Uppababy MESA vs Chicco Keyfit 30 Comparison
An infant car seat is a necessity for new parents; Not only because you love your child and would want no harm coming to them, but also because it is often legally required of you to take your little one home in a proper infant car seat. This guide will therefore discuss Uppababy Mesa vs Chicco Keyfit 30, the best of the two most competent infant car seats available in the market.
Types of Car Seats for Babies
There are quite a few types of car seats available for children of all ages and different abilities. However, we will be covering the four most broadly used seats:
Infant-only Car Seat:
The infant-only car seat is, as the name suggests, to be used by infants only. They are rear-facing seats because that is the safest position for babies. It is usually recommended that babies should remain in a rear-facing seat until they are at least two years old. However, if your child exceeds the maximum weight limit of the infant car seat they should move to a convertible seat as soon as possible.
Convertible Car Seat:
A convertible car seat combines the functions of a rear-facing car seat and a front-facing car seat. When your child is born, you can use the convertible seat in its rear-facing position till the child weighs 20 pounds and is at least two years old. After that, you can convert the seat to a front-facing position and prop your child there till they are old enough.
Booster Car Seat:
A booster seat is a seat that seats your child when they are 2-8 years old. It is also a front-facing seat and consists of a seat belt that can hold the little one in place during the ride. When your child is either too old or too heavy for a booster seat, we can conclude that they can sit in the car normally and use the regular seat belt!
Combination Car Seat:
Combinations seats are front-facing seats that will seat your child from when they are a year old. When your child is 4 years old or weighs approximately 40 pounds, you can convert the seat into a booster seat with a belt as well.
Uppababy MESA vs Chicco Keyfit 30
After carefully reviewing and considering, we have narrowed down to two of the best infant car seats in the market. Therefore we will be discussing Uppababy Mesa vs Chicco Keyfit 30 for the best infant car seat you can buy.
Uppababy MESA Car Seat
Uppababy MESA Options
Overview
One of the most unique features of the Uppababy MESA car seat is that it passes federal safety standards. It is not required of car seats to pass these standards since they are not for everyone, but the fact that this goes the extra mile can only mean well for our little ones.
The smart and secure installation system that this car seat uses can be put in place using the LATCH system or a regular belt so that no parent has to skimp out on quality for their child just because of what car they have. The seat does offer a very quick installation as well.
We also love how Uppababy went the extra mile to take care of safety standards for our babies. They have side impact protection to keep the baby from wobbling harshly, and they also have an SPF hideaway canopy to protect the little one from any sun damage. It is also made of naturally flame-retarding wool and is not doused in flame-retarding chemicals which can prove hazardous for the baby.
Other than that, the seat has an adjustable headrest which can provide comfort for your infant as they grow bigger. The car seat is also very lightweight and not a big hassle to carry.
We can easily attach this seat to VISTA and CRUZ strollers without a separate adapter and have a nice travel system on hand at all times too. This seat is also reversible on the stroller so you can have your baby facing you, or facing the other way. You can also easily release it from the stroller with the help of a quick press button.
The covers of the seat are very easy to remove and clean, so having a hygienic environment for the little one is no trouble at all.
The only complaint we have against this stroller is that the thick, wool covers can be a bit much for the baby during the hot weather, making your baby uncomfortable or sweaty. Other than that, the straps used to hold the baby in can feel a little too harsh if used for a very long time.
Overall, this stroller is an excellent find and worth every penny!
Pros
- Passes the federal safety standards for car seats
- Great safety features
- Very easy to install
- Very easy to clean
Cons
- Can be very hot for the baby during high-temperature weather
- The straps can dig into the baby’s skin
Chicco Keyfit 30 Car Seat
Chicco Keyfit 30
Overview
The Chicco Keyfit 30 is another excellent car seat that will satisfy the needs of any parent. It is very easy to install using the LATCH design that is easily found in most cars. The seat also has handy bubble indicators to show that the seat has been securely held in place inside the car along with a secure click-in feature which assures you that the seat is held in place properly.
The seat has excellent head and body support specifically for newborn children and can easily hold children that weigh anywhere from 4-30 pounds and a maximum height of thirty inches. The seat also has a 5 point harness and also a comfortably gripping carry handle.
The product itself reaches a maximum height of 19.5 inches.
It is very easy to clean as well. You can easily wash the fabric with soap and water or machine wash it on a gentle cycle in cold water and then hang it out to dry. Therefore, it will be very easy for you to create a fresh and clean environment for your baby.
You can also separately buy a Chicco stroller to have a handy travel system on hand as well.
The lever you can use to remove the seat from its base is very easy to use, however, we do have an issue with how it is placed since it can be quite difficult to reach. Another issue with the seat is its thick fabric that can make the little one very uncomfortable and sweaty in the hot weather. Other than that, the seat is also doused in chemical flame retardants which some children are sensitive too.
Overall, the Chicco Keyfit 30 is an excellent infant car seat and is worth the money.
Pros
- Very easy to Install
- Very securely held in place
- Great support for all children
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The release lever is awkwardly positioned
- Thick, hot fabric
- Doused in chemical flame retardants
Verdict:
The Uppababy Mesa vs Chicco Keyfit 30 is not an easy debate to resolve. However, if we were to choose only one out of the two infant car seats, it would be the Uppababy MESA Car Seat.
This is simply because it goes the extra mile of passing federal safety standards and selecting naturally flame-retarding wool for its fabric.
Other than that, it is more compatible with different types of cars and is supported by a wider variety of strollers. Therefore, it is the clear winner out of the two.
Baby Car Seat Buying Guide
Following are the things you look for when buying an infant car seat:
Size
Make sure the seat is shaped and sized in a way that it can fit inside your car without too much trouble.
Indicators
The seat probably has some mechanism that will indicate that it is installed properly and you can easily place your child there for a car ride.
Installation
You can use the regular seat belt system or the LATCH system to easily install the car seat in your car.
Weight Limit
A higher weight limit will seat your child in the seat for a longer period, so make sure you check the limit before making your purchase.
Material
The material should not only be pleasing to the eye, but you should get a feel of it first to make sure it will last you a long time too without losing its luster. Also, make sure the fabric of the seat is easy to wash whenever the need arises. It would also be wise to make sure that no part of the seat accumulates dirt or dust quickly and is hard to wash out because it can affect the health of the baby.
Safety Features
Car seats should have extra safety features too, such as shock absorption, extra soft padding, and use of high-quality materials to ensure resilience.
Compatibility with Strollers
Many infant car seats can come with a stroller frame as well where you can snap the seat into the car or the stroller at your convenience. However, you can use a separate adapter mechanism to fit your regular car seat into a different stroller as well.
Precautions to Take When Buying/Using a Car Seat
Always Buy a New Car Seat
There are new and used cat seats available in the market with a huge price difference between them. However, try to always buy a new infant car seat for your baby to ensure you get the best experience. Used items are often unreliable and can prove to be so at the worst moments.
However, if you do decide to settle for a used infant car seat, make sure you choose a trusted seller and check the seat thoroughly before settling for it.
Make Sure the Seat is Secure
When installing the seat in your car, make sure all the indicators suggest that the seat is held in place securely. If possible, try to take the seat for a test drive with a dummy before you use it to hold your baby.
The Baby Must be Strapped in Properly
Needless to say, you must strap in your baby properly, exactly as the instruction manual suggests, before driving the car. You can even watch video tutorials online on how to strap your baby in securely so that there are no accidents during your drive.
Keep it in the Middle
Make sure the seat is exactly in the center of the rear car seat, away from both of the airbags.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Car Seat Should Your Baby Use
The type of car seat that your baby should use depends on their age. If you have a convertible car seat, you can use it rear-faced till your child is two years old, after which you can use it as a front-facing car seat till the child is four years old.
Uppababy MESA vs Chicco Keyfit 30 will guide you regarding the best features available in two of the best car seats available.
How Long Should Your Child Use a Car Seat
Your child should ideally use a car seat until they are 8 years old. However, they need to use a different type of seat till they are two, then till they are 4, and then till they are 8 years old. After that, they can use a regular seat belt like yourselves!
Where Should the Car Seat be Facing?
The safest, securest position for a car seat is the rear-facing position, which is why infant car seats are rear-facing only. However, booster seats, combinations seats, and convertible seats are all front-facing and to be used for older children as well.
Can Infants Use Car Seats?
Infants should specifically use infant car seats or car seats that are only meant for infants. These are rear-facing car seats that are held completely securely in place. Initially, convertible car seats are also meant for children and should also be installed in a rear-facing position.
