A good stroller has to check a lot of boxes. Busy moms need something that’s safe, comfortable, and tailored to their family’s lifestyle and needs. While there are plenty of brands to choose from, few are as widely loved as Doona. Their infant car seat + stroller design is one of the most-talked-about baby products in my mom group chats—and for good reason. So when we heard their newest version, the Doona X, was finally heading to the United States, we immediately had questions. Most importantly, is the Doona X worth it?
When I was pregnant with my first child last year, the original Doona car seat + stroller was the #1 item I hoped to receive from my baby registry. Not only is the product truly game-changing for traveling with a baby, but it also made those first solo outings with my newborn a breeze. However, there are a few features on the OG Doona that I’ve consistently heard parents wish could be improved—and the new Doona X is the answer to all of those requests.
Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Doona X, including its safety features, how it stacks up against the original Doona, and whether or not it’s worth the extra money. If you’re an expecting parent building your registry, make sure to bookmark this article to refer back to when deciding which Doona model to ultimately add to your wishlist. Or send this to someone you know who might be considering this big-ticket baby item!
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Quick overview: Doona X vs. original Doona
| Original Doona | Doona X | |
| Price | $550 | $850 |
| Colors | 7 colors available | 5 colors available |
| Base | Doona + Latch Base | Doona X Latch Base with support leg |
| Safety Standards | FMVSS213A | FMVSS213B (Updated) |
| Recline Feature | Not available | 3 positions: sit, relax, and lean back |
| Handle Height | 39 in | 2 adjustable handle heights: 38.6 in and 41.5 in |
| Weight of Product | 17.6 lbs | 18.3 lbs |
| Infant Size Specifications | Up to 30 lbs and 32 in tall | Up to 30 lbs and 32 in tall |
| Harness | Rethread harness | Integrated easily-adjustable harness |
| Headrest | Detachable headrest | Integrated easily-adjustable headrest |
| Side Protection | Double wall structure | Energy-absorbing side walls |
| Brake System | Two-pedal brake system | Step-on/step-off toggle brake system |
| Wheels | Quick-release wheels (front only) | Quick-release wheels (all wheels) |
| Shock Absorber | Not available | Front wheels |
| Textile Remover | Removable snap system | Easy-to-remove and refit textile set with zipper |
| Soft Opening | Not available | Soft opening when moving from car seat to stroller mode |
What’s the difference between the Doona X and the original Doona?
Want to know the main difference between the OG Doona model and the new Doona X? Here, I’m breaking down what the Doona X has to offer.
Three recline positions
Unlike the original Doona (which only offers an upright seating position), the Doona X offers three different reclining positions: sit, relax, and lean back. Whether you’ve got a long travel day ahead or are just out running errands with your little one, the seat’s increased flexibility allows babies to sit more comfortably—without compromising any of the safety features of the original car seat + stroller design.
Larger canopy
While the original Doona has a canopy with UV protection for your baby, the Doona X’s canopy is far larger and includes UPF 50 protection. This means that 98% of the sun’s harmful rays will be blocked. The side walls of the Doona X are also energy absorbing—a step up from the current Doona’s double wall protection—meaning your baby will be safe and secure from all ends.
Smoother ride
There are several new and improved features on the Doona X that will make the ride smoother and more secure for your little one. While the original Doona has quick-release front wheels, the Doona X offers quick-release features on all of its wheels, as well as shock-absorbing front wheels for a more bump-free ride. The step-on/step-off toggle brake system has also been updated for the Doona X, improving ease of use for parents pushing strollers on uneven dirt paths and busy sidewalks.
Improved comfort (for baby and parents)
As I mentioned above, the multiple reclining positions and ergonomic design of the Doona X offer more comfort and flexibility for babies. I also appreciate the Doona X’s redesigned headrest and harness, making them easier to adjust as your baby grows. The original Doona’s straps are a threaded harness (which can sometimes be a pain to change over time), while the new model’s just slide up and down.
But perhaps the #1 complaint I’ve heard from my peers regarding the original Doona—especially from dads!—is that the handlebar is too short. I’m 5’3″, so the handlebar height has never bothered me, but it does look a tad dinky when my six-foot-tall husband is pushing our daughter. Well, the new Doona X solves that issue with its adjustable handlebar that offers two height options (38.6 in and 41.5 in).
Pros and cons of the original Doona vs. Doona X
Original Doona
Pros:
- Lower price ($550)
- 7 color options
- Ease of use for travel, errands, and more
- Proven design parents and babies love!
Cons:
- Upright seating position only (less comfort and flexibility for baby)
- Smaller canopy
- Older harness and headrest design
Doona X
Pros:
- Three different seating positions, including full recline while in stroller mode
- Easy-to-adjust headrest and harness design
- Larger UPF 50 canopy for increased sun protection
- Quick-release on all wheels
Cons:
- Higher cost ($850)
- Fewer color options to choose from
- Slightly heavier, which could come with some maneuvering challenges
- Still limited to infant use (4-30 pounds and up to 32 inches)
Who should buy the original Doona?
For parents who are trying to be more budget-conscious, the original Doona is a safe, flexible, and easy-to-use option for a car seat + stroller combo. It’s also a great choice for parents who plan to use it largely for everyday outings and occasional travel. The original Doona will still do everything you need it to—at a fraction of the price.
I’ve been using (and loving!) the OG Doona with my daughter for the past nine months and am truly obsessed with the product. It’s been our only infant car seat and the added ease of being able to stroll-and-go with the baby right from the car is truly game-changing. If any Doona is within your budget, I highly recommend the original model—it’s great!
Ideal for parents who are:
- Budget-conscious
- Occasional travelers
- Purchasing the Doona mostly for everyday use
Who should buy the Doona X?
If your family travels frequently, the Doona X may be your best bet due to its extra features. It transitions seamlessly between car seat and stroller and offers three different reclining positions, so your baby can nap on-the-go no matter where you are. The Doona X is also ideal for city parents who go on frequent stroller walks and are transitioning from sidewalks to cars, buses or subways—the Doona X can handle it all!
Ideal for parents who are:
- Frequent travelers
- City-dwellers transition often from walking to riding in cars
- Looking for a stroller with the latest safety technology
Final verdict: which Doona should you buy?
If you’re on a budget and need a good, reliable stroller + cat seat combo for everyday use, the original Doona will check all the boxes. It’s safe, reliable, and comfortable for baby. It is also great for occasional travel by airplane. Not only can either Doona model be taken on a plane (if you purchase a seat for your baby), but it can also be easily installed as a car seat without a base in any vehicle. Not having to travel with an infant car seat and separate stroller frame is truly a game-changing combo, in my opinion!
If you’re looking for the newest, premium option with some higher-end features, I’d opt for the Doona X. It has updated safety technology, three different reclining positions, a taller handlebar, and is a great fit for frequent travelers who need to go from car seat to stroller quickly and efficiently. The multiple reclining positions also means your baby may more comfortably nap while on-the-go, which is so helpful.
In short, it’s up to you! The Doona X certainly has lots of new features we’re excited about, but if you’re not looking to break the bank with its $850 pricetag, the original Doona is a proven design parents everywhere love (including me!).
FAQs
Is the Doona X safer than the original Doona?
The Doona X’s updated technology and features meet all the latest safety guidelines in Europe and the United States. Doona X is also FAA-approved for air travel and continues to provide families with a seamless solution for everyday transportation, travel, rideshares, and public transit. That being said, the original Doona has a proven, safe, and reliable design parents love as well. Your little one will be comfortable and secure no matter which design you choose.
Is the Doona X worth the extra money?
Whether or not the Doona X is worth the extra money is dependent on what you plan to use it for. If you’re a regular traveler or city parent going on frequent walks and using public transit, the Doona X may be worth it. The new reclining features and updated wheel and brake technology will improve ease of use.
However, if you plan to purchase the Doona mostly for everyday use, only fly occasionally, or live in a suburban area where driving is the default, the original Doona may be the most cost-effective and reliable option. It still checks all the boxes of a car seat + stroller combo and it super easy to use.
How long can babies use the Doona X?
The Doona X is intended for infants who weigh 30 pounds or less and measure up to 32 inches—the same specifications as the original Doona model. This typically means your baby will be able to use the Doona X up until they are around 15 months old. That being said, it differs from baby to baby. Some parents on our team have reported being able to use it for more or less time with their children. I’ve been using the OG Doona with my daughter for the past nine months and she currently weighs 22 pounds.
Can newborns use the Doona X?
Yes, newborns can use the Doona X. It’s built to support babies from infancy, with safety features that will help put parents’ minds at ease whether they’re traveling, running errands, or driving in the car.
Will the Doona X fit in airplane overhead bins?
The Doona X will generally not fit in an airplane overhead bin. If you’re flying with your baby, you’ll want to plan on checking the car seat at the gate. However, if you plan on having your baby sit in their car seat on the flight, both the original Doona and the Doona X are built to fit in airplane seats.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.
