How to install the Doona Doona X
Doona gives 4 ways to put it in the car, with the base and without it, so a taxi or a second car works without another base.
Steps retold from Doona's manual. The manual that came with your seat is the one to follow.
Doona
Doona X
$850 list price
How to install the Doona Doona X in the car
Pick how you're putting it in. Each way is from the maker's manual.
Base with LATCH
Where it can go: Rear-facing only. Never on a seat with an active frontal airbag; never on a side- or rear-facing vehicle seat. The maker recommends a rear seating position; front only if the vehicle manual allows and the airbag is deactivated. Lap-only belt use is for aircraft only. Do not install with the rigid lower anchors for a child over 25 lbs (11.3 kg). No top tether. The base is not for aircraft.
- Place the Doona X base on the seat; unfold the support leg (recommended; required if more than 20% of the base hangs over the seat edge).
- Squeeze the connector buttons and extend the rigid connectors onto the vehicle's lower anchors until they click and turn green; repeat on the other side.
- Adjust the recline with the lever until the ball in the level indicator is centered (use the lowest position that shows level).
- Push the base firmly against the seat back until there is no gap.
- Extend the support leg to the floor until its indicator shows green.
Check it before you drive
- The base moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) side to side or front to back.
- Base level, firmly against the seat back, support leg touching the floor.
Retold from Doona manual (PDF). Your vehicle's manual also says which seats have LATCH anchors. When in doubt, a certified child passenger safety technician can check your install.
The carrier on and off the base
Clicking it onto the base
- Put the seat in car seat mode (wheels folded) with the handle in its carrying position.
- Face the seat toward the back of the car, line it up over the carrier attachment points and slide it down until it clicks.
- Check the carrier attached indicator has turned from red to green.
- Lift up on the handle to check the seat is secure.
- Turn the handle toward the back of the car for anti-rebound protection.
The maker warns: The Doona X Base must be secured in the vehicle before you put the car seat on it.
Taking it off the base
- Turn the car seat handle to its carrying position.
- With one hand, push and slide the car seat release lever.
- Tilt the car seat slightly toward you until it comes off the attachment points.
- Lift the car seat up and out of the car.
Key specs
- Ways to install
- 4
- Without the base
- Yes
- Carrier weight
- 19.6 lb
- Child weight
- up to 30 lb
- On a plane
- Only without the base
- Expires
- 7 years
Which Doona bases it goes with
The Doona X base: Doona X LATCH Base.
What Doona says about its bases and carriers, for a second car or an older base.
- Only a Doona fits the Doona LATCH base, and a Doona doesn't fit other brands' bases. Doona help article
- The US Doona comes with a LATCH base. A European Doona was never tested on the US LATCH base, so Doona won't back that combination. Doona help article
The newborn insert
What Doona says about the insert
- Use the infant insert if your baby weighs under 11 lbs, or if the shoulders are below the lowest shoulder strap level without it.
- Place the infant insert in the seat.
- Move the headrest to its lowest position and snap the top of the insert to the top of the headrest.
- Arrange the harness, shoulder pads and buckle so they sit on top of the insert.
- Take the insert out once your baby's shoulders, without it, are above the lowest shoulder strap level.
Questions about installing the Doona X (11)
Can I install the Doona Doona X base with the seat belt instead of LATCH?
Yes. Doona's manual gives steps for the base with LATCH and with the car's seat belt.
Where in the car can the Doona Doona X go?
Rear-facing only. Never on a seat with an active frontal airbag; never on a side- or rear-facing vehicle seat. The maker recommends a rear seating position; front only if the vehicle manual allows and the airbag is deactivated. Lap-only belt use is for aircraft only.
How do I know the Doona Doona X is installed right?
The seat should not move more than 1" in any direction at the lap belt path. The belt must lock, otherwise use a locking clip. Red level line parallel to the ground.
What are the weight and height limits of the Doona Doona X?
up to 30 lb, up to 32 in tall.
Can you use the Doona Doona X without the base?
Yes. Doona's manual describes 2 ways to install it with no base: with the European belt path; with a lap belt.
Is the Doona Doona X FAA approved?
Yes, but the maker approves it for aircraft only without the base.
When does the Doona Doona X expire?
7 years after the date it was made; the date is on the seat's label.
Can I buy an extra Doona base?
Only a Doona fits the Doona LATCH base, and a Doona doesn't fit other brands' bases.
When do I use or remove the Doona Doona X infant insert?
Use the infant insert if your baby weighs under 11 lbs, or if the shoulders are below the lowest shoulder strap level without it. Place the infant insert in the seat.