Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the UPPAbaby Alta 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
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |
Type | High Back Booster | Rear-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.59 | 4.90 |
Our Thoughts
Looking at the UPPAbaby Alta High-Back Booster Seat and the UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat, it's clear that both are excellent choices. However, they are meant to serve different stages in your child's life, and their features reflect this.
The UPPAbaby Alta is a high-back booster suitable for children roughly between the ages of 5 and 10, weighing between 40 and 100 pounds and measuring between 38 and 57 inches tall. Its design accommodates growing children, making it a suitable choice for those transitioning from a harnessed car seat to a booster seat. Parents have found it easy to install using the rigid LATCH system, and it's generally well-regarded for its unique safety features like the SecureFit belt routing system. However, some parents reported issues with the shoulder belt slipping out of position, so periodic checks might be needed to ensure correct belt placement. Additionally, considering its sizable width of 19 inches, it's best suitable for parents with larger cars such as SUVs or minivans.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is an infant car seat designed for babies weighing between 4 and 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. This car seat provides secure and comfortable accommodation for newborns and smaller babies. Its standout features include its easy installation with the SMARTSecure system and its compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers for a seamless transition from car to stroller. Unlike the Alta, the MESA is FAA approved for rear-facing configuration, making it a suitable option for families who frequently travel by air. Despite its higher price, it offers exceptional value with its advanced safety features and durability. Some considerations for potential buyers might be the seat's weight, making it a bit bulky to carry, and its limited lifespan as an infant seat, requiring families to invest in an upgraded car seat as the baby grows.
If you're seeking a car seat for your growing child who's ready to transition from a harnessed car seat, the Alta High-Back Booster Seat could be your ideal choice. However, keep in mind the issues with the shoulder belt placement and its suitable fitting in larger cars due to its sizable width. On the other hand, if you need a safe and convenient car seat for your newborn or smaller baby, the MESA Infant Car Seat—with its exceptional safety ratings and easy installation—is a fantastic option if the higher price point is within your budget. It's worth noting that like any other infant car seat, there will be a need for an upgrade as your baby grows.
Both seats undoubtedly offer safety and convenience but remember, the best choice largely depends on the age, size, and needs of your child.
Key Details
Alta | MESA | |
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Brand | UPPAbaby | UPPAbaby |
Type | High Back Booster | Rear-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.59 | 4.90 |
1 yr Price Range | $179.99 - $179.99 | $239.99 - $349.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Priced consistently at $179.99, it aligns with the market average for high-back boosters with similar features. |
![]() While on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost. |
Safety |
![]() It's generally well-regarded by users for safety. |
![]() Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety. |
Features |
![]() Offers unique features like rigid LATCH connectors and a SecureFit belt routing system, which are not standard on all boosters. |
![]() Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system. |
Installation |
![]() Parents report easy installation, especially praising the rigid LATCH system, indicating a user-friendly experience. |
![]() The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process. |
Cleaning |
![]() The machine washable seat pad and removable cup holder are highlighted as positives for easy cleanup. |
![]() The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed. |
Size |
![]() Its dimensions are standard for a high-back booster, accommodating the appropriate age and size range without being exceptionally compact or light. |
![]() 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 UPPAbaby Alta 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
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Height Range | 0 - 32 inches | |
Weight Range | 4 - 35 pounds |
Forward-facing
Neither car seat has a Forward-facing configuration.
Booster
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Height Range | 38 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Width | 19.0 inches | 17.0 inches |
Height | 33.0 inches | 25.0 inches |
Depth | 20.0 inches | 28.0 inches |
Weight | 16.6 pounds | 9.9 pounds |
Core Specifications
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Model Year | 2019 | 2020 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Unknown | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
High Back Booster |
Rear-Facing |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Base Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 3-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. |
No cup holders |
Warranty and Durability
UPPAbaby Alta | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 2 years | 2 years |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 7 Years |
Additional Links
See all UPPAbaby car seats |
Full review of the UPPAbaby Alta Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA |