So you want to take your little one on the go? Congratulations, we’ve got just what they need. Let’s continue our series of answering purchasing questions about travel systems or somewhat expanded infant car seats. Whether it’s for a holiday or an adventure at home with family and friends – safe and comfortable travel systems will make sure that every moment is captured beautifully.
The ideal stroller isn’t just about having one product that does it all; the most important thing is finding a system. With kids and pets in tow, you need something easy-to-carry but still functional for any occasion – whether your little ones are with you or not! And since we’ll be talking not just about this single jogging/strolling option (which happens to come equipped), but also throwing an ultra-compact car seat. We’ve chosen strollers for parents who live in an apartment with limited storage space and rougher streets, take regular longer trips by car but otherwise tend to get around fly multiple times a year. Lastly, getting value for cash is also an important factor.
What baby products are best suited for an active lifestyle?
It is not an easy task to choose which of these three excellent options will suit you best.
The Bugaboo Fox3 (plus Turtle Air and Butterfly), Uppababy Cruz V2 (plus MESA and Minu or Minu V2) or Nuna Mixx Next (plus Nuna Pipa Light and TRVL) all make sense as they come with features that are great for satisfying your needs, and light enough to take with you wherever you go.
Today, we’re going to take a look at each of the expanded travel systems from the greatest price point down into less expensive models. We’ll be comparing them against one another and their specific setup for this type of situation so you can find out which is best suited depending on your needs. But that’s not all! I’ll mix it up a bit by combining gear from all three brands to create what is thought by many as being optimal for travel.
However, we do have a specialty in strollers and not car seats. So we will be focusing on the weight and cost of each product, but the safety rating should also play into which model suits your needs best.
This article is only the beginning of what I hope will be an extensive series on strollers. But if you’re interested in learning more about specific models and how they fit into different life situations, please let me know by leaving a comment or checking out our The Stroller Workshop channel.
Bugaboo’s high-end strollers can be found for around 2200 to 2300 bucks.
We’ll have a quick cost evaluation of this travel system and see if it is worth the price point. Using the Fox as your primary stroller in these conditions is overkill. Though it does mean more shock absorption, which may be nice for when you’re out on trails or rougher urban terrain where things can get tough–but not everyone needs this kind of capability. The shopping basket in this stroller is large enough to hold all of your groceries and even someday trip gear. It’s not as good, though, if you need a larger model for things like bulky baby blankets or sleeping bags. The Fox is the largest of three when it comes to storing your items at home.
- SEAMLESS MANEUVERABILITY - For a smoother, more comfortable ride for both parent and baby, the Fox 3 full-size stroller features durable all-terrain wheels and advanced suspension!
- INTUITIVE, ONE-PIECE FOLD - The Fox 3 stroller effortlessly collapses with improved folding buttons, into one piece and has a self-standing option, so it's easy to move and store
- CAR SEAT COMPATIBLE - Perfect for parents on the go, our infant to toddler stroller accommodates newborns and babies up to 48.5lbs! ADAPTER INCLUDED
- SOFT-TOUCH & BREEZY FABRICS -New large padded bassinet with a breezy panel for enhanced breathability and airflow. Large extendable sun canopy with breezy and peekaboo panel for a perfect balance of protection and reachability/visibility. Updated soft-touch fabrics for ultra-comfortable feel.
- QUALITY PARENTS TRUST - Every Bugaboo stroller undergoes 1,500 safety tests, so you'll rest assured knowing your child is in good hands. All strollers come with a 2 + 1 year warranty
The Butterfly’s compact design makes it the perfect choice for traveling light. With a wingspan of just over three feet, this drone can easily fit into your cabin luggage and still maintain its strength as set by IATA guidelines.
The Turtle Air is among the lightest car seats here, and it’s quite easy to mount on your Butterfly with pre-installed adapters.
- NO RE-THREAD, adjustable 5-position harness with magnetic buckle holder to make placing baby in the seat even easier!
- ULTRALIGHT car seat weighing just over 7 lbs provides a secure, convenient, and comfortable car seat that fits all Bugaboo strollers - car seat adapter sold separately
- Signature Bugaboo canopy with UPF 50+ protection, mesh PEEK-A-BOO WINDOW, and SMART SHADE
- Exclusive and LUXURIOUS MATERIALS include a merino wool infant insert for added comfort and temperature regulation for baby
- Turtle RECLINE BASE with 4 positions - car seat suitable for children 4 to 32 lbs. and up to 32 inches in height
The Butterfly has a smaller terrain capability than the TRVL or Minu, but it’s still very stable and offers some of the best seat dimensions for sitting. It’s not just about seating back; it also matters what size leg rests you have. The Bugaboo travel system offers more than just the typical stroller and car seat, giving you an abundance of gear to maximize comfort from birth through toddlerhood. Moreover, the bassinet for your Fox 3 and larger than average seat on Butterfly are both included in this package.
The cost of the travel system is a chief concern when it comes to deciding between this specific set and other choices. While the other sets of life factors might provide more functional value for money, it is possible that you will find a set that has all your needs in mind.
The Nuna travel system is a great option for those who want to save some money.
If you plan on using the infant configuration, it will only set your child back about 1700-1800 dollars. The price of a bassinet is more than two Grand, but the benefits make it worth every penny. The stroller can handle terrain that is less than perfect for a walk, but it’s still adequate. The shopping basket holds enough to get you through your day and folds down nicely when not in use.
The TRVL is a single piece when it comes to travel. The unfortunate truth about this product is that most airlines won’t accept the luggage as cabin-sized carryons which severely limits where you can go with your adventure. The TRVL is a great option for car travel thanks to its lightweight, easy-to-use nature when mounted on the PIPA. With no adapters needed and an integrated design that allows you to fold up all parts into one another in order box downsize storage space – this system has everything parents need.
I’m sorry to say that, based on my research and evaluation of these two models – the Mixx Next (for its lack in performance) or TRVL Beyond(due primarily because it is a mechanical watch) – I cannot recommend either one for purchase. Moreover, the problem is that the Mixx Next car seat doesn’t have enough space for children over 2 and a half years old. It’s also not very comfortable because of its flexing chassis design, which makes driving an issue. And the TRVL has some potentially serious longevity issues stemming from its complex and somewhat weak construction.
The UppaBaby Cruz V2 is the best of all three primary options for parents looking to purchase an affordable (between 1500 and 1600 bucks), reliable product that can take care of both their baby and ensure comfort during strolls through town.
- Dual action rear suspension (patent-pending) is designed with two varying springs that respond in unison to soften the ride no matter the child's weight.
- Smaller folded size makes it easier to carry, tuck away or take up less trunk space
- Larger front and rear tires create a smoother ride over tough terrain
- Bigger toddler seat provides added comfort for growing children.
- Zip out fabric extension provides UPF 50+ protection along with privacy during nap time. Top mesh panels allow for quick check-in, along with added airflow.
It’s lightweight, easy to push with one hand, and can accommodate bassinets and infant snug seats.
Having a large and accessible shopping basket, the Cruz V2 is able to tackle the roughest streets. It’s smaller than the other two models but still very capable of handling everything you might need on your commute or outdoor activities.
The Minu is the sturdiest of three ultra packs, but it’s not small enough to pass as cabin luggage for those long flights. The durable design means that you can take your gear up in rough conditions without worrying about sustaining damage or wear and tear on these sensitive pieces.
The seat is also rather heavy, weighing 4.7 kilos versus 3 for the other two options on this list – the Turtle Air and Nuna Pipa Light. When considering the weight of these three systems, it’s clear that Minu and Mesa will be a bit heavier than their counterparts.
The Uppababy kit is the toughest of all three and will last you through any adventure with your baby.
The Cruz V2 can be a great choice for parents on the go. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever your family needs space! If possible try out some cheaper options like buying an older model Minu over Minu B2 or Snug seat from 2015-2016 (or newer).
Now that you’ve seen all of these great features, let me show how they can work together for the best travel system. To make the most optimal travel system, mix up this gear a bit. The car seat and stroller combo is a great way to save some money while still accessorizing your favorite items. Of course, there’s always going to be an argument as to what would work best for you but in my opinion, buying either one together could end up costing more than just purchasing some separate items.
So if I had my choice, the UppaBaby Cruz V2 would be what gets me hooked. And either an older model of their bassinet or one that’s used in good condition with your preferred seat can work too! If you’re not sure about compatibility issues between certain seats and strollers then go ahead and get this beautiful Butterfly from Bugaboo. If you’re looking to save some money, going with secondhand baby equipment is an option. You can get YoYO plus or YOYO 2 instead of purchasing new ones which will maximize air travel convenience since they fold up nicely into packages that are lighter and easier for traveling purposes.
The idea of mixing brands is not new, but in this case, I think it’s worth considering. If you’re looking to find the right mix for your life needs then there are some models here that would work really well with what you need – and others may be better suited as standalone purchases instead.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out our in-depth reviews of all the models mentioned. We’ve also added links so that readers can find more information on their own.
We recommend a wide range of models for you to choose from, but we also have some tips on how best to make your decision. Our buyer’s tips will help with all the information that is needed before purchasing!
