Travel systems make it easy to move your baby around safely and swiftly. Because they usually transform into several modes, transport becomes convenient. For parents, this could mean the ability to carry a sleeping baby from the car seat straight to a stroller without the need to transfer. Here, Doona is one of the most popular names. Its Doona Car Seat & Stroller is even advertised as the world’s first integrated travel system.
Other brands, like UPPAbaby, offer an expandable unit. For parents with more than one child, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 boasts multiple configurations that allow up to three kids in one stroller. The Vista V2 also comes with plenty of storage for on-the-go parents. But between these two models, which one should you buy? Read on to see how Doona and UPPAbaby’s respective travel systems fare against each other.
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Doona Stroller vs UPPAbaby Vista V2 Comparison Chart
Design
Doona’s unit is a car seat that converts to a stroller. On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a full-size stroller that comes in multiple configurations.
Doona’s Car Seat & Stroller and UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 approach travel systems differently. Doona is a car seat to stroller unit. It’s designed to unfold rather than be ‘assembled’. As such, it’s aptly branded as an integrated system. On the other hand, the Vista V2 is a full-size pushchair. Most of its units also come with a bassinet. Unlike Doona, however, UPPAbaby’s stroller can be expanded with an array of accessories.
In terms of appearance, Doona brandishes a more modern aesthetic. Because of its hybrid functionality, the unit has a lower profile, too. Its trendy look is best seen in the yellow-accented wheels and extendable handles. UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 also features telescoping handles. But seen as a whole unit, the Vista V2 has a more refined and classic design. There’s an elegance to it rare in today’s market saturated by flashier models.
You can get the Doona in seven colors, like racing green, nitro black, and blush pink. There are also premium options like the Midnight Edition and Gold Limited Edition. Meanwhile, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is available in nine color combinations. If you have a hard time choosing, the company can ship up to four swatches to your home.
As a travel system, UPPAbaby is heavier than Doona’s. With its frame and seat combined, you’re getting a 27-pound unit. On the other hand, the Doona Car Seat & Stroller weighs 17.2 pounds. It’s a heavy unit compared to other models because of the integrated stroller frame and wheels.
Safety
Both units come with high safety ratings. Doona shares that its stroller has passed all US and European safety standards. The company has its own in-house facility for safety testing, with the stroller having undergone hundreds of crash tests. Its stroller is also approved for aircraft travel.
UPPAbaby similarly complies with state and federal safety requirements. Moreover, the Vista V2 exceeds ASTM & JPMA compliance standards. UPPAbaby’s travel system also meets flame retardancy standards. But unlike other brands, the company does not treat its stroller’s fabrics with harmful chemicals for flame retardancy.
Modes
UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 offers more configurations, while Doona delivers a smoother transition between modes.
When you buy a Doona, it’s already set in car seat mode. It also comes with a base, although you can install the unit on your car without one. The base uses the standard LATCH system that features a one-click vehicle installation. There’s a height adjustment mechanism, too. Following current recommendations, the Doona car seat should be installed rear-facing.
Doona’s core feature, however, is its smooth transition to a stroller. Here, you can choose two modes. The first is the on-the-go stroller mode, where you push the unit in front of you. Since Doona is an integrated system, the seat is only rear-facing. Adjust the handlebar directly above the car seat canopy, and you get a pull-along mode. This makes the Doona more maneuverable.
In contrast, UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 allows for multiple configurations. The standard unit includes a toddler seat and bassinet. Unlike Doona, the toddler seat is reversible, so you can choose whether your child rides forwards or backward. The seat can also be reclined across a range, including an upright position.
As a travel system, UPPAbaby allows parents to add components to the stroller frame to expand capacity. For instance, the standalone bassinet can be installed if you have an infant and a toddler. If you’re not a fan of bassinet, the Vista V2 is compatible with UPPAbaby’s MESA Infant Car Seat. Do you have two toddlers? UPPAbaby can accommodate two toddler seats, too. Transporting multiples (up to three) is also possible with the brand’s ride-along board accessory.
Key Features
Doona and UPPAbaby’s seating units have fairly similar features. However, UPPAbaby wins when it comes to on-stroller storage.
To keep your baby safe and comfortable, Doona and UPPAbaby pack their strollers with several features. Both come with extendable canopies that are water-repellant and have UPF 50+ protection. UPPAbaby’s canopy even includes a peekaboo window. They also have adjustable handlebars, which on the Doona also double as an anti-rebound bar in the car.
For the toddler seat and bassinet, UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 opts for woven fabrics and mesh panels. Their canopies can be unzipped for additional airflow, too. Both seat units are compatible with their respective bug shield accessories, typically included in the purchase. For the toddler seat, there’s even a specially-designed rain shield.
Since it doubles as a car seat, Doona’s seating unit features an infant insert and head support. The infant insert helps support your baby’s posture. Meanwhile, the head support is made from energy-absorbing materials for additional side impact protection. Both use a bamboo charcoal textile which Doona says is hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating.
UPPAbaby’s main advantage over Doona is storage. The Vista V2’s frame includes an easy-access basket that can hold up to 30 pounds. Meanwhile, Doona’s integrated design keeps it from having on-board storage.
Recommended Use and Accessories
Given its expansion accessories, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 can be used for much longer than the Doona Car Seat & Stroller.
Doona’s Car Seat & Stroller is ideal for children from birth up to 35 pounds or 32 inches, whichever comes first. Given the Doona weight and height limit, expect the unit to be suitable until your child is 2 years old.
In contrast, the UPPAbaby Vista V2’s toddler seat is recommended for children from 6 months old until they’re 50 pounds or 40 inches in height. If you want to use the toddler seat for children below 6 months, you’ll need to get the Infant SnugSeat accessory. Meanwhile, the bassinet is suitable from birth to 20 pounds or up until an infant can push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first.
Doona offers several accessories for its Car Seat & Stroller. Because it doesn’t come with built-in storage, you might be interested in adding its Snap-on Storage bag. Parents can also get handlebar covers, rain shields, cup holders, and vehicle seat protectors.
UPPAbaby also boasts an expansive selection of accessories for the Vista V2. These range from car seat adaptors to expansion components. You can also buy additional organizers, travel bags, cup holders, and stroller covers. Adapters for expanding the Vista V2 are sold separately as well.
Verdict
The Doona Car Seat & Stroller is suitable for children below two years of age. Larger families with older kids may benefit more from the UPPAbaby Vista V2.
Choosing a travel system depends on your family’s needs and preferences. Because children grow up fast, it’s usually a one-time investment that’s used for a short while.
If you have a baby below one year, the Doona Car Seat & Stroller can be a game-changer. The seamless transition from car seat to stroller makes traveling convenient. In stroller mode, Doona is also highly maneuverable, making them perfect for crowded city streets. However, the same integrated design limits the unit’s use for younger children. It’s not expandable, too.
For families with more than one child, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 is a better option. The product typically comes with a toddler seat and bassinet. Its unique design means you can expand the travel system to accommodate up to three children. Moreover, UPPAbaby’s toddler seat and expansion accessories are suitable for children for much longer than Doona.
FAQs
Doona’s Car Seat & Stroller is a good investment for the first two years of your child. The unit is also recommended for families who want to travel conveniently.
Choosing between the Doona Midnight Edition and Regular Edition comes down to preference. In terms of features, both stroller variants are the same. The Midnight Edition’s difference is that it comes with a more premium and refined design.
The UPPAbaby bassinet is suitable for infants from birth up to 20 pounds.
UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 comes with an extended warranty of up to three years.