parents, so much so that we created our SnugRide buying guide to help clarify the features and cost of each model. This Graco travel system includes the SnugRide Click Connect 35, which is the most basic of the SnugRide car seats. Let's start with what it has: a broad weight range from 4 to 35 pounds (or up to 32" tall), a narrow (just over 18" wide) and lightweight (7.5 pounds without the base) shell, 6 recline positions, side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, the Click Connect system that makes it super easy to snap into and out of compatible Graco strollers, and it's FAA approved for air travel (just like all of the car seats on this list). Now let's consider some of this car seat's limitations: the harness requires rethreading from the rear for height adjustment, it uses old-style hook LATCH connectors, it doesn't have the rapid remove cover, nor does it have the True Shield or Safety Surround side impact protection. As we said, it's a pretty basic car seat. Some minor annoyances with it include the smaller-than-ideal canopy, the somewhat flimsy padding and infant insert, and the handlebars requiring two hands to adjust. So you're getting an overall very basic car seat that usually sells for around $130. Now for the stroller.

This thing is very heavy and sturdy, coming in at a hefty 30 pounds that rivals even some of the biggest double strollers! But we do admit that while all that weight makes it cumbersome to lug around, it actually makes it feel very firmly planted on the ground, which is a nice feeling. It has pretty large diameter wheels, and the front wheel can be locked out for jogging. We love the fact that it has two cup holders for parents, a tray for your cell phone (though it's a little small for some newer devices), and a little compartment for holding keys and anything else you can squeeze in there. Your child has a pretty similar bumper bar and tray, also with two cup holders and a little tray in the center. The best part of that is you can open one side of it and swing it out of the way, which makes it much easier to pull toddlers in and out of the stroller. You can also remove that bumper bar entirely, but that makes it impossible to attach the car seat since it's part of the Click Connect attachment. It has a good-sized storage bin on the bottom, folds easily with one hand (though it's super heavy), reclines reasonably well (but nowhere near lay-flat, only about 45 degrees), and it supports kids up to about 50 pounds. Not bad for a stroller that amounts to only about $160. Cons? Well, in addition to being excessively heavy, it doesn't fold down into a very compact package. You need to have big biceps to lift it, and a big vehicle to fit this in, and that's not helped by the fact that the rear wheels are so big and don't quickly detach like some other models. And frankly, it's not so easy on the eyes - it doesn't look anywhere near as nice as the $90 more Evenflo. So overall, you're getting a jogging travel system for less than $300, which is about half the price of the BOB jogger (above). So if you're looking for a jogger travel system for a reasonable price, this could be a great option. Interested? Check out the Graco FastAction Travel System here .

14. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System.

If you're looking for the cheapest jogging travel system with a decent quality jogging stroller and a super basic car seat, this might be a great option for you. This Baby Trend travel system screams basic, and the low (about $199) price tag is evidence of that. Starting with the stroller, this travel system uses the Expedition Jogging Stroller, which is down near the bottom of our best jogging strollers list. It's not bad, it's not great, but it really is a sweet deal for parents looking for a basic jogging stroller. There are some impressive things going on here: it has very large diameter rubber pneumatic tires that are 16" (front) and 12" (rear) in diameter, which is actually quite large and that makes it great at absorbing small and moderate bumps, and going over cracks and gaps in the sidewalk without any issues. It also has cup holders and a small cubby for phones and keys, comfortable handlebars, a decently-sized lower storage bin, and a reclining seat (but doesn't go anywhere near lay-flat). Those big wheels make for superior comfort and maneuverability, especially impressive for a stroller at this price. There is no front suspension, however, which makes it a bit more jarring over the bumps than most other options on this list. It also doesn't have adjustable handlebars for taller parents, and the seating surface doesn't feel anywhere near as comfortable as other options on this list. Folding it up, it folds into a decent footprint, but it's still quite large with those hulking wheels popping out from the sides.

Now for the car seat, which is the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc infant car seat, which typically sells for around $110 or so. That low price always means limited features. It supports babies from 5 to only 30 pounds, and only up to 30" tall. So that's a pretty limited range of height and weight for an infant car seat, making the transition to a convertible car seat happen pretty early for many parents. But to be fair, most toddlers will be itching to get out of this seat anyway, given that it's relatively sparse in its padding and comfort features. It does have side-impact protection and energy-absorbing foam, an infant insert, and a surprisingly comfortable handlebar for carrying. The seat itself is also pretty lightweight and snaps into and out of the stroller with ease and convenience. So that's all good. So overall, this Baby Trend travel system is the most inexpensive travel system on our list, and it shows in many ways. But it might be sufficient for parents looking to save some cash and get a pretty decent jogging stroller and a super basic infant car seat. Interested? Check out the Baby Trend Expedition Travel System here .

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Doona Car Seat & Stroller, Nitro Black - All-in-One Travel System

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About this item.

• FROM CAR SEAT TO STROLLER IN SECONDS - Whether you’re running errands or traveling by car, train, or plane, Doona is the complete travel system. Move from car seat to stroller at the click of a button, without disturbing your sleeping child.
• EASY TO USE - With an adjustable handlebar, washable materials, and an intuitive design, Doona’s one-click, secure mechanism ensures correct installation every time—and allows you to explore the world with an infant, with freedom and flexibility.
• ERGONOMIC SUPPORT - Doona is designed to ensure your baby’s body is properly supported. The Doona Infant Insert’s near-flat ergonomic design boosts your newborn’s upper and lower back and ensures the neck & back are aligned.
• SAFE - Includes 3-layer side impact protection, anti-rebound bar crash technology & a 5-point safety harness. It’s TUV and FAA aircraft approved for travel, made with baby-safe materials & the canopy is water repellant with UPF 50+ sun protection.
• MADE TO LAST - Doona is made from premium-grade fiber-reinforced polymers, rust-free aluminum, and durable wheels. It’s the only car seat to have been tested and certified as a rear-facing car seat, a stroller, and an infant carrier.
• WHAT’S INCLUDED - The Doona Car Seat & Stroller includes the Doona Car Seat, the Doona Stroller, the Doona Infant Insert and Head Support, the Doona Vehicle Seat Protector, and the Doona LATCH Car Seat Base.
• SPECS - Suitable from 4 lbs. to 35 lbs., max. 32 in height. Rear-facing car seat only. Car seat weighs 16.5 lbs., base weighs 10.3 lbs. Product Dimensions: Folded: 27.95 x 18.31 x 19.88 inches; Unfolded: 39 x 17.3 x 32.2 inches; Weight: 16.5 lbs.

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Product Description

Doona Car Seat and Stroller

Doona is a visionary company committed to simplifying baby travel for parents. Our infant car seats make life on the go easy, without ever compromising on functionality, safety, and quality.

Our mission is to develop innovative infant and child travel solutions that make day to day parenting easier. The goal is to truly make an impact on parents’ lives by providing a car seat that provides safety, as well as travel strollers and accessories that simplify parenthood and make life on the go easy.

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the ease of installation, quality and value of the infant toddler car seat. For example, they mention it's easy to use, has good quality fabric and is worth the price. Customers are also impressed with the size, and appearance. That said, opinions are mixed on weight and performance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the installation of the infant toddler car seat great. They say it's convenient when going to restaurants or malls, and easy to use for growing babies. The compact size makes it easy to navigate through various settings, and it'll take apart and put together. Customers also say it eliminates the need for cumbersome adapters or separate stroller systems.

"...Maneuvering is smooth, and the compact size makes it easy to navigate through various settings ...." Read more

"...It’s so easy to maneuver, the adjustable handle makes it easy and fun for siblings to push...." Read more

"We love our Doona. It's compact and easy to use once you get the hang of it...." Read more

"Product came a whole day early absolutely amazing quality fabric, easy to use and the instructions were very easy for me and my partner to..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the infant toddler car seat. They mention that it is the best carseat ever, has a sturdy good design, and has great safety features. Some appreciate the amazing quality fabric. They also say that the actual car seat structure is fantastic and feels really secure. Overall, most are happy with the product's quality and reliability.

"...The stroller's sleek design is not only stylish but also incredibly functional , providing a comfortable and secure ride for my baby...." Read more

"Product came a whole day early absolutely amazing quality fabric , easy to use and the instructions were very easy for me and my partner to..." Read more

"...It’s very maneuverable and it has served its purpose for every use we have thought of for it...." Read more

"...It's built well and meant to be a little abused...." Read more

Customers like the value of the infant toddler car seat. They say it's worth the price and wonderful for shopping.

" Well worth the money , it’s a little on the heavy side but you should have to hold it very long because it turns into a stroller from your car!..." Read more

" Worth every penny ! Such an amazing car seat" Read more

"So worth the money . As a first time I’m all about convenience. Drop off for day care and errands are so much easier...." Read more

"... It is pricey but it’s worth it and the resell value is just an added bonus!" Read more

Customers like the maneuverability of the infant toddler car seat. They say it's easy to maneuver, smooth, and easy to push around one-handed. They also say it strolls nicely, glides luxuriously, and is easy to take everywhere. Some mention that the padding doesn't feel cheap.

"... Maneuvering is smooth , and the compact size makes it easy to navigate through various settings...." Read more

"...It’s so easy to maneuver , the adjustable handle makes it easy and fun for siblings to push...." Read more

"...The product is super quiet and smooth transitioning as well as many other things!..." Read more

Customers like the size of the infant toddler car seat. They say the compact size makes it easy to navigate through, and it fits in every car. They also say it saves space in the car, and the product itself has a low footprint. It's great for travel, and fits all general stroller attachments and covers.

"...Maneuvering is smooth, and the compact size makes it easy to navigate through various settings...." Read more

"...It's compact and easy to use once you get the hang of it. Fits great in our 4Runner , the door doesn't open all the way so it's a tad snug to get it..." Read more

"...She can’t see her dad driving.. and it is small . I don’t see her using it for a year and half as I read. Maybe another 5 months max...." Read more

"...It’s so easy to do.- Going shopping: it’s so small and flexible you can take it to the outlets and feel like a “Kodak picture spot/opportunity..." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the infant toddler car seat. They say it's sleek, nifty, and durable. They also appreciate the beautiful fabric and the clever 2-in-1 design that transforms from a stroller to a car seat, making it a great product. Customers also love the green cover and the brakes are cool and unique. Overall, they recommend the product for its great design and functionality.

"...The stroller's sleek design is not only stylish but also incredibly functional, providing a comfortable and secure ride for my baby...." Read more

"...My 6'3 husband has no issues pushing it either. It's also such an attractive item . Only real negative is you can't carry anything else on it...." Read more

"...It very convenient and easy to use. It’s really nice . Only flaw is that it’s heavy." Read more

"...One of the standout features of the Doona Infant Car Seat is its innovative design , seamlessly transitioning from a car seat to a stroller with just..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the weight of the infant toddler car seat. Some mention it's easy to carry and light enough to do so, while others say it'll be difficult to fit it in their Jeep.

"...must-have for any parent seeking a reliable, versatile, and top-quality travel solution . It unquestionably deserves a five-star rating." Read more

"...4 - Weight . It is not light but from what other parents have told me that most car seats never feel light and are a pain to lug around...." Read more

"...It is extremely lightweight as a stroller , however, gets pretty heavy to hold as a car seat as the baby gets bigger...." Read more

"...It’s really nice. Only flaw is that it’s heavy ." Read more

Customers are mixed about the performance of the infant toddler car seat. Some mention it makes life much easier, works like a rocking chair, and has unique functionality. However, others say that certain functions don't work unless you have the handle or wheels in the proper position, the base stopped working after 3 months of use, and the wheels don' t work in all terrain.

"...Surprisingly, it works like a rocking chair ! Really, just try it when you get yours and be amazed at that “rocking chair” mode...." Read more

"Perfect fit. Works great my grand baby loves it" Read more

"...It’s great in every way. ( Does not work well over grass or gravel.)" Read more

"...I have four kids total and this thing is a *life saver*… back saver , space saver, shoulder saver the list goes on!..." Read more

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Doona vs. Nuna PIPA Urbn: The Best Travel Systems for City Life and Travel

When you have a baby, it can be easy to feel isolated at home--especially in those newborn days. for me, i didn't really love leaving the house because it meant packing loads of baby essentials and lugging around a heavy infant car seat, the combination of which made me dread outings and vacations. but just because you're a new mom doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun that's to be had with innovative baby gear like the doona and nuna pipa urbn travel system , you can get out on the town once more- without feeling overwhelmed.

The Doona and the Nuna PIPA Urbn are both packed with features that make life on the go a breeze. Whether you are planning to travel with your baby often in their first year, you enjoy busy city life, or you just need to move your car seat between vehicles frequently, the Doona and Nuna PIPA Urbn are built for easy install and removal from your car. And their ability to transform seamlessly into travel systems ensures you're ready to go as soon as you step onto the sidewalk.

Let's take a look at what makes both the Doona and the Nuna PIPA Urbn great choices for new parents, and compare and contrast each one so you know which product is best for you!

If you're looking for a one of a kind product, the Doona is where it's at! This stroller/infant car seat combo allows parents to effortlessly go from car seat to stroller in seconds. Not only does this save you time, eliminating the need to grab a stroller from the trunk and latch the car seat into place, but it also saves you space in your trunk! This is a huge perk for those with small vehicles. 

If you are planning to travel in the first year of your child's life, the Doona also prevents you from having to bring along a separate stroller, again saving you space. So if you like to travel light, the Doona is a great pick.

When it comes to style, the Doona is both sleek and modern. With 9 different colors (at The Baby Cubby), parents are sure to find a style that meets their needs. Doona also occasionally comes out with limited edition styles, such as the limited edition Midnight and Gold Doonas, for parents that want something extra special. The limited edition Doonas even come with a bonus baby essentials bag that can be hung from the handlebar, allowing you to keep everything you need within hands reach.

Doona Limited Edition Gold

How It Works

One of the biggest perks of the Doona is its ease of installation. You can install the Doona with the included base using the LATCH system OR the vehicle seat belt, or without the base using the vehicle seat belt and the European belt path on the back of the car seat.

When putting the Doona into your car, the legs tuck up and under the infant car seat. When installed in the vehicle, the handlebar rotates down and acts as an anti-rebound bar, providing additional stability in the event of a crash.

When you're ready to turn your Doona into a stroller, remove the car seat from the vehicle and push the button on the back. This releases the legs from their locked position. You can then adjust and extend the handlebar to your desired height, and you're on your way. 

Overall, the Doona is a great choice for parents that want something that is extremely simple to use and that eliminates the need to bring along any additional gear in the first year of your child's life! 

Price: $550

Colors: Blush Pink, Flame Red, Racing Green, Limited Edition Gold, Limited Edition Midnight, Grey Hound, Nitro Black, Royal Blue, Desert Green (All currently available at The Baby Cubby)

Fabrics: Breathable bamboo fiber textiles (anti-bacterial, hypo-allergenic, humidity and thermal regulating)

Purchase Includes: Doona car seat/stroller, LATCH base, infant insert, head support, and a vehicle seat protector; (The Essentials Bag is also included with the limited edition Gold and Midnight Doonas)

Height/Weight Limits: 32 inches; 4 to 35 pounds (Stop using your Doona when your child maxes out the height or weight limit--whichever comes first)

Car Seat Weight:  16.5 pounds

Base Weight: 10 pounds

Installation: Rear facing only (as is the case with ALL infant car seats); 3 installation methods--base with LATCH, base with vehicle seat belt, baseless with vehicle seat belt

Stroller Mode Handlebar Height: 38 inches

Safety Features:  Handlebar acts as anti-rebound panel, baby-safe fabrics, side impact protection, European belt path

Travel: TUV and FAA aircraft approved

Infant Car Seat Expiration: 6 years from the date of manufacture

Warranty: 2 year manufacturer's warranty

Favorite Things About the Doona

All-in-one stroller/car seat design

Ability to install with or without a base

Handlebar provides added anti-rebound protection in the event of a crash

The height and weight limits are higher than many other infant car seats, allowing you to use it much longer than other car seats

Ultra soft, breathable fabrics

Modern and sleek design

Things to Consider

Not made for all terrains, as it has no all-wheel suspension

Tall parents may find it uncomfortable to push, as the handlebar height extends to a max of 38 inches (while Nuna strollers have handlebar heights of 42 to 45 inches)

Will need to buy a new stroller once your child maxes out the infant car seat height and weight requirements (normally when your baby is about a year old)

Due to the stroller/car seat combo, the Doona is much heavier than standard car seats, so it may not be ideal if you live in an apartment and need to carry it up stairs often

No undercarriage basket for storage

Smaller canopy

Doona Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I use my Doona?

You can use your Doona until you max out either the height or weight limit, whichever comes first. 

Are the Doona fabrics machine washable?

Doona recommends spot cleaning or hand washing fabrics. 

The Nuna PIPA Urbn Travel System

The Nuna PIPA Urbn was released in 2022 as the newest addition to the popular Nuna PIPA infant car seat line ! But what truly sets the Urbn apart from its predecessors AND other infant car seats on the market is its built-in LATCH system! This completely eliminates the need for a car seat base, so all you need is your car seat and your baby! This is a huge advantage for travelers and city dwellers alike (as its name implies!)

In addition, the PIPA Urbn features some incredible, hig- end features that make it comfortable for baby and convenient for parents! The extra-large, fully-extendable canopy provides ultimate coverage from the sun and rain, while the full size peek-a-boo panel makes it easy to check in on baby. When nap time comes, the incorporated Sky Drape can be pulled down from the canopy, providing complete coverage and darkness for the best snooze your baby will have all day. The Urbn also has magnetic buckle holders and soft, high end fabrics. And all that while weighing in at only 7 pounds!

The Nuna PIPA Urbn has one of the simplest installations of any infant car seat. With the pipaFIX™ rigid LATCH  system built into the shell of the infant car seat, all you need to do is extend the latches and click them into place! The indicators will turn from red to green when it's been installed correctly. If your car does not have a LATCH system, you can also install the Nuna PIPA Urbn with the vehicle seat belt with the integrated European belt path! (Check out how to install the Nuna PIPA Urbn here! )

The Nuna PIPA Urbn is also extremely simple to remove/uninstall from the vehicle. By clicking the release button on the back of the PIPA Urbn, the latches are released, and you can then gently pull the seat away from the vehicle seat and remove it from the car. You can then click your Urbn onto your Nuna stroller, and you're ready to go!

Nuna PIPA Urbn Travel Systems

Although the Nuna PIPA Urbn doesn't transform into a stroller like the Doona, the Urbn easily clicks into Nuna strollers, creating a travel system that is right for you! The PIPA Urbn can be purchased with the Nuna TRVL , the Nuna TRIV Next , or the Nuna MIXX Next , so you can pick and choose what you want your travel system to look like! Not only does this give you ultimate control, enabling you to pick something with the features you need, but it also allows you to get either a travel or modular stroller depending on what will work best with your lifestyle.

Let's check out the differences between each of these strollers systems!

Nuna TRVL Stroller and PIPA Urbn Car Seat Travel System

If your priority is compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly gear, the TRVL is made for you! The Nuna TRVL has a 2-second, one-handed, self-standing, compact fold, and weighs in at only 13.6 pounds. The TRVL is currently available at The Baby Cubby in 3 colors: Caviar, Hazelwood (featured below), and Lagoon.

The TRVL also does not require any adapters to click your infant car seat into place, so no need to keep track of any additional pieces!

Nuna TRIV Next Stroller and PIPA Urbn Car Seat Travel System

The TRIV Next is another compact option for parents (although it's not as compact as the TRVL). The TRIV Next has a modular seat, allowing parents to turn the seat world- or parent-facing, a perk for kids that have a preference one way or another. The seat also has a one-handed, self standing fold, and can be folded with the ring adapter in place (which is required if you want to click the Urbn into the stroller.)

The TRIV Next is currently available in two colors, Caviar and Ocean (featured below), and weighs 18.4 pounds.

Nuna MIXX Next Stroller and PIPA Urbn Car Seat Travel System

The MIXX Next has all the bells and whistles when it comes to strollers, making it a premium pick! The MIXX Next seat is modular, allowing you to rotate it forward or backward. The seat also features a removable lining that reveals a mesh layer to keep kids cool in the summer, and the completely flat recline makes it a perfect nap spot for sleepy toddlers. 

With the Nuna PIPA Urbn, you get a more tradition travel system with a car seat that clicks into a stroller. But the ability to select between 3 different strollers gives you a lot of freedom, and being able to use the stroller as your child grows is a huge perk!

Price:  W/ Nuna TRVL $900; W/ Nuna TRIV Next $1,100; W/ Nuna MIXX Next $1,200

Colors:  Caviar, Hazelwood, Lagoon (w/ TRVL); Caviar, Ocean (w/ TRIV Next); Caviar (w/ MIXX Next);  (All currently available at The Baby Cubby)

Fabrics:  Environmentally friendly Merino wool and TENCEL™ branded lyocell fiber blend (FR Free and GREENGUARD Gold Certified)

Shell: Aeroflex foam with integrated side impact protection

Purchase Includes:  Stroller (TRVL, TRIV Next, OR MIXX Next), Nuna PIPA Urbn Infant Car Seat, Anchor Guides, Ring Adapter (with MIXX Next and TRIV Next only), Travel bag (with TRVL only)

Height/Weight Limits: 29 inches; 4 to 22 pounds   (Stop using your PIPA Urbn when your child maxes out the height or weight limit-whichever comes first)

Car Seat Weight: Only 7 pounds without canopy/inserts

Installation:  Baseless installation with pipaFIX™ rigid LATCH or with the vehicle seat belt using the European belt path

Stroller Mode Handlebar Height:  44 inches with the TRVL, 42.25 inches with the TRIV Next, and 45.3 inches with the MIXX Next

Safety Features:  Side impact protection, aeroflex foam, flame resistant while still using FR free and GREENGUARD Gold Certified fabrics, LATCH indicators that turn green when installed correctly, European belt path

Travel:  FAA certified for aircraft use; Nuna TRVL stroller fits into most overhead bins

Infant Car Seat Expiration:  7 years after manufacture date

Warranty: 1 year warranty from the date of purchase

Favorite Things About the Nuna PIPA Urbn Travel Systems

Unique integrated rigid LATCH for easy installation

No base needed

Ultra-lightweight at only 7 pounds

The car seat has high end features, such as magnetic buckle holders, an extra-large canopy, a Sky Drape, and a large peek-a-boo window in the canopy

More traditional stroller system with canopies and undercarriage baskets, and the option to get a modular or travel sized stroller

You can continue to use the stroller for years after you max out the infant car seat

Strollers have all-wheel suspension, so they're great for a variety of terrains

Machine washable fabrics

You will have to store a stroller in your trunk if you want to turn your PIPA Urbn into a travel system

Much lower weight and height capacity, so you will have to stop using it sooner than you would the Doona

Some vehicles don't have LATCH systems

If your vehicle latches are too deep within the seat, the pipaFIX™ rigid LATCH may not reach, preventing you from being able to install using this method

Nuna PIPA Urbn Frequently Asked Questions

Are the fabrics machine washable?

Yes! You can remove and wash the fabric pieces of your PIPA Urbn in your washing machine.

Can I purchase the Nuna PIPA Urbn without a stroller?

Unfortunately, the Nuna PIPA Urbn is only available for purchase as a travel system with the Nuna TRVL, the Nuna TRIV Next, or the Nuna MIXX Next. 

Can I use the PIPA Urbn with the PIPA base or PIPA RELX base if I want to?

No, the PIPA Urbn is not compatible with the other Nuna PIPA bases. You can only install the PIPA Urbn with the integrated LATCH system, or with the vehicle seat belt using the European belt path.

Comparing the Doona to the Nuna PIPA Urbn Travel System

Biggest similarities: .

Great for travel and city life

Can both be installed without a base

Convenient and quick installation methods

Both infant car seats can only be used rear facing for about the first year of your child's life, at which point you will need to transition to a convertible car seat

Biggest Differences:

Doona can be installed with a base or without, the Nuna PIPA Urbn is only installed without a base

The Nuna stroller systems have taller handlebars that are ideal for tall individuals

The Doona is a lot heavier compared to the Nuna PIPA Urbn

Doona car seat weight/height limit is much higher than the Nuna PIPA Urbn limits

Doona infant car seat and stroller can no longer be used once height/weight limits are reached, while the Nuna strollers can be used through toddlerhood and beyond even after the PIPA Urbn is no longer being used

Both the Doona and the Nuna PIPA Urbn travel systems are extremely popular picks! No matter which you choose, we're sure you're going to love it for your family!

Need assistance on which travel system to pick? Chat with us online, send us an email, give us a call, or come visit our store ! Our certified Cubby Moms know all there is to know about these amazing products and are ready to help match you with the right baby gear! 

You can also check out our YouTube channel for full product demos, reviews and installation guides!

For more in-depth gear comparisons like this one, be sure to check out our blog at babycubby.com !

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Doona i Car Seat & Stroller

Ultimate ease in every ride.

Doona i seamlessly transitions from car seat to stroller in seconds. Complying with European i-Size safety regulation (R-129), it features an integrated harness and headrest, maximizing ease and safety. The sleek design provides a safe and practical solution for parents on-the-go, whether in your car or exploring the city.

Doona i Features

These elevated features provide comfort and convenience, ensuring a seamless experience while exploring the world..

Doona SIP add on

Enhanced side impact protection by absorbing energy in case of a side accident.

Integrated 5-point harness

Connected to the headrest, allows easy height adjustment without rethreading, reducing misuse.

Adjustable headrest

Easily adjusts to accommodate the child's growth without the need for rethreading.

Self-fastening shoulder pads

Connects to the bottom of the headrest, simplifying the process of placing the child.

New handle design

Secure two-button system with a sleek faux leather handlebar cover, with a height of 102cm.

Quick release wheels

Easy removal of all four wheels for replacement.

Held to the highest safety standards

Standards & certifications

Our products go through strict internal and external tests and all mandatory certification processes to assure the highest levels of safety. With its unique hybrid functionality, Doona has been tested to meet the strictest EU standards for car seats, strollers and hand-held carriers.

Wherever you go

The ideal companion for any journey, whether it's handling daily errands on public transport or embarking on global adventures. doona provides comfort and convenience for both parent and child..

On the go with public transport

Hop on and off public transport safely and conveniently, with easy installation of Doona, even without the base.

Perfect for travel

Certified and approved for air travel, so you can take it from car to plane to train and back again.

Errands with ease

Moving from car seat to stroller in seconds makes errands like supermarket shopping or doctor appointments easy!

SAFETY AND COMFORT

Ergonomic support

Designed in collaboration with global engineering, safety, and medical experts to mimic a natural fetal position, supporting the baby's spine during the developmental stage. with additional padding for newborns, it ensures the highest levels of safety and comfort..

READY TO GO

Ease of use

Experience ultimate convenience with doona as it seamlessly transitions from car seat to stroller in seconds. crafted with durable materials, this innovative solution is ready to use straight out of the box. beyond its seamless transformations, it also frees up extra trunk space, making it a practical and efficient choice for your life on-the-go..

ECE R129/i-Size car seat standard

The ece r129/i-size car seat standard stands as the latest and most advanced safety regulation for car seats in europe. this standard ensures optimal compatibility with various vehicles, establishes a robust side-impact protection criterion, and extends the rearward-facing usage period. notably, r129 mandates the integration of the harness to minimize the risk of misuse., doona i isofix base, safety, simplicity, mobility. the doona i isofix base allows you to have them all. its secure click-in and click-out mechanism makes life on-the-go easy..

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