New Product Review: What is the Doona X?

Doona X Review: What's New Compared to the Doona+?

The Doona changed the baby gear industry by combining an infant car seat and stroller into one product. Instead of transferring an infant car seat onto a stroller frame, the Doona's wheels fold directly into the car seat, allowing you to go from the car to strolling in seconds.

For years, the Doona+ was the only option of its kind, becoming a favorite for city families, frequent travelers, and parents who wanted one less piece of baby gear to manage. Now, Doona has introduced the Doona X, bringing meaningful upgrades in comfort, convenience, and safety while keeping the same innovative design parents already love.

In this review, we'll cover everything that's new on the Doona X, compare it to the Doona+, explain who it's best for, and help you decide whether the latest model is worth the upgrade.

What Is the Doona X?

The Doona X is both an infant car seat and a stroller. With the push of a button, integrated wheels deploy from the car seat, transforming it into a stroller in seconds. There's no separate stroller frame, no car seat adapters, and no extra equipment to load into the trunk.

Because everything is built into one product, the Doona X is especially popular for:

• City living
• Air travel
• Ride-shares and taxis
• Quick errands
• Families with multiple children
• Parents looking to simplify the newborn stage

Unlike a traditional travel system, the Doona X covers both transportation and stroller needs in one compact package.

What's New on the Doona X?

The biggest upgrade on the Doona X is its reclining seat. Unlike the Doona+, the Doona X allows the seat to recline while in stroller mode, creating a more comfortable position for your baby during walks.

While infant car seats are designed to keep babies in a curved, C-shaped position for safe travel in the car, that same position isn't ideal for extended periods outside the vehicle. The Doona+ made it easy to transition from car seat to stroller in seconds, but your baby's seating position remained the same in both modes.

The Doona X builds on that concept with a simple reclining mechanism that lets your baby stretch out and relax while strolling. It's a thoughtful upgrade that makes the Doona X even more practical for everyday outings, whether you're running errands, traveling, or spending more time on the go.

Let's take a look at the Doona X's upgrades:

1.  Three Recline Positions 

The biggest upgrade is the addition of three recline positions for stroller mode.

One limitation of the original Doona+ was that baby remained in the same seated position whether riding in the car or strolling. With the Doona X, parents can choose between Sit, Relax, and Lean Back positions, giving baby a more comfortable posture during walks and longer outings.

2.  No-Rethread Harness

Adjusting the harness as your child grows is now much easier. The Doona X features a no-rethread harness and adjustable headrest, eliminating the need to uninstall or manually reposition the straps.

3.  Upgraded LATCH Base

The included base now features:

• Rigid LATCH
• Stability load leg
• Improved installation

These additions provide a more secure installation while helping reduce movement during a collision.

4.  Larger Canopy

The updated UPF 50+ canopy offers additional coverage thanks to a zip-out extension, giving baby more protection from the sun while strolling.

5.  Smoother Everyday Use

Doona also made several smaller improvements that make the stroller easier to use day after day:

• Step-on, step-off brake
• Adjustable two-position handlebar
• Quick-release wheels
• Built-in shock absorber
• Soft-opening mechanism
• Self-fastening shoulder pads

Individually these are small refinements, but together they create a noticeably more polished experience.

Doona X vs. Doona+

At first glance, the Doona X and Doona+ look very similar. Both transform from an infant car seat to a stroller in seconds, eliminate the need for a separate stroller frame, and are designed for newborns through the infant stage.

The biggest difference is that the Doona X adds meaningful upgrades that improve comfort, ease of use, and safety. While the Doona+ remains the lighter option, the Doona X offers several premium features that many families will appreciate throughout baby's first year.

Why Choose a Doona Over a Traditional Travel System?

Most travel systems include two separate pieces: an infant car seat and a stroller. While that setup works well for many families, it also means storing a stroller in your trunk, attaching the car seat with adapters, and managing more gear every time you head out.

The Doona takes a different approach by combining both into one product. With stroller wheels built directly into the infant car seat, there's nothing extra to assemble or carry. Simply remove the Doona from the vehicle, press a button, and you're ready to roll in seconds.

Benefits of the Doona X

✔ Two Products in One

The Doona X functions as both an infant car seat and a stroller, eliminating the need for a separate stroller frame during your baby's first year.

✔ Faster Transitions

Going from the car to the sidewalk takes just seconds. There's no need to install adapters or move the car seat onto another stroller.

✔ Saves Trunk Space

Because the stroller is built into the car seat, you don't need to dedicate valuable trunk space to a stroller frame.

✔ Great for Travel

The Doona X is FAA approved and can be installed directly on an airplane seat, making it one of the easiest infant travel solutions available.

✔ Simplifies the First Year

Many families use the Doona X throughout infancy, then choose their long-term stroller once they better understand their lifestyle and needs.

✔ Excellent Value

Instead of purchasing both a premium infant car seat and a premium stroller, the Doona X combines both into one product, making it a surprisingly cost-effective option for many families.

Who Is the Doona X Best For?

The Doona X isn't designed to replace every stroller, but for the right family, it can be one of the most convenient pieces of baby gear you'll own.

It's an excellent choice for:

• City families who regularly navigate sidewalks, public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
• Frequent travelers who want an FAA-approved infant car seat that eliminates the need for a separate stroller frame.
• Suburban families making frequent stops throughout the day, from daycare pickups to grocery runs.
• Parents with older children who need quick transitions during school drop-offs, sports practices, and everyday errands.
• Families looking for a simple newborn solution that covers both transportation and strolling in one product.

Doona X Safety Features

The Doona X doesn't just introduce new convenience features. It also includes meaningful safety upgrades that build on the original Doona+.

The included base now features rigid LATCH and a stability load leg, helping create a secure installation while reducing movement in the event of a crash. Beyond the base, the Doona X includes enhanced side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, and meets the newest U.S. federal safety standard, FMVSS 213B.

One of the most unique things about the Doona X is that many of the features that allow it to transform into a stroller also contribute to its safety. The handlebar helps act as anti-rebound protection, the wheels tuck into the shell during vehicle use, and the support legs are engineered to help absorb crash forces.

Doona X Accessories

The Doona X comes ready to use with an infant insert, LATCH base, and vehicle seat protector included. For families looking to customize their setup, Doona also offers a variety of accessories for travel, storage, and weather protection.

Popular accessories include:

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

Is the Doona X Worth It?

For many families, yes.

The Doona X builds on everything parents loved about the original while adding upgrades that genuinely improve everyday use. The new recline feature creates a more comfortable stroller experience, the no-rethread harness simplifies adjustments as your child grows, and the updated LATCH base adds even more confidence during installation.

If you're purchasing your first Doona, the Doona X is the model we'd recommend. The added comfort, convenience, and safety features make it a worthwhile investment for families who plan to use it daily.

If you already own a Doona+, however, upgrading is a more personal decision. If you're happy with your current stroller and don't need the recline function or additional features, your Doona+ remains an excellent option. But if the new comfort and safety upgrades appeal to you, the Doona X is a meaningful step forward rather than just a cosmetic refresh.

Doona X FAQ

What is the Doona X?

The Doona X is an infant car seat and stroller in one. Integrated wheels deploy with the push of a button, allowing you to transition from the car to strolling in seconds without a separate stroller frame.

What's the difference between the Doona X and Doona+?

The Doona X adds three recline positions, a no-rethread harness, a larger canopy, an adjustable handlebar, quick-release wheels, and an upgraded LATCH base with rigid LATCH and a stability load leg. The Doona+ is lighter, while the Doona X offers more comfort and updated safety features.

Does the Doona X recline?

Yes. The Doona X offers three recline positions in stroller mode: Sit, Relax, and Lean Back. This provides a more comfortable position for babies during walks than the original Doona+.

Is the Doona X FAA approved?

Yes. The Doona X is FAA approved and can be installed directly on an airplane seat, making it a great choice for families who travel frequently.

Does the Doona X come with a base?

Yes. Every Doona X includes a LATCH base featuring rigid LATCH and a stability load leg.

Can the Doona X be installed without the base?

Yes. The Doona X can also be installed using the vehicle seat belt, making it convenient for taxis, ride-shares, travel, and grandparents' vehicles.

Is the Doona X good for travel?

Absolutely. Because it's both an infant car seat and stroller, the Doona X eliminates the need to travel with a separate stroller frame. It's especially convenient for airports, ride-shares, vacations, and everyday errands.

Can the Doona X replace a full-size stroller?

For many families, the Doona X can be the only stroller they need during the infant stage. As children grow, some parents choose to add a lightweight, full-size, or all-terrain stroller that better fits their family's lifestyle.

Why Trust Strolleria?

Strolleria is a family-owned and operated business, and helping families is truly in our DNA. For decades, we’ve been guiding parents through the ever-evolving world of baby gear—from nursery furniture and strollers to car seats designed for both city sidewalks and suburban streets. No two families are the same, which is why our expert recommendations are thoughtfully curated to match your unique lifestyle and parenting journey.

Because we work with parents through every stage of parenthood, we stay closely in tune with the needs of today’s modern families and the innovations shaping the industry. We believe in relationships over transactions, taking the time to listen, educate, and support you every step of the way. Strolleria has been offering honest, unbiased product reviews and comparisons for years, and our goal is simple: to provide informative, educational guidance that helps you confidently choose the perfect products for your growing family.

Still Have Questions?

Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the Doona X, feel free to contact us by emailing us at cs@strolleria.com or chat with us today!