The original Minu has been replaced by the UPPAbaby Minu v2. We are now linking to this version.
UPPAbaby Minu Combo Review
Our Verdict
The original Minu has been replaced by the UPPAbaby Minu v2. We are now linking to this version.
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
UPPAbaby Minu Combo | |||||
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Awards | Best Bang for the Frame Stroller Buck | Budget-friendly Full-size | |||
Price | $450 List | $110 List $109.66 at Amazon | $120 List Check Price at Amazon | $350 List $173.02 at Amazon | $90 List $89.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Compact and lightweight with easy car seat attachment and useful features | Great frame stroller with parent console and easy carrier attachment | Hard to push and turn stroller with poor car seat attachment | Budget-friendly, multi-seater with easy car seat connections for up to two infant carriers | Relatively universal with multiple strap installation that has too much room for errors |
Rating Categories | UPPAbaby Minu Combo | Chicco KeyFit Caddy | Graco SnugRider Elite | Evenflo Pivot Xpand... | Baby Trend Snap-N-G... |
Ease Of Attaching Car Seat (30%) | |||||
Ease Of Use (30%) | |||||
Weight/Folded Size (25%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
Maneuverability (5%) | |||||
Specs | UPPAbaby Minu Combo | Chicco KeyFit Caddy | Graco SnugRider Elite | Evenflo Pivot Xpand... | Baby Trend Snap-N-G... |
Weight | 11.7 lbs | 13.3 lbs | 24.3 lbs | 10.9 lbs | |
Folded Dimensions | 19.8"W x 11.5"H x 33.5"L | 19.7"W x 10.3"H x 31.9"L | 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L | 19.5"W x 11.75"H x 37.8"L | |
Capacity Limits | Minimum: Birth Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat. |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat. |
Minimum: Infant - Toddler When stroller seat is in infant mode: birth - 6 months Maximum: 55 lbs/38" |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 45 lbs |
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Included Car Seat Compatibility | Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2 |
Graco all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat |
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax | Claims to fit most seats | |
Click-in Car Seat Adapters | Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2 |
Graco all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat |
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30 Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35 Peg Perego Primo Viaggio |
None | |
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters | None | None | None | Claims to fit most seats | |
One-handed Fold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Locking Fold | Auto | Auto | Auto | Manual | |
Self-standing Fold | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Handlebar Height - Min/Max | 36"/42" | 37.25"/41" | 33"/44.7" | 39.75" | |
Sandal-friendly Brake | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | |
Storage Basket Size | Large | Large | Extra large | Large | |
Included Accessories | None | None | None | None | |
Setup Time | 8:28 | 5:59 | 5:15 | 5:09 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Launched in the US, UPPAbaby has over ten years creating baby gear. This family-run company strives to create high quality, usable products that are useful and innovative, but still stylish. They offer several strollers and a car seat.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Attaching Car Seat
The Minu works well with infant car seats impressing testers with its quick attachment.
This stroller works with some seats from Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Nuna, as well as the UPPAbaby Mesa. We tested our Minu with the Mesa and the Mesa Adapter and the Cybex Aton 2 with the Cybex adapters (see Accessories below).
Both car seat adapters (above left) attach to the Minu where the toddler seat attaches (above right). They require no assembly and snap on quickly and easily. The Mesa clicks easily into place after aligning the two sides, and it is even easier to remove the carrier. It isn't as stable feeling as we think a native brand car seat should be with its brand stroller, but that is likely the top-heavy result of removing the toddler seat. We didn't experience any challenges related to thinking it was installed when it wasn't. Unfortunately, the adapters need to be removed when you fold it, which makes this combo annoying at best and gives parents one more thing to carry or worry about losing.
Alternatively, the Cybex adapters can remain on the stroller frame, and when you use the frame without the toddler seat/canopy, it folds easily creating a lightweight frame stroller perfect for baby's first nine months or travel. The Cybex Aton 2 is easy to connect to the adapters and we didn't have any trouble making the connection.
Weight and Folded Size
The Minu is smaller and lightweight, which is good for a category where being lightweight is important.
With a weight of 12.6 lbs and a folded size of 6,610 cubic inches, the Minu is one of the smallest and lightest options in the review that isn't a frame product.
Maneuverability
The Minu has single front wheels that help it turn and move easier on most surfaces. The Minu is easier to push than other lightweight options from UPPAbaby, and it allows for a longer stride with no concern for kicking the back.
It struggles a little when you move to grass and gravel, but for a short distance, you'll be okay. If you need a stroller for gravel roads or long grass time, it probably isn't the best choice. However, for younger infants and travel, flat roads are where you want to be anyway.
Ease of Use
The Minu relatively easy to use, but fails to perform above average for this group.
The Minu is somewhat unique with the ability to keep the canopy while ditching the weight of the toddler seat and the impressive weight capacity of the storage bin.
Fold and Unfold
The Minu folds in thirds to create a compact squat package that fits in many places an ordinary stroller won't. The fold is one-handed it auto-locks, self-stands and comes with a carry handle. It is easy to fold and unfold.
Brakes
The single-action brakes on the Minu are color-coded and designed with dual pedals on the sides of the back wheels with a green pedal for setting and red for release.
Storage
The medium-sized bin holds up to 20 lbs of supplies which is a lot for any stroller, but especially this group where the average is only 10 lbs. The basket fits our large diaper bag with access from all sides.
Sunshade
The sunshade of the Minu stays attached when you use the frame with a car seat. This design allows for additional protection of your baby and a peek-a-boo window for spying on your little one.
Ease of Setup
The Minu takes about 4:30 minutes to assemble from out of the box to ready to roll.
It is easy to assemble and is accompanied by a quick start guide for the attachment of the wheels and canopy.
Quality
The Minu has a nice overall look and attention to detail not found in all lightweight or umbrella-style strollers.
The Minu frame is sturdy despite its ability to fold in thirds. Overall, it has a simple, minimalistic look and feel that is pleasing to the eye. The fabric fits the frame well, and the canopy avoids looking frumpy and wrinkled like other UPPAbaby products. It sports all-wheel suspension and foam-filled plastic wheels that are very dense. There is an adjustable handlebar with a leather cover that is nicely curved for comfortable pushing. The stroller comes with a sling-style seat that is comfortable enough for longer trips.
Manufacturer's Video
Basic overview of the Minu and its features.
Attachment of the Mesa infant car seat on the Minu.