Nuna PIPA vs. PIPA Lite vs. PIPA Urbn Infant Car Seats

Judith Little | September 12, 2019 | Comments 0

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There are currently THREE different Nuna Car Seat Lineup infant car seat models on the market.

All three of these infant seats have features like a 5-point harness, travel system compatibility, and a protective UPF 50+ canopy with a flip-out eye-shade.

So, how do you determine which Nuna seat is the best seat for you?
There are a few elements and inclusions that set each of these seats apart.
Read on as we compare and break down the features and functions of each seat.

Let’s start with the OG, the PIPA Infant Seat.

Nuna

PIPA Infant Car Seat

From $520.00

Nuna

PIPA Lite Infant Car Seat

$590.00

Nuna

PIPA Infant Car Seat Base

$250.00

Nuna

PIPA Urbn Infant Car Seat

$620.00

Why We Love the Nuna PIPA

THE SPECS:

7.9 lbs
Recommended use: 4 to 35 lbs, and up to 32"

This seat is perfect for city living—it can be installed without the base [if needed] and directly into an UBER for your convenience! But not to worry, if you’ve got a vehicle of your own just attach the seat using the true-lock base installation system. The PIPA boasts a premium micro knit fabric, a mesh peek-a-boo window on top, and a Dream Drape that can protect baby from the elements. The Dream Drape is not included on the PIPA Lite but the Urbn model has a Sky Drape.

The cherry on top?

The PIPA can be used for babies that weigh up to 35 lbs. -- that’s the highest weight capacity of all the Nuna infant car seats.

For more information on the PIPA, check out our full in-depth review, here.

Video Review

Why We Love the Nuna PIPA Lite

THE SPECS:

5.5 lbs
Recommended use: 4 to 22 lbs, up to 32"

The PIPA Lite has a sleek design and weighs 2 pounds less than the PIPA.

How is this seat so light?
The Nuna PIPA Lite is made with Aeroflex foam—a material that is cleverly lightweight, resilient and minimizes force transferred to baby by absorbing and diffusing energy. The lightweight nature of the PIPA Lite is ideal and makes it one of the lightest car seats in the WORLD.

But, in order to make this seat so lightweight — they've had to remove a few features found in the rest of the lineup.

The PIPA Lite does NOT have a Dream Drape, does NOT have a peekaboo window, and can NOT be installed without the base. The weight capacity of 22 lbs., along with these three features are the main elements that set the PIPA and the PIPA Lite apart.

Side note: This model includes a removable head and body insert in a micro-knit fabric PLUS an additional set made out of GOTS certified organic cotton fabric. Cleaning out your car seat is a bit of a rite of passage as a new parent and you will LOVE having an extra set on hand for when baby has a bit of an explosion in their seat.

Why We Love the Nuna Urbn

THE SPECS:

7.27 lbs
Recommended use: 4 to 22 lbs, up to 29"

So, where does the PIPA Urbn fit in the Nuna PIPA line-up?
Great question!

The PIPA Urbn is giving us MAJOR Goldilocks and the Three Bears vibes -- it may give you that “just right” feeling.

Like the other PIPA models, Urbn includes an extendable, full coverage UPF 50+ canopy with flip-out shade, however, unlike the Lite, it also has a XL peek-a-boo-window and breathable Sky drape cover panel that pulls down from the canopy and attaches to the front of the seat with magnets.

Like the PIPA Lite, it has a weight capacity of 22 lbs. However, the biggest difference is its installation. While the OG PIPA can be installed WITH or WITHOUT its base and the Lite can only be installed WITH its base, the Urbn has a completely BASELESS install.

With a single push of a button, the pipaFIX™ latches pop out from underneath the Urbn. Then, simply guide the clips onto the steel loops in between the car seat cushion and back and push down until it clicks in place.

The Urbn also features infant inserts made from environmentally-friendly Merino wool and TENCEL™ branded lyocell, and the integrated head support includes a 2-layer soft surround to accommodate smaller babies.

To learn more, check out our review, here.

So, What Will It Be?

Well, that really depends! Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision for your family.

All three seats are compatible with Nuna strollers to create a tasteful travel system. These three seats are also compatible with some of the top stroller brands that you may be considering — though you may need to purchase a set of adapters separately.

If you're expecting a chunky baby [check out your partner's baby photos!], we recommend sticking with the 35 lbs weight limit of the original PIPA. We've seen a few parents disappointed to learn their 5-month-old is 21 lbs already and they must discontinue use of the seat sooner than they anticipated.

However, the extra 2 lbs of weight might be just too much for you and you don't plan on carrying your baby in a carrier at 20 lbs anyways - if that's the case, go lite!

The PIPA Urbn is perfect for city-dwellers who don’t own a vehicle or use one infrequently, but still want the convenience of a travel system and have a safe, lightweight car seat option when needed.

We hope this information has been helpful - happy shopping!

Judith Little

Snuggle Mama

Boasting a background in Broadcast Journalism, Judith is a talented content creator and the vivacious host of the Snuggle Bugz “40 Weeks to Forever” podcast. Being the youngest of six kids, a busy family has always been at the core of her life — a tradition she continues as the proud mama of two energetic boys. Judith is a vital member of the Snuggle Bugz team, who passionately offers support, encouragement, and guidance to others navigating the adventure of parenthood.