Britax Poplar vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar 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

Consider the Britax Poplar and UPPAbaby MESA car seats, two high-performing options on the market, both with strong reputations for safety and quality.

The Britax Poplar is a convertible car seat, capable of transitioning from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing one for toddlers, adding to its overall practicality. With this versatility, it can accommodate your child from birth up to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height. It receives high marks in safety, performance, and simplicity of installation with its unique ClickTight system that has won over many parents. Moreover, it supports rear-facing mode up to 50 pounds, which allows for a safer orientation for a longer period. However, some parents did state that the car seat is somewhat heavy and bulky, which could be a disadvantage when needing to switch it between different cars frequently. Moreover, while the Poplar is a more costly option, parents have justified the expense by its longevity and trust in the Britax brand.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA, a premium infant car seat, caters specifically to newborns and smaller babies, supporting weights from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. Notably, the MESA is praised for its advanced safety features and ease of installation, thanks to the innovative SMARTSecure system. It's also compatible with UPPAbaby strollers, providing a streamlined travel experience for parents. One thing to be aware of is that as an infant car seat, it has a shorter lifespan than a convertible seat, so a transition to a different seat would be necessary as your child grows. The MESA also comes at a higher price point, although this reflects its luxurious character and advanced features.

Coming down to a recommendation, if your budget allows, the Britax Poplar is an excellent investment. Its secure and adaptable design and its reputation for safety make it a robust choice that will serve your child from infancy through toddlerhood. However, if you prioritize a car seat that offers a seamless integration with a high-quality stroller system or prefer a higher-end product specially designed for infants' comfort and safety, the UPPAbaby MESA comes with a strong recommendation as well.