Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 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

When it comes to the world of car seats, Safety 1st’s Grand 2-in-1 and UPPAbaby's MESA are two popular picks that offer unique sets of features. Let's take a closer look at these two options to help you determine which is best for you and your growing family.

The Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 convertible car seat is a budget-friendly choice designed for long-lasting use, growing with your child from the harness mode up till the booster stage, covering kids from ages 1 to 10 and up to 100 pounds in weight. This makes it truly a "grand" option offers substantial savings in terms of its extended usability. Whereas, UPPAbaby's MESA, a high-end infant car seat, is custom tailored for newborns and smaller babies, providing a secure environment during the initial car journeys. This seat accommodates babies weighing 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. While the MESA offers a shorter lifespan in comparison, it stands out for its advanced safety features and it's a favorite for those opting for a premium product.

Regarding safety and installation, the Grand 2-in-1 meets standard safety requirements but somewhat lacks advanced features. The installation is straightforward but securing the a tight fit requires attention to detail. On the other hand, the MESA goes a step further in providing enhanced safety with its no-rethread harness and side-impact protection and is applauded for its easy and secure installation process. It's important to mention here that while the Grand 2-in-1 is lightweight and easier to carry around, some parents find the MESA a bit heavy to move, especially as their baby grows.

For cleaning and maintenance, the Grand 2-in-1 is the ultimate winner with its machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad. On the contrary, MESA's seat cover is removable and washable, but may need some extra care while cleaning. Moreover, the MESA is made with chemical-free fabrics which use naturally fire-resistant materials without any added chemicals, posing an added safety feature.

In summary, the Grand 2-in-1 and MESA car seats cater to different stages of your child’s growth, offering safety, comfort, and convenience. If you are looking for an extended use at a reasonable cost and don't mind some extra attention during installation, the Grand 2-in-1 is a prudent choice. It's designed for budget-focused families needing a safe and versatile car seat. However, if you are in search of an infant car seat that assures advanced safety features, unmatched ease of installation, and are open to a higher budget, the UPPAbaby MESA would be more your lane. This seat is ideally suited for those who desire premium quality and convenience, and don't mind transitioning to a different seat as their child grows.