UPPAbaby MESA V2
Face Rear
- Weight Limit (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height Limit: 32" (RF)
- Age Limit: Birth-12 or 18 months old
New parents to find infant car seats? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for a reliable all-rounder to safely and comfortably ride your newborns from hospital to home? Either way, you’re in luck, because Graco has once again shaken up the infant car seat market with the SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite.
Channeling the best-in-class safety extras, comfort features, and refreshing simplicity that made the original Graco one of the market’s most popular infant car seats, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite glides into the limelight with a smattering of excellent upgrades. Among these are a 1-Hand adjustable handle depending on specific models, a silent shade canopy (depending on specific models), an all-weather boot, and an anti-rebound bar.
But, Graco’s main USP remains the same: value for money.
*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.
UPPAbaby MESA V2 Review - 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
- 35 lbs/ 32" capacity for growing infants
- One-hand adjustable handle for convenience
- 20% larger shade canopy
- SMARTSecure® System for easy install
- European routing for carrier-only installation
- Carry handle can work as anti-rebound bar
- Four-position adjustable foot level
- No-Rethread harness for easy adjustment
- SafeTech fire retardant free fabrics
Cons
- High priced at $329.99
- Slightly heavier at 9.9 pounds
2. Who Is It Best For?
Will the UPPAbaby MESA V2 Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?
If you’re in search of a car seat that’s safe, easy to use, and comfortable for your child, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 might be an ideal fit for your family.
The MESA V2 is an improved sibling for the old UPPAbaby MESA with an intuitive design, which makes it easy to install in your vehicle and adjust to fit your baby as they grow. The no-thread harness and adjustable headrest allow you to customize the fit to your child’s size and ensure a secure, snug fit.
Safety is a top priority with the MESA V2, too. The built-in side-impact protection system helps keep your child safe in the event of a collision. Additionally, the multiple recline positions allow you to adjust the angle of the car seat as your child grows, so they stay comfortable and secure.
The MESA V2 is also designed with convenience in mind, for parents. Made of machine-washable fabrics, it’s easy to clean, and the carry handle provides a sturdy and comfortable grip that makes it easy to transport your baby from the car to the stroller or vice versa. Plus, the extendable UPF 50+ sunshade provides maximum protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
If you’re looking for a car seat that’s well-designed, safe, and easy to use and adjust, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 stands out. It’s FAA-approved for air travel, compatible with UPPAbaby strollers, and designed to make your life as a parent easier while keeping your child safe and comfortable.
3. Value for Money
Is the price tag worth it?
When considering the price tag of the UPPAbaby MESA V2, which is currently priced at $329, it’s important to weigh the features and benefits against other options within its class. One key point of comparison is its predecessor, the UPPAbaby MESA V1.
While the MESA V2 and V1 are similar in many aspects, the V2 offers a few key updates that may make it worth the higher price tag. These updates include an extended UPF 25+ sunshade and a more streamlined design. The V2 has a larger headrest for better grip, a bigger canopy for more shade, and a more robust infant inlay. Also, when using the MESA V2, you can adjust the carry handle in the 4th position to work as an anti-rebound bar for vehicle use.
Another comparison to consider is with the UPPAbaby MESA MAX, which offers some additional features, such as a larger extended 3-panel canopy, improved ventilation for greater airflow, one more level indicator, and a more generous and adjustable headrest.
Most importantly, the base worked with MESA MAX has a built-in anti-rebound panel for enhanced protection. The newly included load increases its stability in the vehicle.
However, with these additional features comes a higher price tag, with the MESA MAX currently priced at $399.
Depending on your specific needs and preferences, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 may be a good choice for your family. Its safety features, ease of use, and compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers make it an attractive option.
However, if you’re looking for a car seat that will be more stable with a load leg for support, you may want to consider other options such as the MESA MAX or another car seat within a similar price range like the Nuna Pipa RX with RELX base.
UPPAbaby MESA V2 vs MESA vs MESA MAX
| Car Seats Comparison | UPPAbaby MESA V2 | UPPAbaby MESA | UPPAbaby MESA MAX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.99 | $299.99 | $399.99 |
| Weight limits (lb) | 4-35 | 4-35 | 4-35 |
| Height limits (in) | 32" | 32" | 32" |
| SMARTSecure system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newborn insert for 4-11 infants | More robust | ✓ | More robust |
| Easy adjustable headarest | Larger | ✓ | Larger |
| Four-position adjustable foot level | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fabrics | SafeTech | - | DualTech / PureTech-$429.99 |
| Level indicators | Two | Two | Bubble Two |
| European belt routing | ✓ | - | ✓ |
| Auto-retracting latch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stroller compability | VISTA & CRUZE & MINU & RIDGE | VISTA & CRUZE & MINU | VISTA & CRUZE & MINU & RIDGE |
| Anti-rebound panel | - | - | ✓ |
| Load leg | - | - | ✓ |
| Carry handle | 4-position for anti-rebound | ✓ | ✓ |
| Carrier ventilation | - | - | ✓ |
| Width | 17 inches | 17 inches | 17 inches |
| Car Seat Weight | 9.9 lb. | 9.9 lb. | 9.9 lb |
| Machine-washable fabric | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
4. Design
Dimensions and Width
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 is designed to be both comfortable and compact. Measuring 17″W x 25.8″L x 23″H, it seems to fit well in most vehicles.
When it comes to the width of the MESA V2, it is relatively average among other infant car seats, not taking up too much space or feeling bulky, while still providing enough room for your child to be comfortable for growing space. The 17-inch width is good to fit three across for multiple car seat situations.
Its compact design makes it easy to travel with and store in between uses. Despite its compact size, the MESA V2 does not sacrifice safety features. It has advanced side-impact protection features including an adjustable headrest – larger than that on the first version, a no-rethread harness, and an energy-absorbing foam-lined shell. Its easy one-step, tight, and SMARTSecure installation system ensures a safe and reliable ride every time.
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 is a well-designed and compact infant car seat that provides comfort and safety for your child. Its dimensions and width are relatively average among infant car seats, making it easy to install and use in most cars while still providing ample space for your growing child.
See also
Portability
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 weighs in at 9.9 pounds, which is very commonly found on most infant car seats. This weight can be a significant advantage for parents who are frequently on the go or need to transport the car seat into and out of a vehicle frequently.
Compared to other infant car seats, the MESA V2 is fairly in the middle: slightly lighter than Chicco Fit2 (11 lb vs 9.9 lb), but apparently heavier than the lightest infant car seats under 7.5 pounds. The 9.9-pound weight is less cumbersome for parents to carry around anyway.
However, weight is not the leading factor to consider when choosing an infant car seat, as the gap can be disregarded if putting a 25-pound kid in it. Also, you won’t carry the infant car seat for a long time, just when you move the carrier from the base to the stroller.
The 9.9-pound is still within the weight range that allows parents to easily transport and install it in various vehicles without straining their back or arms. This can be especially beneficial for those who frequently switch vehicles or need to carry the car seat for extended periods.
In conclusion, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 has an average weight and can be easily transported and switched from one vehicle to another.
See also
Canopy
The canopy of the UPPAbaby MESA V2 is designed to provide maximum protection and comfort for your child. It is made from high-quality, durable fabric that has a UPF 25+ rating. This means that it provides excellent sun protection, which is particularly important when traveling in sunny areas.
The size of the canopy is generous and provides ample coverage for your child. This is one of the improvements from its previous sibling – a larger size. Check the comparison of three UPPAbaby MESA infant car seats.
Like the canopy in other infant car seats, it features a hideaway design, meaning it can be moved up or down along with the usage scenarios when your kid is in or out of the car.
The function of the canopy is also excellent. It has a mesh peekaboo window that allows you to check on your child without having to lift the entire canopy, making it convenient for parents to check on the babies without disturbing them even when they fall asleep.
Finally, the ease of use of the canopy is exceptional. It can be adjusted with one hand, providing maximum convenience when you are carrying your child and other items. Same as the seat pad, the canopy is also made of machine-washable fabrics and can be removed for cleaning, making it easy to maintain.
The only pity is that the UPPAbaby MESA V2 does not allow full coverage with additional accessories like the Privacy Shield in Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite ($269.99) and Dream Drape in Nuna Pipa car seats ($300+), even if the more expensive MESA MAX ($399.99) does not have this extra feature.
Handle
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 The handle of the UPPAbaby MESA V2 is an essential feature of the car seat. It’s the only way to carry the car seat around, both with and without a baby inside.
To ensure the handle is durable and long-lasting, it’s usually made from high-quality plastic. Additionally, the texture of the handle is specifically selected to provide optimal grip for parents, ensuring that they can carry the car seat easily and comfortably.
Inheriting from the UPPAbaby’s style, the three MESA infant car seats have the same ergonomic handle, making it very different from the handle in those budget models – such as the Evenflo LiteMax 35 which has a straight handle.
This ergonomic design can help reduce arm and shoulder fatigue, which can be a common issue when carrying a car seat for an extended period.
Different from the MESA V1 and MESA MAX, the handle in MESA V2 can be used as an anti-rebound bar when you install the car seat and place the handle in the 4th position. You’d better follow the instructions in the car seat manual to do this so that it will perform for optimal protection.
Adjusting the handle is a piece of cake. It is straightforward to operate with one hand and can be easily matched with one or two fingers. This makes it a breeze to adjust the handle height or position, even when your hands are full.
Stroller compatibility
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 is designed to be compatible with a wide range of strollers, providing parents with greater flexibility and versatility when it comes to travel systems. The MESA V2 is compatible with not only strollers from UPPAbaby but also other manufacturers.
To start with, the MESA V2 is designed to be used with the UPPAbaby VISTA and CRUZ strollers, creating a complete and cohesive travel system. When combined with these strollers, the car seat can be easily attached and detached from the stroller with the use of adapters, allowing for seamless transitions from car travel to stroller use.
In addition to UPPAbaby strollers, the MESA V2 is also compatible with strollers from other manufacturers.
These include popular stroller brands such as Bugaboo, Baby Jogger, and BOB. However, in order to use the car seat with these strollers, parents will need to purchase the appropriate adapter specific to their chosen stroller.
The beauty of the Mesa V2 is that it is versatile enough to fit a variety of different travel and lifestyle needs, making it even more attractive to busy parents. You can choose to use it with a matching UPPAbaby stroller, which will provide a seamless fit and superb travel experience.
Or you could opt for a compatible stroller from other trusted manufacturers, as the Mesa V2 comes with a range of adapter options that can make it compatible with many different stroller models.
Ultimately, the versatility of the UPPAbaby MESA V2 and its compatibility with a range of different strollers is a significant advantage that offers parents or caregivers much more flexibility in their travel arrangements, ensuring that they can travel safely and conveniently with their child.
Color option
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 is available in a variety of colors to suit different tastes and preferences. These colors are gender-neutral and can be used for both boys and girls.
The most popular colors for the MESA V2 are Stella, Alice, and Jake.
Stella is a classic white and gray color combination, Alice is an attractive dusty pink, and Jake is sleek black. These three colors look clean but stylish, making them a great choice for parents who want something that is both fashionable and functional.
If you stand firmly on choosing a bright color for girls, Alice would be the best option. Or pick up one similar pink-colored car seat or purple car seat. Otherwise, Jake and Stella are also good options for girls and boys.
Headrest and Harness
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 car seat’s increased headrest size and No Rethread Harness system enhance comfort, safety, and ease of use.
The upgraded larger headrest provides more comfort to the child by providing additional support to the head and neck. The No Rethread Harness system makes it easier to adjust the harness straps without having to rethread them manually, making it effortless to secure the child in the car seat.
The increased headrest size in the UPPAbaby MESA V2 car seat ensures that the child’s head and neck are supported during long journeys. This feature provides a more comfortable ride for the child and ensures that they remain in a stable, secure position while in the car seat.
The headrest’s large size makes it suitable for children of different ages and sizes, providing optimal comfort for the child, regardless of their growth.
The No Rethread Harness system is another feature that enhances comfort, safety, and ease of use. The system enables parents to quickly and easily adjust the harness straps to fit the child as they grow, without having to manually rethread the harness straps.
This feature ensures that the child is always secure and comfortable, ensuring their safety without causing discomfort during use. The system provides a hassle-free adjustment of the harnesses and ensures that the harnesses fit the child’s body size and shape correctly, providing maximum protection during transportation.
Reclines - 4 Positions
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 car seat’s adjustable foot is an innovative design feature that enhances comfort, safety, and ease of use.
The base allows a four-position adjustable foot that provides increased stability and reduces the likelihood of injury during transportation.
The adjustable foot feature helps to ensure that the car seat is leveled correctly, providing the child with optimal comfort and support.
In addition to providing comfort, the adjustable foot feature, when adjusted correctly, can minimize rollover risk and provide added protection in the event of a collision. During a crash or sudden stop, the car seat’s adjustable foot absorbs the force of the impact, preventing the car seat from rotating, and minimizing the impact on the child.
It can be easy to adjust, just with a simple push-button design. This feature saves time and effort without compromising the car seat’s performance.
Infant Accessories
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 car seat also features an improved robust infant insert that provides added comfort and support for newborns. The infant insert is designed to provide a cozy and snug fit for newborns up to 11 pounds, ensuring that the child is safe and secure during the ride.
The improved robust infant insert is made from high-quality materials that are soft and comfortable for the child. The insert’s design also ensures proper alignment of the spine and hips, which can prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of injury.
The MESA V2 car seat’s infant insert is easy to install and remove, making it easy to clean and maintain. The insert is machine washable, which saves parents time and effort in keeping the car seat clean.
Furthermore, the improved robust infant insert is also compatible with the No Rethread Harness system, allowing it to be easily adjusted as the child grows. This ensures that the infant remains comfortable and secure in the car seat as they transition from newborn to infant to toddler.
Padding
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 car seat’s padding ensures optimal comfort for the child. It’s thick, ensuring a comfortable ride for the child, and guarantees that the car seat provides optimal protection and comfort.
Unlike many car seats on the market that use flame-retardant chemicals in their padding, the MESA V2 car seat’s padding does not contain any harmful substances, ensuring the child’s safety in the case of an emergency. This feature is convenient for parents who value using eco-friendly and non-toxic products.
The thickness of the padding on the MESA V2 provides additional cushioning for the child, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Made of machine-washable fabrics, the padding is also easy to remove, clean, and maintain, ensuring that the car seat is always hygienic and free from dirt.
5. UPPAbaby MESA V2 Safety Rating and Crash Tests
Is it safe to use UPPAbaby MESA V2?
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 is a car seat that has been designed with safety in mind. It has a range of features to ensure your kid’s safety in the car.
First, the MESA V2 has been crash-tested to meet and exceed safety standards (FMVSS 213) set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). All car seats sold in the US are required by federal laws to pass these crash tests, proving that the car seat is safe and reliable for children to use and giving parents the peace of mind that their child is protected while traveling.
Second, it is also equipped with a five-point harness system, ensuring that the child is secured safely in the car seat. The harness is simple to adjust, ensuring a perfect fit for different sizes of children, and offering protection when crashes happen from the front, rear, or side.
This is very similar to its Side Impact Protection in the UPPAbaby MESA V2. This SIP feature provides added protection to the child’s head, neck, and torso in the event of a side-impact collision. The car seat has an adjustable headrest with EPP foam, which provides greater impact resistance.
Last but not least, the MESA V2 has a base that is designed to absorb energy in the event of an impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the child. It features a tightness indicator and self-retracting LATCH connectors to ensure that the car seat is installed securely and properly. The MESA V2 also has a visual indicator that assures parents that the car seat has been installed correctly.
Overall, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 is a car seat that is designed with safety at the forefront. That’s the reason we use a car seat for kids under 8 years old.
Its safety features, such as its base, Side Impact Protection, a five-point harness system, and crash-testing, provide parents with the assurance that their child is protected while traveling.
Side Impact Protection
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 has been engineered to offer superior side impact protection, which is critical in the event of an accident. It has multiple layers of Side Impact Protection to shield the child from any harm in a side collision.
The car seat is constructed with advanced technologies and materials which include EPP foam designed to absorb the shock of an impact in the event of a collision. Also, the EPP foam is used in the adjustable headrest to provide maximum side impact protection to the child’s head, neck, and torso.
What’s also notable is that UPPAbaby configured its SIP to be adjustable. That means that the amount of side impact protection can be customized according to each child’s height and weight to ensure maximum safety. This feature ensures that the MESA V2 can accommodate your growing child with ease, keeping them safe with the proper level of protection at every stage of development.
In summary, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 has superior side impact protection in any event of an accident. Its advanced technologies, adjustable headrest, and EPP foam, as well as the option to customize the level of protection, ensure that the child is safe and secure while traveling in the car seat.
Anti-rebound
You can use the handle as an anti-rebound bar. That’s a huge improvement from MESA V1 to MESA V2.
Putting the handle in the 4th position turns it into an anti-rebound, which further increases safety during rebound and rear-impact collisions. With this feature, the car seat provides better protection for the child’s head, neck, and spinal cord, reducing the likelihood of injury.
The anti-rebound handle feature helps to prevent the car seat from rotating or moving during a crash, which can greatly reduce the risk of injury to the child.
Rebound collisions occur when the car stops suddenly, and the child’s body is thrown forward, and then immediately snaps back. This can create a whiplash-like effect that can cause serious injury or even death, especially for young infants.
Therefore, having a car seat that can provide maximum protection
during a rebound or rear-impact collision is crucial.
The fourth anti-rebound handle position in the UPPAbaby MESA V2 highlights the company’s commitment to safety and innovation.
6. Performance
Weight and Height Limits
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 has a weight limit of 35 pounds and a height limit of 32 inches, which is relatively average compared to other car seats in the market.
This weight and height limit makes the MESA V2 a great option for parents who want a safe, reliable car seat for their newborns that will last for the first few years of their lives.
The weight limit of the MESA V2 is suitable for most infants and toddlers up to the age of two years. However, every child’s growth rate is different, so parents also need to check the height of their child as well. The height limit of 32 inches allows for more extended use of the car seat as the child grows, but not as good as the 35 inches of Chicco Fit2.
Regarding weight, the MESA V2 is a bit heavier than other car seats in its category, weighing in at around 9.9 pounds. While this might seem like a downside, the weight is due to the advanced safety features built into the car seat. The extra weight actually makes the car seat sturdier, and it is still relatively lightweight compared to other car seats in its class.
The MESA V2 is suitable for infants as small as four pounds, thanks in part to the included infant insert – the more robust infant inlay. This makes it easy for parents to use it right from the start, ensuring that their child is safe and secure while traveling in the car.
See also
Stage / Modes -1st
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 is a rear-facing only car seat, designed specifically for newborns and young infants. It can be used in a rear-facing position until the child reaches the 35-pound weight limit or the 32-inch height limit.
Rear-facing car seats have been proven to be safer than forward-facing car seats in the event of an accident. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should ride in a rear-facing car seat until at least two years of age, or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the seat’s manufacturer.
But they have a big drawback – designed for a specific stage in the child’s life. As the child grows and exceeds the weight and height limits, probably around one year of age or 18 months old, parents will need to purchase a new car seat that is designed for the next stage. This can add up to a considerable expense in car seats, but the safety of the child comes first.
Lastly, rear-facing only car seats can also be bulkier and heavier than other car seat types, which may make them inconvenient for some families. The UPPAbaby MESA V2 weighs around 9.9 pounds, which might be slightly heavy for some parents to carry around when traveling with the child.
In summary, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 is a rear-facing-only infant car seat, which provides superior protection to newborns and small infants.
See also:
Age Range
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 is designed to accommodate infants and toddlers up to the age of two years old. It has a weight limit of 35 pounds and a height limit of 32 inches, which is relatively average compared to other car seats in the market.
It is recommended that parents follow the weight and height limits provided by the manufacturer and transition the child to a different car seat that is appropriate for their size and age once they exceed the limits.
Following the weight and height limits of the car seat is a more standard way when determining when to transition to a different product. The age limit is not the leading factor, but just a reference based on the weight or height limit.
It’s probable that the kid will outgrow the weight or height limit around one year of age. If you’re living in a state that requires kids to ride rear-facing until 2 years old, you’ll need a convertible car seat with extended rear-facing.
See also
Airplane
Is UPPAbaby MESA V2 approved for use on a plane?
Yes, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 is FAA-approved, making it a great option for parents who travel frequently with their children. The car seat meets all Federal Aviation Administration safety regulations, ensuring that it is safe to use on an airplane.
The FAA approval means that the UPPAbaby MESA V2 can be used on planes without any issues, giving parents peace of mind that their child is secure while in transit. Follow the instructions to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and securely on the plane.
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 comes with a built-in lock-off system that ensures a tight and secure fit, providing parents with added confidence that their child is safe during take-off, landing, and turbulence.
It’s crucial to note that while the UPPAbaby MESA V2 is FAA approved, it’s always best to check with the airline before traveling to ensure that the car seat can be used on the particular flight booked.
See also
Lifespan
How long is UPPAbaby MESA V2 infant car seat good for
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 has an expiration date of seven years from the date of manufacture.
It’s essential to note that like all car seats, the UPPAbaby MESA V2 has a limited lifespan, and using an expired car seat can compromise the safety of the child. Therefore, it’s crucial to find the expiration date sticker and ensure that the car seat is not being used beyond the expiration date.
The expiration date sticker can typically be found on the bottom of the car seat base.
When a car seat reaches its expiration date, it may no longer meet safety standards, become worn out, become brittle, or have other issues that can compromise the safety of the child. Over time, the plastic materials in the car seat can degrade, and the safety features may become less effective.
At this time, you’ll have to dispose of it. Check our tips on dealing with expired or old car seats.
See also:
Warranty
Among all the car seat brands, the UPPAbaby (and Diono) is the most confident in its products’ quality.
They are the two manufacturers who provide extended warranty time for purchased and registered customers. Based on the limited one-year warranty, the UPPAbaby provides a two-year extended warranty for the MESA V2 car seat.
The warranty covers the defects in materials, workmanship, and the repair or replacement of parts that have been identified as defective by UPPAbaby, based on their own judgment; not cover damages caused by misuse, abuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear of the car seat.
In the event that a customer needs to make a warranty claim, they should first contact UPPAbaby’s customer service team, providing details of the warranty claim and proof of purchase.
If a warranty claim is approved, UPPAbaby will either repair or replace the car seat, depending on the severity of the defect.
7. UPPAbaby MESA V2 Installation
Before starting to install the car seat, you may where to put it. The center of the back seat is probably the safest position to install a car seat.
If possible, install the car seat on that spot. If that seat is not applicable for a proper installation, for example lacking a shoulder belt, either seat on the side would be safe. You may choose any of them based on your family’s and kid’s needs.
SMARTSecure system
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 features a SmartSecure system that makes installation quick and effortless. The system comprises accurate installation indicators and red-to-green tension indicators that provide visual confirmation of a correctly installed car seat.
The SmartSecure system is designed to simplify the car seat installation process, providing added confidence that the car seat is installed correctly and securely. The car seat base is equipped with a one-step lock feature that ensures proper installation by tightening and constraining the seat belt or LATCH system. This feature provides a stable base for the car seat, which keeps the child safe and secure.
The accurate installation indicators that are part of the SmartSecure system provide a visual cue to let you know when the car seat is securely attached. The indicators are designed with clear colors that make it easy to identify when the car seat is properly installed, removing any guesswork from the installation process.
The red-to-green tension indicators are another feature of the SmartSecure system, and they provide visible confirmation that the car seat is installed with the correct amount of tension. The red-to-green indicators make it easier to know that the car seat is installed with the right level of tension, ensuring maximum safety for the child.
European Routing
European Routing is an additional feature of the UPPAbaby MESA V2, which makes installation even easier, safer, and more secure. European Routing is a style of seat belt installation that inserts the vehicle seat belt around the bottom of the car seat base and then back through the seat belt path, allowing for a more secure installation.
The European Routing installation method ensures that the car seat is tightly and securely attached to the vehicle’s seat, providing an added layer of security. It also eliminates any slack and minimizes movement of the car seat during transportation, reducing the likelihood of injury in the event of an accident.
The UPPAbaby MESA V2’s European Routing method is unique and sets it apart from many other car seats. The European Routing method is easy to install and provides parents with added confidence that the car seat is installed correctly and securely, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
The European Routing installation method of the UPPAbaby MESA V2 car seat not only makes installation easier but also enhances the overall safety of the child.
Install UPPAbaby MESA V2 with Base
Leveling the base
1. Place the base on the vehicle seat with the adjustment foot toward the vehicle seat back.
2. Press the level adjust 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: Vehicle must be parked on a level surface to properly level the base.
Base Install UPPAbaby MESA V2 Using LATCH
1. 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 1 while pulling the connector out of the lower anchor storage pocket.
2. 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.
3. Apply pressure firmly into the base allowing all the excess lower anchor connector webbing to retract and tighten.
Base Install UPPAbaby MESA V2 Using Lap/Shoulder Belt
1. Open lock-off.
2. 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.
3. Hold shoulder portion of belt above base. With one hand, push down base in the direction of the seat bight (crease of seat) and hold firm as you pull shoulder belt.
4. While holding taut, slide shoulder belt back through the belt path as close as possible to the top of the lock-off. NOTE: Tightness indicator should be GREEN.
5. Close the top section of the lock-off over the lap/shoulder belt 1 . 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.
Base Install UPPAbaby MESA V2 Using Lap Belt
1. Open lock-off.
2. 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.
3. With one hand push down base and hold firm as you pull lap belt to tighten and remove any slack. NOTE: Tightness indicator should be GREEN.
4. Close the top section of the lock-off over the belt then 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.
Install UPPAbaby MESA V2 without Base
Leveling the carrier
1. Place the carrier rear-facing on the vehicle seat.
2. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the RED line on the carrier is level with the vehicle floor.
Carrier Install with Lap/Shoulder Routine Method
1. Route the lap portion of the seat belt through both lap belt guides on the carrier and buckle the seat belt.
2. Route belt around the seat back through the rear belt guide.
3. Lock vehicle seat belt. NOTE: See vehicle owner’s instruction book for more information on locking your seat belt for child restraint installations.
4. Push the carrier into the vehicle seat bight (crease of the seat) and gently apply pressure from behind the carrier into the vehicle seat back. At the same time, pull on the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt closest to the buckle and hold tightly. NOTE: Be mindful of canopy.
5. Feed excess webbing into the vehicle retractor.
6. Rotate carry handle forward to the (4th) rebound position when in use. NOTE: Check that the carrier is still properly leveled.
Carrier Install with Lap/Shoulder Optional Routine Method
1. Route the lap portion of the seat belt through both lap belt guides on the carrier and buckle the seat belt.
2. Lock vehicle seat belt. See vehicle owner’s instruction book for more information on locking your seat belt for child restraint installations.
3. Push the carrier into the vehicle seat bight (crease of the seat) and gently apply pressure from behind the carrier into the vehicle seat back. At the same time, pull on the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt closet to the buckle and hold tightly. NOTE: Be mindful of canopy.
4. Feed excess webbing into the vehicle retractor.
5. Rotate carry handle forward to the (4th) rebound position when in use. NOTE: Check that the carrier is still properly leveled.
Carrier Install with Lap Belt Only Routing Method
1. Route the lap belt through both guides on the carrier and buckle the seat belt.
2. Push the carrier into the vehicle seat bight (crease of the seat) and gently apply pressure from behind the carrier into the vehicle seat back. At the same time, pull on the looser portion of the lap belt closest to the buckle and hold tightly. NOTE: Be mindful of canopy.
3. Rotate carry handle forward to the (4th) rebound position when in use. NOTE: Check that the carrier is still properly leveled.
UPPAbaby MESA V2 Car Seat Manual
You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child.
The UPPAbaby MESA V2 car seat manual is stored in a small storage slot at the bottom of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.
8. Specification
| Brand | |
| Brand | UPPAbaby |
| Type | |
| Suitable for | Newborns and infants |
| Positions | Rear-facing |
| Design | |
| Portability (1-10) | 8. Compact and lightweight |
| Weight (pounds) | 9.9 |
| Weight limits (lb.) | 4-35 |
| Height limit (inch) | 32” |
| Dimension | 27.5″D x 16.95″W x 24″H (without base) |
| Cup holder | None |
| Performance | |
| Age Range | Birth-12~18 months old |
| Stage | 1st |
| Installation | LATCH and seat belt |
| Headrest Positions | – |
| Recline positions | 4 |
| Airplane | Yes |
| Lifespan | 7 Years |
| Extra Features | SmartSecure, special handle. |
9. Alternatives
What other infant car seats should you consider?
Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller
- Weight Range: 4-35 lbs.
- Height Limit: 32 inches
- Lifespan: 6 years
- Type: Infant
- Stage: 1st
- Suitable for: Birth to 1 year old
Why is it better than the UPPAbaby MESA V2?
- Combine a stroller
- Foldable design
- The only car seat with wheels
Why is it worse than the UPPAbaby MESA V2?
- More expensive ($500 vs $329.99)
- Heavier (16.5 lbs vs 9.9 lbs)
Chicco Fit2
- Weight range (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height limits: ~35” (RF)
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 7 years
- Suitable: Birth-2 years old
Why is it better than the UPPAbaby MESA V2?
- Higher height limit (35" vs 32")
- More recline positons (6 vs 4)
- 7-position harness adjustment (7 vs 0)
- Include anti-rebound bar
Why is it worse than the UPPAbaby MESA V2?
- A bit heavier (11 lb vs 9.9 lb)
- SafeTech fire retardant free fabrics
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
- Weight range (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height limits: 32” (RF)
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 7 years
Why is it better than the UPPAbaby MESA V2?
- Much cheaper ($119.99 vs $329.99)
- Slightly lighter (7.2 lbs vs 9.9 lbs)
Why its worse than the UPPAbaby MESA V2?
- European routing seat belt installation
- Lack auto-retracting LATCH feature
- SafeTech fire retardant free fabrics
- Limited padding