Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 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

Our Thoughts

The Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 and the UPPAbaby MESA are both high-quality car seats renowned for their safety features and ease of use, but they do serve different purposes. As a versatile 5-in-1 convertible model, the Graco 4Ever DLX stands out for its impressive longevity. This seat promises to grow with your child, starting as an infant car seat and eventually converting into a seat belt trainer for grade-school kids. It holds children up to 65 lbs in forward-facing mode and 40 lbs in the rear-facing position. This car seat emphasizes convenience alongside its steadfast commitment to safety, boasting a removable fabric cover for easy cleaning, one-motion adjustment for the harness and headrest, and the SnugLock system for swift installation.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is a specialized rear-facing infant car seat, catering to babies weighing between 4-35 lbs and measuring up to 32 inches in height. It's appreciated for its advanced safety features, ease of installation, and compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers, which offers parents a seamless travel system. Notable perks of the MESA include its adjustable headrest with added padding for newborn comfort and its SMARTSecure system, guaranteeing accurate and secure installation every time. The only limitation of the MESA is its shorter usage span since you would need to upgrade to another car seat as your baby grows past the specified weight limit.

In terms of FAA approval for travel, both car seats make the cut. The Graco 4Ever DLX is approved for both rear- and forward-facing configurations, while the UPPAbaby MESA is approved solely for rear-facing, considering its specific infant-friendly design.

In terms of recommendation, the Graco 4Ever DLX provides excellent value for money with its 5-in-1 versatility that sees your child through from infancy to grade school. It's the go-to option for those prioritizing longevity and all-round usage in one purchase. Although the UPPAbaby MESA carries a heftier price tag, it is worth the investment for families desiring a quality, convenient travel system straight from the beginning, particularly if they plan to pair it with an UPPAbaby stroller. In essence, if you can accommodate the MESA's price and its limitation as an infant-only seat, you'd be getting a car seat that offers premium comfort, safety, and convenience for your little one in those precious initial years.