When it comes to baby gear, finding the perfect stroller is often high on the list for new parents. The market is flooded with options, each promising to be the best, but how do you really know which one will fit your lifestyle and needs? We got our hands on the Nuna Tavo Travel System to put it to the test and see if it lives up to the hype. From navigating city streets to family outings, a reliable travel system can make all the difference. Let’s dive into our experience with the Nuna Tavo and explore why it might just be the stroller you’ve been searching for.
Unboxing and Assembly: Nuna Tavo – Ready to Roll in Minutes
Setting up baby gear can sometimes feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. Thankfully, the Nuna Tavo scores top marks right out of the box for ease of assembly. My partner, admittedly the more hands-on one in our duo when it comes to putting things together, eagerly took on the task as soon as the Nuna Tavo arrived. While a detailed instruction manual is included, Nuna also provides a fantastic visual guide – a fold-out sheet with simple, clear pictures illustrating each step of the stroller assembly and highlighting key features. Being seasoned veterans of IKEA furniture assembly, we primarily relied on these images and found them incredibly straightforward.
Nuna Tavo stroller parts laid out for assembly
Alt text: Unboxing the Nuna Tavo stroller, showing the main components ready for quick and easy assembly.
The Nuna Tavo arrives mostly pre-assembled. The only steps required were attaching the arm bar, the brake bar, and the four wheels. That’s truly it! My husband was genuinely impressed with how quickly and easily it all came together. The entire process was completed in under 15 minutes. As first-time parents, this was the very first piece of baby equipment we unboxed and assembled. Looking back, we are so relieved it was this simple! It gave us a boost of confidence, thinking, “Okay, we can actually handle this parenting thing!”
First Impressions: Style and Design of the Nuna Tavo Stroller
Once fully assembled, the first thing that struck us about the Nuna Tavo was its aesthetic appeal. Both my husband and I immediately agreed that it’s a genuinely attractive piece of baby gear. The design is clean and streamlined, with a sophisticated style that we both appreciated. The leatherette handlebar adds a touch of luxury and comfort. The materials used throughout feel high-quality, giving the stroller an overall impression of being much more expensive than its actual price point.
Our Nuna Tavo came in the ‘aluminum’ color, a sleek combination of black with a brushed silver frame and subtle taupe/gray accents. It’s also available in other color options, including versions with blue or red accents, as well as a completely black style, allowing parents to choose a look that best suits their personal taste.
In terms of size, the Nuna Tavo is reasonably compact, which is a definite plus for us living in a smaller space. While it’s not the absolute most compact fold on the market, the one-handed fold and unfold mechanism is incredibly convenient and smooth. Collapsing the stroller is essentially a single-step process. Once folded, a side lock easily secures it closed. The folded stroller fits comfortably in the trunk of our car and stores neatly in our hallway closet. Weighing in at around 25 pounds without a child, it’s also manageable to lift and carry when needed.
Folded Nuna Tavo stroller in a living room setting
Alt text: Nuna Tavo stroller folded compactly and standing upright, demonstrating its space-saving design for easy storage.
Comfort and Features for Baby: Nuna Tavo Prioritizes Little Passengers
Baby’s comfort is paramount, and the Nuna Tavo seems to have taken this to heart. It features an all-season seat with a plush, padded insert that provides excellent cushioning for the back. While I do wish the padding extended to the bottom of the seat for extra bum comfort, the ride seems smooth and comfortable overall. The four-position recline is a major highlight, going completely flat – perfect for on-the-go naps. Adjusting the recline involves unzipping the back of the seat and operating a lever. While re-zipping can take a moment when returning the seat to an upright position, the flat recline option is well worth the minor effort. The adjustable calf support and footrest are thoughtful additions that further enhance baby’s comfort as they grow.
The five-point harness feels very secure, and the padded shoulder straps are soft against the skin. The one-click release button is a fantastic feature, making it quick and easy to get baby in and out of the stroller.
The Nuna Tavo comes with a removable arm bar, which requires two hands to detach. However, we haven’t found it necessary to remove it, as it’s easy enough to maneuver our little one in and out even with the arm bar in place. For added convenience, a child tray with a cup holder and snack compartment is available for separate purchase, easily clicking into one side in place of the arm bar.
One of the standout features for us is the Nuna Tavo’s expansive UPF 50+ Sky smart canopy. It includes a flip-out eyeshade for extra sun protection and an additional zip-out “dream drape” in black mesh fabric to extend coverage even further, creating a truly shaded and peaceful environment for naps. Two large mesh ventilation panels are incorporated into the canopy, providing excellent airflow and allowing you to easily check on your baby. We particularly appreciate the magnetic closure on the peekaboo window flap – a thoughtful detail that allows for quiet checks without disturbing a sleeping baby, unlike noisy Velcro closures. A rain cover and wheeled travel bag are also available as optional accessories.
Nuna Tavo stroller canopy extended with mesh ventilation
Alt text: Nuna Tavo stroller featuring its large UPF 50+ canopy with extended dream drape and mesh ventilation panels, highlighting sun protection and airflow.
Nuna Tavo on the Move: Performance and Handling
The Nuna Tavo promises a smooth ride, and it delivers. The progressive front and rear-wheel suspension makes navigating various terrains a breeze. Even in tight spaces, the stroller is surprisingly easy to maneuver. I anticipate no issues navigating crowded sidewalks or busy stores with the Tavo. My husband was equally impressed with its maneuverability and the quality of the tires. They handle curbs and uneven sidewalks with ease. As city dwellers, we mostly stick to paved paths, but the stroller handles well on grass and park paths too. The front swivel wheels can be locked in place for added stability when needed. The one-touch foot brake is sandal-friendly – a feature I especially appreciate, particularly during warmer months. The leatherette height-adjustable pushbar is comfortable to grip, a crucial feature for long days of stroller pushing.
The storage basket underneath the seat is generously sized and can hold up to 10 pounds. Accessing it from the back and sides is easy. However, reaching into the basket from the front is a bit less convenient, so we tend to avoid that.
Cleaning the Nuna Tavo is straightforward. The frame and fabric are easily wiped clean with a damp cloth and seem durable enough to withstand everyday use. The seat pad is removable and machine washable, but it requires air drying, so be sure to plan accordingly to allow sufficient drying time before needing to use the stroller again.
The Nuna Tavo is designed as a single stroller and does not offer the option to add a second seat. However, it seamlessly transforms into a complete Nuna Tavo travel system when paired with Nuna PIPA series car seats. No adapters are required – the car seats click directly into the stroller frame. The Tavo accommodates children from birth up to 50 pounds, thanks to a removable infant insert and arm bar, making it a stroller that can grow with your child.
Final Verdict: The Nuna Tavo Travel System – A Smart Choice?
Overall, we are extremely happy with our Nuna Tavo stroller. It looks and feels like a much higher-end stroller but comes at a more accessible price point. The ease of use, stylish design, baby-friendly comfort features, and smooth handling make it a standout option in its category. The Nuna Tavo travel system compatibility with Nuna PIPA car seats further enhances its value and convenience for new parents. In fact, we’ve already started recommending the Nuna Tavo to our friends!
Price: $399.95
