Nuna Pipa vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Nuna Pipa 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

Choosing the perfect car seat for your little one is not an easy task, as we must prioritize safety without compromising on convenience and style. Both the Nuna Pipa and UPPAbaby MESA infant car seats come highly recommended, carding stellar ratings and exhibiting exemplary safety features. However, there are some distinctive characteristics to each that might influence your final choice.

The Nuna Pipa is well-known for its robust safety features. Thanks to a reinforced steel frame and a sturdy base with a load leg, it offers excellent stability. It features a five-point harness system, a crucial safety feature for infant car seats. Parents have also lauded the Nuna Pipa for its sleek design and various fabric choices, which make it a stylish option. It's worth noting that its compact dimensions make it fit well in most cars. However, do bear in mind that it has a maximum weight limit of 32 pounds in the rear-facing configuration, and it's slightly heavier than some other alternatives. Since it's an infant car seat, it's designed for a relatively short usage span as your child will quickly outgrow it.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA stands out with its SMARTSecure System that ensures an accurate and secure installation. Another unique feature is its no-rethread harness that adjusts easily as the baby grows, making it an option worth considering for busy parents. The MESA has been praised for its easy and secure installation process, thus enhancing safety and convenience. Like the Nuna Pipa, it's not particularly lightweight, but it does offer a slightly higher weight limit for the rear-facing configuration of 35 pounds. The MESA is easy to clean with its removable and washable seat cover, but it too has a limited lifespan as an infant seat.

Both car seats are FAA approved for rear-facing configuration and have not been recalled, which lends peace of mind when it comes to your child's safety. They also both offer compatibility with their respective brands' strollers, which is a significant advantage for parents who frequently travel or need a smooth transition between car journeys and strolls.

If you're looking for a car seat with a slightly higher weight limit and prioritize effortless installation, then UPPAbaby MESA could be the choice for you. However, if a robust safety construction with stylish design elements is your priority, you might find the Nuna Pipa more to your liking. While both seats carry a higher price tag, they justify this with their exceptional safety features and ease of use. As with any product, your final decision should align with your specific needs, comfort, and budget.