Safety 1st Guide 65 vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Guide 65 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

In the world of car seats, you'll find options such as the Safety 1st Guide 65 and the UPPAbaby MESA. These two seats have been designed with varying types of consideration for parents' needs. When examining these options, several important factors come into play such as user friendliness, longevity, safety, and price.

Starting with user-friendliness, the Safety 1st Guide 65 can be used both rear and forward-facing. It shines in situations where you need to save space, as the compact design allows for accommodating up to three seats in a row within most vehicles. However, it has received mixed reviews with a common issue parent's face being the complex installation process, which seems to be particularly challenging in the rear-facing mode. On the other hand, you have the UPPAbaby MESA, a seat designed specifically for infants and solely for rear-facing use. Installation is where the MESA stands out. Its SMARTSecure system ensures an accurate and secure installation every time. Therefore, if your main concern is about convenience and you prefer an easy installing process, the MESA might be your preferred choice.

In terms of usage longevity, the two seats take different approaches. Safety 1st's Guide 65 is a convertible seat that can cater to babies as small as 5 pounds and can be adjusted as the child grows, up to 65 pounds. This highlights the seat's potential to be a long-term investment. Conversely, with a weight limit of 35 pounds and a height limit of 32 inches, the MESA is only usable during the infant stage. However, this limitation is not necessarily a downside—having a seat specifically designed for infants can provide a more tailored experience during your child's first few months, offering a secure and comfortable environment.

Safety is paramount in any car seat decision. The Guide 65 offers essential safety features but has faced some concerns regarding stability, especially in the rear-facing configuration. Comparatively, the MESA excels in this aspect with an excellent array of safety components such as a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection integrated within the headrest, giving parents peace of mind.

It's also important to note the distinct price points. The Guide 65 is positioned as a budget-friendly option, while the MESA is on the pricier side. However, the added cost of the MESA seems justified by its extra features, premium materials, and sophisticated design which also adds value to the overall user experience.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an affordable, long-term investment, the Safety 1st Guide 65 could be your pick, particularly if you have multiple young children and a need to save space in your vehicle. However, given the installation challenges and some safety concerns in rear-facing configuration, it might not be for everyone. If your budget isn't strictly limited, the UPPAbaby MESA offers exceptional safety features, ease of installation, and high-quality materials. Its short-term usage span may also allow your child to have an optimal comfortable and secure environment during their early stages of development. Thus, depending solely on your specific needs and budget, your choice may vary between these two models.