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- What Is It: Nuna TRVL lx + PIPA urbn Travel System
- Why I Love It: This sleek, compact system folds with one hand, installs without a base, reclines fully for naps and makes travel with a baby feel effortless.
- How Much Is It: $900
- Where to Buy It: Available at Nordstrom
As a shopping editor and first-time mom to my 8-month-old daughter Lou, I’ve tested a lot of baby gear. The Nuna TRVL lx + PIPA urbn travel system is one of the few that’s earned a permanent spot in our trunk. I started using it a few months after Lou was born, and it quickly became my go-to for errands, car trips and longer travel, including her first flight.
I already had a full-size stroller (the UPPAbaby Vista V3) for neighborhood walks but needed something lighter and easier to fold for quick transitions. Like most new parents, I was tempted by the Doona. Nearly all of my friends had it and recommended it. But after spending time in the What to Expect community, where parents consistently praised the Nuna system, I changed my mind. The one-handed fold, sleek design and baseless car seat install came up again and again. After comparing both, I chose the Nuna. No regrets.
What Is the Nuna TRVL lx + PIPA urbn Travel System?
A premium travel system that combines the Nuna TRVL lx stroller and PIPA urbn infant car seat. Built for families who need portability and smart design, it features a true one-handed fold, no-base installation using rigid LATCH and a clean, modern look.
Nuna TRVL lx + PIPA urbn Travel System at a Glance
- Stroller Weight: 17 lbs (including canopy and arm bar)
- Car Seat Weight: 7 lbs (without canopy and insert)
- Stroller Dimensions: 32 x 21 x 45.5 inches (Open); 27 x 14.25 x 21 inches (Folded)
- Car Seat Dimensions: 25 L x 17.5 x 22 inches
- Parts Included: TRVL lx stroller; PIPA urbn infant car seat; Canopy and arm bar (stroller); Canopy and insert (car seat)
- Stroller Weight Limit: Suitable for children up to 50 lbs;
- Car Seat Weight Limit: For infants 4–22 lbs and less than 29" tall
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty (stroller); 1-year limited warranty (car seat)
Set-Up and Use
Setup took under five minutes and didn’t require a manual or tutorial. The fold is intuitive, and I figured out the one-handed close immediately. I now use it for errands, restaurants and travel. It handled Lou’s first trip (security lines, gate-checks and car transfers included) without any major meltdowns.
Why I Love It
The system's one-handed fold is a lifesaver when juggling a baby and bags. Its compact design fits easily into tight spaces, and the no-base-needed car seat installation is perfect for quick transitions in and out of vehicles. The stroller's full-recline feature allows for comfortable on-the-go naps, and the overall design is both functional and stylish.
The TRVL lx is also made for travel; it's the “carry-on” to my Vista’s “checked bag.” It’s compact, intuitive and looks better than most strollers in its class. Compared to the Doona, it lasts longer, offers more flexibility and doesn’t feel like a one-note solution. Several friends with the Doona have told me they wish they’d seen this system first. (I even influenced one of my mom friends to upgrade from her Doona to the Nuna!)
Pros
- A truly impressive one-handed fold: I can collapse it while holding Lou and a diaper bag. It also stands vertically when folded, which is great for tight spaces like restaurants.
- Ultra-lightweight frame: At just over 13 pounds, it’s easy to lift into a trunk or overhead bin.
- No base needed: The PIPA urbn installs with built-in rigid LATCH (ideal for Ubers, taxis, and rental cars).
- Smart design details: The magnetic buckle, leatherette handlebar and fully reclining seat (which converts to a bassinet-style lounger) are well-executed and genuinely useful.
Cons
- Not built for rough terrain: It’s not the smoothest ride for bumpy sidewalks or off-road strolling, but that’s not what it’s meant for
- Lower car seat weight limit: The PIPA urbn maxes out at 22 pounds and 29 inches, so you may need to upgrade to a convertible seat earlier than with some other infant options.
Is It Worth It?
At $900, this isn’t an impulse purchase. But if you’re building a registry, it’s an ideal pick for a group gift. I use it constantly — because it helps me move quickly and confidently with a baby, whether I’m at the airport, in a cab or trying to avoid a parking lot meltdown (me, not Lou). I’ve already convinced a friend to buy it after seeing how smoothly it worked during a trip, and I’d recommend it to any parent looking for a sleek, efficient travel system that delivers on every promise.
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