Nuna Vs. UPPAbaby: Which Is The Best Stroller?

Overview

A stroller is possibly one of the most important baby gear purchases parents will make. Strollers are one of the most-used items. They’re used for walks in the park, going to the grocery store, or on vacations that involve plane rides.

All strollers aren’t created equal, but finding the best one can be challenging because many different options are available, even within the same brand.

UPPAbaby is among the most popular stroller brands trusted by many parents.

Important note: No matter which of these brands you choose, it’s always best to monitor for stroller recalls to reduce your children’s injury risk from strollers or products that have manufacturing or design defects. 

Is there a better stroller than UPPAbaby? What’s the difference between UPPAbaby and Nuna strollers? Are they compatible and worth your money? Which is more expensive between these two brands, and which one can be the best for your baby?

Our stroller review will help you find the best option for your family, so your little one can enjoy a smooth ride and feel comfortable.

Which Is More Expensive Nuna Or UPPAbaby?

Both luxury stroller brands have products with similar features and prices, but UPPAbaby has more features if comparing products of the same price.

UPPAbaby Strollers

 VISTA V2

 

G-LINK 2

 

G-Luxe

 

CRUZ V2

 

G-LITE

 

RIDGE

Minu

Nuna Strollers

Demi Grow

 

Mixx Next

 

Tavo Next

 

Nuna Tavo

 

Triv

 

TRVL

 

Ivvi Totl

 

Pepp Next

 

 

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Strollers

• Age & weight considerations (strollers have age and weight limits)
• Lifestyle (a travel system can be better if you need to regularly use a car seat)
• Cost (find one that suits your budget)
• Family size (some strollers can be used by two or three kids simultaneously)
• Safety features (harness, brakes, locks, etc.)
• Car seat adapters
• Portability vs. your storage or trunk space
• Extra features (cup holders, storage basket, visor, and canopy)

Different Types of Strollers

Traditional stroller

• Full-sized, full-feature stroller
• Examples are UPPAbaby MINU and UPPAbaby G-LUXE

Newborn stroller & bassinet

• Babies quickly outgrow the bassinet stage, so travel systems and many strollers include this as an optional accessory instead.

Compact & lightweight or umbrella stroller

• Lighter and more portable than traditional strollers
• Examples are UPPAbaby G-LITE and Nuna Pepp Next

Combination stroller

• Can convert from bassinet to stroller seat

Jogging stroller

• Three-wheeled stroller with bigger, air-cushioned tires
• Examples are UPPAbaby RIDGE and Britax B-Free Jogger

Travel system

• Stroller with infant car seat and car seat base
• Can also include a bassinet
• Examples are Bugaboo Cameleon and UPPAbaby Vista V2

Car seat stroller

• Removable or convertible car seat and frame that folds under the seat
• Many strollers are also compatible with car seats

Car seat carrier stroller

• Frame only, compatible with certain car seats
• Examples are Britax Car Seat Travel Cart and Graco Snugrider Elite Car Seat Frame

Convertible stroller

• Converts from a single to a stroller for multiple kids
• Examples are UPPAbaby VISTA stroller and UPPAbaby CRUZ V2

Double Strollers

• Tandem or side-by-side
• Examples are UPPAbaby G-LINK2 and Nuna Demi Grow

Nuna & UPPAbaby: Main Similarities

Both brands offer strollers that meet and surpass certain safety and quality standards, with varied features that can make traveling or going out with your baby easier.

• These stroller brands offer a wide range of options to suit your baby’s needs.
• They have travel systems that can fit infant car seats, so you won’t need many baby products while traveling.
• Both brands offer easy one-step or two-step folding for all strollers.
• These brands offer a wide range of baby gear, including bassinets that can be suitable for overnight sleeping.
• The canopies of these brands are all rated UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Fabrics with this rating can block 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. (1)
• These strollers also have a built-in footrest.

Is Nuna Compatible With UPPAbaby?

Yes, some Nuna strollers can be used with UPPAbaby, but you’ll need to get the right adapters and connectors to make it work.

What’s The Difference Between UPPAbaby And Nuna?

These brands have some differences that can help you decide which one to get.

UPPAbaby has more bells and whistles, but they’re more expensive.

At least four UPPAbaby strollers can be converted to double or twin, with one (UPPAbaby VISTA V2) also able to let as many as three children ride. In contrast, only one Nuna stroller can convert to double.

All UPPAbaby products come with cup or water bottle holders. You need to buy these accessories for Nuna strollers.

Nuna has fewer features, but it has more safety features, such as the Greenguard Gold certification explained in the next section.

The Nuna strollers we’re reviewing below are compatible with Nuna PIPA infant car seats, but not all UPPAbaby strollers can be used with car seats.

They also have machine-washable liners.

Safety Features

UPPAbaby

UPPAbaby strollers are certified by the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association).

The brand claims that all its strollers and car seats meet and even exceed ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and JPMA compliance standards as well as governmental safety and testing standards.

According to its website, all UPPAbaby products pass all applicable flame retardancy standards without using potentially harmful fire-retardant chemicals:

• PBBs (polybrominated biphenyls)
• PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers)

Nuna Strollers

Nuna car seats are all certified to be naturally flame resistant with materials free from toxic fire retardants. However, there’s no information on their website whether the strollers also have the same certifications.

However, most of their strollers are Greenguard Gold certified. Products with this certification have lower emissions of toxic chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that might be associated with higher cancer risks. (2)(3)

All of the Nuna strollers and car seats we recommend below are Greenguard Gold certified.

Is The Nuna Worth It?

Yes, if you’re looking for a sturdy, luxurious brand with the following features (compared to UPPAbaby):

• All Nuna strollers are compatible with the Nuna PIPA series (including Nuna PIPA Lite and Pipa Lite LX), but not all UPPAbaby strollers can be used with car seats.
• Nuna claims that their strollers are suitable from birth until your baby is 50 lbs, but many UPPAbaby strollers are only for babies at least three months old and older (unless you get the birth kit).

Does The Nuna Stroller Convert To Double?

Only the Nuna Demi Grow stroller converts from single to double or twin. You need to buy the sibling seat separately.

UPPAbaby Highlights

• UPPAbaby lets you choose from a wider range of stroller options, including cheap, lightweight umbrella strollers (G-LITE) to luxurious strollers with more functionality (VISTA V2).
• UPPAbaby has more products that can be used by more than one baby, with the appropriate accessories (RumbleSeat and PiggyBack).

Is There A Better Stroller Than UPPAbaby?

UPPAbaby is among the most popular stroller brands trusted by many parents.

It’s one of the safest car seat brands listed by the HBBF (Healthy Babies Bright Futures) because they don’t use toxic flame retardants. (4)

However, UPPAbaby strollers aren’t recommended by the HBBF. Instead, they recommend the following brands: (4)

• Nuna Baby
• Carters
• Inglesina
• Babyhome USA
• Evenflo
• Graco
• Kolcraft
• Mutsy USA
• Peg Perego
• Phil and Tesa USA
• Summer Infant
• 4 Moms LLC

Product Comparisons: Nuna Vs. UPPAbaby (Highlights)

These brands have many different products, but let’s compare the similarly priced ones to check what each stroller can offer.

Nuna Demi Grow (With Bassinet) Vs. UPPAbaby VISTA V2

• Both are travel systems with a bassinet and reversible toddler seats (front or rear-facing options).
• Depending on the accessories you get (sold separately), they can convert to a double or twin stroller.
• These are luxury strollers have the most features among the options in their respective brands.

Nuna Demi Grow (With Bassinet) Highlights

• Greenguard gold certified
• Slightly cheaper than the UPPAbaby VISTA V2
• One-touch, rear-wheel braking system
• It hasn’t had a recall (an older version of UPPAbaby VISTA stroller has been recalled). (5)

UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Highlights

 

• Compatible with more car seat brands
• Can be used by up to three children simultaneously
• Front-wheel locks with visual indicators

Nuna Triv Vs. UPPAbaby CRUZ V2

• These are travel systems with reversible seats that have multiple configurations.
• They have a similar price

Nuna Triv Highlights

• Greenguard Gold certified
• It hasn’t had a recall (an older version of the UPPAbaby CRUZ stroller has been recalled). (5)

UPPAbaby CRUZ V2

• It can carry two children with the Piggyback accessory (sold separately), but Nuna Triv is just a single stroller.
• Compatible with more car seat brands

Nuna Pepp Next Vs. UPPAbaby G-LINK 2

• They have a similar price
• They’re lightweight umbrella strollers.

Nuna Pepp Next Highlights

• It features MagneTech Secure Snap that automatically locks into place.
• Greenguard Gold certified

 

UPPAbaby G-LINK 2

• Despite having the same price, this is a twin stroller, while Nuna Pepp Next is just a single stroller.

Learn more about each stroller below.

Nuna Demi Grow (With Bassinet) Vs. UPPAbaby VISTA V2

Nuna Demi Grow (With Bassinet)

What Makes It Special?

• Best feature: 23 modes with one-hand recline

• Capabilities: Can convert to double or twin with sibling seat

• Maximum number of children: One or two, depending on accessories and configuration

• Reversible seat: Yes, front or rear-facing options

• Age suitability & weight limit: From birth to 50 lbs

• Expansion options to grow: Bassinet and sibling seat (all sold separately)

The more expensive model also features a MagneTech Secure Snap (self-guiding magnetic buckle).

Materials & Safety Features:

• Material: Eco-friendly and natural Merino wool fabric

• Safety: Five or three-point harness with quick click release button

• Brake & Lock: One-touch, rear-wheel braking system

• Canopy: Removable and extendable Dream drape UPF 50+ canopy with flip-out eyeshade

Key Features

• Handlebars: Luxe leatherette armbar and push bar

• Seats: All season

• Wheels & tires: With fenders & built-in clear hub caps (for dirt protection)

• Wheel suspension: All wheels

• Portability & storage: Folds with or without seats

• Storage basket or compartments: Large storage basket

Other Specifications & Special Features

• Dimensions (folded with seats): 23.5 x 24 x 35 inches

• Warranty: Two years

• Quality/safety certifications: Greenguard gold certified

• Compatible car seats: Nuna PIPA car seats

Included with purchase:

• Stroller frame
• Main seat
• Car seat adapters (two sets)
• Fenders
• Rain cover

Product Recall

• None

Cons

• It has many complaints about reclined seat design, making it difficult for your baby to sit up straight.
• The basic system has fewer features than its UPPAbaby equivalent, but you can purchase them separately (including the bassinet).

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“Oh I am so in love with this stroller! The build is gorgeous the look is beautiful. Sleek gorgeous lines and design. The Aspen color reminds me of the jean look. Its versatile for boys and girls and or twins.” – Reviewer on Google Shopping.

“The Demi Grow has been life-changing- both of our kids are super comfortable in the stroller (a 2.5yo and 9mo), it is a very balanced and smooth ride (and push!) and it’s also gorgeous.” – Reviewer on Nordstrom.

Negative Reviews

“The seat has only 3 positions and toddler can not sit up straight to look around. The seat is good only for sleeping. When the sibling seat is down and the car seat or bassinet is above our LO has to squeeze himself into his seat, plus there is no space available for anything else.” – Reviewer on Nordstrom.

“Takes up a LOT of space. If you have a shorter bed, it will be too tall.” – Reviewer on Nordstrom.

 

UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller

What Makes It Special?

• Best feature: Multiple configurations that let you carry up to three children

• Capabilities: Can convert to triple stroller

• Maximum number of children: Up to three children with RumbleSeat and PiggyBack accessories

• Reversible seat: Yes, with one-handed recline operation

• Age suitability & weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs

• Expansion options to grow: Bassinet (included), Infant SnugSeat, RumbleSeat, and PiggyBack

Materials & Safety Features:

• Material: Silver or carbon frame with leatherette armbar

• Safety: Five-point, no-rethread harness

• Brake & Lock: Front-wheel locks with visual indicators

• Canopy: Extendable UPF 50+ canopy with pop-out sunshade, can unzip for additional airflow

Key Features

• Handlebars: Adjustable, telescoping handlebars

• Seats: Reversible seats

• Wheels & tires: Big tires for front and back (8 inches and 11.5 inches)

• Wheel suspension: Shock-absorbing all-wheel suspension

• Portability & storage: One-step folding stroller that stands when folded

• Storage basket or compartments: Easy-access basket with a max capacity of 30 lbs

Other Specifications & Special Features

• Dimensions (folded with seats): 17.3 x 25.7 x 33.3 inches

• Warranty: Three years

• Quality/safety certifications: ASTM and JPMA certified

• Compatible car seats: Chicco products (such as Chicco Keyfit), Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Cybex, and UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat

Included with purchase:

• Frame
• Toddler seat with bumper bar
• Bassinet with a bug shield
• Bug shield
• Rain shield
• Bassinet storage bag

Product Recall

• The 2015 VISTA strollers, 2015 CRUZ strollers, and 2015 RumbleSeats were recalled in July 2015 for possibly becoming a choking hazard if a baby bites into the bumper bars and removes a piece of foam. (5)
• The brand provided parents with a free bumper cover.
• UPPAbaby assured parents that they upgraded this design, with these older products no longer sold. The brand now sells VISTA V2 and CRUZ V2.

Cons

• It has had recalls.
• Many parents complain about the lack of handles once the stroller is folded.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“This stroller is really easy to use. Maneuvers well, so easy to change pieces. Love the screen for mosquitos and shield for rain. Little on the pricey end but truly worth it.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“There are no handles to lift it once it is folded. I have cinched my hands many many times in doing so.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Nuna Triv Vs. UPPAbaby CRUZ V2

Nuna Triv

What Makes It Special?

• Best feature: It’s a single stroller with a MagneTech Secure Snap, a self-guiding magnetic buckle that automatically locks into place.

• Capabilities: Compatibility with the PIPA series car seats (includes ring adapter)

• Maximum number of children: One

• Reversible seat: Yes

• Age suitability & weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs

• Expansion options to grow: Bassinet

Materials & Safety Features:

• Material: Merino wool insert and luxe leatherette accented push bar

• Safety: Quick-release, five-point no-rethread harness that converts to a three-point harness

• Brake & Lock: One-touch brake and front swivel wheel locks

• Canopy: Extendable UPF 50+ canopy with flip-out eyeshade and peek-a-boo window

Key Features

• Handlebars: Height-adjustable handlebars with a removable armbar

• Seats: Reversible, with spring suspension technology under the seat

• Wheels & tires: Tough, foam-filled rubber tires

• Wheel suspension: All-wheel suspension

• Portability & storage: One-handed fold

• Storage basket or compartments: Storage basket and zipper pockets for essentials

Other Specifications & Special Features

• Dimensions (folded with seats): 25.3 x 21 x 17.5 inches

• Warranty: Two years

• Quality/safety certifications: Greenguard Gold certified

• Compatible car seats: PIPA series car seats

Included with purchase:

• Stroller frame
• Rain cover
• Reversible seat
• Storage basket
• Ring adapter (for car seat)

Product Recall

• None

Cons

• The similarly priced UPPAbaby CRUZ can carry up to two babies with an expansion set (sold separately), but you can’t upgrade the Triv to double capacity.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“The stroller is so lightweight, very easy to push and the bottom is very roomy. It’s very compact and easy to move in and out of the car, doesn’t take too much room in the trunk.” – Reviewer on Dillard’s.

Negative Reviews

“My baby is 5 months and too old for the inserts. It still needs pillow inserts though because it hard on his back not comfortable for him. Not easy to adjust straps. Very heavy base whose leg never seems completely stable.” – Reviewer on Dillard’s.

UPPAbaby CRUZ V2

 

What Makes It Special?

• Best feature: It’s a travel system that can carry one or two kids with the Piggyback accessory (sold separately)

• Capabilities: Reversible seats with multiple configurations

• Maximum number of children: Two

• Reversible seat: Yes

• Age suitability & weight limit: Birth up to 50 lbs

• Expansion options to grow: Bassinet, Infant Snugseat, and Piggyback

Materials & Safety Features:

• Material: Carbon or silver frame with leatherette armbar

• Safety: Five-point, no-rethread harness

• Brake & Lock: Front-wheel locks with visual indicators

• Canopy: Extendable, height-adjustable UPF 50+ canopy with zip-out fabric and mesh panels

Key Features

• Handlebars: Adjustable handlebar

• Seats: One-handed recline for different positions

• Wheels & tires: Front and back wheels (7 and 10 inches)

• Wheel suspension: All-wheel suspension

• Portability & storage: One-step fold, stands when folded

• Storage basket or compartments: Maximum capacity of 30 lbs

Other Specifications & Special Features

• Dimensions (folded with seats): 16.5 x 22.8 x 33 inches

• Warranty: Three years

• Quality/safety certifications: ASTM and JPMA certified

• Compatible car seats: Chicco products (such as Chicco Keyfit), Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex

Included with purchase:

• Stroller frame
• Toddler seat with bumper bar
• Bug shield
• Rain shield

Product Recall

• The 2015 CRUZ strollers, 2015 VISTA strollers, and 2015 RumbleSeats were recalled in July 2015 for becoming a choking hazard if a baby bites into the bumper bars and removes a piece of foam. (5)
• The brand provided parents with a free bumper cover.
• UPPAbaby upgraded the design and assured parents that this old design is no longer being sold. The brand now sells CRUZ V2 and VISTA V2.

Cons

• It has had a recall.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“It’s easy to fold and use and is smooth when maneuvering. Love the breaks on the back and front… very easy to activate and deactivate.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“It is broken after 6 months of use. Specifically, The seat will not lock in on one side. I feel it is too heavy and honestly cumbersome to fold.” – Reviewer on Google Shopping.

Nuna Pepp Next Vs. UPPAbaby G-LINK 2

Nuna Pepp Next

What Makes It Special?

• Best feature: Three-position reclining seat with one-hand calf support and MagneTech Secure Snap that automatically locks into place

• Capabilities: Forward-facing travel system

• Maximum number of children: One

• Reversible seat: No

• Age suitability & weight limit: Birth to 50 lbs

• Expansion options to grow: Compatible with PIPA infant car seats

Materials & Safety Features:

• Material: Luxe leatherette

• Safety: Five or three-point no-rethread harness

• Brake & Lock: Simple, one-touch, rear-wheel braking system

• Canopy: Removable UPF 50+ canopy with a silent pull-down Dream drape and flip-out eyeshade

Key Features

• Handlebars: Height-adjustable push bar

• Seats: All-season seat

• Wheels & tires: Front, swivel lock wheels

• Wheel suspension: Spring suspension technology

• Portability & storage: Compact, flat fold

• Storage basket or compartments: Compartment basket with cellphone pocket

Other Specifications & Special Features

• Dimensions (folded with seats): 36.8 x 22 x 18.5 inches

• Warranty: Two years

• Quality/safety certifications: Greenguard Gold certified

• Compatible car seats: PIPA series car seats

Included with purchase:

• Stroller frame
• Seat
• Child’s tray
• Infant car seat adapter
• Canopy system

Product Recall

• None

Cons

• There are many complaints about the basket being too small compared to other strollers.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“I love that it comes with the snack tray- my son has easy access to his cup. It breaks down very compact and is great on planes.” – Reviewer on Dillard’s.

Negative Reviews

“Adjustible height handlebar is nice, but a little awkward since you have to push both sides up and in to extend it.” – Reviewer on Strolleria.

UPPAbaby G-LINK 2

 

 

What Makes It Special?

• Best feature: It’s a lightweight and narrow twin stroller with independent reclining seats

• Capabilities: It can carry two kids simultaneously, side by side.

• Maximum number of children: Two

• Reversible seat: No

• Age suitability & weight limit: From three months to 55 lbs

• Expansion options to grow: None

Materials & Safety Features:

• Material: Lightweight aluminum frame with side-by-side seats

• Safety: Five-point harness

• Brake & Lock: Yes

• Canopy: Extra-large, multi-paneled, and extendable canopies for each half, with pop-out UPF 50+ sunshades

Key Features

• Handlebars: Not adjustable

• Seats: Independent one-handed, adjustable reclines with three positions

• Wheels & tires: Four sets of wheels

• Wheel suspension: All-wheel suspension

• Portability & storage: Quick-fold (no foot action required) and a carry handle for easy transport

• Storage basket or compartments: Easy-access basket with 10 lbs weight limit and storage pockets on the backs of canopies

Other Specifications & Special Features

• Dimensions (folded with seats): 40 x 20 x 14.5 inches

• Warranty: Three years

• Quality/safety certifications: ASTM and JPMA certified

• Compatible car seats: None

Included with purchase:

• Twin stroller frame with seats
• Removable cup holders (two sets)
• Canopy

Product Recall

• None

Cons

• Many customers complain about jammed brakes or locking for no reason.
• The handlebar isn’t adjustable.

What Customers Say

Positive Reviews

“This stroller is compact, one piece easily folds and functional and easy to travel with. I can’t say one negative thing about it.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Negative Reviews

“The stroller does not move easily. I have a 1 and 3 yr old. My husband hates using the stroller because it is not easy to maneuver. It is narrow enough to fit in a standard door which is great but getting through the door is still a challenge because stroller does not move in a straight line.” – Reviewer on Amazon.

Summary & Recommendations

Both brands can be a good choice as a safe, sturdy, and portable stroller for your baby.

They have different stroller styles and options to choose from, but UPPAbaby offers more features for the same price. You can choose UPPAbaby if you want better functionality.

But if you’re searching for a safer stroller with Greenguard Gold certification, you can choose Nuna Baby.

 

Stroller Recalls To Monitor

• Comprehensive list of stroller recalls (2020-2023)
• Baby Trend recalls
• Mockingbird recalls
• UPPAbaby recalls

 

 

REFERENCES:

(1) https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-protective-clothing/

(2) https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2020/12/what-green-certifications-mean-for.html

(3) https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds

(4) https://hbbf.org/safe-product-guide/subcategory/31

(5) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2015/UPPAbaby-Recalls-Strollers-and-RumbleSeats