Nuna vs Uppababy – Which Infant Car Seat is Best for You?
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Nuna Pipa vs Uppababy Mesa Car Seats
Two of the most popular child car seats that are currently available are the Nuna Pipa and the Uppababy Mesa. Normally when we compare products, one of the main comparisons would likely be the pricing, but for these two infant car seats, there is little or no difference in the cost.
What this means is that we can look at Nuna Pipa vs Uppababy Mesa, purely in terms of features, such as safety and comfort, knowing that whichever of them has an advantage, it will not cost you more or less in most outlets for either car seat.
In looking at these Nuna vs Uppababy infant car seats, we'll highlight each of their most important features in categories such as ease of installation, maximum weight, comfort, safety and the other benefits they offer which may have a bearing on your decision.
Once we have gone through all of them we will summarize the main differences between them and give our thoughts on the merits of both the Nuna Pipa and the Uppababy Mesa.
Specifications Compared
Seat Weight | Child Weight Limits | Child Height Limit | Size | NHTSA Ease of Use Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nuna Pipa | 7.9 lbs, with canopy & attachments 14 lbs | 4 to 32 lbs | Up to 32 in | 25.2"L x 17.5"W x 26.1"H | |
Uppababy Mesa | 9 lbs, with canopy & attachments 9.9 lbs | 4 to 35 lbs | Up to 32 in | 25.8”L x 17”W x 23”H |
Nuna Pipa Main Features
Ease of Installation
Height and Weight Limits
Comfort Features
Safety Features
Other Features and Benefits
Uppababy Mesa Main Features
Ease of Installation
Height and Weight Limits
Comfort Features
Safety Features
Other Features and Benefits
Nuna Pipa Vs. Uppababy Mesa: Main Differences
- 1The first Nuna vs Uppababy comparison is the weight limit, which the Uppababy Mesa wins, as its limit is 3 lbs heavier than the Pipa. This might not seem a lot, but it is 10% of a difference.
- 2With just the base car seat, the Pipa is the lighter of the two at 7.9 lbs vs the Mesa which is 9 lbs. However, once the canopy and attachments are added, this is reversed, with the Pipa rising to 14 lbs, and the Mesa going up to just 9.9lbs. Since you will likely always use the car seat with the attachments, the Uppababy is the winner in terms of weight.
- 3Mesa has an easier installation and fewer compatibility issues.
- 4Pipa has a major safety advantage with the fold-down leg support.
- 5Mesa has more features which promote the child's comfort.
- 6Pipa is compatible with more stroller brands than the Mesa.
Nuna vs Uppababy Video Review
If you're looking to compare these infant car seats from Nuna and Uppababy side by side and close up then check out the video below courtesy of The Baby Cubby. The video compares all of the features that we've highlighted above so you can decide for yourself which one is best for you.
Conclusion
Both the Nuna Pipa and the Uppababy Mesa offer parents a high quality, safe and comfortable car seat for their babies, infants or children, so we would be happy to recommend either of them.
Where we sense a difference is where they place the most emphasis on two of the most important aspects of a child car seat, namely comfort and safety.
Of the two, the Nuna Pipa has the edge on the safety front and in particular, its fold-down load leg, adds additional protection. Its design means that the risk of a child suffering a head injury is reduced by over 40% according to some consumer tests that have been conducted.
This is not to say that the UPPAbaby MESA in any way compromises safety and everything within its construction and design will protect a child should a collision occur.
As it is also deemed to be easier to install, then this suggests that there is less likelihood of the Mesa being installed wrongly, and therefore not being safe.
Where the Mesa has an advantage over the Pipa, is in giving an infant or a child additional comfort, with features like the adjustable head rest
Other factors that push us slightly towards the Mesa, include being able to remove the fabric for cleaning without having to unthread the harness, and it being lighter overall when the canopy etc. are attached in comparison to the Pipa
So, for the Nuna vs. Uppababy comparison, we give it (just), to the Uppababy Mesa for its comfort and ease of installation, while at the same time offering a very high level of safety to any child or infant using this car seat.
