UPPAbaby
UPPAbaby was launched in 2006 by Bostonians Bob and Lauren Monahan. Bob worked for First Years and Safety 1st in product development before striking out on his own; Lauren provides the design and marketing talent.[1]
The name UPPAbaby comes from the Monahan's daughter, Makena, would say “uppa, uppa” when she wanted to be picked up. [2]
UPPAbaby's main innovation was a single-to-double stroller (the Vista)—that is a stroller that can be converted from a single stroller to one that can hold two kids.
The company divides its strollers into two lines: full-size (including their flagship model, the Vista) and lightweight.
Flagship model: Vista
UPPAbaby flagship model is the multi-function Vista (see on Amazon).
Made with an aircraft alloy frame, the Vista stroller system includes a bassinet and stroller seat, telescoping handle and simple one-step fold. The Vista uses rubber-like foam wheels that give a smooth ride, but don’t go flat. Unlike Bugaboo's flagship model, you can fold the Vista with the seat attached.
The Vista can hold two seats—two UPPAbaby Mesa infant seats, two toddler seats, two bassinets, etc. With eight configurations, this is similar to the Baby Jogger Select.
UPPAbaby made minor changes to the Vista during the 2010's—for example, in 2018, the Vista added real leather handlebars and a new front wheel design for easier maneuverability. The bassinet was also enlarged, two inches longer than the previous model.
The Vista comes with a toddler seat and bassinet, but there is a wide range of accessories like the rumble seat (for a 2nd child), cup holders and more (see here for a run-down).
Vista V2
In 2020, UPPAbaby debuted a new version of the Vista, dubbed the Vista 2.
"The UPPAbaby VISTA V2 offers new colors, improved maneuverability, a roomier Toddler Seat to accommodate taller kids, a redesigned canopy for added ventilation and sun protection, and a no-rethread harness for hassle-free adjustments," said stroller website Strolleria, [3]
The Vista is part of UPPAbaby's "full-size stroller line," which includes the Cruz and Ridge. UPPAbaby also makes a series of lightweight strollers, the Minu, G-Link, G-Luxe and G-lite. More on these below.
Other Full-Size UPPAbaby Models: Cruz and Ridge
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The Cruz is a scaled down version of the Vista—it features a reversible seat (but no bassinet), adjustable height handle and leather handlebar. Like the Vista V2, the Cruz got a remake in 2000 which added large wheels and a improved suspension (now on all four wheels, not just two).
The Cruz looks so similar to the Vista, it is easy confuse the two models. Here are the key differences:
• The Vista can add a second child via a car seat or Rumble seat. The Cruz can only add a second child via a rumble board accessory (see on Amazon).
• The Vista includes a bassinet, the Cruz does not (but can be added an accessory). The Cruz can accomodate an infant, however, with the help of the Infant SnugSeat (again, a separate accessory) or via an infant car seat adapter.
• The Cruz has a somewhat lower weight (about a pound and half) because it has smaller wheels than Vista. The Cruz is also narrower than the Vista by about 3".
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The Ridge (see current price on Amazon) joined the UPPAbaby full-size stroller line in 2021 as a three-wheel, all-terrain jogger.
The Ridge features never flat tires, an "advanced response" suspension to smooth out bumps and a hand-brake to slow the stroller going down hills.
Accessories for the Ridge include parent console, snack tray, PiggyBack ride along board, sun/bug shield, rain shield and bumper bar (see a run-down of Ridge accessories here).
Lightweight Models: Minu V2, G-Luxe, G-Lite, G-Link V2
In the 2010's, UPPAbaby introduced a series of lightweight strollers under the G moniker (G-Luxe, G-Lite, G-Link) and then an ultracompact model, the Minu in 2018.
The Minu is UPPAbaby's flagship model in this category and features a one-hand, one-step fold to a standing position (with lock) and both a carry strap or carry handle. It folds small enough to fit in an airline overhead compartment. The seat is a partial recline with a 50 lb. capacity and leather handlebar.
The stroller accepta a car seat (the UPPAbaby Mesa), has pedicure-friendly brakes and four wheel suspension for a smooth ride. The weight is 16.9 lbs..
Accessories for the Minu include a bassinet, Piggyback ride along board, snack tray, travel bag and adapters for the bassinet and Mesa infant carseat. (see a run-down of Minu accessories.)
