Would you like to have a stroller that combines UPPAbaby VISTA functionality with a small and compact size of a lightweight stroller? What if I told you that UPPAbaby has designed such stroller? The new UPPAbaby MINU will steal your heart!
UPPAbaby MINU is perfect for city adventurers, who need a stroller that wonβt slow them down. It can be used as an everyday stroller or a lightweight stroller for travel. It is designed to provide comfortable ride, convenient use and fit into small spaces.
Like every other UPPAbaby stroller, MINU is made of high-quality, durable materials that will serve you for years (and many travels).
What distinguishes this models among other lightweight strollers is that UPPAbaby MINU has many features of a full-sized strollers like generous canopy, deep recline, compatibility with carrycot and infant car seats and all-wheel suspension. Although it is so well-equipped it weighs so little β when your toddler prefers to walk, you will be able to carry MINU on your shoulder effortlessly.
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UPPAbaby MINU Review β Stroller Features
You are certainly all thrilled about the new UPPAbaby stroller and curious about its features. Here is everything you need to know about UPPAbaby MINU. This review refers to all 3 versions of this stroller: MINU 2018, MINU 2019 and MINU 2020. They look exactly the same and have the same features, the only differences are the available colors and accessories, sold separately.
UPPAbaby MINU β Seat
This stroller is equipped with a padded seat, suitable from 3 months up to 50 lbs. There is 5-point harness that protects baby. Each strap can be adjusted as the baby grows, shoulder straps are extra padded. The seat is pretty deep and long so it will definitely serve you for few years.
You can recline the seat pretty low by using a strap on the back. Lowering the backrest can be done with one hand, but raising it requires using two hands. The lowest position is comfy for 3-month-old babies and toddlers for a nap time. But itβs not fully flat so itβs not suitable for newborns.
There is extendable canopy with pop-out UV sun visor. This canopy provides really nice sun shade. There is also mesh peek-a-boo window with a magnetic closure β I love UPPAbaby for their peek-a-boo windows! You can check on your baby without disturbing his nap time. π
| IMPORTANT UPDATE: UPPAbaby is going to release a snack tray for MINU in 2020. Itβs fantastic news β lack of snack tray was one of the major drawbacks that MINU owners were talking about. We are still waiting for the exact release date, but itβs great to know that UPPAbaby listens to its customers. |
UPPAbaby MINU β From Birth Kit
What is really great is that you can use this lightweight travel stroller for newborn! There is From Birth Kit (sold separately) which you need to install onto the frame instead of the main seat and youβre ready to go out with your newborn.
From Newborn Kit is basically a bassinet with nice mattress that allows newborn baby to lie completely flat. This padded mattress can be removed and washed.
There is also 5-point harness and extendable canopy that also has a UV sun visor β it fully covers the baby. You can also unzip one panel and allow the air to circulate through the mesh window β perfect solution for keeping baby comfortable during warm summer days.
As you can see this bassinet is places pretty low on the frame so putting baby in and out of it will require bending.
There is one thing that I really love about MINU β you can fold the stroller with bassinet attached! It makes driving with newborns so much easier!
From Birth Kit is sold separately (check it on Amazon or on PishPosh). Keep in mind that only the From Birth Kit is compatible with MINU, CRUZβs and VISTAβs bassinets donβt fit MINU.
UPPAbaby MINU β Infant Car Seats Compatibility
This stroller is also suitable for newborns and infants thanks to compatibility with infant car seats. MINU works with UPPAbaby MESA and car seats from other brands: Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex.
Big plus for MINU, because not every lightweight stroller is compatible with infant car seats!
You just need a special adapter to turn your MINU into a travel system (here are adapters for MESA and adapters for Nuna, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi on PishPosh Baby).
Thanks to From Birth Kit and infant car seats compatibility, UPPAbaby MINU 2018/2019/2020 can be your primary and only stroller!
| If you need a stroller compatible with infant car seats you may want to check my ranking of the best travel systems. |
UPPAbaby MINU β Handlebar
MINUβs handlebar is not height- adjustable. It is about 41 inches from the ground which is comfortable for most of the parents, but it might be a bit too high for a very short person. The handlebar has leather cover, brown (camel) or black, depending on the color version that you purchase.
UPPAbaby MINU β Wheels & Suspension
There are rubber wheels, smaller on the front and bigger on the back. Front wheels are pivoting which makes the stroller very agile. The size of the wheels is typical for lightweight strollers, so the stroller definitely works better on flat surfaces than bumpy unbeaten roads. In my opinion UPPAbaby MINU is designed for city dwellers, who will use it mostly on pavement, sidewalks, in shopping malls and occasionally in parks.
Whatβs really great is that MINU has all-wheel suspension β that distinguishes it from many other lightweight strollers. So, although it has rather small wheels, thanks to the suspension you donβt have to worry your child will get bumped around. This stroller will handle even some cracks on the sidewalks and gravel paths pretty smoothly.
UPPAbaby MINU β Brakes
This brand new stroller is equipped with two pedals β one is for locking the stroller and the other is for releasing it. The brake is very easy and intuitive. To lock the stroller we need to press on the pedal on the right side, which has a red indicator. To unlock the wheels we need to press the pedal on the left side with a green indicator.
As you can see, you donβt have to lift the pedal to disengage the brake so your pedicure is safe. π Pressing the pedals is easy whether youβre wearing flip-flops, high heels or sneakers.
UPPAbaby MINU β Storage basket
As for such a compact stroller, MINU has pretty large basket under the seat. It can hold up to 20 lbs! You will easily fit there your diaper bag, bottle of water and few other essentials. The basket is easy to access from the back and front β big advantage.
There is additional storage pocket on the back of the seat, where you can store your phone, keys, wallet and even a sippy cup!
UPPAbaby MINU β Weight and Fold
This new stroller from UPPAbaby is very lightweight and compact. MINU weighs only 14.8 lbs which makes it easy to lift or carry with a shoulder strap (included!). You will easily take it in and our of the car trunk or carry down the stairs.
Such a portable stroller is also very handy if you have an older toddler who can walk, but sometimes on long distances likes to ride in a stroller to rest a little bit. When your toddler is ready to walk and jump again, you can just fold MINU and carry it on a shoulder effortlessly.
It folds up into a small, compact package. Maybe itβs not as small as GB Pockit but itβs very portable. Here you can compare it with other lightweight strollers.
Folding is one handed and literally takes few second. The stroller basically folds itself. There are two buttons on the handlebar, you need to slide one button to the side and press the other one and UPPAbaby MINU will fold itself. Itβs a piece of cake! The stroller stands on its own when folded. There is also automatic lock, which we need to unlatch before opening the stroller.
Folded UPPAbaby MINU takes very small space in a car trunk, itβs perfect for those who have small cars. Moreover, if you have small apartment with UPPAbaby MINU you donβt have to worry about storage. It will easy fit in your closet. To prevent MINU from getting dirty during transportation or storage use the storage bag β included with the stroller.
You are probably curious if UPPAbaby MINU fits in overhead compartment on airplanes. Folded dimensions of MINU are: 11.5β³L x 20.5β³W x 23β³H so it may not be accepted as carry-on. If you plan on traveling by plane a lot and want to be sure you could take this stroller on board, check your airline regulations.
There is also one more great news β UPPAbaby MINU can be folded with the bassinet attached as well! So you donβt have to take off the From Birth Kit every time you want to put the stroller into the car trunk. Itβs very convenient. On the video below you can see how to fold and open MINU with the bassinet.
This lightweight stroller is ideal for parents who often drive a car, use public transportation or travel by train because it folds up so easily and small. Whether youβre using newborn or toddler version you can fold and open MINU within few seconds.
| Are you a fan of UPPAbaby strollers like I am? Here are my other reviews: VISTA, CRUZ and G-LUXE. |
Overall Performance, Ease Of Use & Comfort
This stroller has many features that make using it a real pleasure. It has three seating options and switching between them is quick and simple. The basket is spacious (which is a rare thing among lightweight strollers) and easily accessible from the back and front. Moreover you can fold MINU with one hand within few seconds β perfect solution for busy parents who are often on the run with their baby.
The backrest is about 18 inches long, but there are few more inches to the top of the canopy so the toddler has plenty room to grow. Such a roomy seat can accommodate also taller and older kids. Moreover the seat padding and padded shoulder straps increase babyβs comfort during the ride.
UPPAbaby MINU has small footprint which makes it ideal for narrow places. Itβs easy to turn in tight corners and maneuver in crowds. This is a perfect companionship for shipping at the mall and small grocery stores because itβs easy to steer between store racks.
The stroller pushes smoothly, especially on a flat ground. It can handle hard-packed dirt and cobbled streets as well and thanks to all-wheel suspension it wonβt bounce that much. As a petite woman Iβd wish it had an adjustable handlebar, but itβs a minor drawback. If youβre over 5β5β youβre be fine.
Pros & Cons
UPPAbaby MINU 2018 β Color versions
When UPPAbaby released MINU back in 2018, there were four color versions for this brand new stroller: Ryan (Teal MΓ©lange), Denny (Red MΓ©lange), Jordan (Charcoal MΓ©lange) and Jake (Black MΓ©lange).
UPPAbaby MINU 2019 β Color versions
The brand has added one new color for UPPAbaby MINU 2019 β Devin. Itβs a light grey marl, which looks like a creamy white. Very stylish and elegant! This fashion is available from Spring 2019. Denny has been discontinued.
Depending on the color version, UPPAbaby MINU price varies a bit (the basic price for Jake is usually a few dollars higher). Overall, I think the price is very reasonable considering how well featured and lightweight this stroller is!
Donβt forget to check current price of UPPAbaby MINU in different stores and look for discounts! I recommend you to check on Amazon and PishPosh Baby
What other parents say about UPPAbaby MINU?
I checked this new stroller from UPPAbaby on Amazon to find out it parents are satisfied with its functions and quality. Hereβs what Iβve found.
Folding is one-handed and really super easy β when youβre in a hurry you can close it within few seconds and put into the car trunk (where it takes up a little space!). And thanks to small weighs itβs very portable. It may works as a travel stroller (fits in overhead compartment on many airplanes β read more here) and second stroller for running errands etc.
Itβs perfect for shopping at the mall, because itβs very compact and easily maneuvers between cloth racks. In a restaurant it can be tucked away. On sidewalks and smooth surfaces it rolls smoothly and itβs very easy to push. Generally speaking parents praise its maneuverability, seamless navigation in tight places and good shock-absorption on slightly uneven terrain. Another advantage is the canopy which gives nice shade for the baby and hassle-free harness.
It may be a smaller and lighter alternative for VISTA or CRUZ, but MINUβs seat is not reversible, so if youβd prefer your infant to sit facing you, these bigger strollers may be better option. Also, keep in mind the seat back is not very long, but the canopy is high and thereβs plenty of head room for taller kids (find out more).
UPPAbaby MINU has decent storage basket, but smaller than VISTA or CRUZ and big diaper bag may not fit into it. Itβs very light, so if you hang a heavy diaper bag on the handlebar and the kid is not in the seat, the stroller may tip over.
To raise the backrest again youβll need to use two hands, button would be more convenient. Non-adjustable handlebar may be a disadvantage for short parents (read this customer review).
Moreover this stroller is quite pricey, but it doesnβt include accessories like cup holder or organizer. Lots of parents were also complaining about the lack of snack tray for MINU. This is about to change in 2020. The brand is going to release a snack tray UPPAbaby MINU (as well as a cover for the storage basket). The best thing is that MINU will fold WITH the snack tray β you wonβt have to remove it every time. I guess this is the ingenious design you pay for. π
UPPAbaby MINU 2018 vs MINU 2019 vs MINU 2020 β Comparison
| MINU 2018 | MINU 2019 | MINU 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| New lightweight stroller, some of its awesome features are: one-hand fold, near-flat recline, compatibility with infant car seats | No changes in functionality or design, one new color (Devin) and one color discontinued (Denny) | No changes in functionality or design, two new accessories for MINU: snack tray and storage basket cover |
UPPAbaby MINU Review Conclusion
UPPAbaby MINU is one of the best strollers this year! It combines features of standard, full-sized strollers with compact size and weight of a lightweight strollers.
Keep in mind
UPPAbaby MINU stroller is not designed for off-road trips. Also, in the newborn mode the From Birth Kit is attached to the frame pretty low, therefore taking baby in and out of it requires bending.
3 Reasons Why You Will Love UPPAbaby MINU
| 1. UPPAbaby MINU is designed for parents who want a lightweight stroller for newborn, not only toddler, something that will serve them since day one for several years. 2. Itβs perfect solution for parents who travel a lot with their baby. 3. MINU is for urban parent who are often out and about, like doing shopping or running errands with the baby and need a lightweight, compact and portable stroller. My rate: |
If you are one of those parents, UPPAbaby MINU is definitely worth buying! π
You may want to read my other reviews:
| Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System | Read My Review |
| Britax 2017 B-Agile | Read My Review |
| Chicco Bravo Trio | Read My Review |
| Baby Jogger City Tour | Read My Review |
All pictures belong to UPPAbaby. Source: https://uppababy.com/
| Your trust is really important to me: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something using these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me run this blog. Thank you so much π€ Zooey |
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! π
Hello, thank you for your review.
I had the Vista that I used for a couple of years and the Minu that I bought 1 year ago. Now that I see this bassinet option I think I would buy it instead of going back to the Vista for my new born. I have an issue though, I understand that there isn’t a Piggyback for the Minu? are there other brands that will actually fit the Minu? Having a 3 years old and soon a new born, I guess I will need one…
Hi! Unfortunately there is no Piggyback Board for Minu and UPPAbaby has not tested or approved any ride along boards on the Minu π You could check out some of the universal boards on your own, but keep in mind these have not been tested for safety. Minu is a lightweight stroller so I’m not sure attaching a board is a good idea.
Hi, how upright does the seat go, my toddler is forever sitting up in his current stroller and doesn’t look comfortable at all. It’s also too reclined at highest setting for him to eat comfortably. Thanks. ZoΓ«
Hello, I’m wondering the same thing. How can I find the answer to this question?
I am wondering if the MINU is able to have two children at once. I am not understanding fully if thatβs possible. If you have a newborn and a toddler is it possible to have them both in the MINU stroller? I havenβt seen any pictures.
MINU is just for one child, you can attach the carrycot fabrics for newborn baby or toddler seat fabrics for child 6m+ (you cannot have two types of fabrics attached at once).
Thank you for the thorough review, it really helped us decide on this one with our second baby. I was wondering if one can attach a wheel board to the MINU for the older one by any chance?
Hi Rana! I hope it will serve you well π Unfortunately UPPAbaby doesn’t offer board for the MINU. I’m not sure how it would work with one of the universal boards, MINU is small and lightweight, and the board could move the gravity center and decrease the stroller stability.
Hello . Does the minu bassinet fit into the Cruz? Thank you!
Hi Paige,
No, the MINU bassinet is only for MINU stroller. CRUZ has its own bassinet (this one).
Hi,
You said that the bassinets from VISTA don’t fit the MINU, but what about the other way around? Can the MINU bassinet fit the VISTA?
Keep up the fantastic work, we love it.
Hey Tom,
MINU bassinet doesn’t fit VISTA, it’s like 4 or 5 inches narrower.
Take care
I am sold on all Minu facts…. however! My one concern…. i have a (tall!) 4 yr old and will need to attach a buggy board of some sort to the Minu. Is there a solution to having the bassinet, later the normal buggy seat PLUS a buggy board for both kids simultaneously?
Hi Eliana!
UPPAbaby doesn’t offer buggy board for MINU. You could try to attach a universal board to it, but I’m not sure whether it would be a safe solution, because MINU is very lightweight, and adding the board (with heavy toddler) would change its center of gravity and the way the weight is distributed.
Thank you for a great review, Would the Minu be suitable for a tall toddler. My son is 3 and too tall for the cruz and I need something to be used for everyday urban life, creche drop off etc. I am torn between the Minu and the G-Luxe
The difference between Cruz and Minu is not that big, G-Luxe has roomier seat. But keep in mind the backrest is about 20″, and there are a few more inches above it. So technically there is no headrest for taller child, but he will fit under the canopy.
does it come with an option to purchase a snack tray?
Unfortunately there is no snack tray for MINU.
Hi,
Do you know If we can use the infant snugseat with the MINU stroller?
Thanks!
Hi!
SnugSeat is not compatible with MINU, this stroller doesn’t offer full recline required for an infant. To use it for newborn or infant who is not able to sit upright yet, you need to use the From Birth Kit or infant car seat. π
Can you collapse the stroller with the car seat adapters attached? I thought I read somewhere that it couldn’t be which makes it more inconvenient to use as a travel system.
Hi Lauren,
the adapter has to be removed first, it’s a bit annoying. π But this way MINU stays very compact.
Updated adapter can fold with the stroller
I have the minu and use it with my nuna pipa, the stroller collapses fine with the adapters still attached!
Hi – Do you have to take the seat and canopy off in order to attach the car seat adaptors/car seat? When I went to take a look at it at the store, the sales associate said that it seemed that you could keep them on (even though the official instructions say to remove the seat) but she wasn’t sure. It just seems like an extra hassle to remove/replace the seat.
Hi Rayma,
I found a recommendation from UPPAbaby which says that you don’t have to remove the seat fabric to attach the adapters and infant car seat. But you may need to remove the canopy as some car seats may not fit when the canopy is on (I saw that Nuna Pupa car seat fits, without removing the canopy though).
Does the minu fit into the travel bag for flying without removing anything? Not the bag that comes with the stroller but the padded one that can be purchased separately?
Hi! First you need to detach the rear wheels, there is a special small bag for them.
Hi, thanks for the great review, my son is 2 and I am trying to decide between Minu and YoYo +, the Minu has weight limit of 50lbs and YoYo + has 40 lbs, but YoYo+ is small enough to take on the plan as Minu might not fit in some overhead compartments. I am debating if the YoYo wonβt last since my son is already 2 and little bit over 30 lbs. so hard to decide which one to purchase, please help! Thanks!
Hello Amber! Usually YOYO+ is suitable up to 4 years if the child is under 40lbs. But I’m afraid it may not serve you that long. The seat dimensions are almost the same on MINU and YOYO+, however because of the higher weight limit, I think you could use MINU longer.
Regarding the fold size and compatibility with overhead compartment. MINU usually exceeds carry-on size, but I know that some parents were able to take it on board and it fit the compartment… I think it depends on the airline/airport staff whether they will allow you to take it or not. YOYO+ is much smaller and meets carry-on regulations especially on European airlines, but it may be still too big for some airlines in the US. You can compare both strollers fold size with carry-on size on most of airlines here: https://travel-made-simple.com/carry-on-size-chart/
If you travel with your child a lot and use different airlines and want a stroller that you could definitely take on board, there actually only one stroller – GB Pockit (or the new version GB Pockit Plus).
Hi Zooey,
Thanks for a great review.
I know you’ve mentioned that Uppababy has stated that the MINU fits most overhead bins.
Have you or do you know anyone who has actually taken this stroller with them on the plane?
Also, we’re taking a trip to NY and we are deciding between the MINU or Mountain Buggy Nano.
Do you prefer one over the other?
Thank you so much!
Hi Seanne! π
Here is the official answer from UPPAbaby: https://support.uppababy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002781893-Does-the-MINU-fit-in-an-aircraft-overhead-bin-
I have just compared MINU’s folded dimensions with few airlines hand luggage size and it does exceed allowed size. However I know that some parents were able to take it on board on Delta and AA planes and it fit in overhead compartments (probably because compartments are always a bit bigger than carry-on allowed size). Check this review on Amazon and Instagram: photo#1 & photo#2. I guess it actually depends on the airport and airline employees whether they consider your luggage to be too big or whether they allow you to take on the plane even if it exceeds the allowed hand luggage size a bit. So there’s no guarantee.
You should definitely check it with your airline before your trip.
If you’re deciding between MINU and Nano, I would definitely go for MINU – it has better wheels, easier to use parking brake, more convenient push bar, more generous canopy, easier folding and bigger storage basket under the seat, while folded size is almost the same.
You may want to check Babyzen Yoyo+ as well, it has smaller fold than MINU and it’s more likely to fit in overhead compartments (especially on European airlines). Its quality and performance is as good as MINU’s. π
Hello,
I’m about 5 foot tall, and the non-adjustable handle bar is the only thing giving me pause about this stroller. I’m otherwise sold! Do you think my petite stature will make me uncomfortable pushing this stroller?
Hi Natalie! The handlebar is 41 inches from the ground so you can assess how high your hands would be. I think it’s most comfortable for person 5’5” tall and up. If you’re 5 foot tall it may be a bit less comfortable for your wrists. Otherwise it’s very easy and convenient to push, it’s light and compact so even a petite person won’t have problems with handling and steering it π
Dear Mothers,
The Mrs and I are shopping for a baby buggy and wondering if this one is suitable for light jogs in the park on smooth flat ground?
It’s not suitable for jogging, it has small wheels and the suspension is not sufficient to protect your baby from shocks. Your baby would shake and feel every bump. And it could have negative impact on the spine π
If you want to jog with a stroller you should get a special model for that. Check my ranking of jogging strollers!
Hi Zooey, thanks for your review. From the photos, I think the MINU does not have the option for a bumper bar or snack tray, is it correct? My first baby will come this November and I would like to know if bumper bar or snack tray is a must from your experience? Thanks!
Hi Felix!
You’re right, there’s no bumper bar or snack tray for MINU π
Frankly I use snack tray rarely. I always have a diaper bag or an organizer attached to the push bar and keep there my babies’ snacks, sippy cups etc. I would say snack tray may be quite handy but it’s not a necessary. Bumper bar protects baby from falling out and you can still easily and quickly take your baby in and out of the stroller. And for curious toddlers who like to sit more upright and observe everything it’s a useful thing, because they can hold on to it during the stroll. But only few strollers that I’ve tried had bumper bar, others didn’t have that option and it didn’t bother me.
I think these two accessories may be useful but they are definitely not “a must have”. π
Hi Zooey,
Thanks for the thorough review! I have a few questions for you.
1. Is the from-birth kit as delicate as it looks? Would you actually feel comfortable putting a newborn in it? Itβs hard to tell from the video and photos online, but it looks quite flimsy. Maybe you have a better perspective having seen it in person?
2. You mentioned that the wheels are rubber… are they also foam filled like other Uppababy models or are they air filled? There are quite a few cobbles in my area, and youβve mentioned the good suspension, just want to ensure I wouldnβt get a flat.
3. How would the non-adjustable handlebar suit a parent over 6ft?
Thanks for any advice or help you can offer! π
Hello Melanie! π
1. I haven’t tried MINU with newborn baby as my kids are older, but I think it is comfy enough for newborns π From Birth Kit is different than standard bassinets that have robust structure (for example the bassinet that works with UPPAbaby VISTA). MINU’s bassinet is basically a fabric with more rigid bottom. It’s foldable and can be used only when attached to the stroller. When you detach it, it will collapse a bit. It doesn’t have stiff frame, but I wouldn’t say it’s flimsy. It does provide flat position for the baby and has a mattress that gives newborn’s back support. There is also a harness that keeps the small infant securely in place.
2. The wheels are filled with foam, so you won’t get a flat. Of course they are much smaller than for example VISTA’s wheels so they are not suitable for very bumpy terrain (I wouldn’t take MINU over tall grass, bumpy gravel with a lot of rocks). But thanks to the suspension you should be fine on slightly uneven surfaces, cracked sidewalks, cobbles or hard-packed dirt.
3. The handlebar is about 41-42 inches from the ground. I think it’s most convenient for parents up to 6ft, maybe 6’2” π
Let me know if you have more questions!
Does the skateboard attachment fit onto the new Minu? I’m going to have a 3 year old and a newborn this fall and feel like I need to have an option for the toddler.
THANK YOU!!
Hi! Unfortunately the Piggyback board doesn’t fit MINU π If you’re looking for a lightweight stroller that is suitable for newborn and compatible with a board check for example BABYZEN YOYO+ (it weighs about 14 lbs) or Baby Jogger City Tour LUX (it weighs about 19.5 lbs). Take care!