Alizabeth is a devoted mother to a 2-year-old toddler with Hemophilia B, which has brought on a unique set of challenges and opportunities as a parent. She believes that every child is unique and deserves to be celebrated for who they are.
You want to take your baby, or toddler, with you everywhere. One of the most important decisions to make is how you do it. Today we’re going to look at two modest budget strollers from the Nuna brand. We’ll compare features, style, safety, and comfort to help you determine which best suits your family if not which is best all-around.
The Nuna Pepp and the Nuna Tavo are both made by the same excellent brand so it will really come down to which has the right features for the money invested. Both are well reviewed at 4.5 stars or more on average by parents just like you. We’ll lay out some pros and cons for each stroller and try to give you a better idea as to which has things you just can’t live without, or which one is lacking something you need.
So, what kind of stroller are you looking for? There are a few different types on the market, classified by function. It can become a little confusing to try and figure out the differences on your own or whether a specifically labeled stroller could still work for you or not. Thankfully, we’re here to help and have broken them down into three main families.
Strollers come in a plethora of styles, designs, and sizes, and tend to have a few standard features like reclining seats, sunshades, and storage. What sets them apart from one another is a range of differences in function. They tend to fall into three different general categories:
Car seat strollers
This one is easy. The basket of a car seat stroller doubles as a car seat. All you do is detach from the frame and pop it in your car. This solves two problems at once, saving you the purchase of a car seat. Switching back and forth is easy, so you can easily have a stroller again when you get where you’re going.
Lightweight or Umbrella Strollers
This one seems pretty obvious. Lightweight strollers tend to be 20 pounds or less in weight and perform well on long days when you’d get tired pushing something full size. They often have nifty little side features like storage baskets and snack trays. They also fold easily for storage and unfold for use, like an umbrella.
Jogging strollers
These are heavy duty abs built to move fast, but not to maneuver. Don’t go for one of these unless you are an active jogger, runner, or hiker. They have 3 wheels and come with extra safety features like hand brakes and wrist straps for extra peace of mind. They’re good for running, but they are also bulky, hard to turn, and difficult to fold and store. If you run, get one. If you don’t, don’t bother even looking this way.
The strollers we’re looking at today will be just above the typical lightweight stroller at 21-24 pounds, but that is still what they will be closest to in terms of function. They are also both part of a travel system, or a compatible pair of stroller and car seat where the car seat can be attached to the stroller frame. This usually (though not always as you’ll find out) requires an adapter.
The Main Differences Between the Nuna Pepp and Nuna Tavo
Pepp requires an adapter for its travel system, Tavo does not
Price
Tavo has more recline positions
Pepp stands on its own when folded, Tavo folds into a trolley
The key differences are in storage convenience and travel system, adaptability. The Tavo can’t stand on its own when folded like the Pepp can, but it has an additional function as a trolley style carriage when folded. The ease with which one will accept a car seat is the next real difference. The Tavo requires no adapter to connect with the PIPA series of car seats, it attaches with one click. The Pepp requires an adapter, which is included, that can be a little more difficult to put in place.
Nuna Pepp or Nuna Tavo?
Your decision will likely come down to what you feel is worth your money. There isn’t anyone stand out feature one has that the other doesn’t. As both of these strollers are made by the same brand, the more expensive Tavo is intended to be a direct upgrade to the Pepp.
The question you have to answer for yourself is whether the upgrade is worth it. We’ll go through both in detail so you can see how big the differences are, but rest assured that both are comfortable, stylish, and, above all else, safe.
Nuna Pepp
The Nuna Pepp will start us off as the lower budget option. It may seem like a pure budget option, but it still has all the convenience and quality you expect from a brand like Nuna. It’s designed for use year-round with an adjustable all-year seat and has multiple comfortable positions for your child to relax in. It’s suitable from birth to 50 pounds so it’s the only stroller you’ll ever need.
All these features are shared with the Tavo, of course, but that goes to show how even the budget options from Nuna don’t compromise quality. The Pepp also has swivel lock front wheels and all wheels are plastic. Those wheels are attached to a progression suspension system that makes for one smooth ride.
It has three position recline with two position calf support so your child can be comfortable any way they want to sit. The harness is three or five-point, anti-loop, and releases with the touch of a button. The stroller boasts a one-touch braking system and height-adjustable handles for parents of any height.
It features a sturdy storage basket that isn’t the largest, but it is removable. When it’s time to put the stroller away, it folds up with one hand. The unfold is just as easy, as well. Once you have it folded and ready to store it will stand on its own, making for an easy fit in a closet or even by the door.
A small, but adorable feature of the Pepp is its peek-a-boo window. On the back of the canopy right behind your child’s head is a mesh screen you can see through. Not only will you feel a little more comfortable being able to see your child, but a playful kid can turn around and say hello.
Add-on Options for the Nuna Pepp
Nuna Pepp Footmuff to keep baby warm
Rain cover
Different colors of seat liners
Features:
Weighs 20 lbs.
Dimensions: Open: 41.5” H x 21.7” W x 31.5” L Closed: Folded: 11” H x 21.9” W x 31.3” L
Suitable from birth to 50lbs.
Peek-a-boo window behind child’s head
Three position full recline with two position calf rest
Removable storage basket
Removable, extendable UPF 50+ canopy with Dream Drape
One-handed fold
Stands on its own when folded
Height adjusting handle
One-touch rear wheel brake
Three or five-point anti-loop harness with easy one-click release
Pros:
Very affordable
Freestanding while folded makes for easy storage anywhere
Storage basket and canopy are removable for a sleeker, lighter build
Easy braking
Lighter of the two strollers
Cons:
Fewer recline positions
Less storage space
Car seat adapter can be difficult to attach
Parents’ Opinion
The Nuna Pepp is well reviewed by parents everywhere. Most praised its smooth ride and excellent turning radius. They were also satisfied with its easy folding and easier storage. A self-standing stroller may not sound like a big deal, but the convenience is well worth it. It is generally found to be a great budget options, even by parents who already owned a Nuna Tavo.
Nuna Tavo
The Nuna Tavo is all about convenience at a modest, though not too modest, price point with luxury style. The goal for the Tavo is to use it from the very beginning until your child fully grows out of it. All year, all the time, and with an easy car seat connection for their travel system.
Not only is it designed to support your child for all the time they’ll need it, but it’s also designed with extra space for all your baby’s swag, or anything that won’t fit in your diaper bag. It also boasts the ability to connect to the Nuna Pipa line of car seats with just one click and no additional adapter. If you pick this up along with its matching car seat, they intend for you to be set for years.
For those with comfort in mind, the Tavo has a one-hand, four-position, true-flat reclining backrest, and adjustable calf support to keep your child happy and comfortable in their spacious ride. It even includes an infant insert to add extra comfort for your newborn. Once they grow out of the extra padding, it comes out no problem to keep plenty of space available for your growing child.
The wheels are made of foam which may not be ideal for the roughest of environments, but in any urban or suburban locale front and rear wheel suspension promises a smoother than average ride even over uneven sidewalks. When you need to keep it still the open toe-friendly brake allows for easy locking even in your summer wear.
The oversized UPF 50+ canopy shelters your child from the sun, and the basket underneath the seat has plenty of room for all your supplies and personal items. The safety harness is three-point or five-point with a slide height adjustment and a quick release button. There’s even a removable arm bar if you want that little added safety in the front. It folds with one hand into a trolley style, though it will not stand on its own.
Add-on Options for the Nuna Tavo
Tavo Rain Cover
Tavo Child Tray
Features:
Weighs 24.3 lbs.
Dimensions: 42.5”H x 22”W x 35.6”L or 18.5”H x 22”W x 36.8”L when folded
Suitable from birth to 50 lbs.
Additional newborn insert for extra support
Travel system compatible
One-handed fold
Extra spacious seat for lounging and stretching
Generous storage space, with a zipper compartment
Front and rear wheel suspension
Adjustable quick release harness
Adjustable backrest with calf support
Oversized UPF 50+ canopy
Dream Drape for extra protection
Pros:
One handed folding so you can hold a baby while you get the stroller ready or put it away
Trolley-style operation while folded
More space and slightly better version of most Pepp features
Plenty of storage space
No adapter needed for a travel system
Cons:
Relatively few options for accessories
Storage space can be hard to reach
Wheels are foam, which may not be suitable for roughest of environments
Parents’ Opinion
This stroller is reviewed consistently at 4.5 stars or higher across the web. Parents praise its one-handed fold and trolley capability for convenience. They also love its instant compatibility with the PIPA car seats requiring no adapter, again for the incredible convenience. The most common thread amongst those who us it, though, is the unbelievable level of quality you get for the price.
The Verdict
We’ve done an in-depth look at both strollers now and it would be hard to deny that Tavo is of a generally higher quality than the Pepp. What matters for you is whether that quality increase is worth it, or if you even need it. The cost difference may not be big, but you wouldn’t want to pay even a cent more for features you won’t use or differences you wouldn’t notice.
Both are baby friendly so there’s nothing to worry about there. Both are adjustable for a child to recline, but the Tavo is more adjustable. Both lack a rain cover, but Nuna sells them for either stroller at the same cost. The Tavo will definitely give off more of a luxury impression and appearance than the Pepp, but that is part of what you’re paying for.
It’s hard to recommend one over the other for every case. It really will come down to whether the added luxury and minor feature improvements are worth it to you. I’m not going to try and tell you the price difference is negligible, either. With car seats, playpens, toys, bottles, diapers, and everything else the expenses can add up very quickly.
Ultimately you just have to ask yourself if you want to splurge a little more for that extra versatility and, let’s be honest, the luxurious appearance. The Pepp can most likely meet your needs without a problem and there is a reason people love it.
That said, the Tavo dips into the realm where your stroller can be a fashion accessory, and its improvements upon the Pepp design do mean that it carries its own weight.
FAQ’s about the Nuna Pepp and Nuna Tavo
What is the standard loadout for the Pepp?
Frame, basket, all-season seat, wheels, canopy, and car seat adapter.
What is the standard loadout for the Tavo?
Frame, extra-large basket, all-season seat, wheels, canopy, bumper bar. No car seat adapter required.
I’m finding something called the Pepp Next. Is this the same as the Pepp?
The Pepp Next is a recent model update to the Pepp. It splits the difference in price between the Pepp and the Tavo but includes a child tray and some design updates.
Final Thoughts
As always, the biggest factor will be how much you want to spend. At the same time, many of you may not care about that and just want a quality stroller that you can depend on. If that’s the case, the Pepp may be right for you and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Weigh your options and look at some product photos for both strollers. See what you can picture your child in and what looks like it will fit your family best.
It may not sound like much but being able to look at them side by side may help you make up your mind if you’re agonizing over which one is better. Just rest assured that no matter which decision you make for your family, you certainly won’t regret it.
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