6 Smart Picks For Parents Seeking Doona Stroller Alternatives
6 Smart Picks For Parents Seeking Doona Stroller Alternatives
May 3, 2024As a busy parent, finding a high-quality and user-friendly stroller is probably one of the biggest items on your list. A great stroller offers independence and can make a day out with your baby a breeze.
Unlike traditional strollers, the Doona Stroller + Car Seat Combo takes a travel system to the next level with its one-of-a-kind car seat with extendable wheels. This means that the Doona is a car seat that can extend into a stroller. At just 16.5 pounds, the Doona is also compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to use. Complete with a latch base, a 5-point harness, removable and washable padding, and made with the highest safety requirements, Doona is mounted on a sleek aluminum frame.
While Doona Strollers are all the rage today, the price tag can put some people off. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 6 great Doona Stroller alternatives for a smooth ride.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo
A modular stroller like Evenflo’s Pivot Xpand Combo can make life easier for parents by providing options as your child grows. As a full-size stroller that comes in a modular form, it's hard to beat the quality and price.
It’s a high-quality car seat + full-size stroller that is versatile, easy to use and costs far less than the Doona Stroller. It features attached adapters that click into place without straps and works with two infant car seats, which makes life with a baby plus a toddler or twins easier. Remember that this stroller isn’t the most compact and can feel heavier than some models, so it’s best to take measurements before buying.
Pros
Best budget value
High-performance metrics
Easy to use
Attaches without straps
Accommodates multiple children
Chicco KeyFit Caddy
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the Chicco KeyFit Caddy is another great Doona Stroller alternative to consider.
It’s super easy to use, attached to the car seat, and folds into a more compact shape lighter than many other stroller models. While it only works with Chicco car seats, it’s a straightforward stroller that offers a fast and easy car seat connection that snaps securely in place without any straps. The Chicco is often best used for the first 9-12 months since the baby will typically outgrow the car seat by that time.
Pros
Easy to attach without any straps
Fairly lightweight
Folds up easily into most cars
Cons
Only works with Chicco car seats
Uppababy Cruz V2
Made with sleek metal and warm, premium full-grain leather accents, this patented two-stage system offers all-wheel suspension, an extendable sun canopy, telescoping handlebar, and independent shocks to give your child a smooth and comfortable ride wherever you go.
With a reversible and multi-position reclining toddler seat included, this stroller gives you flexibility options as your child grows. If you’re anything like us, we can’t get enough of the large, easy-to-access storage basket that puts everything like diaper bags and snacks right in reach and holds up to 30 pounds.
The stroller is easy to attach to a car seat, light enough for most people to carry, and folds up small enough to fit into most vehicles easily. Uppababy Cruz is also REACH certified for ultimate safety.
Pros
Best alternative overall
High-quality metrics and features
Comes in soft, gender-neutral shades like Chenille and Charcoal Mélange
Narrower and more compact than the Uppababy Vista 2, which makes it easier to pack and store
Compatible with many award-winning car seats
Cons
Weighs 30 pounds
Price is higher than Doona
Takes two hands to fold it
Thule Urban Glide 2 Combo
With a sleek and curved silhouette, the Thule Urban Glide is a stroller + car seat combo that looks like the Doona Stroller.
It’s a smooth jogger with a seamless car seat attachment that is super easy to push and maneuver. If you’re looking for a sleek jogging stroller that comes with a handbrake, adjustable tracking, a covered storage area, passenger pockets, and a locking mechanism on the swivel front wheel, then this combo is an excellent choice for active parents who want a safe and smooth ride.
Since joggers aren’t suitable for babies under 9-12 months old, this is a good choice to consider if you have an older baby or are looking to update from a frame stroller in the future.
Pros
Ideal for jogging with older babies, following pediatric advice
Only weighs about 23 pounds
Looks like a Doona
All-terrain wheels and suspension
One-hand fold
Compact storage
Large cover
Zip-cover storage bin
Cons
Takes two hands to fold
Heavier than some models
Graco FastAction Fold Sport system
This system goes beyond the basic functionalities of the Doona by incorporating a sporty three-wheel stroller design with a locking front swivel, enhancing maneuverability in varied terrains.
Unlike the Doona, which focuses on seamless car seat-to-stroller transitions, the Graco FastAction Fold system enhances long-term use and versatility. It supports children from infancy, providing a growing solution for 4 to 35 pounds with the SnugRide Click Connect Infant Car Seat. This car seat has been rigorously tested for safety, meeting or exceeding U.S. safety standards, and includes extra features like EPS energy-absorbing foam for effective impact energy management.
Pros
Versatile and grows with the child
Features a multi-position reclining seat
Built for enhanced maneuverability with its three-wheel design.
Ready to use right out of the box.
Cons
Does not convert directly from a car seat to a stroller as seamlessly as the Doona.
Tayla Max Travel System
The Tayla Max provides multiple modes, including a parent-facing car-seat caddy, a reversible carriage, and a reversible stroller, catering to a broader range of family needs from infancy through toddlerhood.
The Tayla Max matches the compact and easy-to-use aspects of the Doona while offering additional versatility. It features a one-hand fold and a self-standing design, making it convenient for travel and quick transitions. However, the Tayla Max provides an adjustable height push bar and footrest for ergonomic comfort, an aspect that is more fixed in the Doona.
For strolling, the SmoothRide technology ensures a smooth ride over various terrains. The accompanying PureCosi-padded Mico Luxe+ Infant Car Seat is built with safety in mind, featuring seamless side impact protection and adjustable MaxiLock technology, offering enhancements that compete with Doona’s safety features.
Pros
More versatile with five stroller modes.
Enhanced comfort with adjustable push bar and footrest.
Sun protection with an extendable 360º MaxShade canopy.
More storage capacity with a large underseat basket.
Advanced SmoothRide tire technology for all terrains.
Cons
More complex configuration may not match the Doona's simplicity for quick car seat-to-stroller transitions.
Choosing the Best Doona Stroller Alternative
The Doona comes highly rated thanks to its seamless travel system integration and ability to unfold from the car into a stroller with a simple motion. It is a rear-facing combo that conforms to all the latest safety standards.
Like the Doona, most strollers (except for umbrella strollers) will conveniently accommodate a car seat and click in directly or connect with an adapter to create a “travel system.” The trick revolves around figuring out which stroller will fit with your existing car seat base.
At the same time, the $550 price tag isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Discovering the right stroller + car seat combo can feel confusing. If you’re looking for a great infant car seat and stroller combo that doesn’t cost as much as the Doona Stroller, we’ve done the research with dozens of combos to bring you the best options to fit your needs and budget.
The Most Affordable Doona Stroller Alternative
The best and most affordable fit matches your needs and budget. While the Chicco KeyFit Caddy is hands-down the most affordable dupe on the list, it only comes with the stroller and not the car seat. This may be a great option if you already have a Chicco car seat and want a stroller to integrate it into a travel system.
The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is our top pick for the most affordable stroller + car seat combo. This modular stroller is currently on sale for under $300. It not only has high-performance metrics and quality, but it can grow with your child.
Our Favorite Doona Stroller Dupe
The Thule Urban Glide, checked many boxes on our list. It has a similar aesthetic, with a large, curved cover, swivel front wheel locks, and smooth suspension, but it also folds with just one hand and stores compactly. The reclining seat features a 5-point padded safety harness, while the big storage basket has a zip-top cover. Overall, it is lightweight, high quality, and the perfect stroller for all terrains.