Opinions on the doona car seat stroller?

[shakey1]

Anyone got any opinions on this? I drive and I have 3 other children , just waiting for my next car from saving for a while. Just wondering if this is a good investment to use? I know your baby isn't supposed to be in a car seat for a certain amount of time but the car I'm looking to get isn't very spacious in the boot for Carrycot etc. just looking for advice and opinions

Reclining car seats aren’t necessarily any safer either, bear in mind. The 4 I listed offer the best and safest fits. Maxi Cosi are often outgrown early due to short shells.

"Unsafe" is misleading IMO if you actually mean it has a less optimal position. It's a bit ridiculous to call everything except four specific options that in your opinion are optimal "unsafe".

I do agree BTW that the positioning is much much better for newborns in the seats you mentioned than the Doona, I just hate seeing the word "unsafe" thrown about everywhere as it is misleading and causes undue alarm.

OP you could look at second hand pushchairs if you want to save money. You don't need to buy a £400 pram to use the Cybex Cloud T on it, anything that takes universal adapters will take this. Same with the Avionaut, Britax, Maxi Cosi etc.

If you were looking at new, I'd recommend looking at the cheaper Cybex models, Maxi Cosi, Joie, as well as some of the microfolds which take a car seat. Go into a large baby store and ask to look at their smaller fold models which take a car seat and any budget models - I'm not up to date on what there is out there any more.

@BertieBotts its not my personal opinion, it’s the opinion of experts who know a lot more about the car seat market than I do. I’m not quite sure why you’re so offended about the word ‘unsafe’. A poorly positioned baby in a poorly shaped seat is unsafe, if the airway is compromised (which it will be in a poorly fitting seat as it is generally ‘chin to chest’ which is the problem) then I’d definitely consider that unsafe. Especially when it’s for a long period of time and pretty much out of sight.

the car seat market is a funny thing, people go to the big shops expecting them to be experts but they’re not, and it’s dangerous. The standard in Sweden is so much higher that they don’t have children killed in car accidents like we do, why more parents are looking for Swedish plus tested seats now.

There’s a huge gap in knowledge here. People actively being interested and trying to find out decent options is a great thing. Expressing that seats can be ‘unsafe’ and offering a few much better options, is hardly offensive.

I didn't say it's offensive, I said it's misleading.

When you say something is unsafe, it implies that there is quite a high chance of harm from using it, which is not true.

If you have a different definition of unsafe then you should probably reconsider the word choice, because this is what most people would understand by it.

Sweden does have a lower rate of child deaths in car accidents, though actually the UK rate is pretty close according to this (page 13): https://etsc.eu/wp-content/uploads/PIN-FLASH_34.pdf

and I'm well aware of the gap between the average UK high street employee and the awareness of plus tested car seats. I am not sure what this has to do with infant carriers, though. Sweden has the same infant carriers that we have.

The Doona is one of the best things I've bought for my second baby - we also have a Babyzen Yoyo and used the newborn pack on it for the lie flat option.

However, I have the school run to do for example or quick nips to the shop etc and being able to just get her in and out of the car without faffing about has been amazing.

She's also been super secure in it and comfortable. It has the newborn insert and you can take out when needed.

If she's been sleeping especially as a newborn she has stayed asleep and it's been a lifesaver.

Noone is going to keep their babies in a car seat for hours on end, no matter if it's a Doona or not.

They hold their resale value quite well too, so you probably won't lose too much on it.

I'd say go for it especially if you've got other children you're taking to school/activities 😊

@Curious23x hey, I walk to school every morning and pick up as it's round the corner no need to drive I just thought I would be easier with a doona just got scared Incase I needed to shop etc I just hate buying Tavel systems as I don't use the carrycot a lot I waste money

We absolutely loved out Doona. Never had one for my first but had one for my second and it was an absolute game changer!