FAQ

How safe is Doona? What safety standards has Doona compliant?

This product has been produced in compliance with an approved standard or specification and quality procedures. This statement has been issued by Bureau Veritas New Zealand. 

Kidsgo magazine rated Doona+ with the highest score of 1.4 (very good) after the products was examined by a few families for a few months in their daily lives. The families pointed out that they recommend the Doona+ for being innovative, safe and easy to use.

The American consumer organisation Consumer Reports rated Doona overall as very good while in the safety test the Doona rating was excellent.

 

How safe are the materials Doona is made of?

All materials used on the Doona are carefully tested and approved under the strictest American and European standards and the REACH regulation, including SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern). Not only are the materials used free of any hazardous chemicals, they are also tested for their durability and quality to assure the safe and continuous use of the products.

 

Can I install the Doona car seat in a forward facing position?

No, the Doona car seat is intended for rearward facing only.

 

How long can I keep using the Doona car seat for my baby?

Suitability: 

Infant Weight: 4-35 lbs.
Infant Height: up to 32” (81 cm)

 

How long can I use the Doona car seat or when does it expire? 

Please refer to the sticker at the bottom of the Doona car seat to determine its recommended useful life. We recommend to discontinue the use of a Doona car seat after 6 years from the date of manufacture.

 

Until which age can I use the Doona?

The Doona is not limited by age, but is by weight. The weight limit for Doona is 13 kg, or about 12 to 15 months. Some parents have told us that they have used Doona until 24 months. To make the most of the Doona, we recommend to start using it from the birth of your child.

There are three criteria’s that can help you know if the car seat has become too small for your child:

  • The level of the baby’s head- when the baby’s head goes beyond the upper edge of the car seat.
  • The maximum weight is reached.
  • The level of the harness- must be at the level of the shoulder or just below.

 

Where can I find videos on How to Use the Doona?

You may find videos on How to Use the Doona as a car seat mode, as on the go mode and the accessories here.

 

How do I install my Doona in the car?

You may find detailed instructions on How to install the Doona in the user guide. 
For more information Click the link below for instructional videos to assist you. Link

 

Can I install Doona car seat using both the base AND the vehicle seat belt?

No, Doona car seat should be installed using only one installation method, either by the vehicle’s seat belt or the base. Parents should always refer to the user guide for detailed instructions.

 

Is it safer to install the Doona car seat with base or with the vehicle seat belt?

Doona car seat successfully passed all tests using both kinds of installation methods. Installed correctly, both methods are safe. Parents should always refer to the user guide and vehicles owner’s manual to determine the best way to install their car seat for their vehicle and their child.

 

Why am I having difficulty attaching the Doona to the base?

Please check the straps that run down the back of your car seat. You will notice there is a silver metal bar that runs across the back of your car seat. If the straps are routed outside of the bar, they will interfere with the locking mechanism on the base, and you will need to reroute the straps between the shell of the car seat and the silver metal bar. The base release button needs to be pressed in, showing red, before installing the car seat on the base.

My Doona no longer clicks into the base. What do I do?

Check if the straps of your Doona are under the metal bar on the back. See image below
Doona capsule straps going under metal bar on the back of capsule

 

What is LATCH?

 LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. These anchors are specifically designed for car seats installation.

Since 2002, LATCH connectors are required by law in the USA for all vehicles.

Check your vehicle manual to ensure that the vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchor points.

 

What features does the Doona LATCH Base include?

The features LATCH Base includes are: Vehicle belt guides, belt lock offs, reclining knob and level indicator, proper Doona installation indicator, and LATCH connectors.

 

How do I install the LATCH base?

You may find more detailed instruction on How to install the LATCH base link below. Link

 

How should the Doona LATCH Base Lock Offs be used when installed in the car with the vehicle seat belt?

When using a lap-shoulder belt, lock only the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt on the side it enters the belt guides. Do not use the lock-offs when installed with a vehicle lap belt.

 

How should the Doona LATCH Base be installed in the car?

The base should be installed either with the LATCH connectors or with the vehicle seat belt, but should never use both of the connection methods simultaneously.

 

Why should I use the Infant Insert?

Specifically designed for newborn babies, the Doona Infant Insert provides young babies with the highest levels of safety and comfort. Developed alongside global engineering, safety and medical experts, the insert supports your baby’s posture, by mimicking a natural position, thus granting parents and babies the freedom to travel together. The Infant Insert is made of baby safe materials. 

Bamboo Charcoal Fiber textile:
• Anti-bacterial
• Hypoallergenic
• Humidity & thermal regulating

 

When should I remove the Infant Insert?

When the harness straps feels too tight for your baby, you should first verify that the shoulder straps are threaded in the correct height for the baby’s shoulders. Make sure that the harness straps, at the back of the Doona, are threaded between the Doona body and the metal bar. If the straps still feel too tight, then you baby has outgrown the infant insert and you can remove it. Make sure you keep the head support for the protection of your baby.

 

When should I remove the Doona Head Support?

We strongly recommend to continue using the Doona Head Support for as long as you keep using the Doona car seat for the protection of your baby.

 

Can I use accessories with the Doona Car Seat?

Do not use aftermarket parts or accessories with the Doona car seat unless supplied or approved by Doona for use with the Doona car seat. Non-regulated aftermarket parts and accessories may impair the performance of the Doona car seat in case of a crash. We offer a line of accessories designed for use with Doona car seat.

 

Can I wash the Infant Insert?

The Doona Infant Insert can be washed. Before cleaning, check the care label sewn on each item for washing instructions.

 

Can I wash the Doona seat cover, shoulder pads and canopy?

The Doona seat cover, shoulder pads and canopy can be removed for washing. Before cleaning, check the care label sewn on the seat cover for washing instructions.

If the cover needs to be replaced at any time, use only an official Doona seat cover because it constitutes an integral part of the restraint performance. To clean the shell, you can use a damp cloth.

For more information on how to remove and re-fit the Doona seat cover, shoulder pads, and canopy, you may watch the video here.

 

How can I protect my baby from the rain?

The Doona capsule rain cover is designed to protect your baby from the rain. You will find this in the acessories section on this website. 

 

How can I protect my baby from the sun?

The Doona canopy (comes with the Doona) has been designed to protect your baby from the sun. Yet, the Doona Sunshade Extension is designed to provide extra protection from the sun for your baby. You may purchase the Doona Sunshade Extension by simply having a look in the accessories section.

 

Can I hang any diaper bag on the Doona?

Do not use bags unless supplied or approved by Doona with the Doona Car Seat. Non regulated accessories may impair the performance of the Doona Car Seat in case of a crash. We have especially designed the Essential bag (Perfect for carrying your essentials), All Day Bag (Perfect for a full day out) and Snap on Storage Bag (to store your extra stuff). You may purchase the bags by simply having a look in the accessories section.

 

Where can I find the Doona user guide?

The user guide is provided with the Doona, located in a designated slot at the back of the car seat. Otherwise, get in touch with our customer service team and we can send you the correct guide. Email: customerservice@babyfirst.co.nz

 

Where do I find the model number on my base?

Please refer to the sticker at the bottom of the base to find the model number, located next to the barcode.

 

Is Doona certified for air-travel?

 The Doona is certified for air travel without the base, including the US & EU aircraft guidelines. 

Yes, the Doona is certified for air travel (without the base). In most aircrafts, the Doona can easily pass through the airplane aisle and can be installed on passenger seats. Make sure to contact the airline company in advance.

In case you wish to leave the Doona underneath the airplane, you may pack it inside the Doona Padded Travel Bag - check out our accessories page to add to your cart. 

 

How do I install the Doona on an airplane seat?

Place Doona on the respective seat on the plane rearward facing position. Folding the arm rests upwards could facilitate the installation of your Doona. Feed both ends of the lap belt through the belt guides of the Doona. Make sure that the belt is not twisted! Now, close the belt buckle and tighten the belt.

Make sure to contact the airline company in advance to make sure that you can bring the Doona on board.

 

Can I install the base on an airplane seat?

No, the Doona is certified for aircraft without the base.

 

What is the best way to travel with the Doona on an airplane, if I don't want to buy a seat for it? I don't want my doona to break!

Since all airlines allow the option to check-in a car seat or stroller at the gate FREE OF CHARGE, we recommend to always gate check your Doona instead of sending it as luggage. Sending as luggage may result in varying degrees of damage to your Doona. We have specially designed a Gate Check label to prevent this from happening. The label is included with all Doona travel bags.
Before traveling, please ensure that the Gate Check label is properly attached to the Doona travel bag handle.

 

Can I take the Doona on the subway or train? 

Yes, you may travel with the Doona in a subway or on a train. Make sure that you lock the breaks once you enter the train.

To apply the brakes, press the red brake lock pedal located next to the right wheel. To release the brakes, press the green brake release pedal located next to the left wheel.

 

Can the Doona be used on all seats in a car?

For more information about vehicle compatibility please refer to the user guide. If this has been misplaced please contact our customer service team to get the manual sent to you - customerservice@babyfirst.co.nz

 

How can I protect my Doona underneath the airplane?

You may pack the Doona inside the Doona Padded Travel Bag or Doona Travel Bag. Both can be purchased through your local retailers.  

Please note that we always recommend to gate check your Doona instead of sending it as luggage, as being sent as luggage may result in varying degrees of damage to your Doona.

 

Can I put the Doona in the overhead compartment of a plane or train?

Doonas have been known to fit in large airplane overhead compartments, like 777s. But if it does not fit, you can always gate check your Doona or use it in an airplane seat (just confirm with the airline beforehand).

 

Can I use the Doona in a taxi or an Uber?

Yes, the Doona can be installed, just the same as in your car.

 

Where can I find the aircraft approval sticker on the Doona?

The aircraft approval sticker is located at the back of the Doona.

 

Where is the Energy-Absorbing Foam located on the Doona car seat?

There are different kinds of absorbing foams located where it is mostly necessary, inside of the shell and at the head support.

 

My Doona is not locking into the base, what should I do?

Please check the straps that run down the back of your car seat. You will notice there is a silver metal bar that runs across the back of your car seat. If the straps are routed outside of the bar, they will interfere with the locking mechanism on the base. If that is the case, you will need to reroute the straps between the shell of the car seat and the silver metal bar.

 

Does Doona Car seat come with a warranty?

For the Doona Car Seat, we provide a 2-year warranty against manufacturing or material defects. The warranty period is effective from the day of purchase. As proof of purchase, we ask that you register your Doona Car Seat online or fill out the warranty card and retain it for the whole term of the warranty period. Please also retain your sales receipt. In the event of a warranty claim, please contact us. Warranty is only applicable to original purchaser of Doona Car Seat from an authorised retailer or from our website. 

 

What is the infant insert and what is it for?

Specifically designed for new born babies, the Doona infant insert provides young babies with the highest levels of safety and comfort. Developed alongside global engineering, safety and medical experts, the insert supports your baby’s posture by mimicking a natural position.

The Infant insert is made of baby safe materials. Bamboo Charcoal Fibre textile: Anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, humidity and thermal regulating.

 

How long do I need to use the infant insert for?

Once the harness straps feel too tight for your baby, you should first verify that the shoulder straps are threaded in the correct height for the baby’s shoulder. Make sure that the harness straps, which are at the back of the Doona, are threaded between the Doona body and the metal bar. If the straps still feel too tight, then your baby has outgrown the Infant Insert and you can remove it. Make sure that you keep the head support for the protection of your baby.

 

What is the head support and how long do I need to use it?

We strongly recommend to continue using the Doona Head Support for as long as you keep using the Doona car seat for the protection of your baby.

 

Can I buy a second hand Doona?

It is strongly advised not to buy a used car seat because you do not know its history, and there might not be any visible signs of accidents. A car seat that was involved in an accident is not safe for your baby and should not be used. Additionally, it will not be under Doona’s warranty in case of a claim.

 

Can the fabric set be washed?

When you wash your fabric set, it is recommended to hand wash it in cold water. However, if you want to machine wash it, make sure to do it in cold water and on delicate (you can use regular detergent). You should never dry anything in the dryer. Be sure to hang dry! 

Even the Head support and infant insert can be washed. The only thing that cannot be removed is the harness.

 

Can I fold and unfold the Doona with the baby inside? 

Yes, it is safe to fold/unfold the Doona with the baby inside. Adjust the harness of the Doona car seat comfortably around your child before folding/unfolding the Doona.

 

Can I keep using my Doona after a car crash?

In an unfortunate case of a car accident, an infant car-seat might be subjected to a powerful forces. These forces might compromise the car seat’s integrity and reduce its effectiveness in protecting an infant in the car. Since we do not have a precise way of assessing how an accident might have affected the car-seat, as well as the damage that may not be visible, we cannot determine if any meaningful damage to the Doona has occurred. Therefore, you should not use the Doona after it has been involved in a car accident.  If you do need to replace your car seat, your insurance company will reimburse you.   

 

How do I replace my Doona Car Seat after an accident?

It is highly recommended that car seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers. If you do need to replace your car seat, your Auto insurance company will reimburse you.

 

Why the Doona chose a 5 point harness?

We believe that a 5 point harness better protects a child in case of an accident. In case of an accident, forces are transferred to the car seat and to the child. The child’s rigid body parts (shoulders and hip/pelvis bone) can withstand the high load forces of a crash better than the soft body parts (lower abdomen). With a 5- point harness the child’s abdomen area is better protected from any forces of a car crash.

The shoulder straps can be easily adjusted to the correct shoulders height, which ensures that the forces applied in an accident are best to protect the car seat shell and the rigid shoulder bones of the child.

In addition, in case of an accident a child might be injected from the car seat, the 5-point harness ensures that the child is well secured and keeps the child in a safe position within the protective seat shell.

 

How does the Doona Side Impact Protection work?

The Doona’s unique double wall structure, which enables the folding of its wheels into the Doona™ body, delivers an additional significant safety benefit. The two layers of durable, impact-absorbing plastic, along with additional layers of EPS, foam and textiles provides enhanced side-impact protection which better protects the baby in case of an accident.

 

How do I use the breaks of the Doona?

The rear wheels are fitted with a braking system that allows you to use just one pedal to control both the rear wheels. To apply the brakes, press the red brake lock pedal located next to the right wheel. To release the brakes, press the green brake release pedal located next to the left wheel. The brakes must always be on when putting the child in or taking them out. Always use the parking brake when placing and removing the child, or even when standing still even for a few minutes! Always check that the brake is fully engaged.

 

The wheels of my Doona won't move! What is wrong?

Press the green brake release pedal located next to the left wheel to release the brakes. Please note: The brakes must always be on when putting the child in or taking him out. Always use the parking brake when placing and removing the child, or even when standing still even for a few minutes! Always check that the brake is fully engaged.

 

How does the Energy-Absorbing Foam work?

Energy-absorbing foam absorbs some of the impact forces that occurs during a crash, keeps your child from absorbing them therefore preventing and minimising an injury. The foam also acts as a barrier between your child and the seat shell or any other rigid objects such as the vehicle door or window.

 

How does the Doona Anti-rebound Protection feature work?

Unlike the typical car seats, Doona’s unique structure enables positioning the handles against the back of the seat of the car. This provides the baby with exceptional Anti-Rebound protection. In case of a collision, the Anti- Rebound handle will absorb the impact and prevent the Doona™ from rotating quickly towards the back of the seat, which will dramatically reduce rebound injuries.

 

Can I use an inflatable seat belt to install my Doona car seat?

The Doona infant car seat has now been tested and approved for use with Ford Motor Company inflatable seat belts. All Doona infant car seats, with any date of manufacture, can be used with Ford and Lincoln inflatable seat belts. Specific instructions related to use with an inflatable seat belt are provided in a revised instruction manual.

 

When using Doona in the car, how should the Doona handle be positioned?

When installing the Doona in the car, with or without a base, tilt the handle towards the vehicle seat in an anti-rebound position.

 

Can I install the Doona Car Seat in the front seat of my car?

You may install the Doona car seat in the car as long as you:

Never use the Doona car seat on a passenger seat with an active frontal airbag!

Never install the Doona car seat on a rear facing vehicle seat or on a side facing vehicle seat.

 

How do I install the Doona in the car without the base?

For correct installation of Doona in the car please refer to the User Guide, if this has been misplaced please feel free to get in touch ad we will send you the correct manual. 

 

How do I know if the shoulder straps are not too tight for my baby?

A snug strap should not allow any slack. It should lie in a relatively straight line without any sagging. It does not press on the child’s flesh or push the child’s body into an unnatural position.

 

How to adjust the shoulder straps height?

Disconnect the shoulder straps from the metal harness plate located at the back of the car seat. Then pull out the shoulder straps from the front and remove the shoulder strap pads from them. Thread the shoulder straps through the appropriate shoulder strap slot. IMPORTANT: Shoulder straps must be routed at the same height or slightly below the child’s shoulders.

Reconnect the shoulder straps to the metal harness plate at the back of the car seat. IMPORTANT: Make sure the straps are not twisted.

IMPORTANT: The shoulder straps that are attached to the metal plate, MUST be routed between the metal bar and the seat body.

 

What is the correct height of the shoulder straps for my baby?

Ensure the shoulder straps are inserted through the shoulder strap slots at or just below the child’s shoulders.

 

My baby is only a few months old and the harness straps feel too tight, what should I do?

Make sure that the harness straps, at the back of the Doona, are threaded between the Doona body and the metal bar. Check if the baby has outgrown the Infant Insert and remove it. Make sure the shoulder straps are not twisted. Verify that the shoulder straps are threaded in the correct height for the baby’s shoulders.

 

The handle does not extend, what should I do?

The Doona handle is designed to prevent misuse, therefore it can be extended only when the handle is in rear facing stroller position.

To rotate the handle into a stroller mode, press both white buttons simultaneously (located on both sides of the handles) and then rotate the handle to rear facing stroller position.

To extend the handle, press the white button at the top of the handle and then pull the handle towards you.