UPPAbaby Vista Stroller

This post is very long but it's because I love this stroller and have many things to say about it. In fact, I would put it on the top of my list of things I could not have lived without. I say this even though our UPPAbaby Vista is already “ancient” compared to the newer Vista models that are out there. I've recommended it to everyone I know, and my friends who have bought it have been equally happy. In fact, I don't know anyone who has had any complaints about it.

Our "love affair" with this stroller began in 2007 when we were expecting baby #1 and went to a Baby & Kids store to check out the fancy pants Bugaboo. Being from Europe where everyone walks around with proper prams, I really wanted a stroller that came with a bassinet so we were quite set on buying the Bugaboo. Well, that was until I saw a couple strolling around the store with what must have been the first generation UPPAbaby Vista. The stroller had a great design already back then (although one could argue it was a bit wide at the time) and it looked so comfortable for both parents and baby. And best of all, it had a giant basket underneath that I just couldn't take my eyes off.

Stroller highlights:

We quickly learned that the stroller actually came with a nice, sturdy bassinet and a seat (which could be forward or backward facing), and as a bonus for us - new colors and narrower tires. Folding this stroller was a breeze, as opposed to the Bugaboo that you somehow needed to flip with your foot while using both hands to hold it upright. You could even fold the stroller without removing the seat if you wanted to (forward facing) and it wasn't very heavy as far as strollers go. The seat was also higher off the ground than on most other strollers, keeping our dog’s nose - or any other dog’s nose - out of our precious baby’s face. Oh, and let me just emphasize that basket size does matter. Even my at the time incredulous husband now sincerely agrees.

The handle bar could also easily be elevated or lowered, which was perfect for us since there is a bit of a height difference between me and my husband.

Accessories/additions: 

Car seat adapter(s): UPPAbaby makes car seat adapters for the Maxi-Cosi, Peg Perego and Graco infant car seats. I can't speak for the other brands, but our Graco car seat adapter was very easy to install and use, and the stroller would even fold with the adapter in place. These adapters technically eliminate the need for a "snap & go" type of stroller base. (Of course, I wouldn't be writing this blog if this was the case with us...)

When we were expecting baby #2 in 2009, we learned that UPPA had come out with new goodies that a parent of course cannot live without. Especially if you think you'll have more children one day.

Rumble Seat: Genius. This answered all our double stroller questions before we even got there. The Rumble seat attaches to the stroller base with one small “click” and removes just as easily.

PiggyBack board: Another lifesaver. This board attaches to the back of the stroller and is meant for the older child to stand on.

We actually haven't used our rumble seat very much because the stroller got quite heavy when our older child sat in it (the baby always sits in the "primary" seat). The seat attaches to the front base bars which makes it front-loaded and heavier to push, especially going uphill.

However, we love, love, love the PiggyBack board. It's attached above the back wheels of the stroller so I really don't even feel like I'm pushing two kids at the same time. The board rides smoothly, also over bumps. The only thing to keep in mind with the board is that the handle bar needs to be “elevated” or your kid will have to lean forward or bump his head on the handle bar. Not a big deal for us, even though I prefer the handle bar on the lower setting. We get a lot of great comments when we’re out an about with my younger child in the seat and the older standing on the board.

Sunshade/canopy: When we bought our stroller in 2008 it had a normal size canopy, which didn’t give any sunshade on baby’s face when the seat was in a reclined position. UPPAbaby later replaced it with a much longer canopy for proper sun cover, in any seat position. Of course all the new strollers automatically have this feature, but there is also a retro-fit canopy for the 2008 stroller that you can order.

UPPAbaby has tons of other cool accessories for the stroller and bassinet that we actually didn't buy or try out (check these out on the company website www.uppababy.com), as unbelievable as it may seem.

Stroller recline:

Our stroller, being ancient as far as strollers go, has three settings. 1) Almost upright. 2) Slightly reclined. 3) Reclined.

The fact that it doesn’t have an “upright” setting never bothered me with baby #1 but has bothered me with baby #2. She still seems to slump into the seat, even though she is technically a toddler now. UPPA has of course since fixed this, so the 2010 Vista strollers have an “upright” position as well. We can’t get this feature without buying a new stroller, so we just live with this and try not to get too much stroller envy.

UPPABaby customer service:

I know I probably sound like an ad for UPPAbaby Vista at this point, but in addition to all the things I love about our stroller, the customer service has been fantastic. The few times that we have needed customer service it has been friendly, prompt and personable. I mean, who gets that anymore? You actually get to talk to a real person! And they answer emails right away.

Our first baby dug his teeth into the foam material on the “guard rail” and UPPAbaby replaced it for free and added a replaceable biting guard to it. The other time I needed customer service was when the carry bag had broken in airline transit and it was replaced with a brand new one for free. Lastly, we also wanted to update the upholstery on the stroller and get the retro-fit canopy for our second child, which proved to be a very smart and simple process to do.

So, in my humble opinion…

Pros:

- The UPPAbaby Vista stroller comes with both bassinet and seat for under $1000.
- It’s easy to fold.
- It folds with or without seat.
- You don’t break your back trying to lift it in your car.
- The seat is higher off the ground than it is on most other strollers so you can be extra close to your baby’s beautiful face.
- There is a giant basket underneath to put all your shopping bags into! Or groceries, if that’s what you decide to do.
- Handle bar that can easily be adjusted.
- Easy to use car seat adapters to fit the Graco, Peg Perego and Maxi Cosi infant car seats (check which models on the company website).
- PiggyBack board for your toddler to stand on. Lifesaver.
- You can re-upholster the stroller if you get tired of the colors or if your precious one makes an unsalvageable mess.
- Excellent customer service!

Cons (it’s hard to come up with any, but here goes):

- The Rumble Seat is a great idea in theory but didn’t work well for us because it makes the stroller front loaded and heavy to push. (It is also possible that I’m very weak...)
- While this stroller runs smoothly on a lot of different terrain, it is not a jogging stroller. So if you are looking for a stroller to jog with, the BOB or Phil & Ted etc, are probably better options.

http://uppababy.com/products/