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The UPPAbaby MESA is a sleek and sturdy car seat you can use to transport your baby safely throughout the first year of life and beyond. This rear-facing seat is exceptionally easy to set up and use, with retractable LATCH connectors and the ability to adjust the harness and the headrest in just one quick step.
You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing you have this car seat set up properly, thanks to a unique, user-friendly color-coded indicator that lets you know when the installation is properly tight, whether you’re using the LATCH system or the vehicle’s seat belt.
The MESA takes safety to a whole new level: Two of its versions, namely the Jordan and the Henry, are covered in a flame-resistant merino wool fabric. What’s more, this model has received a perfect rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in five categories that pertain to usability and clarity of instructions.
Overview of the UPPAbaby MESA
Installing the UPPAbaby MESA is refreshingly simple, due to helpful color-coded aids. You’ll always know when it is installed tightly enough, as its tension indicator turns from red to green. Similarly, indicators on the sides of the base turn green when it’s set up at the proper angle. Making adjustments is just as painless of a process, as you can set the height of the harness and headrest together.
Other safety-minded aspects include side-impact protection, and select models incorporate naturally fire-retardant fabrics. The low-profile base doesn’t take up much real estate, and its underside is gentle on your car’s upholstery.
This model can be used by children who weigh four to 35 pounds, as well as those with a maximum height of 32 inches. An included insert and the extra-low harness position make it well suited for newborns and preemies. A pull-down sunshade provides UPF 25+ protection, and it can be tucked out of sight when it’s not needed. It can be attached directly to UPPAbaby’s full-sized Vista and Cruz strollers, and is also compatible with the manufacturer’s lightweight and portable Minu strollers with the purchase of an adapter.
Safety
As we’ve mentioned, the UPPAbaby Mesa comes highly regarded by the NHTSA, a federal agency that examines the instructions and usability of car seats. It is rated in the following ways:
Expiration
Video Overview of UPPAbaby MESA
UPPAbaby MESA Specs
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Child weight | 4 - 35 pounds |
Child height | Up to 32 inches |
Dimensions of car seat | 26.4” long x 17” wide x 23” tall |
Dimensions of base | 20.8” long x 14.5” wide x 9.8 - 12.8” tall |
Dimensions of car seat on base | 27.5” long x 17” wide x 24” tall |
Carrier weight | 9.9 pounds |
Base weight | 9 pounds |
UPPAbaby MESA Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Safety features | |
Longevity | |
Ease of Use | |
Comfort and Convenience | Whether you’re just setting it up or adjusting it as your child grows, the UPPAbaby MESA is quite simple to use. Two retractors in the base allow for a quick and secure installation and, unlike with many other models, you won’t need to bother pulling on any straps to tighten it. The four-position foot of the base makes it compatible with the seat slopes of many types of car. The base’s handy built-in level indicator turns green when it’s set at the proper recline level. Adjusting the harness and the headrest can be done in one single motion, without the need for any rethreading. A common inconvenience of car seats is the harness buckles getting in the way when you load your baby. This model, however, boasts thoughtfully designed pockets that can hold the buckles out of the way until you’re ready to close up the harness. The MESA comes with a newborn insert as well as an extra-low harness position geared toward tiny babies. It can be used with select strollers from UPPAbaby, and whether you’re in the car or going for a walk, the canopy can help keep your bundle of joy cool and comfy, while providing UPF 25+ protection. |
Ease of Installation |
Who is the UPPAbaby MESA Suitable For?
This rear-facing car seat is made for babies who weigh from 4 to 35 pounds, with a maximum height of 32 inches. It’s usable by preemies by way of the padded, removable insert. It’s also a convenient choice for parents who want a carrier that can be clicked securely into a compatible stroller. It can be installed without the base, making it an attractive option for families who plan to frequently move the seat from car to car.
What is included with the UPPAbaby MESA?
This model comes with the carrier, the base, and the supportive insert for small babies. If you’re in the market for a second base, one can be purchased separately. Other accessories sold from the manufacturer include a travel bag and a rain shield.
Pros and Cons of the UPPAbaby MESA
Pros
Cons
UPPAbaby MESA Installation Videos
Installation with the base using LATCH:
UPPAbaby MESA Online Manual Download
The UPPAbaby MESA manufacturers manual is available online at the following link:
UPPAbaby MESA vs. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35:
In many ways, the UPPAbaby MESA and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 resemble each other very closely. Both offer valuable side-impact protection, protective canopies, cushioned inserts, installation without or without the base, and compatibility with various strollers. Both are designed for exceptional ease of installation, the UPPAbaby model with its SMARTSecure system and the Peg Perego choice with its Right Tight system.
While neither of these premium models is light on the wallet, the Primo Viaggio 4-35 comes at a slightly lower price. One feature you’ll find with the Peg Perego model and not the UPPAbaby is an anti-rebound bar that provides added protection during a collision. The MESA comes more highly rated by the NHTSA for things like ease of installation and use. While the carriers are highly similar in weight, the base of the MESA is roughly a pound-and-a-half heavier than that of the Primo Viaggio 4-35. Overall, both of these models deliver high-quality features and don’t skimp a bit on things like safety and convenience.
The Baby Cubby's UPPAbaby MESA Review
Conclusion
The UPPAbaby Mesa is a premium-priced rear-facing infant car seat that has all the features that a parent looks for, from safety to comfort.
As parents, we worry when it is time for that first drive with a newborn. The UPPAbaby Mesa has great crash test results and has side impact protection with padding around the head. It even has a tightness indicator that lets you know if you have installed the base securely.
UPPAbaby MESA (click image for more info)
Installation could not be more comfortable because of the UPPAbaby Mesa's use of the LATCH system. It is pretty simple to use, too. It has a belt lock-off and a color-coded belt path. The buckle might be a tad stiff, but it does not add any difficulty to its use. The comfort level of the Mesa is indeed premium. It has thicker padding and softer fabric than a lot of rear-facing infant car seats.
For parents that can afford it, the UPPAbaby Mesa is a quality choice. The ease of use and installation is spot-on, and they provide clear instructions and labeling.
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
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