Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One 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 Grow and Go All-in-One UPPAbaby MESA
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Rear-Facing
Current price
In stock (10 varieties available)
$129.99 - $159.99
In stock
$329.99
Rating 4.61 4.90

Our Thoughts

The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat is designed with adaptability in mind, to accommodate a child through various stages, from infancy through the booster seat years. It can be used rear-facing for infants, forward-facing with a harness for toddlers and as a belt-positioning booster for kids, covering a generous range of weights from 5 up to 100 lbs. Its adjustable features and built-in versatility come at a remarkably competitive price, ideal for budget-conscious parents. However, the car seat installation can be challenging, with reports of users struggling with securing a tight fit and occasional strap tangling challenges.

In contrast, the UPPAbaby MESA, a high-end infant car seat, is designed with enhanced safety features for babies weighing between 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. It stands out for its unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system ensuring an accurate and secure installation every time. While it doesn't offer the extensive weight range covered by the Safety 1st Grow and Go, the UPPAbaby MESA does shine in terms of ease of installation, sleek design, and compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers. However, it's worth noting that this car seat carries a heftier price tag, potentially putting it out of reach for some families.

In terms of FAA approved modes for travel, the Safety 1st Grow and Go supports both forward-facing and rear-facing configurations. On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is only approved for travel in the rear-facing configuration.

If you're looking for a long-term, budget-friendly car seat that will grow with your child from infancy through to the booster seat years, then the Safety 1st Grow and Go would make a great choice. It provides extended use in each mode and while it may lack some of the more high-end features of other car seats, it delivers exceptional value. On the other hand, if safety features and ease of installation are your top priorities and your budget allows, the UPPAbaby MESA is a premium product that offers high-end materials, advanced safety features, and ease of use that can provide peace of mind for parents.

Key Details

Grow and Go All-in-One MESA
Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One UPPAbaby MESA
Brand Safety 1st UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.61 4.90
1 yr Price Range $159.99 - $179.99 $239.99 - $349.99
Current price
In stock (10 varieties available)
$129.99 - $159.99
In stock
$329.99
Value

The Grow and Go offers extended utility across multiple growth stages at a competitive price, making it a smart purchase for budget-conscious families.

While on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost.

Safety

It meets all safety standards, although some users report challenges with installation and strap tangling.

Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety.

Features

While it includes essential features like the QuickFit Harness, it may lack some of the premium features found in higher-end seats.

Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system.

Installation

Reports indicate that the car seat installation can be tricky, requiring more effort to ensure a secure fit.

The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process.

Cleaning

The seat pad is both machine washable and dryer safe, which is highly convenient for busy parents.

The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed.

Size

Its rear-facing mode offers more leg room for front seat passengers, a bonus in smaller vehicles.

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 Grow and Go All-in-One 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 Grow and Go All-in-One UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 19 - 40 inches 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 35 pounds

Forward-facing

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 29 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 43 - 52 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One UPPAbaby MESA
Width 19.3 inches 17.0 inches
Height 24.2 inches 25.0 inches
Depth 24.5 inches 28.0 inches
Weight 18.7 pounds 9.9 pounds

Core Specifications

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One UPPAbaby MESA
Model Year 2022 2020
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One 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 Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One 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 Grow and Go All-in-One 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 Grow and Go All-in-One
Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA