Nuna Pipa RX vs. UppaBaby Mesa Max: Which Car Seat Is Best?
Making sure your baby is safe and comfortable during travel is one of your most important jobs as a parent. Selecting the right infant car seat is a big decision, considering it will be an essential part of your child's early life on the road. Two popular choices on the market are the Nuna Pipa RX and the UppaBaby Mesa Max infant car seats. Both car seats are known for their safety features, innovative designs, and ease of use. In this article, we’ll delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Nuna Pipa RX vs. UppaBaby Mesa Max to help you make an informed choice that suits your family’s specific needs.
Shared Features of the Nuna Pipa RX Car Seat and UppaBaby Mesa Max Car Seat
Both the Nuna Pipa RX and the UppaBaby Mesa Max offer top-tier safety, comfortable design, and user-friendly features. Here are a few other standout similarities:
- Installation using the European belt path: Both car seats are designed with a European belt path which allows you to install the car seat without the base. This is exceptionally handy for parents who switch cars often, who use more than one caregiver, or who use alternate transportation like rideshares or taxis.
- Base has a load leg: This added safety feature helps absorbs impact and minimizes force transfer to the baby in the event of a collision.
- No-rethread harness: This feature makes it super convenient to create a customized fit for your growing child.
- Infant inserts: Both car seats come equipped with removable infant inserts designed to provide a better fit and body positioning for newborns.
- FAA-approved: When used according to their instruction manuals, both of these infant car seats are approved for air travel.
Differences Between the Nuna Pipa RX Car Seat and the UppaBaby Mesa Max Car Seat
While the Nuna Pipa RX and the UppaBaby Mesa Max are both highly-rated for safety, comfort, and style, there are a few key differences. For starters, the Nuna Pipa RX is compatible with more types of strollers. It works with all Nuna brands and several select premium strollers (including those from UPPABaby!) to create a travel system. By contrast, the UppaBaby Mesa Max can directly attach to VISTA and CRUZ strollers. There are also convenient adapters available for the MINU and RIDGE strollers.
Another difference is the size and scope of the canopy. The Nuna Pipa RX has a large canopy with a flip-out Skydrape along with an extending shade. It also offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The UppaBaby Mesa Max has an extra large canopy but no additional shades and offers UPF 25+ sun protection.
The other standout difference between these two seats is weight and weight capacity. Both are fantastic lightweight car seats, but the Nuna Pipa RX is a bit lighter (7.6 lbs vs. 9.9 lbs). The UppaBaby Mesa Max has a slightly higher weight capacity (up to 35 lbs vs. up to 32 lbs.), but both have maximum height limits of 32”.
Comparison Chart for Nuna PIPA RX Car Seat vs. UppaBaby Mesa Max Car Seat
Take a look at this chart for a quick comparison on the specs between these two amazing infant car seats.
| Specs |
Nuna PIPA RX |
UppaBaby Mesa Max |
|
Installation |
|
|
|
Load Leg? |
Yes, locking 3-piece steel stability leg has a wide range of adjustments to fit most vehicles, including middle seats. |
Yes, included base with load leg for additional stability + energy absorption. |
|
Anti-rebound panel? |
Yes. The integrated anti-rebound panel provides an additional layer of rear-facing safety |
Yes. Anti-rebound+ panel for increased safety in rebound and rear-impact collisions. Also includes 4th anti-rebound handle position for increased safety in rebound and rear-impact collisions when installed without the base |
|
Product Weight |
7.6 lbs |
9.9 pounds |
|
Dimensions |
17.5” W x 25.2” L x 23” H |
17″ W x 25.8″ L x 23″ H |
|
Child Height Limit |
Up to 32” |
Up to 32” |
|
Child Weight Limit |
4 to 32 lbs |
4 to 35 pounds |
|
Infant insert? |
Yes. Infant head and body inserts grow with your baby. |
Yes. Robust infant insert designed to provide better fit and body positioning for babies approximately 4–11 lbs. |
|
Headrest |
Height adjustable headrest |
Adjustable to grow with baby Side impact protection |
|
Harness |
No-rethread, adjustable harness |
No-rethread, adjustable harness |
|
Stroller Compatibility |
Connects with all Nuna strollers and select premium strollers to create a travel system. |
Direct attachment to VISTA and CRUZ strollers; convenient adapters available for the MINU and RIDGE strollers. |
|
Material |
Machine washable fabrics; no added fire-retardant chemicals. |
Machine washable fabrics; no added fire-retardant chemicals. |
|
Canopy |
Full coverage, UPF 50+ canopy with two positions and a flip-out eyeshade. Also features a Dream drape™that pulls down smoothly and attaches quietly with magnets. |
Extra-large UPF 25+ hideaway canopy for increased sun protection. |
|
FAA-Approved? |
Yes, FAA-certified for aircraft use with or without base |
Yes, when used according to the instruction manual. |
|
Handle |
Luxe leatherette carry handle |
Carry handle with stroller release button |
Which is Better, the Nuna PIPA RX Car Seat or UppaBaby Mesa Max Car Seat?
Choosing the right infant car seat is a personal decision. Both the Nuna Pipa RX and UppaBaby Mesa Max are reputable options, offering top-tier safety elements, comfortable designs, and user-friendly features. The Nuna Pipa RX stands out with its lightweight build and impressive canopy design. On the other hand, the UppaBaby Mesa Max impresses with its easy installation and higher weight capacity.
Ultimately, the choice between UppaBaby Mesa Max vs. Nuna Pipa RX depends on your individual preferences and specific needs. Consider what type of stroller you’ll be using. You’ll also want to think about how frequently you’ll be carrying the car seat around. You really can’t go wrong with either choice! You can shop ANB Baby’s entire UPPAbaby and Nuna collections online anytime. Still unsure which car seat is best for you and your little one? Visit us in-store to try out our selection and get personalized assistance from our staff!