In this UPPAbaby MESA review, our product testing team looks at the key details and features of the high-end infant car seat and carrier. We tested the MESA in person and combed through hundreds of customer reviews to help assess the quality of this seat.
We really like the MESA, and even listed it as one of the best infant car seats based on its material quality, ease of use, and adjustability. It’s also a safe car seat that’s been crash-tested and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In this article:
- UPPAbaby MESA Overview And Features
- UPPAbaby MESA Testing Process
- What We Like About The UPPAbaby MESA
- What We Don’t Like About The UPPAbaby MESA
- UPPAbaby MESA Reviews
- Our Take On The UPPAbaby MESA: 4.5 Stars
- Frequently Asked Questions
UPPAbaby MESA Overview And Features
This car seat is designed for infants up to 35.0 pounds. It features high-quality materials, including fire-retardant merino wool lining. It’s available in four different colors and features a no-rethread headrest.
The MESA can be detached from its base and used as an infant carrier or attached to an UPPAbaby stroller such as the Vista or Cruz.
Key Features
- Cost: About $350
- Weight limit: 4.0 to 35.0 lbs.
- Height range: 32.0 inches or less
- Car seat weight (excluding base): 9.9 lbs.
UPPAbaby MESA | |
|---|---|
| Our Take - A comfortable infant car seat that’s easy to install and use. | |
| Pros | Cons |
| – Easy to install and adjust – Durable construction – Soft lining materials – Can be attached to a compatible stroller – Adjustable headrest and no-rethread harness – Easily adjustable harness – Machine washable infant insert – Built-in lockoff for secure belt installation | – Seat angle too steep for some babies – Expensive – Heavy |
UPPAbaby MESA Testing Process
Any car seat sold in the US must comply with federal motor vehicle safety regulations and have been thoroughly tested for safety. This includes the UPPAbaby MESA. Our testing looked primarily at ease of use, material quality, and adjustability.
In addition to reviewing feedback from parents on Amazon, we ordered our own MESA so that we could examine it in person and practice installing it ourselves.
Ease Of Use
While the MESA passes federal safety tests (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), a car seat is only safe if properly installed. Easy installation and clear labeling help increase the security of any seat more by reducing the chance of user error.
Ease of use can be especially important for infant car seats. The MESA, like many infant car seats, can be detached from the base and used as a carrier or with a stroller. Being able to quickly remove the seat from the car seat base is an important feature.
Adjustability
The more adjustable a car seat, the more likely it can properly fit in your vehicle and provide a comfortable receptacle for your little ones. Features like a built-in level indicator help with recline adjustments and easy-to-operate buttons and levers go a long way toward improving car seat usability.
Quality Of Materials
Each of our best infant car seats uses strong and secure straps for safety. However, not all safe car seats are equally comfortable. Infant car seats with soft materials, extra padding, and quality stitchwork scored best in this category.
What We Like About The UPPAbaby MESA
The MESA uses a SmartSecure® latch system, which makes it one of the easiest car seats to install among any that we tested. Straps are loosened when you hold down the chest clip button and automatically tighten when this button is released. If you have an older car without anchor latches, the MESA can be attached using the rear seat belt.
The MESA has quality LATCH connectors, which are easier to use than plain metal clasps and are always a plus in car seat design. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, guaranteeing its durability.
Perhaps what stands out the most about the MESA is the high quality of its materials. The machine-washable merino wool fabric is among the softest linings we’ve encountered in a car seat and it is also flame retardant for added safety.
What We Don’t Like About The UPPAbaby MESA
While the MESA features high-quality materials, it comes with a high price tag and some babies may be just as comfortable in a less expensive car seat.
The other downside to the MESA is that it is relatively heavy, which could make it harder for some parents to install. The carrier is only 10.0 lbs. when detached from the base, but the base is quite heavy (almost 20.0 lbs.).
UPPAbaby MESA Reviews
Amazon reviews for the UPPAbaby MESA are near-perfect. It has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on more than 900 reviews. A total of 93 percent of reviews rate the product a full 5 stars.
Positive UPPAbaby MESA Reviews
Most appreciate the MESA for its robust materials and ease of use. It is compatible with UPPAbaby strollers and is easily removable from its base.
“Love this car seat ([and] the entire vista system) the latch base makes it super easy to take in and out and pop on [a] stroller."
– Weable via Amazon
“It's a wonderful seat, easy to clean in the wash, and can handle a lot of wear and tear."
– Mamma2Many
Negative UPPAbaby MESA Reviews
Overheating is a problem that some parents have mentioned. The merino wool lining can be quite hot for some infants. One reviewer (who lived in Arizona), noted that they had to get a different seat because the overheating was so bad for their child
“We have experienced absolutely terrible overheating issues with this car seat."
– Angel via Amazon
While this isn’t a common experience, it is something to look out for when using this car seat, especially in hot climates. Make sure whichever convertible car seat you purchase is comfortable for your child under your typical weather conditions.
Our Take On The UPPAbaby MESA: 4.5 Stars
We like the UPPAbaby MESA because it is easy to install, made from the best, softest materials, and has excellent stroller compatibility. This is a high-end infant car seat that offers forward and side-impact protection as well as comfortable harness positions. However, this seat can be hot for some children, especially in arid climates.
| Overall Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 5 out of 5 |
| Adjustability | 4 out of 5 |
| Quality of Materials | 4.5 out of 5 |
Remember that anytime you purchase a car seat, you should check to make sure there have been no recalls on the model.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the UPPAbaby MESA last?
The UPPAbaby MESA is safe to use for seven years after the manufacture date, though all UPPAbaby car seats come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Is the UPPAbaby MESA safe for a newborn?
Yes, the UPPAbaby MESA is safe for newborns provided they weigh at least 4.0 lbs. As a rear-facing infant car seat, it is specifically designed for small children under four. It includes safety features such as flame-retardant merino wool.
Is the MESA car seat FAA approved?
Yes, the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat and carrier is approved for airplane use by the FAA.
How long do babies fit UPPAbaby MESA?
The MESA can accommodate children between 4.0 and 35.0 lbs. that are up to 32.0 inches in height. Provided your child is within these ranges, they will fit in the MESA.
Does the UPPAbaby MESA come with a base?
Yes, the UPPAbaby MESA comes with a detachable base. The Base is installed into your vehicle and the carrier can be detached from the base when you reach your destination. The carrier can be held or attached to an UPPAbaby stroller like the Vista or Cruz strollers.
Is the UPPAbaby MESA a good car seat?
We concluded that the MESA is a quality car seat based on its construction, adherence to federal safety standards, and ease of use. We even named it among our top picks in our best infant car seat review.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
