Our Evaluation

We’ve evaluated use of the UPPAbaby Minu travel stroller in multiple countries now, from Colombia to Mexico, and from various parts of the US to Canada. What we can say is that, having used this travel stroller both with car seat adapters with a small infant up through toddler use, it provides a smooth ride, an impressive parent experience and a lot of storage.

Why We Chose to Highlight This Stroller

The UPPAbaby Minu V3 stands out for its balance of features and the ways in which it has been versatile for us.

Unlike some ultralight models that sacrifice comfort or storage, the Minu V3 provides a full‑size seat and a 20‑lb basket, while still folding compactly. I will admit, though, that its folded size is a bit bulkier than other travel strollers. The Minu is not considered one of the tiniest folds, but it is a premium stroller for other reasons (read on).

Its IATA‑compatible dimensions and one‑handed fold make it easy to bring through airports, and the stroller’s shock‑absorbing suspension smooths out city sidewalks. We also appreciate that UPPAbaby improved the seat height and added an AirTag pocket over previous generations, addressing common parent feedback. For dimensions, the Minu V3 weighs 16.7 lbs and folds down to 10 × 18 × 21.5 inches, so it fits in many overhead bins.

Although heavier than other travel strollers (in my experience, it comes as one of the heaviest travel strollers), it has been a winner for us through and through. The car seat adapter option, the add-on snack tray, the full-coverage and expandable sun shade canopy and the stroller basket (which fully fits even our No Reception Club travel diaper bag) have provided us with a flawless experience during use and travel.

Personal Experience

In testing, the Minu V3 makes daily errands and travel more than easy.

The one‑hand fold is intuitive, and we’ve even taught grandparents how to do it: pull up on the handle, and the stroller collapses and locks automatically with a latch. It goes right into our truck, or it can go right into the travel bag (available with an extra purchase) to gate check for a flight. We have NOT tried to fit it into overhead bins, as it will not fit in the overhead bin for most airlines, actually. This is because of the heavier total weight and larger total fold than other travel strollers that are overhead-bin-friendly.

The extra-large and expandable sun canopy offers excellent sun protection for our toddler, and the ventilation on the sides prevents overheating in sun and heat, like in tropical vacation destinations we’ve been to. We found the storage basket deep enough for a full diaper bag, though it is more easily accessed from the rear when the seat is reclined. Steering and maneuvering are easy even with one hand, thanks to the all‑wheel suspension and shock‑absorbing tires.

We put the Minu to the test even in Mexico City, where sidewalks are broken and uneven, and it performed to expectation. Our toddler never batted an eye that the ride was bumpy. One other good thing is the five-point harness, which is adjustable both in the shoulders in the back panel, and at the waist. We’ve used the stroller seat starting when our child was 8 months old, past age 2.5 and to date.

When It’s Worth the Investment

You should indeed consider the UPPAbaby Minu V3 if you want a stroller that can be your primary stroller as well as travel stroller, rolled into one investment that’ll serve your family through multiple children.

It’s ideal for families who plan to use a car seat from birth then transition to a stroller seat for toddlers. The large basket makes it practical for grocery runs or daily/weekend errands, and the IATA‑compatible fold means you can gate‑check or “sometimes” carry it onboard.

While the price is higher than budget options, the build quality and included features justify the investment. We have chosen to become “UPPAbaby” parents, getting to know how all the brand’s products work as an ecosystem, from using the Mesa car seat plugged into adapters with the Minu, to owning the Vista stroller as our “big weekend” stroller that lives in the garage for neighborhood walks or double-child use.

Bambi Baby highlights that the UPPAbaby Minu V3 offers newborn‑compatibility (with adapters), multi‑position recline and shock‑absorbing suspension. Overall, it is a comfortable ride for both us as parents, and our child.

Considerations

The main drawbacks are weight and cost. This is a premium-level stroller, and for that reason, parents tend to criticize the Minu for the price and weight.

At 16.7 lbs, the Minu V3 is heavier than ultralight models like the Joolz Aer+ (13.2 lbs). Some parents may prefer a stroller that folds even smaller for overhead bins.

Additionally, accessories like the parent organizer and cup holder are sold separately, and this adds to the overall cost. Finally, the seat does not recline completely flat, so long naps may be less comfortable than in a full‑size stroller. However, these trade‑offs are acceptable for many families like us, given the stroller’s capabilities. And truth be told, our toddler has in fact napped in the most reclined position.

Bottom Line

The UPPAbaby Minu V3 is a level-up compact travel stroller that successfully bridges the gap between everyday stroller and travel stroller. Its newborn compatibility, ample storage and smooth ride make it a smart choice for families who want one stroller to do it all. Just note that you’ll be gate-checking it (this has not proved to be a big issue for us at all, through multiple flying experiences!).

About the Brand

Founded in 2006 by Lauren and Bob Monahan in Hingham, Massachusetts, UPPAbaby has quickly become one of the most trusted names in baby gear. Their VISTA stroller was named Best Overall Stroller System in the 2021 Cribsie Awards, and the brand won the 2020 Earnie Award for Stroller Excellence.

We can attest to the quality and sturdiness of products like the Vista, and now with the Minu, paired with our trusty and foolproof Mesa car seat, we’ve welcomed the UB suite of products into our parenting lives.