In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

UPPAbaby Minu Combo Review

High quality, compact option that is lightweight with easy car seat attachment
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uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review
If you choose to leave the canopy on the Minu it can provide additional coverage, but the canopy can be damaged over time when used with the Cybex adapters in place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $450 List
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Manufacturer:   UPPAbaby
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 14, 2019
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 17
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat - 30% 8.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 7.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 25% 9.0
  • Quality - 10% 6.0
  • Maneuverability - 5% 5.0

The Skinny

The UPPAbaby Minu is a lightweight stroller with car seat compatibility. This design creates a versatile stroller that can work for travel and during a baby's infant car seat days. The Minu is a good-looking stroller with useful features that folds up small and is around 12 lbs without the car seat attached. When we tested it with the UPPAbaby Mesa, it proved to be easy to attach with adapters that connected swiftly and without trouble. If you plan to travel or commute in the future and want a good way to move your infant car seat carrier from place to place, then the Minu is one to consider.
REASONS TO BUY
Compact and lightweight
Easy car seat attachment
REASONS TO AVOID
Harder to push on uneven surfaces
New v2 Option
The original Minu has been replaced by the Minu v2. We are now linking to this version and hope to test the Minu v2 in the future.

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Bottom Line Compact and lightweight with easy car seat attachment and useful featuresGreat frame stroller with parent console and easy carrier attachmentInexpensive and multipurpose, but is only compatible with Britax seatsHard to push and turn stroller with poor car seat attachmentBudget-friendly, multi-seater with easy car seat connections for up to two infant carriers
Rating Categories UPPAbaby Minu Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Britax B-Lively Combo Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Ease Of Attaching Car Seat (30%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
Ease Of Use (30%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Weight/Folded Size (25%)
9.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
2.0
Quality (10%)
6.0
3.0
6.0
4.0
6.0
Maneuverability (5%)
5.0
4.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
Specs UPPAbaby Minu Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Britax B-Lively Combo Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Weight 12.6 lbs 11.7 lbs 19.6 lbs 13.3 lbs 24.3 lbs
Folded Dimensions 20.4"W x 13.5"H x 24"L 19.8"W x 11.5"H x 33.5"L 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 19.7"W x 10.3"H x 31.9"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L
Capacity Limits 20 Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
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"
Included Car Seat Compatibility None Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Britax All Britax Seats Graco
all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Click-in Car Seat Adapters UPPAbaby
Mesa
Maxi-Cosi
Mico AP, Mico Max 30, Mico Nxt, CabrioFix, Pebble, and Pebble Plus
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, and Aton Q
Nuna
Pipa
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Britax All Britax Seats 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
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
One-handed Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 41.2 36"/42" 40" 37.25"/41" 33"/44.7"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Storage Basket Size Medium Large Large Large Extra large
Included Accessories Storage bag None None None None
Setup Time 4:23 8:28 5:04 5:59 5:15

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



uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - the minu with mesa on board is a nice combination, but the uppababy...
The Minu with Mesa on board is a nice combination, but the UPPAbaby adapters need to be removed to fold the stroller which is less than ideal.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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).

The UPPAbaby Mesa car seat adapters are easy to use, but you need to...
The UPPAbaby Mesa car seat adapters are easy to use, but you need to remove them from the stroller frame before you fold the stroller.
The car seat adapters for the Minu attach to the stroller frame...
The car seat adapters for the Minu attach to the stroller frame where the toddler seat connects.

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.

uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - we prefer to use the minu with the cybex aton2 because the stroller...
We prefer to use the Minu with the Cybex Aton2 because the stroller can be folded with the adapters in place which is far more convenient than removing the adapters every time you fold the stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

The Minu folds in thirds so it is compact and squat, but thick...
The Minu folds in thirds so it is compact and squat, but thick compared to a traditional umbrella fold.
The carry strap on the Minu can aid in carrying this somewhat heavy...
The carry strap on the Minu can aid in carrying this somewhat heavy lightweight stroller.

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.

uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - the minu isn't the easiest to maneuver, but it is on par with other...
The Minu isn't the easiest to maneuver, but it is on par with other lightweight/travel stroller options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - the canopy on the minu also provides additional storage space for...
The canopy on the Minu also provides additional storage space for smaller, quick access items.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

Folding the Minu is initiated with the center button on the...
Folding the Minu is initiated with the center button on the leather-wrapped handlebar.
The Minu has an automatic locking mechanism with a lot of play which...
The Minu has an automatic locking mechanism with a lot of play which doesn't hold it together very tightly.

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.

uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - the minu has color-coded brake pedals so you can check your status...
The Minu has color-coded brake pedals so you can check your status with a glance.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - the minu storage bin is relatively large for a travel stroller with...
The Minu storage bin is relatively large for a travel stroller with ample room and a large maximum capacity.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - if you choose to leave the canopy on the minu it can provide...
If you choose to leave the canopy on the Minu it can provide additional coverage, but the canopy can be damaged over time when used with the Cybex adapters in place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.

uppababy minu combo stroller and car seat combo review - the minu becomes a nice quality frame stroller that is lightweight...
The Minu becomes a nice quality frame stroller that is lightweight (on par with traditional frame options) and folds small with the toddler seat removed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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.


Accessories


While the Minu can be easily used as-is, you will need to purchase adapters if you plan to pair it with an infant car seat. Some other accessories can be useful to make everyday life a little bit easier.

  • From Birth Kit — This kit includes a bassinet and attachments so your newborn can lay flat while you stroll.
  • Mesa Adapters — This adapter set allows the UPPAbaby Mesa car seat to be used with the Minu. It is required to pair the two together and does not come with the stroller.
  • MINU Adapter for Maxi-Cosi, Nuna & Cybex — This adapter set works for select car seats made by Maxi-Cois, Nuna, and Cybex. Before making this purchase, it is best to check the UPPAbaby website for compatibility.
  • Carry All Parent Organizer — This console is compatible with multiple UPPAbaby Strollers. It has several pockets including compartments for bottles, snacks and a zippered pocket.
  • Minu Rainshield — This rain shield is an economical answer to weather problems that can sneak up while on the move. It is designed for Minu and offers clear protection on all sides for rain protection with visibility.

Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz