Graco Contender 65 vs. Nuna Pipa: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 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

Our Thoughts

When deciding between the Graco Contender 65 and Nuna Pipa, there are quite a few key factors to weigh. Both car seats stand strong with their 4.8 out of 5 ratings, and possess notable features that make them excellent choices for parents. However, their functions and advantages differ in certain ways that could make one more suitable than the other for your specific needs.

The Graco Contender 65, for instance, is a convertible car seat that covers a broad weight range from 5 to 65 pounds with an adjustable harness system and a variety of recline positions. It offers both forward-facing and rear-facing configurations, making it grow effortlessly with your child from infancy through their toddler years. This car seat shines in the rational balance it achieves between functionality, safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, despite some challenges with regard to cleaning the seat cover, the overall success in robust safety features and easy installation make the Graco Contender 65 a practical choice for parents who prioritize an adaptable and reliable car seat that won't break the bank.

On the other hand, the Nuna Pipa is strictly a rear-facing infant car seat, designed to provide optimal safety and comfort for newborns and infants up to around 32 pounds. What sets the Nuna Pipa apart is its emphasis on safety, design, and innovative features, such as its sturdy base with a load leg for extra stability, a reinforced steel frame, and compatibility with many strollers. While regarded as a bit more pricey, Nuna Pipa's premium materials and quality construction offer considerable value, making it a worthwhile investment for parents who not only value safety, but style as well.

Notably, there are distinctive differences in the maximum weight allowed for both car seats. The Graco Contender 65 outshines the Nuna Pipa with a forward-facing maximum weight of 65 pounds as compared to Nuna Pipa's rear-facing maximum weight of 32. This could ascertain a longer lifespan for the Graco Contender 65.

If you see a long-term car seat investment in your future that will grow with your child while maintaining safety, comfort, and convenience at an affordable price, the Graco Contender 65 is worth looking into.

However, if your immediate needs revolve more around the baby stage, and you don't mind investing in a valuable piece that combines safety, innovation, and design in its features, then the Nuna Pipa might be just the choice for you. Additionally, if you intend to frequently switch the car seat between vehicles or attach it to a stroller, the Nuna Pipa leverages its easy installation process and compatibility with various strollers to your advantage.