The Doona Carseat Stroller
As a mama of 3, I have acquired some baby products in my time and my number one infant product is the Doona Carseat Stroller. This carseat is a game changer for new or experienced moms. I had my second baby in 2018 and was a little reluctant to purchase one since we already had a carseat/stroller system but the Doona is second to none and worth every penny.
What’s different about the Doona?
Unlike conventional carseats the Doona seamlessly transforms from carseat to stroller in one fluid motion. It can click into an installed base in your car and unclick to a handy carseat on wheels or into a rear facing stroller without the need for additional pieces. No more bruised forearms from hauling the 25+lb carseat around. The Doona can go with you on the go, whether at home or out and about. I use mine so much around the house especially in the early months when my baby isn’t sitting independently.
Is it worth the $$?
100% YES! If you are thinking how often do I use a stroller in my everyday life? Then that is the wrong question. You should be asking how often do I have to carry my infant in his/her carseat in my everyday life? For me, that’s often enough to justify this purchase. Every time I leave the house I would have to carry the carseat from my house to my car, from the car to wherever I’m going. Let’s say I’m going to a doctor’s appointment or shopping then there is a lot of in-between places built into those types of trips. From the car to the waiting room, to the exam room, back to the front desk to check out, then back to the car, etc. etc. With the Doona, your infant would be strapped into his/her seat and rolling along with you at every transition.
We live in a rural community where the houses are far apart with no sidewalks to be found. We don’t use a stroller very often at all. Even at places like the grocery store the carseat would usually just sit in the cart. Well, the Doona changed all of that. I basically never have to carry my Doona anywhere as most places have handicap access ramps or elevators. It allows me to carry more stuff in one trip since the heaviest thing I have (my baby in his carseat) is on wheels leaving me pretty much hands free.
If you have older kids then the Doona also allows them to help out pushing your little one which mine love to do. The stroller handlebar has two adjustments, one that is perfect height for younger kids to push the stroller and one that extends out for adults.
How I use the Doona at home
I think I use my Doona as much at home as I do on the go. When I need to get stuff done around the house I often had my infant in his Doona. He can roll along with me wherever I go. The height is perfect for him to see me at eye level when I’m sitting down. I could fold laundry or do other things all while having my baby close by.
One possible downside?
An obvious pro to the Doona is that it is both a carseat and a stroller all in one. This is technically true for traditional stroller systems where the infant seat clicks into the foldable stroller. I have taken the Doona to smaller amusement parks that we visited while on vacation and it is super convenient to not have to pack a separate stroller that takes up trunk space.
That being said it feels very risky to leave the Doona (or really any infant carseat system) in stroller parking areas. We once visited Santa’s Village located in New Hampshire, an adorable kiddie amusement park. For anyone who has visited it knows it is in the middle of nowhere. There are no Wal Marts, Targets or Baby stores around. So what would happen if someone decides to walk off with your infant seat stroller (Doona or not)? How would you get your baby home without a carseat?
Conclusion
The Doona is a game changer in the infant carseat world, in my opinion. I used to dread hauling my infant anywhere because of the weight and bulk of the seat. I never had enough hands to carry other stuff. The Doona changed all of that. Like I said I rarely have to carry him anywhere with this seat. I highly recommend for all moms whether rural, suburban or city.
Thanks for reading!
Christina
