UPPAbaby Stroller Reviews

UP with UPPAbaby!

Five-year old company is taking the stroller industry by storm.

Parents entering the stroller market don’t have to do research for long before they come across UPPAbaby. Begun in 2006 in Boston by Bob and Lauren Monahan, the stroller models have thoughtful features for both baby and parents. The quality is outstanding and customers rave about the modern design and function of UPPAbaby products. Baby Bargains consumer guide rates the entire company an overall A for value. Let’s explore a bit and find out what’s new this year.

Vista

Convertible strollers are all the rage right now. Parents love the multi-function of this type of stroller with a reversing seat, the option to have a bassinet or car seat installed on top of the chassis for a lightweight travel system.

The UPPAbaby Vista comes in a variety of fashion forward colors and includes a bassinet with purchase. Many convertible strollers require you to purchase your bassinet separately, so this is a huge plus for UPPAbaby fans. Another huge benefit is that you can add a second rumble seat in back to convert your single into a double!

Consumer response has been phenomenal; the Vista is one of the hottest convertible strollers on the market. It has gotten between 4.5 and 5-star reviews across different web retailers for the flexibility it offers with the seating options, superb maneuverability and head-turning style.

For 2011, the Vista has a couple new colors to choose from: a beautiful slate blue called Cole and a warm gender neutral color called Wheat (pictured).

G-Lite

If you need a simple umbrella stroller that stands up to the rigors of everyday life, then take a look at the UPPAbaby G-Lite. It weighs only 8.3 pounds and like the Maclaren Volo, it boasts a mesh seat for better air circulation during hot summer months as well as a soft cushiony seat pad. Because the G-Lite does not have a recline feature, babies 6 months and older should ride.

Consumer Reports loves the G-Lite. It has earned the top rating in the latest edition (at the time of writing) with it being a recommended model. Consumer Reports gives it an overall score of 83% and gives the G-Lite “very good” marks for ease of use and safety and an “excellent” mark for maneuverability. That goes over very well in my book!

How do regular parents like you and me feel about the G-Lite? Ratings across different retailers average out to about 4 stars and moms and dads love it for the light weight, large sun canopy and fantastic maneuverability.

For 2011, the UPPAbaby G-Lite has a removable soft seat padding that is silky smooth (I felt it personally) and machine washable. The flip-out silver sun visor is now on this model as well to provide even better shading for your child.

G-Luxe

In my opinion, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe is the best umbrella stroller when you want a few more amenities for both yourself and for your child. For example, the G-Luxe has a reclining seat, larger wheels, a leg rest and an enormous sun canopy with flip-out sun visor.

Weighing just under 12 pounds, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe is light weight for all the features it boasts and your child can ride up to 50 pounds. Because the seat reclines, babies as young as 3 months can ride.

Parents and consumer guides compare the G-Luxe to the Maclaren Triumph. Reviews range between 4 and 4.5 stars and owners like the ease of use and light weight. Many like to take the G-Luxe with them for running errands on public transportation in urban areas. It is also a popular stroller for traveling.

New for 2011 is additional 1.5 inches of head room to allow taller children to sit comfortably beneath the canopy. The new washable soft seat insert is also on this model.

Cruz

UPPAbaby’s got a new model coming out, I think around September, and I’m very excited to learn more about it. First, it is stunning to look at – very modern looking with more angular lines. The Cruz has a reversible seat, but no bassinet. It weighs about 18 pounds and also features an adjustable height handle as well as adjustable height canopy. The Cruz is basically a light weight stroller with all the features you expect from a full-sized model.

I can’t wait til it comes out. And here’s some exciting news – if you sign up at UPPAbaby’s FaceBook page, you’ll have a chance to win the Cruz plus $500. The contest begins on July 22. I’m there, are you?

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews for all the most brands and models including video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions.