The Best 13 Secondhand Shops in München
February 15, 2023An Honest Review of the Ergobaby 360 Baby Carrier
September 4, 2024Navigating the chaotic yet thrilling world of new parenthood, I’ve found that the right gear can make all the difference between merely surviving and genuinely thriving. Over the past six months, our trusted companion in this journey has been the Moon Nuova Kinderwagen—kinderwagen is the German for stroller. This stroller has accompanied us across three countries—lots of places in Germany, La Palma (Spain), and Lefkada (Greece)—proving its mettle in a variety of environments. Here’s our detailed review of the Moon Nuova, feature by feature.
What We Love 💕
Build Quality and Design
The first thing that stands out about the Moon Nuova is its sturdy build. Made in Germany, the stroller is designed with durability in mind. The chassis is constructed from aluminum, making it robust enough to handle different terrains yet light enough to manage without much strain. We tested ours in so many rough places. One time my husband even used the storage at the bottom to carry a 30kg backpack. LOL.
The design is both stylish and functional, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well in urban environments. However, this sturdiness comes with a bit of bulk—the folded stroller takes up quite a bit of space, which might be a consideration if you drive a smaller vehicle (more on this later).
Comfort and Ergonomics
The comfort of your little one is paramount, and the Moon Nuova does not disappoint. The stroller features a bucket-style seat with a three-position recline, which ensures your baby is always comfortable, whether awake or napping. The seat is also reversible, allowing your child to face you or explore the world ahead. The Träumeland mattress in the carrycot is another highlight, providing excellent comfort and breathability, which is especially useful during long strolls or naps on the go. Fun fact: our now 7-month-old has been napping in his stroller for the past four months.
Maneuverability and Wheels
One of the most important aspects of a stroller is how well it maneuvers. The Moon Nuova excels in this area, with its front swivel wheels that can be locked for more stability (we use this when we lightly rock wheel the stroller during his nap time) and on rougher terrain. The wheels are foam-coated, which provides a smooth ride, although they can be a bit noisy on cobblestones or uneven surfaces. This stroller handled the varied terrains of Germany’s city streets, La Palma’s rugged paths, and the hilly landscapes of Lefkada with relative ease. However, some users have noted that while the wheels are generally good, they aren’t the best for going down curbs.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The stroller’s suspension system is another strong point. It features a mechanical, spring-loaded suspension that smooths out bumps and offers a comfortable ride for your little one. Whether navigating the bumpy streets of a historic European city or strolling through a park, the Moon Nuova ensures a gentle ride. This was particularly evident during our trip to Lefkada, where the stroller managed the uneven paths with grace.
Canopy and Weather Protection
Weather can be unpredictable, especially when traveling, so a good canopy is crucial. The Moon Nuova comes with an extendable hood that offers ample protection from the sun and rain. The canopy includes UV protection and is waterproof, which came in handy during unexpected rain showers in Germany. The stroller also features a mesh window for ventilation, which is a thoughtful addition for warmer climates like those we experienced in Spain. It also functioned as a spy camera when we wanted to check if he is still awake or asleep already.
Folding and Portability
One area where the Moon Nuova could improve is in its folding mechanism. While it does fold flat, the process isn’t the most intuitive, and the stroller remains relatively bulky when folded. This can be a challenge if you’re frequently on the move or have limited trunk space. For instance, during our travels, fitting the folded stroller into a rental car was sometimes a tight squeeze. Additionally, the stroller lacks a carry handle, which would have made transporting it easier.
Accessories and Extra Features
The Moon Nuova comes with several accessories that add value. It includes a rain cover and adapters for car seats, which make it versatile for different travel needs. However, it lacks some of the more luxurious extras like a cup holder or parent tray, which might be a minor inconvenience for some. The stroller also features a sizable shopping basket, which, although not the largest, is sufficient for most day-to-day needs.
What We Really Disliked
Bulkiness and Portability
One of the biggest issues I’ve encountered with the Moon Nuova Kinderwagen is how bulky and heavy it is, especially when folded. It takes up a lot of space in the trunk of the car, and getting it in and out can be a real workout. If you have a smaller car or limited storage space, this might be a significant inconvenience. The lack of a carry handle also makes it difficult to move around when folded, which is frustrating when you’re juggling a baby and other gear
Complicated Folding Mechanism
Folding the Moon Nuova isn’t as easy as I would like. It requires a bit of effort and isn’t as intuitive as some other strollers I’ve used. This can be particularly annoying when you’re in a rush or dealing with a cranky baby. There are times when I just wish it had a simpler, one-handed folding mechanism.
Noisy Wheels on Rough Terrain
While the stroller generally handles well on smooth surfaces, I’ve found the wheels can be quite noisy and less effective on rougher terrains, like cobblestones or bumpy sidewalks. The noise is noticeable and can sometimes disturb my little one’s nap, which defeats the purpose of a peaceful stroll. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely something I’ve had to put up with
Limited Adjustability
The stroller’s lack of certain adjustable features is another area of concern for me. The handlebar, while adjustable, doesn’t have a wide range of motion, which could be a problem for parents of different heights. The leg rest also has only two positions and isn’t extendable, so as my baby grows, I’m finding it less and less accommodating.
Lack of Premium Features
For the price, I expected a few more premium features. There’s no cup holder, parent tray, or storage pocket included, which would have been really useful. These might seem like small details, but when you’re out and about with a baby, they can make a big difference in convenience. I’ve had to buy additional accessories to make up for these missing features.
Heavy Chassis
Lastly, the chassis, while durable, is quite heavy. This has made it challenging to lift into the car or carry up and down stairs. If you live in a walk-up apartment or frequently use public transportation, this could be a significant drawback
Final Thoughts
After six months of use across diverse environments, I can confidently say that the Moon Nuova Kinderwagen is a reliable, well-built stroller that performs admirably in various conditions. Its strong build, comfort features, and smooth maneuverability make it an excellent choice for parents who need a versatile stroller that can handle different terrains. However, its bulkiness when folded and the somewhat noisy wheels on cobblestones are aspects to consider. Now will we buy it again if we ever have another child? Ah nope. You see, we are the kind of parents who travels regularly. And its bulky frame, which makes it sturdy and reliable, is not really travel-friendly. But for its price, it is more than enough for now.
Overall, if you’re looking for a sturdy, comfortable stroller that offers a good balance of style and functionality, the Moon Nuova is a solid investment. It’s a stroller that not only makes life as a new parent bearable but one that allows you to thrive, even in the chaotic, ever-changing world of parenthood.
Sending all the patience and energy,
HomeHums.com
As a new mom, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the endless sea of baby products. That’s why I’ve started my honest review series, where I share genuine, in-depth insights on the products my little one and I actually use every day. With a focus on practicality, comfort, and value, I provide real-world feedback that resonates with other parents. By collaborating with me, your baby and parents products will reach an engaged audience of discerning moms who trust and value authentic experiences over generic advertising. Let’s work together to help parents find the best products for their babies.
4 Comments
[…] Since we intended to walk around the lake, a sturdy, all-terrain stroller was essential. The paths around Eibsee are mostly well-maintained, but there are sections with […]
[…] to know as a parent exploring Viktualienmarkt, from where to stay, a little history of the market, stroller-friendly activities, and the best places to […]
[…] weekend trips to hidden lakes, and the thrill of exploring new cities with our infant in tow. Our stroller has become the bulkiest, most essential piece of baby gear, adapting to the rhythms of our life, from smooth urban strolls […]
[…] lakefront paths to Berlin’s vibrant streets (Germany), we’ve dragged and folded a bulky, impractical stroller far too many times. Each trip left us sweating at train stations and cringing as we wrestled it […]