UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat Review

Crunch the Numbers

THE SPECS:

• Orientation: Rear-Facing
• Child Weight/Height Limit: 4 to 35 lbs or up to 32”
• Car Seat + Base Dimensions:17″ W x 28″ L x 25″ H
• Car Seat-only Dimensions: 17″ W x 25.8″ L x 23″ H
• Base-only Dimensions: 14.5″ W x 21.3″ L x 10.3″ H
• Carrier Weight: 9.9 lbs.
• Base Weight: 9 lbs.
  
  

This infant car seat is lightweight at 9.9 lbs. making it easy to carry around with your little one tucked in. Rear-facing, it fits perfectly into any vehicle’s back seat and is designed for use straight from the hospital up until your child hits the height/weight limit (typically around 2).

Fashions

The Mesa V2 is available in several colours and the fabrics are made from ultra-soft merino wool. The moisture-wicking properties of this fabric makes it not only comfortable for your newborn’s delicate skin, but also keeps them cool when they’re hot, and warm when they’re cold. The fabrics are also removable, which is a lifesaver (SO many spills).

Setup & Use

There are three different approaches you can take to installing the Mesa V2.

• SmartSecure System: This option requires you thread a seat belt through the base and then snap the carrier to it. Tightness indicators tell you when the belt is snug, and dual levels on each side of the base work with an adjustable foot to keep it evened out.
  
  
• LATCH System: Two side straps found on the base are meant to be hooked into your backseat’s lower anchors, further stabilizing the V2. We’d recommend using the LATCH system with the SmartSecure system for maximum security.
  
  
• European Routing: If you are grabbing an Uber and don’t have the base on you, you can still secure the Mesa by threading a seat belt through the carrier’s shell.
  
  

Positioning

As previously mentioned, the Mesa V2 is a rear-facing car seat. In the event of a head-on collision, this orientation protects your child by pushing them backward into the cushy seat. This protects their baby body by alleviating the stress they’d suffer if they were flung forward in a front-facing seat.

UPPAbaby wants you to get as much use out of the V2 as you can, designing it for extended use by including a removable infant insert. This insert helps ensure small infants (up to 11 lbs.) are positioned correctly, and works with a large-size headrest for perfect placement.

Safety First

UPPAbaby doesn’t skimp on the safety features when it comes to this car seat. Let’s count them out!

• GreenGuard Gold Certified: This certification states that a product is low in chemical emissions. The V2 doesn’t use any flame-retardant chemicals on its fabrics. Flame-retardants are toxic chemicals that have been linked to a host of mental, physical, and developmental issues — so good on UPPAbaby.

• Adjustable Headrest: The aforementioned large headrest is also adjustable, so your child will always have their head and neck protected in the event of a collision.
  
  
• No-rethread harness: With one crotch buckle position.
  
  
• EPP Foam: This car seat uses dense EPP foam which absorbs force and shocks during a crash. As a bonus, it’s super squishy for baby!

• Rebound Handle: The V2’s handle has 4 positions and can be used as an anti-rebound bar for protection during rear-impact collisions.

• UV-Resistant Canopy: Whether you’re using the carrier outside, or simply driving on a sunny day, the UPF 25+ canopy is perfect for protecting a newborn’s skin from UV rays. Plus, it provides a cozy little cocoon for baby to snooze in during naptime.
  
  

Flexibility

The V2 shines in backseats, but did you know it can be used in a variety of configurations?

UPPAbaby designed the Mesa V2 to perfectly snap onto their Vista and Cruz strollers. Plus large button on the carrier’s handle allows for one-touch detachment.

The Mesa V2 can also be used with a few other UPPAbaby strollers, although adapters are required for them:

• Minu, Minu V2 Stroller, (adapter)
• Ridge Stroller (adapter)

For outdoor adventure, you may want to consider the following weather-shielding add-ons:

• Mesa Rainshield (for wet weather)
• Mesa Cabana Weathershield (for sun, wind, rain, and bugs)
• CozyGanoosh (for frosty weather)

For travellers, UPPAbaby also makes the Mesa Travel Safe Bag, which keeps the seat in pristine condition as you travel to and from your destination.

The Verdict

Much like the original Mesa, we expect to see a whole lot of 5-star reviews in the V2’s future. The Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat boasts impressive safety features with an attractive look that parents will love. UPPAbaby listened to feedback about their original Mesa model and took care to implement upgrades in the V2 that parents will appreciate. All in all, the Mesa V2 is a win and a great choice for parents on the hunt for a reliable, safe, and stylish infant car seat.