UPPAbaby Mesa Max Infant Car Seat Review

As a new parent, you will be juggling diaper bags, pacifiers, and the tiny human who's quickly become the centre of your universe. But before you embark on any grand adventures, whether it's a trip to the supermarket or even your first car ride home from the hospital, you need a trusty sidekick to keep your precious cargo safe on the road. 

Cue the spotlight on the Mesa Max Infant Car Seat — the swanky new seat from UPPAbaby that's got parents everywhere buzzing with excitement! If you're envisioning a car seat that's not only safe but also stylish enough to make you the envy of every Mommy & Me class, then you're in for a treat. 

UPPAbaby's Mesa Max is a testament to thoughtful engineering, guaranteeing your baby's comfort and security on every journey.  

Let’s dive in! 

Video Review & Install

THE SPECS: 

• Suitable from 4 to 35 lbs. or 32” in height 
• Infant Insert: For use from 4 to 11 lbs. 
• Car Seat Weight: 9.9 lbs. 
• Car Seat Dimensions: 17” L x 25” W x 24” H   
• Base Weight: 12.6 lbs. 
• Base Dimensions: 14” L x 24” W x 17.5” H   
  
  

The Mesa Max is designed for use straight from birth, so it will be the first seat in your little one’s car seat journey and is usable until your child reaches 35 lbs or 32” in height (whatever comes first). 

The Mesa Max shares many of the safety features found on UPPAbaby’s Mesa V2, but also includes two new safety features in its base. First is the anti-rotational load leg for added stability. Second is an anti-rebound panel, adding another layer of defence during collisions. 

The Mesa Max can also be used as part of a travel system, as it directly attaches to the Vista V2, Cruz V2, Minu V2 (with adapters), and Ridge (with adapters). During those first few months, a travel system is very helpful as it allows you to move your baby from the stroller to the car (and vice versa) without having to wake them. 

A Boastful Base  

UPPAbaby’s new Mesa Max Base makes installation a breeze! As mentioned earlier, it features two safety features not found on the Mesa Base — the anti-rebound panel and anti-rotational load leg for additional stability and energy absorption.

An auto-retracting UAS LATCH system simplifies the process, while the built-in lock-off ensures a rock-solid seat belt attachment. The SMARTSecure system uses a red-to-green tightness indicator for swift and accurate installation, while a NEW bubble level indicator works with a 4-position foot for effortless levelling.

What's more, if you want to use the car seat without the base, simply use the European belt path on the carrier’s shell — great for when you are hopping in a taxi or Uber.

For a step-by-step installation guide, be sure to check out our video above.

MAXimum Features 

 Let's delve into the exceptional features of the Mesa Max: 

• Infant Insert: UPPAbaby understands the delicacy of newborns, which is why the Max includes a removable infant insert tailored for babies weighing up to 11 lbs. This thoughtful addition provides the necessary support and snugness to ensure your newest family member travels in optimal comfort and safety! 

• XXL Canopy: The sun's rays are no match for the Max's UPF 25+ XXL canopy. Offering an impressive 43% more coverage compared to its predecessors, this canopy is a guardian against harsh sunlight. With three adjustable positions, it can almost fully enclose your baby, protecting them from harmful UV rays or simply providing a dark environment for napping. You can also silently extend and retract the canopy without worrying about waking your baby.

• Seatbelt Guides: Seatbelt guides on the carrier pull double-duty as harness holders. This ingenious design simplifies the process of getting your little one in and out of the car seat while maintaining a secure harness fit. 

• Headrest & Harness: Babies grow at lightning speed, and the Mesa Max adapts just as quickly. The adjustable headrest and no-rethread harness ensure the car seat evolves alongside your baby. No need to fuss with complicated adjustments — it's smooth sailing all the way! 

• Side Ventilation: Comfort is paramount, especially during long journeys. The Mesa Max Car Seat incorporates strategic side ventilation for improved airflow, keeping your baby cozy and content throughout the ride. 

• Fashion Options: Parents appreciate style too, which is why UPPAbaby offers a selection of modern colours for the Mesa Max. You can choose a look that resonates with your aesthetic while maintaining the highest standard of safety and functionality.
  
  

Superior Safety 

In addition to the load leg and anti-rebound panel on the base, UPPAbaby crafts the Mesa Max with fire retardant and temperature-controlled fabrics. For extra protection, EPA foam lining on the interior of the shell creates an unparalleled shield against potential hazards. 

What further sets it apart is the 4th anti-rebound handle position, strategically designed to enhance safety during rebound and rear-impact collisions when installing the seat without its base. UPPAbaby ensures parents that their little one is wrapped in a cocoon of safety, ready to brave every journey with the utmost confidence! 

Mesa to the Max 

The Mesa Max Infant Car Seat by UPPAbaby is like having VIP treatment for your baby's travel needs. Safety features that rival a superhero's shield, comfort that's fit for a royal nap, and compatibility that makes your life oh-so-easy — it's a win-win-win situation! So whether you're road-tripping to Grandma's or simply cruising around town, the Mesa Max has got your baby's back (and bottom!) covered. It's more than just a car seat — it's a travel companion that ensures safety, style, and smiles all in one package.  

For information on UPPAbaby’s full line of car seats, check out our UPPAbaby Car Seat Overview.