Update: The Cruz v2 is new for 2020 with almost all features upgraded – the only downside is it’s about 4 lbs heavier than the old Cruz (now it weighs almost the same as the Vista) so take that into consideration when shopping for your stroller!
I’ve gotten a lot of questions on the stroller and carseat systems that we chose and why. After researching and testing a number of options, we went with the UPPAbaby Cruz stroller for everyday use and the Babyzen Yoyo stroller for travel, tight spaces like restaurants and car trips. And with both of these, we use the Nuna Pipa carseat. We chose this carseat as it came the most highly recommended to us – it meets more stringent European safety guidelines (exceeds domestic safety standards), has some useful features like a retractable magnetic sunshade and a stability foot on the carseat base, plus it works on both of the aforementioned strollers with converters (UPPAbaby converter; Babyzen converter). Update: Almost 2 years later, I can say we’ve been VERY happy with these choices, and the Nuna Pipa infant carseat served us well with both strollers through the first year (will be used again for baby #2!).
Babyzen Yoyo
(see my detailed Yoyo stroller review & Colugo comparison)
The Yoyo design is amazingly portable and compact, and could work as your primary stroller if you live somewhere with well-paved pathways and you’re ok with a smaller undercarriage basket (I used stroller hooks on the sides of the Yoyo frame to help carry more). You can spring it open with one hand and it folds up small enough to be stored in an overhead airplane bin, with a carrying strap that you can sling over your shoulder.
On top of the basic stroller frame, you can get either a newborn bassinet attachment (for 0 to 6 months) or a seat fabric attachment in interchangeable colors (for 6 months and up). We found we did not need the newborn bassinet – we almost always just popped the Nuna Pipa carseat onto the stroller using the adapters! We keep the Yoyo in our car trunk and have used it on countless trips. The wheels are durable and agile for a compact stroller, but during Boston winters with the addition of snow and slush on top of uneven brick sidewalks and cobblestone, I will say it isn’t ideal as a year round everyday stroller.
UPPAbaby Cruz vs Vista
Amongst the two popular UPPAbaby strollers (a Boston favorite brand!), we went with the smaller Cruz over the Vista as our everyday at home stroller because it’s lighter for me to carry, and a better size for our limited storage space and navigating narrower paths (the Vista is heavier and much wider framed). The Cruz is still notably bigger and heavier than the Yoyo, though, with larger wheels and generous undercarriage space for our city grocery trips by foot.
If you plan on having more than one child close in age, then the Vista is definitely a better value (most of our friends have this one!) than the Cruz since it converts to seat two little ones plus lets a third ride along on a board attachment. The Vista also comes with the baby bassinet included, which needs to be purchased separately for the Cruz. We did buy the bassinet separately BUT almost never used it with the stroller – similarly with the Yoyo, we just popped on the Nuna Pipa carseat using the adapter when Nori was 0 to 6 months old!
UPDATE: Another reason to love UPPAbaby is their complimentary stroller tuneups in major cities! We have had our stroller cleaned and wheels replaced free of charge by their specialists during a Boston tune up. Check their website for a list of dates and locations and plan ahead because these slots get booked up quickly!
I rarely get to see both of my brothers, so it’s been a treat for all of us to spend some time together this week. They wanted to take Nori out for a stroll, and it felt good to actually brush my hair and teeth and get out the door for a reason other than doctors checkups! Simple flats + button-down dresses have been my go-to combo these days for nursing-friendly outfits. The higher waistband on this particular dress from Nordstrom creates a flattering silhouette, while the generously-cut fit and flare skirt accommodates my low-hanging postpartum belly. For fit reference, I’m currently about 108 lbs (5 feet tall) and wear a size 2 petite in this dress. It’s 97% cotton / 3% spandex, lined throughout the torso, and has side pockets and a removable sash belt. The color also pairs equally well with the leopard slide sandals that I reviewed in this post!
You can’t really see it, but here’s the Nuna Pipa carseat on the UPPAbaby Cruz using a converter:
My brothers fighting over who gets to watch and push the baby ; )
Thank you to Nordstrom womenswear for partnering on this post.
Thanks! This is just the post I needed. My hesitation with the uppababy was car seats safety ratings compared to other brands. Great to know that a superior car seat can be adapted. Which Nuna Pipa model did you choose? The Nordstrom list takes me to all the Nuna Pipa models. Good to know about the Cruz2 weight. I’m trying to avoid a heavier frame like the Vista. I assume the Nuna Pipa can adapt to the Uppababy Minu2 with an adaptor if you know. Thanks!
Hi!
I am currently pregnant, and I just came across your blog post on the strollers, very helpful thank you for all the information! I am trying to decide between the NUNA Mixx next stroller (i like that this is compatible/easy to use with the Nuna pipa car seat) but i do find the stroller looks a little flimsy/cheap? And the other option is the UPPA baby, as i like the look of this! but the option i found that doesn’t come with a bassinet, says its only compatible with MESA car seats, but you used a NUNA car seat with yours right? Just wanted to make sure it is compatible?
i don’t live in the states so i can’t test them in person 🙁 i have to order online since i cannot travel with covid right now! appreciate your advice! thanks!!
Hi Olivia, congratulations! The Uppababy can be used with the Nuna car seat, it just requires using their converter. I hope this helps & best wishes with your pregnancy xx
Hi! Thanks for this review. Quick question, do you find it annoying to deal with the adaptors? I am getting the Cruz and want the Nuna Pipa car seat, but am concerned that adding another step isn’t worth it. Would love your thoughts!
Hi! Thanks for this comparison review. Quick question, why didn’t you get the Pipa Lite?
Yi Yvonne – the pipa lite requires being used with the car seat base at all times. Because we wanted to travel without the base and we often take Ubers in Boston (that won’t have the Nuna base in it), we went with the regular.
You look as beautiful as ever Jean. Your words are so kind to women of all shapes and sizes. You’re very generous and considerate, and it’s a great way to share with all of us who follow you on these posts. Love the picture of, I believe it’s your brothers, with Nori. Can’t wait to see more pictures of her. Love, Val
Congratulations! You look fabulous!
Hello! Great post! I am also petite and 18 weeks pregnant! Did you do anything to prevent diastasis recti?
You look just amazing and like you’re transitioning into motherhood very well! Love seeing your sweet family on Instagram!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
You look beautiful! I definitely did not look human for at least a month after my baby was born! We use the same Uppababy Cruz with the bassinet – same color too! The bassinet was the only place our baby would sleep for the first 3 months and it was perfect for getting him to nap during walks. Now that he’s bigger we use the Uppababy seat and love that it can adjust to so many positions from completely upright to totally flat. We haven’t needed a second stroller at all!
Hi Jean so glad for you and Nick. Enjoy all the newness of this new time in your lives. You look good in the Olive dress it’s a great color. Blessings on you, Nick, and sweet little Nori.
Wow I can’t believe you just had a baby! You are so so petite! 😊 love that dress! You have such beautiful hair. You’re beautiful! Congrats on baby Nori!
Dear Jean. You look amazing and somewhat tired at the same time. The ultimate new-mum look! Great that you have had your family over to enjoy Nori’s arrival together. These are such special moments and best cherished and shared with loved ones. Glad you are able to do so. Enjoy your adorable daughter and keep putting your priorities right (real life over blogging for example – omg: I really sound like a teacher and a slightly older mum than you now! – the advice is well meant and comes from the bottom of my heart). Love, Lieske
You look fantastic in this dress. I was just trying to find a nursing friendly dress for my in laws’s 50th anniversary and it proved to be very hard. Wish I’d seen this! We have the Vista and looooove it.
Oh this dress is so stunning on you! It’s too bad it’s sold out in most sizes, especially the petites. I feel like petites always sell out faster than regular sizes. It’s wonderful that you were able to get out for a walk and especially to spend time with your brothers! xo
Allison | Peplums & Pie
Congrats! Did you also consider the Uppababy minu?
Great blog. This olive dress is a nice look , love the full skirt . Have fun with the Uncles .
Happy Labor Day
Jandrew
http://www.jandrewspeaks.com
Great post! Curious if you started your research for Nori’s convertible car seat? 😉
Congratulations! I love your blog and you make all mothers proud. You and Nori are beauty’s.
Congrats! I would love you to keep posting nursing friendly dresses and tips! I am also a new mom and finding work or nice event outfits that work with nursing or pumping has been a real challenge!
Hi!! I’m definitely getting the uppababy vista, The sales lady showed us the nuna car seat installed into the stroller and it sat a bit more upright because of the way the adapters were made. Do you notice this when your car seat is attached???
Jean, you look fabulous. You’re wearing my favorite color! Its so flattering on you and looks comfy yet practical and stylish. Thanks for the tips on strollers and such!
You look amazing!
Fyi, when they saw I’d purchased this stroller, my pediatrician and hospital nurse both advised against using the uppababy bassinet as a baby bed for safety reasons. Babygearlab.com, run by a pediatrician, suggests the same:
www.babygearlab.com/reviews/nursery-furniture/bassinet/uppababy-bassinet-and-standYou look amazing as a new mother – congrats! Welcome to the world, Nori – what an adorable name. Would love to hear your daily makeup/hair routine once things settle down for you. I have a little one too but still struggling to find time to look groomed everyday (these days only putting myself together only on”special occasions”!)
In love with this olive dress – it’s perfect for the fall! <3 And aww your brothers are sooo sweet! 🙂
XO, Elizabeth T.
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
How cute!
You look wonderful – congratulations again!!
Rebecca
You are so beautiful and I love you in both looks!
xx Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Congratulations on your little one. She is so adorable and you look amazing. I hope I am going to look this great after giving birth too.
I love your posts and your blog and been following your journey for quite a while now and I am always coming back for more. Keep going.
You look darling, too cute fighting over watching the baby! Happy September!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com
Hi! Congrats!! What color is the Uppa Baby stroller? Thanks in advance!
Hi – it’s the “gregory blue / silver”
Jean, you’re looking beautiful! Can’t even tell you were just carrying a baby not long ago. I love the dress 🙂 ❤️
http://charmainenyw.com
Yes, It’s good to get out and get some fresh breather, besides just Dr. check ups. Always looking beautiful! 🌷👍🏼🌷
http://WWW.ROSESFORFRIDAYS.COM
Hi Jean, Congratulations! Thank you for all your posts – love your blog and have been following for years. For the 1901 dress, did you need to alter the straps at all or did you find the skirt too full? On the Nordstrom site, the dress seems a bit low (and the skirt less full) but on you it looks great! Thank you!
Hi there – yes thank you for reminding me, I did shorten the straps on the 2P by half an inch (using the straightforward sewing method in one of my recent blog posts). But I also tried on the 0P and it was proportioned shorter, so much that the shoulder straps would not have needed any shortening on someone my height. The 0P was just much too small for me width-wise (I sent it back so hopefully it’ll pop up online soon). The skirt has a good amount of material and pleats but it does not poof out in a full A-line shape unless you are moving. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! 🙂 I love the lemon print in this dress as well but wish it were offered in petite.