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When you're a new parent, you often find yourself short on time, patience and an extra hand for dealing with a cumbersome stroller.
Two top brands, Nuna and UPPAbaby, have answered the call with lightweight travel strollers that are ideal for life on-the-go—whether you're flying across the country or simply stopping into a busy store.
Both the Nuna TRVL and UPPAbaby MINU fold using one hand, in a single motion (and in the case of the self-folding TRVL, with no parental assistance required) and are ultra-compact for easy lifting, carrying and storage.
The two strollers are nearly the same size and weight, and they share a number of features, like all-wheel suspension, a roomy storage basket and compatibility with infant car seats.
But there are also several factors that distinguish each stroller, like the MINU's wider range of accessories and the TRVL's automatic fold and magnetic harness buckle.
We'll review all the differences between the Nuna TRVL and the UPPAbaby MINU in this comparison.
The Nuna TRVL and UPPAbaby MINU are priced competitively with most high-end travel strollers, and at $449, the TRVL costs $50 more than the MINU.
But if you plan to use a Nuna car seat with your stroller, the savings on the MINU are negated. The TRVL doesn't require a car seat adapter, while the Nuna adapter for the MINU adds $50 to the overall price.
Which stroller is smaller and lighter: the Nuna TRVL or UPPAbaby MINU?
Those factors won't necessarily make your decision any easier: The weight difference between the two strollers is less than a pound, and they're nearly identical in size.
The folded dimensions for both the TRVL and MINU slightly exceed the carry-on luggage size limits for major airlines like Delta, United and American, so neither stroller is guaranteed to fit in the overhead bin. Both strollers, however, come with a carry bag that makes gate-checking safe and convenient. Be sure to check with your airline to understand its stroller policies.
The TRVL and MINU can be used for the same length of time, until your child reaches 50 pounds. While both strollers can be used for a newborn when you attach a car seat (or, for the MINU, the From Birth Kit bassinet), the manufacturers recommend waiting until your baby has gained head and neck strength before using the stroller seat—until 3 months for the MINU or 6 months for the TRVL.
Both the Nuna TRVL and UPPAbaby MINU offer features for both convenience and comfort, like a multi-position recline and all-wheel suspension.
The TRVL adds a few extra features not seen on the MINU, like a no-rethread harness that's easier to adjust as your child grows, as well as a magnetic buckle that makes it a snap to harness your child.
The canopies on both strollers offer ample coverage and UPF 50+ protection, and the TRVL canopy is also water-repellent.
Both strollers have a peek-a-boo window in the canopy, and the TRVL has a second ventilation panel between the canopy and seat for additional air flow on warm days.
With either the Nuna TRVL or the UPPAbaby MINU, you can fold the stroller with one hand while holding your baby with the other.
It's easy to get the hang of folding either stroller—especially the TRVL, which is designed to fold on its own.
To fold the TRVL, slide the handlebar button with your thumb while pressing with your fingers. Simply let go, and the stroller completes the fold for you. Repeat the same motion to open the stroller with one hand.
Folding the MINU involves a similar slide-and-press motion with the handlebar button, then pushing the stroller downward until it's locked and standing. To unfold, undo the lock on the side of the frame and lift the stroller back into place.
Both strollers also stand when folded, making them easy to lift without having to bend to the ground. The TRVL can be carried from its bumper bar, while the MINU has a built-in strap for carrying the stroller from your shoulder.
Connecting your car seat and stroller simplifies your life—especially when you're traveling or running errands—and both Nuna and UPPAbaby stroller models easily become a "travel system" when you're on the go.
The TRVL is one of the only compact strollers that accommodates a car seat without the need for adapters. All Nuna infant car seats attach to the TRVL by snapping in between the seat and the bumper bar.
While the TRVL is compatible only with Nuna car seats, the MINU fits car seats from a few different brands, including Nuna. But with any car seat model, you'll need to purchase adapters to facilitate the connection with the MINU.
Accessories add convenience and function to your stroller, whether you're gearing up for the weather or simply looking to take drinks and snacks on the road.
Both the Nuna TRVL and UPPAbaby MINU come with a lightweight carry bag intended to protect the stroller from debris and scratches. Padded travel bags offering extra protection and storage are sold separately: Nuna plans to release a travel bag in early 2022, while UPPAbaby offers a MINU travel bag that includes travel insurance through its TravelSafe program.
The TRVL also includes a leatherette bumper bar, which allows your child to hang on for the ride and also doubles as a carry handle for the folded stroller. A neoprene bumper bar for the MINU is sold separately.
The UPPAbaby MINU offers more accessories sold separately, including a snack tray, footmuff and a bassinet (which UPPAbaby calls the From Birth Kit) that allows your newborn to lie flat.
So which stroller is better: the Nuna TRVL or the UPPAbaby MINU? Only you can decide which is best for your family, but here are the benefits and drawbacks we see.
Strolleria is a family-owned and operated retailer dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.
If you have more questions about the Nuna TRVL vs. UPPAbaby MINU debate, feel free to contact us at 480-442-9433 or customercare@strolleria.com.
