Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Crosstown 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
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Rear-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Rating | 4.70 | 4.90 |
Our Thoughts
One of the toughest decisions that we, as parents, face is selecting the perfect car seat to ensure our child's safety while on the road. Today, I will be comparing the Safety 1st Crosstown, a practical and affordable choice, with the UPPAbaby MESA, a premium infant car seat.
Starting with the Safety 1st Crosstown, this convertible seat is an adaptable option that is designed to grow with your child. From infancy, you can use it as a rear-facing seat up to 40 pounds, and as your child grows, it transitions to a forward-facing car seat that can comfortably accommodate up to 65 pounds. Finally, it even serves as a belt-positioning booster for up to 100 pounds, all while ensuring its removable seat pad can be cleaned easily. Another advantage is its easy-to-install design, which is often mentioned in reviews. Despite being budget-friendly, some parents have mentioned concerns about the quality of the plastic and difficulties in tightening the straps. However, it's important to remember that this car seat meets federal safety standards and makes a reliable choice for those needing an every day, long-term solution.
For the UPPAbaby MESA, the major standouts are its advanced safety features and ease of installation thanks to its SMARTSecure System. This high-end infant car seat is designed for newborns and smaller babies, providing a secure environment for your little one. Although this car seat is at a higher price point, its safety features and compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers enhance its value. Plus, its one-button stroller release makes for a smooth transition between car and stroller, ensuring convenience. However, one thing to bear in mind is that as an infant car seat, it has a shorter usage span, requiring an upgrade as the baby grows.
Between these two, if you're on a budget or prefer a car seat which can be in use for many years from infancy to booster seat stages, then I would recommend Safety 1st Crosstown. Its flexibility to change from rear-facing to front facing to a booster seat, makes it a practical and economical option to consider.
On the other hand, if you're willing to make a higher investment, frequently travel with your infant, and value advanced safety features, the UPPAbaby MESA would be a great fit. Though among parents there was concern about its weight as the baby grows, its easy installation, quality, and sleek design offer much to be appreciated. Keep in mind, though, you may need to invest in a different car seat as your child grows, due to its limited longevity as an infant seat.
Choosing a car seat is a personal decision that may vary based on your child's needs, your vehicle, and budget. Whether you choose Safety 1st Crosstown or UPPAbaby MESA, both offer great benefits and are dedicated to ensuring your child's safety.
Key Details
Crosstown | MESA | |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Brand | Safety 1st | UPPAbaby |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Rear-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.70 | 4.90 |
1 yr Price Range | $99.99 - $189 | $239.99 - $349.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Value |
![]() A price range from $99.99 to $189.00, paired with its 3-in-1 functionality, provides considerable savings over time. |
![]() While on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost. |
Safety |
![]() Several positive indicators of a high level of trust in its safety among parents. |
![]() Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety. |
Features |
![]() It covers the essential features expected of a convertible car seat but lacks some of the advanced features of higher-end models. |
![]() Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system. |
Installation |
![]() Reviews often mention ease of installation, suggesting a user-friendly design. |
![]() The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process. |
Cleaning |
![]() The fabric is easy to clean, a convenience highly appreciated by parents. |
![]() The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed. |
Size |
![]() With a moderate weight and footprint, it's fairly comparable to other seats in its class. |
![]() 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 Safety 1st Crosstown 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
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 19 - 40 inches | 0 - 32 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 4 - 35 pounds |
Forward-facing
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 29 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 43 - 52 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Width | 19.2 inches | 17.0 inches |
Height | 28.8 inches | 25.0 inches |
Depth | 31.8 inches | 28.0 inches |
Weight | 15.4 pounds | 9.9 pounds |
Core Specifications
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Model Year | 2022 | 2020 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster |
Rear-Facing |
||||||||||
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Rear-Facing Mode
|
||||||||||
Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Safety 1st Crosstown | 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
Safety 1st Crosstown | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 2 years |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 7 Years |
Additional Links
See all Safety 1st car seats | See all UPPAbaby car seats |
Full review of the Safety 1st Crosstown Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA |