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About Bugaboo
Parenting was never meant to be glamorous…But what if it was? Known for sleek and sophisticated designs, Bugaboo makes high-quality baby gear fit for trendsetting moms and dads. If you want to stir up drama at daycare, this is definitely the brand to do it, as each stroller and playpen is constructed with the finest materials and color finishes.
Bugaboo was the brainchild of founders Max Barenburg and Eduard Zanen, who created the company to help fill the veritable lack of premium baby gear on the market.
What started off as a humble graduation project quickly spun into a million-dollar business as Bugaboo proliferated in success for its revolutionary strollers. With its headquarters based in Amsterdam, the brand has opened up dozens of stores worldwide since its debut in 1994.
Bugaboo’s attentiveness to detail and design has won them widespread recognition. For instance, they boast over 433k followers on Instagram. They have also won several awards, including those presented by Business Wire, Financial Post, Red Dot Design, and Plus X.
About UPPAbaby
UPPAbaby, a brand conceived by founders Bob and Lauren Monahan, operates on the same company mission as Bugaboo: sophistication with a purpose. Established in 2006 in Rockland, Massachusetts, this baby gear retailer prioritizes function and fashion as their two core values.
You can say that their strollers, car seats, and accessories are designed to be status symbols—as showcased through UPPAbaby’s refined silhouette and hefty price tag. Considering that Bob has an extensive background working with Ford, Reebok, and The First Years, I’m honestly not surprised.
UPPAbaby is definitely ‘up’ there when it comes to luxury baby gear, but it seems that their outrageous pricing isn’t enough to sway their popularity. The brand is about 249k strong in follower count, and they’ve been featured in various media outlets, including Business Wire, Yahoo Finance, and Snopes magazine.
If you consider yourself a connoisseur of modern simplicity, don’t let parenting prevent you from living your best life. Trust me, there are other alternatives to buying glittery pinks and plastic knock-offs. For instance, Bugaboo and UPPAbaby are considered the best of the best when it comes to baby gear—but the question is, what brand should you opt for?
To save parents the headache, my Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review will provide a neat, side-by-comparison of the two. I’ll touch on some important topics concerning product quality, value, shipping policies, and customer feedback.
What to Consider
Product range
You know what they say: it takes a village to raise a child. Babies require a lot of necessities, including feeding bottles, diapers, strollers, and bibs, just to name a few.
For a parent, it’s especially frustrating to keep hopping from one brand to another—which is why it’s important for a brand to offer as many products as possible. Variety is absolutely key for all baby gear companies.
Safety features
Babies are natural danger magnets. Nothing is off-limits to them, which is why safe design is crucial to help prevent future accidents. Products should offer a high degree of protection, whether that be strollers, car seats, or toys. You can usually find the details by looking at its respective item description.
Accessibility
The baby industry understands that parents are tired, stressed, and limited on time. As a result, most brands try to make their inventory as accessible as possible, whether that be delivery location, store accessibility, or affordability. A good company should offer international shipping at a reasonable price.
Materials
Babies are soft, squishy beings that are prone to lots of accidents. Naturally, you’d want to find a product that’s designed with non-abrasive, chemically-safe materials. Most brands will advertise whether an item is non-toxic, flame retardant, or water-proof.
It’s worth noting that reputable companies will offer some sort of certification to guarantee safety. In addition, sustainability is always a plus, so it’s best to look for brands that use recycled or biodegradable fabrics.
Design and durability
The baby gear industry is a kaleidoscope of colors and prints. While some parents prefer the ‘nursery’ vibe of animal patterns and pastel hues, others opt for monochrome minimalism composed of neutral tones and refined silhouettes.
Of course, aesthetics only go so far. Durability is arguably more important since it guarantees safety and longevity of the product.
Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat vs UPPAbaby MESA Car Seat Review:
The 30-minute drive to grandma’s house should come with no bumps or humps—but you can never be too careful. Rain calls for slippery roads, snow blocks your field of vision, and neglected boulevards may entail lots of hidden potholes.
To help prevent future accidents, the Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat and the UPPAbaby MESA Car Seat can protect your tot from point A to point b.
The web pages for both car seats cough up a bunch of information—which may seem strenuous for busy parents. To help mitigate headaches, this Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review will provide a clean, side-by-side comparison for those pressed for time.
Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat:
- Features a 5-point harness and a resilient outer shell
- Lined with temperature-regulating merino wool
- Built with a peek-a-boo window that provides UPF 50+ protection
- Adjustable head support
- Compatible with Nuna’s collection of strollers
- Designed with an added car base with a stability load leg
- Lightweight and comes with an ergonomic handle
- Made for babies 28.6 pounds or under
- Costs $359 (offers Affirm as an alternative payment option)
- Includes a tightness indicator and adjustable latch for easy installation
- Built with a low-profile base to prevent car seat damage (set with leveling indicators)
- Features an EPP foam headrest
- Reinforced with a 5-point harness that can accommodate growing babies
- Set with a sun canopy that provides UPF 25+ protection
- Lined with fire retardant, temperature-regulating merino wool
- Compatible with VISTA, CRUZ, RIDGE, and MINU strollers
- Offers a ‘press-release’ button to help remove the car seat from the stroller
- Made for babies 4 to 23 pounds
- Costs $300 to $350 depending on the color
Honestly, the Bugaboo and UPPAbaby car seats are so similar in price that it really doesn’t matter what you choose. The Turtle One and the MESA offer an exceptional level of durability and safety, but they manage to accomplish both in two separate ways.
For instance, the Turtle One by Nuna comes with higher sun protection, and it can accommodate heavier babies. The MESA Car Seat, on the other hand, features a convenient tightness indicator that ensures security when locked into place. Basically, you don’t need to hear that affirmative ‘click’ to know that you’ve adjusted it correctly.
Bugaboo Bee 6 Stroller vs UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller Review:
When did baby strollers become the new Range Rover? Nowadays, shopping for high-quality buggies can feel like visiting a car dealership. If you’re looking for a parent-powered, 4-wheel drive, the Bugaboo Bee 6 Stroller and the UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller can make you feel like a fatherly (or motherly) Vin Diesel. Jokes aside, they’re considered the cream of the crop.
If you can’t decide on a model, in this Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review I’ll highlight some features that parents should consider.
Bugaboo Bee 6 Stroller:
- Designed with enhanced suspension to minimize bumping
- Compact to help parents navigate narrow streets
- Set with puncture-proof wheels
- Features an ergonomic seat with added ventilation
- Self-folding to help with storage
- Built with a canopy that provides UPF 50+ sun protection
- Comes with a bumper bar for integrated support
- Available in 14 different colors
- Made for babies 33 to 50 pounds
- Offered with a bassinet and car seat (costs $1,079)
- Original version costs $849 (offer Affirm as an alternative payment option)
- Set with a multi-position recline
- Protected with an adjustable UPF 50+ canopy with mesh paneling
- Features a telescopic handlebar that’s lined with full-grain leather
- Comes with a basket for on-the-go storage
- Reinforced with all-wheel suspension and a two-stage system
- Foldable
- Compatible with MESA
- Includes a bug and rain shield
- Accommodates up to 50 pounds in weight
- Available in 8 different colors
- Costs $700
Honestly, the differences between the Bee 6 and the Cruz V2 are quite small. Both buggies offer a high level of security and protection, whether that be the sun canopy or all-wheel suspension. In my opinion, price and design set these two prototypes apart. The Bugaboo version seems to be on the pricier side, while UPPAbaby appears to be more affordable.
In terms of aesthetics, I’d say that the Bee 6 is definitely a statement purchase. Given its array of bright colors, this stroller is meant for parents who love to sport their stuff. The Cruz V2 is more refined and sophisticated in design, which is evident through its muted color palette and modernized silhouette.
Bugaboo Comfort Transport Bag vs UPPAbaby Minu Travel Bag Review:
Is the stroller ‘car park’ full at the moment? If so, the Bugaboo Comfort Transport Bag and the UPPAbaby Minu Travel Bag allow you to carry your buggy hands-free.
It’s a great alternative for parents who aren’t keen on leaving their foldables at guest service, as both carry-ons offer an ample amount of room for on-the-go storage. They can also protect your stroller from dents and scratches.
Up ahead in this Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review, I will compare these two bags to help parents decide.
Bugaboo Comfort Transport Bag:
- Designed to protect the stroller from scratches, dents, and water damage
- Compactable
- Stands upright and comes with two wheels
- Reinforced with protective padding
- Comes with a separate wheel bag
- Water-repellant
- Compatible with dozens of Bugaboo strollers
- Costs $180
- Compatible with the MINU stroller
- Protects the stroller from all sorts of damage
- Designed as a backpack for hands-free storage
- Contains a wheel bag
- Includes a convenient luggage tag
- Compatible with UPPAbaby’s Travelsafe Program
- Costs $90
The Comfort Transport Bag is definitely more expensive, but for good reason. It’s built with water-repellent fabric and protective padding, which goes a long way in terms of comfort and durability. Let’s not forget the fact that it’s made with wheels, which is incredibly useful for parents who hate that shoulder-digging feel.
The Minu Travel Bag is affordable but not as impressive as the Bugaboo version. To UPPAbaby’s credit, it offers the bare essentials of a stroller backpack. Plus, it comes with a Travelsafe warranty to help cover any manufacturing defects.
Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby: Quality
Finding the best baby gear is quite a demanding task. For some well-prepared parents, they research months in advance, but for most—they cross their fingers and hope that it’s free from false advertising. Fortunately, there’s no need to second guess with Bugaboo and UPPAbaby, as they’re considered exemplary brands according to experts and mommy bloggers.
If you’re especially curious about the material makeup of these two acclaimed brands, my Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review will give you the skinny.
Bugaboo utilizes a variety of materials for its strollers, car seats, and accessories. This usually includes a mix of merino wool, aluminum, polyester, PU leather, and cotton. Parents can take care knowing that all fabrics and metals are non-toxic and chemical-free.
In encouraging news, some collections are made out of eco-friendly alternatives. Alongside its promise of safety and durability, the brand also values sustainability as part of its core mission.
For instance, the Dark Navy Classic strollers and the Bugaboo Ant are made out of 50% recycled PET bottles.
In terms of added features, Bugaboo strollers and car seats offer up a high degree of versatility and adjustability. Integrated details like UPF sun protection, puncture-proof wheels, and foldable frames all justify its costly price tag. It’s definitely a splurge purchase, but it’s an investment worth making.
UPPAbaby isn’t as forward as Bugaboo when it comes to material composition. After glossing through a few product descriptions, it seems that they commonly use merino wool, EPP foam, polyester, nylon, and full-grain leather.
They aren’t entirely chemical-free since they use fire-retardant fabrics in some of their strollers and car seats. Sustainability-wise, UPPAbaby isn’t very avid in using biodegradable or recycled alternatives, but let’s hope for the best.
Product innovation is what UPPAbaby does best. From the MESA Car Seat to the Cruz V2 Stroller, there are dozens of thoughtful features to commend. This includes the tightness indicator, the telescopic handle, and the UPF 50+ sun canopy just to name a few.
If you decide to support UPPAbaby, you can rest assured knowing that they’ve been awarded dozens of trophies, such as the Cribsie Award in 2021.
Can we get a round of applause for Bugaboo and UPPAbaby? They definitely score full points on quality and durability. The amount of info they provide is enough to keep parents worry-free. But, if you’re not entirely convinced, this Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review will compare price and value to see if they’re ultimately worth the splurge.
Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby: Price & Value
Based on the baby gear I’ve featured so far, you’d think that both brands are quite similar in terms of cost. In actuality, Bugaboo is considered more expensive than UPPAbaby. For a better view, let’s take a look at the price range offered for their strollers, car seats, and accessories.
- Strollers: $749 to $1,199
- Car seats: $339 to $449
- Accessories: $130 to $360
- Strollers: $216 to $1,114
- Car seats: $243 to $492
- Accessories: $15 to $257
If you’re a budget-conscious parent, there’s a good chance that you’ve settled on UPPAbaby as your chosen brand. They offer a curated selection of premium baby gear at an affordable price.
All car seats, strollers, and accessories are made with exceptional materials—and they definitely score mad points in durability and strength. UPPAbaby is a solid choice for parents who just want the essentials, and it seems that several mommy bloggers agree.
“The UPPAbaby Vista V2 is an incredible convertible stroller for those who can afford it,” via a statement made by Lucie’s List. “If you’re looking for a luxury convertible stroller you can use for years to come with your growing family, you won’t be disappointed. It holds up nicely on the resale market as well.”
While some argue that UPPAbaby strollers are outrageous in cost, others attest to its quality, durability, and versatility—which help justify its overall expense. “I’d definitely recommend (the Vista Buggy) due to its versatility, smooth maneuverability, comfort and excellent storage,” reads Made for Mums’ post. “The fact that it’s the only stroller you’ll ever need makes the price point more palatable.”
Despite the love shared for UPPAbaby, that doesn’t mean that Bugaboo is out of the running. Yes, the brand is expensive, but according to several happy parents, it’s definitely worth the investment. From sustainably made strollers to super robust car seats, Bugaboo is a company worth trusting.
“The Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller performed well in our tests for quality, which isn’t a huge surprise given its higher cost and most higher scoring options cost less than this stroller. The fabric on this stroller is some of the nicest in the review. The entire seat is very soft, finely woven canvas,” writes the Baby Gear Lab.
“In the world of baby products, most things are really ugly and look and feel really cheap. The (Bugaboo Bee 5 Stroller) doesn’t,” states Forbes. “It feels really well made. And while it’s light, it’s not too light if that makes sense. It feels substantial and is pleasurable to push.”
For the purpose of this Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review, I can assuredly conclude that both brands are baby (and parent) approved. It’s a complimentary ‘goo’ from us; considering they both offer an exceptional catalog of products on their website.
They’re still more expensive than your typical baby gear brand, but investment-wise, you’re looking at a purchase that gives back when it comes to resale value.
Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby: What do Customers Think?
Bugaboo and UPPAbaby certainly look impressive at first glance, but how do they fare in terms of customer feedback? To help form a more educated decision, I’m going to need some intel provided by parents and babies alike.
The best way to do this is to quickly go through a few ratings posted on each company’s official website and those on external sources:
Bugaboo:
- The Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat: 22 reviews with 4.5/5 stars
- The Bee 6 Stroller: 154 reviews with 4.7/5 stars
- The Comfort Transport Bag: 59 reviews with 4.6/5 stars
- Consumer Affairs: 563 votes with 4.6/5 stars
- ProductReview.com for the Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller: 402 reviews with 4.1/5 stars
- Trustpilot: 68 reviews with 1.8/5 stars
Common customer feedback:
- Exceptional in terms of quality, value, and ease of use
- Strollers and car seats proved to be convenient and well-made
- Compact, lightweight, and comfortable for fussy babies
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Some concerns about customer service and delayed deliveries
UPPAbaby:
- Consumer Affairs for their strollers: 30 reviews with 3.7/5 stars
- ProductReview.com for the Vista Stroller: 288 reviews with 4.6/5 stars
- Influenster for the Vista Stroller: 913 reviews with 4.8/5 stars
- Trustpilot: 23 reviews with 3.2/5 stars
Common customer feedback:
- Luxurious, practical, and well-made in quality
- Strollers proved comfortable
- Offers a bunch of commendable features, such as the multi-position recline setting and the bassinet
- Smooth riding experience
- Some parents weren’t a fan of how expensive their products were
- Concerns entailing defective products and poor customer service
Bugaboo and UPPAbaby are definitely in the clear when it comes to genuine customer reviews. It’s an all-around positive experience, and most customers agree that both brands are worth the hefty expense.
There are a few complaints surrounding their customer service and product quality, but it’s nothing too concerning. If you encounter a problem with your stroller and car seat, while writing this Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review I found that they both provide warranties for their baby gear.
Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby: Promotions & Discounts
Baby strollers are the new Ford Fiesta. and car seats cost as much as a designer bag. It goes without saying that parenting is expensive, but there are ways to cut corners. For this Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review I’ve scoured through the internet to see if there are any money-saving hacks that customers can use, and unfortunately—I only found a few.
Since UPPAbaby is considered the ‘Louis Vuitton’ of baby gear, you can expect one to none promos offered on their website. Customers have a better chance of finding discounts on sales on partnered websites such as Nordstrom and Bed Bath & Beyond. It’s always a good idea to keep tabs on the brand’s social media page for any future updates.
Bugaboo does offer a sale outlet and a referral program to help parents save money. Aside from this, there seem to be no promotions advertised on their webpage. Again, you’re free to search for deals provided on other stores, including Buybuy Baby and Well.ca.
Before you click off of the Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review, it’s important to gloss over some important points concerning shipping and returns. Who knows? Perhaps the brand you’re veto-ing off provides free international delivery.
Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby: Shipping & Returns
I know; nobody likes reading through fine print—which is why for my Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review I’ve summed up the basics as a general head’s up. Below, I’ve rounded up a few notable points to consider in terms of shipping costs, warranties, and delivery locations.
- Free shipping on all strollers and orders over $20
- Packages usually take 5 to 7 business days to arrive
- Purchases over $500 require a signature upon delivery
- Does provide international shipping (must change location in order to make this option possible)
- Provides a tracking number alongside a confirmation email
- Offers a 100-day free trial for select strollers
- 90-day return policy for unused products (no exchanges)
- Has warranties for their strollers and car seats
- A few reports concerning unfulfilled orders and delayed deliveries
- Free standard shipping on all orders
- Customers can choose other delivery options such as 2Day and Overnight
- International shipping in unavailable
- Most packages arrive within 5 to 7 business days
- Orders over $150 require a signature upon arrival
- Provides an extended 3-year warranty for their strollers and select accessories
- Offers a lifetime guarantee for their car seats
- Has a 30-day return window for unused products (includes a prepaid shipping label)
- Some concerns about their product warranties
It’s worth noting that there is some confusion when ordering off of UPPAbaby.com. At first glance, it seems that they don’t allow customers to purchase items directly off their website, as they will be redirected to partnered retailers within their location.
But, after doing a bit of investigating, it appears that you can order off of UPPAbaby’s official page. This is mainly indicated by the brand’s shipping policy.
Aside from this, I think it’s safe to say that Bugaboo and UPPAbaby are trusted brands to support. There are a few complaints trickling here and there, but it’s nothing too glaring.
Who Will You Shop With?
Despite the differences in price, Bugaboo and UPPAbaby are still considered high-end baby gear. It’s kind of like comparing a Gucci to a Bottega Veneta—they’re both considered the cream of the crop, and you really aren’t saving much if you decide to opt for one out of the two.
To each company’s credit, there are a few similarities in terms of material and product innovation. Can’t manage to separate one from the other? No worries; this Bugaboo and UPPAbaby review will take it from the top one last time.
Bugaboo is the flex purchase for any trendsetting mom and dad. It’s the kind of brand you want to flaunt at the neighborhood park, as their strollers and car seats speak for themselves. Stylish, practical, and durable, Bugaboo is definitely a solid investment to make. Plus, they’re sustainable. What’s not to love?
UPPAbaby is more affordable, but only by a few dollars compared to Bugaboo. They aren’t as intricate when it comes to implemented features, but they do provide the basics. All strollers and car seats are built with the same level of quality, versatility, and strength. UPPAbaby’s refined and sophisticated silhouette is also something worth drooling over.
The purpose of my Bugaboo vs UPPAbaby review isn’t to crown any winning victors. I’m here to make things easier for parents, and hopefully this guide provided a stress-free alternative to the ol’ tab switch comparison. Happy shopping!
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