UPPAbaby MESA
Face Rear
- Weight range (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height limits: 32" (RF);
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 7 years
The UPPAbaby MESA is an absolute marvel in car seat innovation. It’s seen what its competitors can do and has savagely outpaced them with its sophisticated style, good weight and height limits, and never-seen-before proprietary design and features. Safety, comfort, lightweight, and compatibility – all the features you want to combine into one child restraint system, the UPPAbaby MESA can match your preferences, delivering a first-rate experience in all departments. This infant car seat is the result of a whole ton of testing and research based on the feedback from parents like you and me. It really is the child safety seat of people and, if you’re anything like me, it’s one short ride away from becoming your favorite baby car seat of 2022.
*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.
UPPAbaby MESA - Excellent Quality and More Comfortable
Pros & Cons
The good and the bad
What is it best for
Who we recommend it for
Value for Money
Is it worth the price tag?
Design
Dimensions, weight, color, etc
Safety Rating
Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP
Performance
Weight/height limits, airplane, etc
Installation
Install with LATCH or seat belt
Alternatives
Other car seats to consider
1. Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight for carrying and switching
- Made of high-end materials
- Two naturally fire resistant options through innovative use of Merino wool
Cons
- A bit pricey
2. Who Is It Best For?
Will the UPPAbaby MESA be a good option for your child and your family?
Well, my first instinct is to say, every newborn, including preemies.
That’s because the MESA has been built and designed according to the mass feedback UPPAbaby has received over the years they have been putting out baby car seats. As a result, everything this infant car seat offers is in response to a need vocalized by parents.
It’s fully adaptable for rear-facing riding, thanks to its great 35-pound top weight and quite frankly good 32-inch height. This means its range is almost unparalleled among infant car seats.
As long as your baby grows within the car seat’s limits, the MESA will be able to match your stride for stride.
That being said, it will take your baby about 12 months on average.
With a narrow width, it won’t take up much space in the back seat, making it easily achieve a 3-across fit. This is super friendly for big families with several kids. And this is a very common case in the US anyway.
3. Value for Money
Is the price tag worth it?
Available exclusively from UPPAbaby, the MESA is, without any shadow of a doubt, one of the best-value baby seats on the infant car seat list. You only need to take a look at its impressive spec sheet and a long list of unique, proprietary features to see this.
Investing in the MESA will secure your child a great car seat that has been entirely designed and manufactured on US soil. This might sound like a small detail but it’s unique to this model.
Most baby car seats, including the MESA’s major competitors, are a melting pot of standard elements you’d find in any component bin, put together in factories most commonly standard crash tests from the brand’s HQ.
This isn’t the case with the UPPAbaby MESA.
Everything about this infant car seat, from the thinnest canopy to its revolutionary one-hand release, is unique to UPPAbaby. As a result, it’s the product of relentless testing and tweaking so that the finished product is a true feat of car seat engineering
Of course, there are car seats out there that have a better performance in portability and even feature folding design, like the Doona infant car seat and stroller. However, MESA offers a well-rounded package that a wider scope of parents would love.
Actually, the UPPAbaby MESA is not cheap, costing $100 more than most newborn car seats on the market. Most parents who purchased it would recommend this child restraint system anyway.
4. Design
Dimension and Width
Measuring 17-inch in width and 27.5-inch in length (depth) and 24-inch in height, the UPPAbaby MESA seems to have a compact body.
It’s true if you look at its width – only 17-inch, making it one of the best options to fit 3-across. The 17-inch width is not the narrowest among its competitors, a bit wider than the Chicco KeyFit 30’s 16.75-inch width.
The 24-inch height is as good as other baby car seats.
Things go a bit different when talking about its length (or called depth). It’s up to 27.5-inch long from the front to the back, absolutely taking space from the front row – either from the driver’s seat or the passenger seat, if you install it on either side.
Installing it in the center of the back seat might solve this problem. However, you should make sure there are LATCH connectors in this position if you’re planning to install the MESA with LATCH.
Portability
It’s no surprise that the UPPAbaby MESA ranks top in portability, especially compared to those bulky and solid convertible or 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 car seats.
Considering its lightweight and compact body, the MESA gets a high score in the portability performance – up to 8.5, higher than other premium models but a bit lower than its main competitors.
Without the base, the MESA carrier weighs only 9.9 pounds. Along with its slim body, it’s easy and friendly for parents to carry and take from vehicle to vehicle without avoiding their baby’s sleep.
As for portability, no baby car seat can beat the Doona infant car seat, which is the only infant car seat with four big wheels and can turn into a stroller instantly. Neither can the UPPAbaby MESA.
But this does not affect MESA to be a great choice.
Harness
Even for small infants, the UPPAbaby MESA features two positions of harness adjustment.
The crotch belt and buckle has two use positions. Always position the buckle and crotch strap in the slot closest to the child. If the child is on top of the buckle in the inner position, then adjust the buckle to the outer position.
STEP 1: Unbuckle the harness.
STEP 2: Flip carrier over, insert the metal clip completely through the shell and seat pad.
STEP 3: Locate the appropriate buckle slot and insert from the top completely through the slot on the seat pad and shell.
STEP 4: Check that the buckle is securely attached by pulling up on the buckle.
Infant insert
The manufacturer boasts about the car seat’s great support for premature babies. It keeps its promise. The UPPAbaby MESA includes an infant insert for small babies between 4 and 8 pounds to ensure a better fit.
Babies and small infants don’t have much freedom to keep themselves stable and reach for a correct harness buckle. Luckily, the infant insert can help.
It’s removable when your baby grows bigger and can be properly secured with the 5-point harness.
It’s NOT allowed to use non-regulated products with the MESA infant car seat but STRONGLY recommended to use the manufacturer-approved accessories.
Head support
This child restraint has an adjustable head restraint and no-rethread harness system that is easy to adjust to properly secure the child. You can easily follow these steps to adjust the headrest and harness for growing infants.
STEP 1: Adjust the head restraint by pulling on the adjuster tab and sliding the head restraint up or down.
STEP 2: Position the head restraint so the harness rests at the child’s shoulders or slightly below.
Canopy
Canopy seems to be a necessity on infant car seats. That’s friendly to protect your baby from sun exposure and rain when you take it outside of the vehicle.
On the other hand, when you place it on the base to ride your baby in the vehicle, it works as an additional protection for them.
Hide-away canopy easily adjusts to one of three positions.
To Extend Canopy: Slowly pull forward on the main canopy frame until resting in desired position.
To Retract/Stow Canopy: Gently push downward on the main canopy frame allowing the center support and canopy fabric to guide into the storage compartment in the carrier.
Carry Handle
The carry handle must be locked in any three positions when in use: carry, store and stand. To adjust the carry handle position, squeeze both handle adjustment buttons and rotate forward or backward.
NEVER hang toys and other objects from the carry handle when using in the vehicle. These products have not been tested by UPPAbaby and therefore are not approved for use with this child restraint.
5. Safety Rating and Crash Tests
Is it safe to ride with an UPPAbaby MESA?
First of all, it’s certain that the MESA meets or exceeds the basic crash test and standards of FMS 213.
These crash tests and standards ensure the entry-level security for a child restraint system to ride a kid safely.
Plus, the manufacturer boasts that MESA’s headrest will provide extra protection, thanks to its reinforced EPP foam, which will absorb energy in case of any crashes.
The integrated design – the combination of a metal frame and tons of paddings – keeps your baby’s head stable for better safety during a side-impact collision. As you know, the infant’s neck, especially babies under 12 months old, might be the weakest part.
As a new Internet-gened brand, the UPPAbaby performs not as well as other traditional brands like Graco or Chicco or Britax in offering any additional features in safety.
It beats most infant car seats in overall comfort and design.
6. Performance
Weight and Height Limits
With the purpose to ride newborns and infants, the UPPAbaby MESA features a weight range between 4 and 35 pounds.
The bottom line 4 pounds is good for newborns and small babies, even preemies. In fact, the manufacturer prepares a few accessories for premature babies and small newborns, including the infant insert, adjustable harness, and crotch strap settings.
Moving to its top weight, the UPPAbaby MESA is capable of riding an infant up to 35 pounds until he or she outgrows this car seat. That means, your baby could keep using the MESA around 1 year old if they grow at the average pace with their peers.
There is no low height limit but the top one. The UPPAbaby MESA goes for a 32-inch that allows most infants to ride before they’re 12 months of age.
Age Range
The combination of 35-pound top weight and 32-inch top height ensures the UPPAbaby MESA lasts for about 1 year of usage.
That’s not a long time compared to convertible or 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 car seats, but still as good as its competitors, and even outperforms the Chicco KeyFit 30, which features a lower weight and height limits.
If your baby grows at an average pace, he or she may ride in the MESA until they grow to 1 year or older. If so, the MESA will work well to meet the child restraint rear-facing rules in most US states – that an infant under 1 year of age should ride in a rear-facing car seat.
However, if you’re living or planning to travel to these states – New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, you need to purchase another convertible or all-in-one car seat that allows facing the back for a long time until your kid’s second birthday.
Stages
For its weight and height limitations, the UPPAbaby MESA can be used for the rear-facing stage only, just the same as other infant car seats. That is the first of four car seat stages.
It can be installed in the rear-facing position to ride newborns and small infants. That’s the reason this type of car seat exists.
Airplane
Is an UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat allowed on planes?
Yes, the UPPAbaby MESA is certified for aircraft use.
It’s strongly recommended to use a certified harnessed child restraint for children 40 pounds and under for air travel.
Installing the MESA on an airplane is the same way as the carrier installation with the vehicle seat belt / Lap belt only routing method.
You should use the MESA only on a forward-facing aircraft seat.
Make sure you have contacted the airline ahead of time to notify them that you’ll be traveling with the child restraint and ask them about the policies.
Further Information
Lifespan
How long is UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat good for
The MESA has a 6-year lifespan, starting from the manufacturer date.
You should pay attention to this date because it’s not the same day when you purchase the car seat. It should be earlier.
Generally, you can find the expiration label on the sticker at the back of the MESA carrier.
The 6-year lifespan is not long, especially compared to convertible or combination car seats that have a long 10-year lifespan.
But it’s good enough to safely ride your child through infant time until they outgrow the car seat.
Seeing this from a different angle, if you keep it in the best status, you may use it for two or more babies. After all, an infant might outgrow this car seat around 1 year of age.
Warranty
Very like other car seats, the UPPAbaby MESA is supposed to include a two-year limited warranty.
To claim the warranty, you should provide necessary information like the purchase proof to their team.
It’s better to register the car seat at the very first time when you receive it and confirm to keep it for riding your baby.
A lifetime warranty is available and applies to UPPAbaby MESA for only the original owner. After registration, the warranty can be extended to up to 7 years from the date of manufacture.
7. UPPAbaby MESA Installation
Which Installation Method Should I Use?
The UPPAbaby MESA allows two methods for installation – LATCH and vehicle seat belt.
If your vehicle does not have the LATCH System in your preferred seating position – commonly the center in the back seat, the car seat must be secured to the vehicle using a vehicle seat belt.
The car seat with the base or without the base can be secured using vehicle seat belts. There are two methods of carrier-only installation:
Lap/Shoulder Standard Routing Method: Installation with both the lap and shoulder belt.
Lap Only Method: No shoulder belt is used. This method applies to vehicles with no shoulder belt and aircraft.
1. Install with Base
Leveling Base
STEP 1: Place the base on the vehicle seat with the adjustment foot toward the vehicle seat back.
STEP 2: Press the level to adjust the button on the top of the base to extend the foot and change the recline angle. Check the angle indicators on either side of the base. The base is level when only the green marker is visible between the two arrows. No red should be visible.
NOTE: The vehicle must be parked on a level surface to properly level the base.
NOTE: If proper angle cannot be achieved with an adjustable foot, pool noodles or a rolled towel may be used. The foot must be in a fully extended position.
1-1. Base Installation With Lower Anchors
STEP 3: Locate the lower anchor connectors on either side of the base and remove them by pushing the corresponding orange button on the top of the base while pulling the connector out of the lower anchor storage pocket .
STEP 4: Attach the lower anchor connectors to the vehicle lower anchors located in the vehicle seat bight (crease of seat).
NOTE: Check lower anchor connectors are in the upright position.
STEP 5: Apply pressure firmly into the base allowing all the excess lower anchor connector webbing to retract and tighten.
NOTE: Push into the seat bight (crease of seat). Installation is complete when the tightness indicator turns from red to green and stays green when downward push is discontinued.
Safety Check
Base doesn’t move more than 1 in side to side at the belt path.
• Ensure the tightness indicator is green after each use. If it is not, apply pressure by pushing the base into seat bight (crease of seat) to tighten.
• Lower anchor belts are secure and untwisted
• Recline angle is correct. Base is level when only green is visible between the two arrows on the level indicator. No red should be visible.
Uninstalling Base from LATCH
STEP 1: Press the red button on the lower anchor connector while pulling the connector off the vehicle anchor .
STEP 2: Store lower anchor connectors in designated housing found on each side of the base.
1-2. Securing The Base With Vehicle Seat Belt
After leveling the base as above, go to step 3 below:
STEP 3: Open lock-off.
There will be two cases you’ll meet if installing with the vehicle seat belt – with a lap/shoulder belt system or with a lap belt only.
Case 1: Securing the Base (Lap and Shoulder Belt Installation), or
Case 2: Securing the Base (Lap Belt Only Installation).
Then you can follow the below steps to install the base with the vehicle’s seat belt.
Case 1: Securing The Base (Lap And Shoulder Belt Installation)
STEP 4A: Route the vehicle belt through the vehicle belt path while guiding the lap portion of the belt as close as possible to the top of the lock-off where the door hinges. Buckle the vehicle belt.
STEP 5A: Hold the shoulder portion of the belt above the base. With one hand, push down the base in the direction of the seat bight (crease of seat) and hold firm as you pull the shoulder belt. While holding taut, slide the shoulder belt back through the belt path as close as possible to the top of the lock-off.
NOTE: THE TIGHTNESS INDICATOR SHOULD BE GREEN.
STEP 6A: Close the top section of the lock-off over the lap/shoulder belt. Second, close the bottom section of the lock-off over the belt. Make sure you push the bottom of the lock-off all the way down until you hear an audible click.
NOTE: Check that the base doesn’t move more than 1 side to side at the belt path. If movement is more than 1 in, twist the buckle and then fasten the seat belt to help secure fit.
Case 2: Securing The Base (Lap Belt Only Installation)
STEP 4B: Route the vehicle belt through the belt path while guiding the lap portion of the belt as close as possible to the topside of the lock-off where the door hinges. Buckle the vehicle belt.
STEP 5B: With one hand push down the base and hold firm as you pull the lap belt to tighten and remove any slack.
NOTE: THE TIGHTNESS INDICATOR SHOULD BE GREEN.
STEP 6B: Close the top section of the lock-off over the belt . Second, close the bottom section of the lock-off over the belt . Make sure you push the bottom of the lock-off all the way down until you hear an audible click.
NOTE: Before closing the lock-off door, make sure the vehicle seat belt has not slipped down into the belt path and is as close as possible to the topside of the lock-off where the door hinges.
NOTE: Check that the base doesn’t move more than 1 side to side at the belt path. If movement is more than 1 in, twist the buckle and then fasten the seat belt to help secure fit.
Safety Check
Lock-off must be used at all times when installing with a vehicle seat belt.
• Base doesn’t move more than 1 side to side at the belt path. If movement is more than 1 in, twist the buckle and then fasten the seat belt to help secure fit.
• Ensure the tightness indicator is green after each use. If it is not, open the lock-off then tighten the belt. When the tightness indicator turns green, close lock-off.
• Belts are secure and untwisted.
• Recline angle is correct. The base is level when only green is visible between the two arrows on the level.
Uninstalling The Base from Vechile Seat Belt
STEP 1: Unbuckle seat belt.
STEP 2: Open lock-off.
STEP 3: Remove seat belt.
Attaching Carrier To Base
STEP 1: Place the carrier on base until a click is heard.
STEP 2: Check for a secure connection by pulling up on the carry handle.
NOTE: Handle can be in any of the three (3) locked positions for use in the vehicle.
Releasing Carrier From Base
STEP 1: Pull and hold carrier release button on the back of the carrier.
STEP 2: Lift carrier off base.
2. Install with the Carrier Only
Leveling The Carrier
STEP 1: Place the carrier rear-facing on the vehicle seat.
STEP 2: Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the red line on the carrier is level to the vehicle floor.
NOTE: For a more stable installation, a pool noodle or rolled towel may be used.
2-1. Lap/Shoulder Belt Standard Routing Method
STEP 1: Route the lap portion of the seat belt through both lap belt guides on the carrier, and buckle the seat belt.
STEP 2: Lock vehicle seat belt.
NOTE: See the vehicle owner’s instruction book for more information on locking your seat belt for child restraint installations.
WARNING!
The vehicle seat belt must lock; otherwise, a locking clip must be used. See pg. 28 for instructions.
STEP 3: Push the carrier into the vehicle seat bight (crease of the seat) while pulling on the shoulder portion of the seat belt closest to the buckle. NOTE: Check that the carrier is still properly leveled.
Lap Belt Only Routing Method
STEP 1: Route the lap belt through both guides on the carrier, and buckle the seat belt.
STEP 2: Push the carrier into the vehicle seat bight (crease of the seat) while pulling on the loose portion of the lap belt closest to the buckle.
NOTE: Check that the carrier is still properly leveled.
Safety Check
• Carrier doesn’t move more than 1 in side to side at the belt path.
• Belts are secure and untwisted.
• Angle is correct when the vehicle is parked on level ground and the red line on the carrier is level to the vehicle floor.
• Seating position is permitted by both UPPAbaby and your vehicle manufacturer for use with the type of Vehicle Seat Belt.
• Carry handle is locked in any of the three (3) positions.
3. Securing Your Child
STEP 1: Loosen the harness by pressing on the harness adjuster release button and pulling out the shoulder straps.
STEP 2: Open the retainer clip, unbuckle the harness, and tuck the latch plates into the side pockets to hold the harness open.
STEP 3: Place infants in child restraint making sure their body is making full contact with the seating surface. Place the harness over the child and insert buckle tongues into the buckle until a “click” is heard. Pull up on the buckle tongues to make sure they are locked.
WARNING!
• DO NOT place a rolled towel or small blanket between the crotch of the infant and buckle or around the head or SIP carriage.
• NEVER use non-regulated products with this child restraint, unless approved by UPPAbaby.
STEP 4: Pull up on the harness to remove excess slack around the child’s legs.
STEP 5: Pull the harness adjuster strap to snugly adjust the harness straps around your child.
STEP 6: Close retainer clip and position at armpit level. Make sure the shoulder pads don’t interfere with positioning the chest clip.
Important Checks
This child restraint is for rear-facing use only.
• The seat must be tightly installed in a forward facing vehicle seat.
• The harness should be at the shoulders or slightly below.
• Retainer clip must be at armpit level and harness straps should be snug.
• The top of the child’s head should not be less than 1 in from the top of the headrest when in its highest position.
• The child must weigh between 4 and 35 pounds and be no taller than 32 in.
• The back seat is the safest place for children aged 12 and under.
• NEVER use non-regulated products with this child restraint, unless approved by UPPAbaby.
• NEVER place it in front of an active airbag.
• Install using a lower anchor or the vehicle seat belt, NOT BOTH.
• DO NOT secure an infant in the carrier with extra material, bulky clothing, or extra padding. Instead place a blanket over the harness after properly securing the child .
• Carry handle must be locked in any of the (3) handle positions.
• Adjust base to the appropriate angle by using the angle indicator on the sides of the base or the level to ground line on the carrier.
• Always check the tightness indicator is green after each use.
• Always secure an unoccupied child restraint; in a crash an unsecured infant car seat may injure occupants in your vehicle.
Fit/ Release Carrier to/from Stroller Frame
If you want to attach the MESA infant car seat to a stroller for strolling your baby instead of carrying it around, you can follow these tips to fit the carrier to a stroller frame.
It’s a pity that the MESA is ONLY compatible with VISTA 2015+ and CRUZ strollers.
Fitting Carrier To Stroller Frame
Prior to fitting the MESA carrier to the stroller frame, engage the brake on the stroller and remove the toddler seat from the frame.
STEP 1: With carrier facing stroller handle, align carrier handle hubs with attachment posts on the stroller.
STEP 2: Let the carrier slide onto attachment posts. An audible click indicates proper attachment.
STEP 3: Lift up on the car seat handle to check the attachment.
Releasing Carrier From Stroller Frame
STEP 1: Engage and hold the stroller release button on the top of the carry handle.
STEP 2: Lift the carrier off the stroller frame.
Car Seat Manual
The car seat manual should go with the car seat in the package. It’s important for parents to read and follow the manual to use and maintain the car seat.
After all, it’s the official instructions and guides from the manufacturer, who know their product most.
The printed user manual is included in the package and you can find it on the back of the carrier in the storage compartment.
Also, the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat manual can be also found online for easy access and viewing.
8. Specifications
| Brand | |
| Brand | UPPAbaby |
| Type | |
| Suitable for | Newborns |
| Positions | Rear-facing |
| Design | |
| Portability (1-10) | 8.5. Lightweight and slim |
| Weight (lb.) | 9.9 |
| Weight limits (lb.) | 4-35 for rear-facing |
| Height limit (inch) | 32” for rear-facing |
| Dimension | 27.5” L x 17” W x 24” H |
| Handle | Two-position adjustments |
| Performance | |
| Age Range | 0-12 months old |
| Stage | 1st |
| Installation | LATCH and seat belt |
| Headrest Positions | – |
| Recline Positions | – |
| Airplane | Yes |
| Lifespan | 7 Years |
| Extra Features | Fit 3 across, two-year warranty |
9. FAQs on UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat
Approximately 12 months old.
The UPPAbaby’s MESA infant car seat series is designed to support your child from day one up to approximately 12 months old – give or take a few months, depending on how fast your baby is growing! Using the included infant insert, the MESA can be used with infants as small as 4 pounds.
No, it weighs only 9.9 pounds for the carrier, without the base.
9.9-pound weight is not too heavy for most parents to take and carry the car seat for a while.
As a new but premium brand, UPPAbaby products have many features and capabilities not seen on lower-priced options and are made with superior materials designed to last for many years.
Additionally, the beautiful design and contemporary details have led UPPAbaby to become a fashion statement for the trend-conscious parent.
Its innovation in the design from this new company makes its car seat popular among young parents.
Yes. It’s not evitable that small infants sleep a lot, even when they ride in a car seat.
The UPPAbaby MESA will fit infants safely and it has even been approved for sleeping, meaning your baby can sleep it in without worry.
The two large headrests on each side provide support and extra protection.
10. Alternatives
What other car seats should you consider?
Doona Infant Car Seat and Strollor
- Weight range (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height limits: 32” (RF)
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 6 years
Why is it better than the UPPAbaby MESA?
- Folding design
- Four big wheels
- Combine stroller into one
Why is it worse than the UPPAbaby MESA?
- Costs more (+$100)
- Heavier car seat weight (+7 lbs)
- Shorter lifespan (-1; 6 year - 7 year)
Chicco KeyFit 30
- Weight range (lb): 4-30 (RF)
- Height limits: 30”
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 6 years
Why is it better than the UPPAbaby MESA?
- Budget price (-$100)
Why it is worse than the UPPAbaby MESA?
- Lower height limit (-2”: 30”-32”)
- Lower weight limit (-5 lb: 30 lb - 35 lb)
- Shorter lifespan (-1; 6 year - 7 year)
- Shorter age range