Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the UPPAbaby MESA.
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 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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 | 4.90 |
Our Thoughts
Consider the Britax Poplar and UPPAbaby MESA car seats, two high-performing options on the market, both with strong reputations for safety and quality.
The Britax Poplar is a convertible car seat, capable of transitioning from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing one for toddlers, adding to its overall practicality. With this versatility, it can accommodate your child from birth up to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height. It receives high marks in safety, performance, and simplicity of installation with its unique ClickTight system that has won over many parents. Moreover, it supports rear-facing mode up to 50 pounds, which allows for a safer orientation for a longer period. However, some parents did state that the car seat is somewhat heavy and bulky, which could be a disadvantage when needing to switch it between different cars frequently. Moreover, while the Poplar is a more costly option, parents have justified the expense by its longevity and trust in the Britax brand.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA, a premium infant car seat, caters specifically to newborns and smaller babies, supporting weights from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. Notably, the MESA is praised for its advanced safety features and ease of installation, thanks to the innovative SMARTSecure system. It's also compatible with UPPAbaby strollers, providing a streamlined travel experience for parents. One thing to be aware of is that as an infant car seat, it has a shorter lifespan than a convertible seat, so a transition to a different seat would be necessary as your child grows. The MESA also comes at a higher price point, although this reflects its luxurious character and advanced features.
Coming down to a recommendation, if your budget allows, the Britax Poplar is an excellent investment. Its secure and adaptable design and its reputation for safety make it a robust choice that will serve your child from infancy through toddlerhood. However, if you prioritize a car seat that offers a seamless integration with a high-quality stroller system or prefer a higher-end product specially designed for infants' comfort and safety, the UPPAbaby MESA comes with a strong recommendation as well.
Key Details
Poplar | MESA | |
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Brand | Britax | UPPAbaby |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.68 | 4.90 |
1 yr Price Range | $299.99 - $299.99 | $239.99 - $349.99 |
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 on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost. |
Safety |
![]() Safety is a hallmark of Britax, and the Poplar is no exception, with its sturdy construction and reliable performance in safety tests. |
![]() Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety. |
Features |
![]() With its convertible design and user-friendly installation, the Poplar stands out in its category. |
![]() Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system. |
Installation |
![]() The ClickTight system is frequently praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, making installation a breeze. |
![]() The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process. |
Cleaning |
![]() The seat is designed with easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning, which is a boon for busy parents. |
![]() The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed. |
Size |
![]() The slim profile of the Poplar is advantageous for fitting into compact cars without compromising on comfort or safety. |
![]() Comparable to other infant seats in size, fitting well in most vehicles. |
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 UPPAbaby MESA. 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 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 32 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 50 pounds | 4 - 35 pounds |
Forward-facing
Britax Poplar | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
Britax Poplar | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Width | 17.0 inches | 17.0 inches |
Height | 20.5 inches | 25.0 inches |
Depth | 23.5 inches | 28.0 inches |
Weight | 27.2 pounds | 9.9 pounds |
Core Specifications
Britax Poplar | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Model Year | 2023 | 2020 |
Made In | USA | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Britax Poplar | UPPAbaby MESA | |||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Does not meet standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Britax Poplar | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
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 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 2 years |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 7 Years |
Additional Links
See all Britax car seats | See all UPPAbaby car seats |
Full review of the Britax Poplar Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA |