Doona vs Nuna: Which Car Seat Is Right for You?

Doona vs Nuna: Which Car Seat Is Right for You?

WIth its car-seat-and-stroller-in-one design, the Doona is an attention-grabbing entrant to the baby gear market. It differs in a number of ways from the traditional travel system that has dominated for years, but how do you know if a Doona is the right choice for you? 

Doona Feature Review

The Doona was the first car seat on the market that also doubles as a stroller. It’s simple, straightforward design turns heads and for minimalist parents who don’t want to be overrun with baby gear, its all-in-one appeal is significant.

That said, its streamlined style does have a few drawbacks. There’s no storage, which means there’s nowhere to stash a diaper or shopping bag. The all-in-one design that makes it so convenient becomes a major downside when it’s outgrown and parents are suddenly investing in both a new car seat and a new stroller.

It’s also up to 10 pounds heavier than most other infant car seats on the market. 

Doona: Pros And Cons

The best thing about the Doona is also the most obvious: it’s a car seat with wheels. For frequent travelers or urban dwellers with young infants who travel mostly via taxi or rideshare, it’s a total game changer—one piece of equipment that quickly and easily collapses in a way no car seat and stroller combo can mimic.

If you’re not a jetsetting big city inhabitant, though, the cons are substantial: no storage, a fixed position for the seat (which a fidgety baby might not love) and a nonadjustable handlebar (which a tall parent might not love). It’s pricey for a product with a short lifespan, and its hefty weight makes carrying it a challenge.

Doona Pros

  • It collapses and expands quickly and easily

  • It’s ideal for frequent travel

  • It installs easily with a seatbelt

Doona Cons

  • At 17 lbs, it’s one of the heaviest infant car seats on the market. Keep in mind that’s the weight before you tuck a 20 lbs 10 month old into it. 

  • No storage. Not even a cup holder or a spot for your phone.

  • Fixed wheels with no suspension equals a bumpy ride on all but the smoothest of roads.

  • A 32” height limit means your baby will likely outgrow the seat before 12 months.

Nuna Feature Review

The Nuna offers a more traditional car seat and stroller configuration. The Nuna Pipa car seat is designed to be rear-facing for infants. It is compatible with several Nuna strollers that differ slightly in design, allowing parents to choose the configuration that suits them best.

Nuna: Pros And Cons

Nuna is well-regarded for the way it prioritizes both comfort and safety. Its seats incorporate memory foam for a cozy ride and, since the stroller and car seat are separate entities, there are multiple configuration options available.

Nuna Pros

  • The Nuna Pipa infant car seat is lightweight, at just 7.5 lbs, making it easy to maneuver in and out of vehicles

  • Nuna strollers have a more traditional design with larger wheels, more robust suspension, and plenty of under seat storage, making them ideal for longer walks or varied terrain

  • With multiple configuration options, it’s easier to find a position that works well for both baby and parent

Nuna Cons

  • A travel system will be bulkier than an all-in-one solution like the Doona

  • Because pieces have to be purchased separately, it makes for a more expensive option altogether

Doona vs Nuna: Key Differences

The Doona and the Nuna offer two very different transportation solutions. The Doona’s all-in-one construction is a great companion for parents who transition between the car and walking frequently for short stints in urban settings. The Nuna’s traditional travel system design offers a more robust option that might work better for longer car rides or longer stints walking (or both). 

Doona vs Nuna: Which One Should You Choose?

The best option will very much depend on your daily lifestyle needs. The Doona that meets the needs of city dwelling parents perfectly might be terribly inconvenient for suburban parents, while the Nuna that suits suburban life might be overly bulky for frequent travelers.

Generally speaking, though, the Doona is the best option for a very specific subset of parents. For most families, a travel system like the Nuna that offers more versatility and a longer lifespan is the wiser investment.

Doona vs Nuna vs Orbit Baby

If most families would benefit from choosing a travel system like Nuna’s, does that mean the Nuna is the best option on the market? Not necessarily. Orbit Baby’s G5+ infant car seat and stroller offers 360 degrees of rotation and superior suspension for a smooth ride. The stroller can also accommodate a child up to 50 lbs, extending the lifespan of your baby gear purchase.

FAQ

Is Nuna a high-end brand?

Nuna’s attention to design and safety make it a high-end baby brand.

Why is Nuna so popular?

Nuna’s reputation for quality and comfort while prioritizing safety make it a top brand for car seats and strollers.

Why does everyone love the Doona?

Aside from its eye-catching novelty, the Doona is a solid option for a specific subset of parents: those in urban environments or who travel frequently and need a streamlined, all-in-one solution.

Conclusion

A car seat with wheels like the Doona can be a great short-term solution for a very specific niche of parents. If you travel frequently or utilize taxis and rideshares in an urban environment, it can streamline your transport. However, the Doona also has no storage to speak of, limited maneuverability, a heavy frame, and is outgrown quickly. This leaves parents needing to buy another car seat and a stroller, often within the first year.

For most parents, a travel system like the Nuna or the Orbit Baby G5+ is a wiser investment, offering some of the transportation ease with increased maneuverability and a much greater product lifespan. In a head-to-head comparison, Orbit Baby gets the nod for its versatility and 360 degree positioning strollers options. 

 

Back to In Our Orbit