UPPAbaby MINU Stroller Review: Our Top Stroller Pick for 2018

*I was given a stroller for purposes of a review of the UPPAbaby MINU stroller. However, as always, my opinions are honest and up front, just like my disclosures.*

If you’re a regular reader and follower on social media, you’ve no doubt read that I’m obsessed with our all terrain stroller, the UPPAbaby VISTA. It’s taken us all over New York City and is the perfect stroller for anyone that lives in an urban environment. We can fit anything we need for the day in its oversized basket. But, now that our daughter is growing up and we can do more things with her, I need a smaller stroller that’s easier to get around town on my own and to travel with. So as you can imagine, when the UPPAbaby MINU was released, I was overjoyed. Weighing in at under 15 lbs, this stroller packs a punch! It has all the functionality of my UPPAbaby VISTA in a smaller package that’s even easier to take on the go. I couldn’t believe how many features the UPPAbaby MINU has like regular full-size strollers–the seat has a deep recline, the canopy has the extended sunshade (perfect for snoozing in the summer), it has carseat compatibility and all-wheel suspension. Plus, it’s light as a feather–okay 15 lbs isn’t a feather, but it still extremely light compared to any strollers that offer similar features.

 

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – Seat

The UPPAbaby MINU has a padded seat reminiscent of the VISTA. It’s very deep. It can be used from 3 months until your child reaches 50 lbs. The seat is also equipped with the same 5-point harness that the VISTA has. The straps are fully adjustable and padded for comfort.

The seat has an excellent recline, perfect for on-the-go nappers. You just have to adjust it with the strap on the back. You can recline with one hand. Sitting it back upright takes two hands–but come one what do you want?

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – Canopy

The stroller has a full canopy, but unlike many other strollers, it features an extendable, pop-out UV sun visor. It provides amazing UV shade and makes it extra dark for napping kiddos. There is also the same mesh spy window so you can watch your little one while you’re on the go. This window also gives some nice ventilation and has the same magnetic closure. You can also peek in during naptime–I love this.

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – Handle Bar

Unlike the VISTA, the MINU’s handlebar is not height adjustable (this is the norm with most small strollers). It’s a little more than 40 inches off the ground, which for my husband and I is great. We are 5″11 and 5″6 and respectively. I guess if you’re super short, it might not be as comfortable, but I think it’s excellent. The handlebar has a leather cover, such a luxe detail. Color varies depending on which stroller you purchased.

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – Wheels & Suspension 

The wheels are one of the best features on the UPPAbaby MINU in my opinion. They’ve really got the competition beat. First of all, they’re rubber. The back wheels are bigger than the front. The front wheels pivot, making it very easy to maneuver into small spaces. To be fair, even though these wheels are great, they still don’t handle off-road terrain like the UPPAbaby VISTA. But they take bumpy sidewalk better than other small strollers I’ve tested. That’s thanks to the all-wheel suspension, which is what distinguishes the UPPAbaby MINU’s wheels from the competition. The suspension helps so your kid isn’t getting jostled and bumped around when you’re on rockier terrain. I was really impressed with how the UPPAbaby MINU handled cracks and bumpy sidewalks and even rockier terrain when we went off-roading in Central Park.

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – Locking Mechanism

Unlike the VISTA, the MINU has two pedals–one for locking and one for unlocking. They’re appropriately red and green–even the most sleep-deprived parent could figure out which one to step on. And no bend necessary! Score for your back!

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – Storage basket

Leave it to UPPAbaby to still get some good storage space under the MINU stroller seat. It stores everyday essentials and extras with the large, easy-access basket. The MINU’s storage basket is pretty roomy and can–get this!–hold up to 20 lbs! You actually can fit a decent-sized diaper bag in there. This is huge–many small strollers barely have any storage. And for some added storage–there is a seat-back pocket that you can stow your phone, wallet and a small snack.

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – The Fold & Storage

The new UPPAbaby MINU stroller fold is so easy. So many strollers look easy in videos, but this one actually doesn’t take a PHD to get it to work. And unlike other strollers, it doesn’t require you to bend over backwards to get it done. The MINU has one-hand action fold. Designed to fold into a compact package with just one hand. And you actually can use just one hand–I swear, I tested it. There are two buttons you use on the handlebar. First, you slide one of them either left or right while at the same time squeezing the other. You apply pressure downwards and it basically folds on its own. And the stroller stands up when in its folded mode. To unfold you just unlatch the locking mechanism and pull it free. I know it’s hard to believe, but if you watch my video at the end you’ll see.

It folds up pretty tightly too–nice and compact. We also have the GB Pockit, it’s not that small but not too much larger and it has a world of more features. It has a shoulder strap so you can just throw it on your shoulder if your toddler decides it’s time to run.

The MINU stroller comes with a storage bag that fits easily into a closet.

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – Travel Questions

The UPPAbaby MINU should fit into the overhead compartments on many planes. The folded dimensions of the MINU are: 11.5″L x 20.5″W x 23″H. I recommend checking with your airline before your flight to be absolutely certain.

UPPAbaby MINU – Go places, big and small!

And one of my favorite UPPAbaby programs is its TravelSafe Program, which guarantees gear during air travel. That means if you buy their protection bags and something happens, Read more

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review – From Birth Kit

The best part is that you can use this lightweight little stroller for your newborn right out of the hospital. You just have to purchase the “From Birth Kit,” which is sold separately. It fits right onto the frame. The “From Birth Kit” is really just a bassinet so that the newborn can lie totally flat. And the mattress inside is removable so it can be washed.

There is a 5-point harness and extendable canopy with the same fabulous UV extension. So your little one can be fully shaded. There is also a panel that is able to be unzipped to allow for air circulation on steamy summer days.

One thing that’s awesome is that you can do the fold with the bassinet attached so you don’t need to remove it every time you get in the car. And just know that bassinets from VISTA and CRUZ don’t fit the MINU. The birth kit will be available this summer 2018.

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review– Car Seat Compatibility

The UPPAbaby MINU is compatible with car seats! Amazing news–you have no idea. The MINU works with the UPPAbaby MESA car seat as well as other brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex. You do need adapters for this that are sold separately. These will be available this summer 2018.

UPPAbaby MINU 2018 Review– Closing Thoughts

If this had been available when I first had my daughter, I would have bought it. I love my VISTA but since I don’t do much off-roading and usually prefer a small stroller now that we’re always on the go, it’s the perfect option for parents.

The fold is a breeze, the storage basket is spacious and it comes with many of the bells and whistles (UV canopy extension, 5-point harness, big seat recline) of full-size strollers. The stroller rides smoothly and can handle bumpy streets pretty well thanks to the all-wheel suspension.

I have no doubt this is one of the best strollers of 2018. I have honestly told two friends to add it to their registries. This is the perfect stroller for city parents. If you’re more the type who want to go hiking and are often on rough terrain, may be better off with the VISTA or the CRUZ.

Oh and it also comes with UbXtend 3 Year Warranty with online registration.

Check out my review and how-to on putting together the UPPAbaby MINU stroller here:

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of UPPAbaby. The opinions and text are all mine.

If you plan to buy the UPPAbaby MINU, please hook a sister up and use a link from this post. I work hard to help, so help a sister out!