Doona vs Nuna Car Seats: Which Is Better for Your Baby in 2025?
Doona vs Nuna Car Seats: Which Is Better for Your Baby in 2025?
Choosing a car seat is one of the most important decisions new parents make — and with premium options like Doona and Nuna on the market, it can feel overwhelming. At NINI and LOLI, we know how much you value safety, convenience, and long-term value. That’s why we've crafted this side-by-side comparison to help you choose the car seat that best suits your family’s needs and lifestyle.
TL;DR: If you're looking for unmatched convenience for city living and frequent travel, Doona may be your go-to. But if you're after long-term use, enhanced features, and variety, Nuna offers several strong contenders.
Safety & Certifications
Both brands offer top-tier safety standards, but each takes a slightly different approach:
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Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
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FAA approved
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Meets and exceeds US & EU safety regulations
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Anti-rebound protection built-in
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5-point harness
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Nuna PIPA, RAVA, EXEC, REVV, AACE
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Aeroflex™ foam and True Lock™ installation
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Steel-reinforced frame (RAVA & EXEC)
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Side-impact protection
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Anti-rebound bar (PIPA series)
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Both brands score high in crash testing and build quality.
Portability & Travel Convenience
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Doona is in a league of its own:
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Car seat transforms into a stroller in seconds
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Ideal for taxis, airports, and fast-paced urban life
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Compact, foldable, easy for solo parents to use
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Nuna PIPA is lightweight (as little as 7.9 lbs) but needs a separate stroller
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RAVA/EXEC/REVV are bulkier, built for extended use rather than portability
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Winner: Doona, for ultimate travel convenience and 2-in-1 design
Longevity & Versatility
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Doona is infant-only:
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Birth to ~35 lbs
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You’ll need a second seat after 12–15 months
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Nuna offers multiple stages:
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PIPA – infants
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RAVA & EXEC – convertible for newborn to toddler
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REVV – 360° swivel for easy loading/unloading
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AACE – booster for older kids (up to 120 lbs)
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Winner: Nuna, for long-term versatility and value
Installation & Ease of Use
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Doona:
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Extremely intuitive
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Built-in wheels eliminate stroller setup
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One-click LATCH base included
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Nuna:
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True Lock™ base makes installation quick and secure
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Bubble-free recline (RAVA)
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Swivel base (REVV) makes loading easier
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Tie: Both excel in their respective use cases
Feature Comparison Table
Feature |
Doona |
Nuna PIPA / RAVA / EXEC / etc. |
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Age Range | Newborn – 35 lbs | Newborn – 120 lbs (model-dependent) |
Convertible | No | Yes (RAVA, EXEC, REVV) |
Stroller Function | Yes (built-in) | No (requires separate stroller) |
Portability | Excellent | Good (PIPA) to Heavy (EXEC) |
Installation Ease | Very Easy | Easy (True Lock, Bubble-free install) |
Travel Approved (FAA) | Yes | Yes (PIPA, some others) |
Price Range | $$$ | $$$–$$$$ |
Lifespan | Short (infant only) | Long-term (convertibles, booster options) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Doona safer than Nuna?
Both are extremely safe, meeting high international standards. Nuna offers more robust protection in its convertible models due to added reinforcement and extended rear-facing options.
Can I use Doona as my only stroller?
Yes — for the first year. Doona doubles as a stroller, but you may eventually need a larger model for toddlers.
What’s the main difference between Doona and Nuna PIPA?
Doona is an all-in-one car seat and stroller. Nuna PIPA is a lightweight infant seat that requires a separate stroller.
Which Nuna model lasts the longest?
The Nuna EXEC is an all-in-one seat from birth to booster (up to ~120 lbs).
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
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Buy Doona if:
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You travel frequently or use ride-shares
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You need something super compact and self-contained
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Your baby is under 1 year and you want simplicity
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Buy Nuna (PIPA, RAVA, EXEC, etc.) if:
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You want a long-term investment
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Safety and high-end materials are your priority
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You don’t mind a two-piece system (car seat + stroller)
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