Uppababy vs Nuna: Which Brand Fits Your Lifestyle?

Key Takeaways

 

• Luxury baby brands like Nuna, UPPAbaby, and Orbit Baby offer high-end options with multiple features.

• To choose the right luxury baby brand for your family, consider your lifestyle and daily needs

• Broadly speaking, Nuna gets the edge in the car seat category, while UPPAbaby’s stroller wins out for its versatility.

• Orbit Baby combines some of the very best features offered by Nuna and UPPAbaby, and their stroller and car seat combo might also be worth considering.

In the luxury baby gear market, there are a couple of brands that have become synonymous with the best in both style and performance. Nuna and UPPAbaby are both consistent at pleasing customers with well-considered and thoughtfully constructed strollers and car seats

However, when considering an investment like this (travel systems for each brand hover close to the $2,000 mark), it’s important to look at the brands side by side and see how each stacks up.

Who is UPPABaby ideal for?

 

UPPAbaby is known for their versatility. Their travel system is designed to easily be adjusted to accommodate two or even three children with their stroller and car seat combos. 

Everything is well-designed, although many parents have noted that the stroller becomes more difficult to maneuver as a double—a common double-stroller challenge. For parents of multiples or with children close in age, the UPPAbaby brand can work well.

Who is Nuna ideal for?

 

While it doesn’t offer UPPAbaby’s versatility, Nuna makes excellent strollers and car seats. Everything from the finishes and fabrics to the ease of install and use points to well-made products with a minimal learning curve. Parents who only need to transport one child might prefer Nuna’s products.

Orbit Baby: An Alternative

 

Parents who are considering the Nuna or UPPAbaby brands should also take a look at Orbit Baby. Their travel system combines some of the most well-loved features of both the Nuna and the UPPAbaby, while also offering a few unique attributes that parents love.

Like Nuna, Orbit Baby’s G5 stroller can be used from birth with the included infant seat insert. Or, if parents prefer to use a travel system or bassinet, Orbit Baby offers bundles that include both. Its maneuverability earns high marks in multiple environments, from city streets to travel.

For parents who like the option of converting their stroller to accommodate more than one child that UPPAbaby offers, Orbit Baby’s accessories compete well. The Helix+ attachment converts the G5 into a true double stroller, while the Sidekick stroller skateboard offers a standing attachment option.

Price

 

UPPAbaby and Nuna are both high-end baby brands. Their products’ price tags reflex the quality and craftsmanship that go into them.

UPPABaby

 

The newest iteration of the UPPAbaby Vista stroller, the V3, starts at $999.99. Because the Vista cannot be used before 3 months, parents will need to either use a bassinet or car seat attachment to use the stroller from birth. 

The Vista V3 with the Mesa infant car seat travel system starts at $1,399.98. If a bassinet seat is desired, that can be added for $279.99. 

Nuna

 

While in the same category as UPPAbaby, Nuna’s price point is slightly higher. Its Mixx Next stroller starts at $1,000, while the travel system including the popular Pipa rx infant car seat is $1,550. The Nuna bassinet is quite a bit more expensive than UPPAbaby’s, but it comes with a stand and can be used independently rather than just as a stroller attachment.

Verdict

 

When it comes to cost, the strollers are virtually the same. However, if you’re interested in a travel system then UPPAbaby edges out Nuna for affordability.

Ease of Use

 

When it comes to choosing the right brand of baby gear, choosing one that’s easy to use is of utmost importance. But what does that really mean? Parents should consider:

• How easy a stroller is to unfold/collapse

• How easily the car seat installs

• Harness/buckling mechanism

• Steering/braking/general maneuverability of stroller

• How well everything works as part of a travel system, if needed

UPPABaby

• Stroller Setup: UPPAbaby gets high marks for being easy to unfold and collapse, although the size of the stroller can make it harder to store.

• Car Seat Installation: UPPAbaby’s car seats are easy to install. However, the angle that their infant seats are positioned can be harder for small babies to breathe well in.

• Harness mechanisms: Harnesses are easy to buckle and adjust as your child grows

• Stroller maneuverability: High marks for usage and maneuverability as a single stroller. Becomes more unwieldy as a double stroller, but that’s also a common challenge with double strollers.

• Travel system cohesion: Products work well together and adapters can be used to allow for cross-brand usage.

Nuna (~ 75 words approx)

 

• If possible & relevant include a screenshot (E.g. pricing section)

• Use bolded bullet points and description to explain each feature

Verdict (~ 25-50 words approx)

 

• Recap which product wins in this category between both solutions and why

Customer Support

 

Of course, when investing in a high-end baby brand, parents hope that nothing goes wrong. Unfortunately problems can and do arise, so the responsiveness of customer support can be something to consider when choosing a brand to go with.

UPPABaby

 

UppaBaby’s service team is helpful and knowledgeable. When a product is under warranty, they provide free replacement parts.

Nuna

 

Complaints about Nuna’s customer service are a common feature of baby gear online threads. Users report long wait times and difficulty getting their queries responded to promptly.

Verdict

 

UPPAbaby’s customer service appears to be significantly more responsive than Nuna’s.

Real User Reviews

 

When you’re having a hard time deciding, sometimes reviews from real life users can be a deciding factor.

 UPPABaby

 

• “Husband and I live somewhere more rural and tested out the Uppababy Cruz/Vista, Nuna Mixx/Demi/Triv, and Mockingbird. We ended up choosing the Cruz. The Cruz and Vista are very similar. The Nunas were also very nice but my husband slightly preferred the frame stiffness and suspension of the Uppababy options. The Mockingbird couldn’t compare. It felt much more rickety when pushing and the quality difference was obvious. It would probably be fine if you just want a stroller for walking around Target or the mall, but anything more substantial didn’t seem practical from our experience.” - Reddit

• We have a Vista which is great for our urban lifestyle, however we have a few international trips to Europe coming up in the next year and I cannot imagine using this behemoth there. I don’t think it would even fit in the typical European elevator! - Reddit

Nuna

• “I’m a nanny and have had families with both strollers. I prefer the look of the Nuna but in my opinion the Uppababy is much sturdier and built better. I found the Nuna’s stroller frame to be very flexible and rickety. The seat and basket on Uppababy are bigger too.” - Reddit

• “I have the Nuna Pipa infant car seat with a Nuna Triv stroller. Love it. It sits right in the stroller base, and it comes with the regular stroller seat for when she’s older. I chose the Triv because I can collapse it with one hand. It’s dummy proof.” - Reddit

Verdict

 

While both brands have their die-hard supporters, UPPAbaby’s superior customer service gives it the edge in user reviews.

How to Choose a Stroller and Car Seat 

 

When choosing the right car seat and stroller for your family, you’ll want to prioritize the safety and comfort of your little one while also considering your lifestyle needs.

Safety Features

 

While you do not have to invest in the most expensive car seat on the market, this also isn’t a time to grab a car seat off of Facebook Marketplace and call it good. All car seats come with expiration dates and should never be reused after being in an accident. 

Most can be installed with either a seatbelt or LATCH; check which option your car offers in the position you plan to install it. For strollers, you want to look for a five point harness restraint system and the ability to lock the wheels in place when you’re not moving. 

Buying a stroller used can be a great way to get a high-end model at a more affordable pricing, but be sure to check it thoroughly for wear and tear and confirm there are no product recalls on the model you’re interested in.

Lifestyle Needs + Personal Preference

 

If you live in an urban environment and walk to most of your destinations, you may want to prioritize the stroller over the car seat. 

Likewise, if you spend a lot of time traversing uneven ground, you might want to make sure you buy a jogging or all-terrain stroller. Living that suburban lifestyle? Maybe a travel system is the right solution for you, placing equal emphasis on the car seat and stroller.

Ease of Use

 

Ask any parent, and they likely have a story about the sweat, swears, and tears that have gone into a car seat installation. 

Then there’s also the parent who purchased the beautiful, sleek stroller they saw advertised on social media only to find out it was a nightmare to steer and maneuver. 

A car seat or stroller is only safe if they’re installed and used correctly—make sure you choose a car seat and stroller that are easy enough to use that you always use them safely.

Comfort

 

When talking about comfort, consider both the baby’s AND yours. Rotating car seats, strollers with adjustable handlebars, fabrics that are soft and comfortable and machine-washable (trust us on that last one)—these are all factors that can contribute to a comfy ride all around.

Adaptability + Durability

 

Whether you want a car seat that can grow with your child or a stroller that can be converted to accommodate siblings down the road, consider if and how you need your car seat and stroller to adapt as time goes by. 

Since a car seat and stroller can often be an investment, you’ll also want to make sure you choose something durable and long-lasting.

Alternative To Nuna and UPPAbaby: Orbit Baby

 

Orbit Baby is another high-end brand that parents may want to consider. Their car seat and stroller combine many of the best features offered by Nuna and UPPAbaby, while also offering some unique advantages.

Key features

360 Degrees of Rotation

Orbit Baby’s rotating base is one of its best features. It allows the car seat to be rotated into position to save on back strain. On the stroller, it allows the seat to be positioned in a multitude of ways.

Adaptability

Orbit Baby’s convertible car seat utilizes the same rotating base, which makes it one of the only car seats that still works with a stroller as part of a travel system. 

If you need to convert your stroller into a double, the Helix+ attachment does so easily. For older siblings, there’s a skateboard attachment.

Attention to Detail

There’s a telescoping handlebar to make sure parents of every height can push the stroller comfortably. Fabrics are chosen for comfort and durability, and frames are substantial and sturdy while still being lightweight. 

Pricing

 

Orbit Baby’s G5 stroller starts at $1,199. The travel system including the infant car seat is $1,729. For the travel system bundle that includes the bassinet, as well as the car seat, the price is $2,049.

Where Orbit Baby products shine 

 

• 360 degree rotation: the rotating base makes car seat installation simpler, and it also offers endless options on the stroller as well.

• Customer Service: Orbit Baby has experts on staff to talk you through car seat installation or answer questions

Where Orbit Baby products falls short 

 

• Cost: Orbit Baby is a luxury brand with a matching price tag

• Availability: Can only be purchased online or through select retailers like Nordstrom

Customer reviews

 

• “Nuna definitely has a good rep, they’re solid. But I’d also recommend looking at Orbit Baby. They're in that same category (premium) as nuna but with some extra features that have been really useful for me (I own the G5). For example the whole car seat spins 360 (not just tilt adjustment) which is super useful day to day.  And then it's the same when you click into the stroller itself (so you can easily feed/interact at restaurants etc).” - Reddit

Who Orbit Baby is best for

 

Orbit Baby is a great option for parents who love the look and feel of Nuna products but like the durability and customer service reputation of UPPAbaby. 

Orbit Baby: the Luxury UPPAbaby and Nuna Alternative

 

Trying to differentiate between the high-end baby brands can end up feeling a bit like nit-picking. All of the products are well-made with features parents enjoy. 

In a head-to-head comparison, it seems like Nuna gets the edge aesthetically, where UPPAbaby shines in daily usage and customer service. For parents who want a product that both looks great and holds up in the long run with stellar customer service to boot, Orbit Baby products are worth a closer look.