First Look: The Doona X - A Major Upgrade to the Iconic Infant Car Seat/Stroller

The Doona X is officially on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest evolution of the Doona concept since the original Doona+ changed the game. Parents have been asking for more comfort, more adjustability, and more features—and Doona listened. 

The Doona X keeps the same beloved “car seat to stroller in seconds” magic, but adds meaningful upgrades that make it safer, smoother, and more comfortable for both babies and parents. At $899, this convenience will come at a price, but for many city families, it may be worth it. 

Here’s your first look at everything we know so far.

Key Takeaways

1. The new Doona X offers a near flat recline, updated size range, a higher handlebar, better wheels, a breezy zip off canopy, three stroller positions, improved storage, more advanced base, and a no-thread harness.

2. Compared to the Doona + the X offers more features and is better for longer trips. The Doona + however, is a bit more affordable, though you do have to be mindful of how long your child is sitting up, as they should not be over 2 hours at a time.

3. The Doona X comes out in limited distribution in July, and then will be fully released on the market around September 2026. 

Table of Contents

• Quick Comparison: Doona X vs Doona+

• New Features of the Doona X

Quick Comparison: Doona X vs Doona+

New Features of the Doona X

A Near‑Flat Recline: The Most Requested Upgrade

One of the standout features of the Doona X car seat/stroller is its near‑flat recline, a major improvement over the Doona+. This gives newborns and young infants a safer, more ergonomic position—especially helpful for longer outings or city parents who rely on their stroller for daily movement.

Updated Size Range

• Weight: 4–30 lbs
  

• Height: 17–32"
  

This keeps the Doona X in the same general range as the Doona+, but with improved comfort and positioning throughout the entire span.

A More Comfortable Push for Taller Parents

The Doona X features a handle that extends up to 2 inches taller than the Doona+, making it far more comfortable for taller caregivers. This is a small but meaningful upgrade that solves one of the most common complaints about the original model.

Improved Harness System

The Doona X introduces a 5‑position, no‑rethread harness, making adjustments quicker and more intuitive as your baby grows. Even better, the harness strap covers now include Velcrotabs that hold the straps out of the way while loading your baby—an incredibly thoughtful touch.

Three Stroller Positions

Doona has added three distinct stroller modes:

• Sit
  

• Relax
  

• Lean Back
  

These positions give babies more comfort options and make the Doona X feel more like a true stroller—not just a car seat on wheels.

Extended Zip‑Off Canopy + Mesh Window

The canopy has been upgraded with:

• More coverage
  

• A zip‑off extension
  

• A built‑in mesh window for ventilation
  

This is another major improvement over the Doona+, especially for warm climates or long walks.

A Safer, More Advanced Base

The new Doona X base includes:

• Rigid LATCH attachments
  

• A load leg for improved crash performance
  

• A level indicator
  

• A tensioning lockoff
  

• A unique 2‑step carrier release mechanism
  

It’s also compliant with the new FMVSS 213a side‑impact standard, making it one of the first infant seats to meet this updated requirement.

Smoother Ride & Easier Wheel Operation

The wheels on the Doona X have been redesigned with:

• Shock absorbers
  

• A soft‑release mechanism for unfolding
  

• A single, easy‑to‑use brake
  

• Quick‑release removal for cleaning or storage
  

These upgrades should make the Doona X smoother on sidewalks and easier to operate one‑handed.

New Accessories: Storage & Summer Comfort

Doona is releasing new optional accessories, including:

• A storage basket that doubles as a backpack
  

• A summer canopy with extra ventilation
  

These additions make the Doona X more versatile and more functional for everyday use.

The Verdict: The Doona X is a Big Leap Forward

The Doona X looks like a thoughtful, meaningful upgrade to one of the most iconic baby products of the last decade. With a near‑flat recline, improved safety features, better ventilation, and a taller handlebar, it’s clear Doona designed this model with real‑world parent feedback in mind.

To find out the latest in car seats, strollers, carriers, furniture, gear, clothing and toys, follow our blog, or better yet, visit us in Tribeca. At Babesta, we offer registry and all the services that matter for city parents, including hold it til you need it, white glove delivery and more. 

FAQs

Will the Doona X fit in the same car seat base as the Doona+?

No. The Doona X uses a new, redesigned base with rigid LATCH, a load leg, and updated safety features. Because of these structural changes, the Doona X is not compatible with the Doona+ base, and the Doona+ is not compatible with the Doona X base. 

Can the Doona X be used without the base, such as in taxis or Ubers?

Yes. Like the Doona+, the Doona X can be installed baseless using the vehicle seat belt, making it suitable for taxis, Ubers, and travel. The new model still supports quick, secure baseless installation—ideal for city families on the go. 

Is the Doona X heavier than the Doona+?

The Doona X is expected to be slightly heavier due to its upgraded recline mechanism, enhanced safety base, and improved wheel system. However, the added weight is minimal and balanced by smoother handling, better suspension, and more ergonomic stroller positions. 

What accessories are compatible between the Doona X and Doona+?

Most accessories are not cross‑compatible because the Doona X has updated dimensions, a new canopy structure, and redesigned connection points. Items like the canopy, storage solutions, and newborn inserts are specific to each model. However, some universal add‑ons—such as rain covers, footmuffs, and travel bags—may still work with both, depending on fit. Doona will publish a full compatibility list, but parents should assume that model‑specific accessories will not interchange between the Doona X and Doona+. 

Is the Doona X worth it?

The Doona X is worth it for parents who want the newest safety standards, a near‑flat recline, better ventilation, a taller handlebar, and a more stroller‑like ride. These upgrades directly address the biggest things on the wishlist for the Doona+. If you rely heavily on your Doona for daily walks, city errands, or long outings, the X offers meaningful improvements. Families who primarily use the Doona for quick car‑to‑store trips may find the Doona+ sufficient (and at $650 vs $899, it may make more financial sense), but for everyday use, comfort, and longevity, the Doona X is a clear step forward.