Britax Poplar vs. Nuna Pipa: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Nuna Pipa.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.68 4.80

Our Thoughts

As a seasoned parent, car seat expert, and author, I'm keenly aware of how crucial a child's car seat is to their safety and comfort during travel. I've looked at two standout car seats, the Britax Poplar and the Nuna Pipa, which are highly rated for their diverse features and user-friendly designs. While they both offer excellent quality, there are a few differences that might influence your choice.

The Britax Poplar is a convertible car seat known for its sturdy construction, effortless installation, and versatility. With its ClickTight installation system, you can quickly set up the seat in your vehicle, a significant plus for parents on the go. It's designed to grow with your child, transitioning smoothly from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing seat for toddlers up to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height. This long-term usability is appreciated by parents who want a seat that will grow with their child from infancy through toddlerhood. However, some users have reported that the headrest lacks padding and that the seat is somewhat heavy, making it challenging to move between cars frequently.

On the other hand, the Nuna Pipa is a high-end infant car seat that stands out for its robust safety features and sleek design. It provides comfort and protection for newborns and infants up to around 32 pounds. Notably, the Pipa comes with a sturdy base featuring a load leg that enhances stability, and it's compatible with various strollers for ease of travel. However, bear in mind that it's somewhat heavy, and being an infant car seat, the Pipa has a shorter usage lifespan than the Poplar.

Comparing the two, the Britax Poplar supports a heavier weight limit in forward-facing mode. This distinction means your child can stay in this safer configuration for longer, an edge if you're looking for a long-lasting car seat solution. However, the Poplar is heavier than the Pipa, which might be a concern if you plan to switch the car seat between vehicles frequently.

For airplane travel, both seats are FAA approved, but it's important to note that the Britax Poplar is approved for both rear-facing and forward-facing modes, while the Pipa is only approved for rear-facing.

In recommendation, if you're looking for a car seat that will grow with your child and can accommodate a higher weight range, I'd suggest going with the Britax Poplar. However, if you prefer a more stylish and sleek car seat that provides excellent safety features, then the Nuna Pipa might be a more attractive option. Both options reflect an investment in your child's safety—but the right choice ultimately depends on your child's needs and your own preferences.

Key Details

Poplar Pipa
Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Brand Britax Nuna
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.68 4.80
1 yr Price Range $299.99 - $299.99 $400 - $425
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

Offers a robust set of features at a competitive price point, balancing quality and cost effectively.

While the price point is on the higher side, the quality and safety features present in the Nuna Pipa offer considerable value.

Safety

Safety is a hallmark of Britax, and the Poplar is no exception, with its sturdy construction and reliable performance in safety tests.

The car seat's reinforced steel frame and load leg provide excellent stability and safety.

Features

With its convertible design and user-friendly installation, the Poplar stands out in its category.

The car seat offers a range of fabric choices and is compatible with many strollers, although it lacks some additional features like cup holders.

Installation

The ClickTight system is frequently praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, making installation a breeze.

With the LATCH system, base, and seatbelt options, the car seat offers a versatile and user-friendly installation.

Cleaning

The seat is designed with easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning, which is a boon for busy parents.

The removable cover is a plus; however, there is no specific mention of ease of cleaning in comparison to other models.

Size

The slim profile of the Poplar is advantageous for fitting into compact cars without compromising on comfort or safety.

While not the lightest option available, the compact dimensions ensure it fits well in most cars.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Britax Poplar and the Nuna Pipa. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 5 - 50 pounds 4 - 32 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Width 17.0 inches 17.5 inches
Height 20.5 inches 23.0 inches
Depth 23.5 inches 25.2 inches
Weight 27.2 pounds 7.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Model Year 2023 2021
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Federal Safety Standards Does not meet standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Britax Poplar Nuna Pipa
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Nuna car seats
Full review of the Britax Poplar
Full review of the Nuna Pipa