My name is Ashley and I live in Courtice, Ontario. My husband and I just welcomed our first child to the world — a beautiful baby girl who is our pride and joy. We are truly blessed. She is a very happy little girl who only fusses when extremely tired; other than that, she’ll let you know she’s hungry with some active stretching and a few squeaky noises.
Motherhood so far has been the most rewarding, fulfilling and enjoyable experience of my life. It’s a refreshing change from my day job, working downtown Toronto as a document specialist for a major financial institution. For fun, I enjoy spending time with family, travelling and being active outdoors.
In exchange for her honest review, Ashley received an UPPAbaby MESA car seat.
Before you read on, check out Mommy Gearest’s video showcasing many of her favourite features of and some constructive criticism about the UPPAbaby MESA car seat:
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When we first found out we were expecting, we immediately solicited help from our friendly neighbourhood mommy blogger, Andrea from Mommy Gearest. Having known she was actively involved in the world of baby gadgets, we knew she would be the best person to guide us on this journey as we prepared for parenthood.
We wasted little time purchasing the bare necessities — a crib and dresser — and then had the harsh realization that a baby requires much more than these two items. Luckily, Andrea had a trusty stash of lightly used gear from when her kids were younger. For the remaining items, Andrea provided us with a detailed list and thorough instructions and we started chipping away at it bit by bit. [Editor’s note: I actually lambasted their baby registry, crossing out this and that and replacing it with the things they didn’t know they really needed. Or didn’t need at all. And I used red pen for teacher-like effectiveness.]
The car seat was something we vigorously researched and were hesitant to purchase. Reviews seem to vary and each one had its pros and cons. We knew we needed something that would work with our UPPAbaby VISTA — purchased based on Andrea’s strong recommendation.
As luck would have it, just as we were about to take the plunge and purchase a Maxi Cosi AP, Andrea told us to stop in our tracks. There was big news, she said: the UPPAbaby MESA was coming to Canada, and she needed a reviewer. We were thrilled knowing our child was about to have the shiniest new car seat on the market.
THE GOOD
The list of things we love about the MESA is long — so bear with me.
The seat installation was very straightforward. The level indicators on the front and side of the base give you confidence that the seat is installed correctly. My husband did struggle with the self-retracting latch connectors as they want to retract as you’re trying to attach them to the frame of the seat. But compared to the competition, the installation of the MESA car seat is far simpler and the base system more superior to any other we’ve seen. We did not need to go to the local police station for assistance with install, nor did we need to use a pool noodle (or three) to ensure the seat was level. Based on the base of the car seat and installation alone, this seat is worth every penny of its $449.99 price tag.
The head rest with side-impact protection is easily adjustable to ensure your baby’s head is protected as she grows. The strap to adjust this is conveniently hidden out of sight and pretty easy to find.
Adjusting the UPPAbaby MESA’s harness is effortless. Although our daughter dislikes the tightening of the straps against her body, the mechanism on this car seat makes it as painless as possible.
It’s quite obvious as soon as you lay eyes on the MESA that the material and fabrics used to construct the car seat are high quality, comfortable and durable. Spills have been easy to clean and we are never worried if our daughter is comfortable in the seat, given the padding and soft materials.
Taking your baby in and out of the car is simple and the seat easily clicks in and out of the base and just as easily connects to our VISTA without requiring an adaptor. [Editor’s note: if you do not have a 2015 VISTA or CRUZ, however, you will require additional clips that click into the frame.]
THE GAFFE
We wish the UPPAbaby MESA car seat canopy extended farther out over our daughter’s head to protect her from the elements. This can be frustrating when you’re inside a bright store with lots of florescent lights and you struggle to keep them out of your child’s face — especially a sleeping one!
The over-the-shoulder straps didn’t want to stay on our newborn baby’s shoulders when we first took her home from the hospital. This may be as a result of our daughter’s size, but as the straps tighten, they slip off her shoulders. This lasted from when she was born (at 8 lbs., 3 oz.) until she was almost six weeks and reached 10 to 11 pounds. Now that she has “filled out” a bit, the straps are no longer an issue. It’s possible that we didn’t have the headrest low enough or perhaps it was another issue at our end, but we just couldn’t seem to make it work perfectly those first few weeks.
THE GEARS
4.5/5
Lushka Smith says
Great review, definitely one to consider. Will pass along to my expectant friend.
Lushka Smith says
Great review, definitely one to consider. Will pass along to my expectant friend.
LILLIAN BROWN says
I like that it easy to use this stroller that it is dependable
LILLIAN BROWN says
I like that it easy to use this stroller that it is dependable
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
looks like quite the comfy car seat!
Melinda Jana (@Sukki24) says
looks like quite the comfy car seat!
Silvia D says
love the red one, I really like the ease of installation!
Silvia D says
love the red one, I really like the ease of installation!
Diana Powell says
My sister would love this ! Have to tell her about it !
Diana Powell says
My sister would love this ! Have to tell her about it !
mags c (@magscheung) says
First of all,love the colour! Great, easy to use stroller that is dependable!
mags c (@magscheung) says
First of all,love the colour! Great, easy to use stroller that is dependable!
Nicky says
looks lovely! it fits the trifecta of safety, comfort for baby, and style!
Nicky says
looks lovely! it fits the trifecta of safety, comfort for baby, and style!
binabug says
My sister is going for her c-section on monday, and I’m uncertain if she’s even got a car seat yet
binabug says
My sister is going for her c-section on monday, and I’m uncertain if she’s even got a car seat yet
kristen visser says
wow what an amazing car seat! i love the head rest with side-impact protection and that it is adjustable and the colors the seat comes in! such variety i love it
kristen visser says
wow what an amazing car seat! i love the head rest with side-impact protection and that it is adjustable and the colors the seat comes in! such variety i love it
Rachel says
Not gonna lie… I’m so happy I’m past the car seat phase. Great review though; I would have considered this brand at the time had it been available.
Rachel says
Not gonna lie… I’m so happy I’m past the car seat phase. Great review though; I would have considered this brand at the time had it been available.
cottagebunny says
I like that it has a base that’s easy to use and the harness is easy to adjust.
Thank you for the great review.I like the grey one.
cottagebunny says
I like that it has a base that’s easy to use and the harness is easy to adjust.
Thank you for the great review.I like the grey one.
Jessica says
Looks like a great seat!
Jessica says
Looks like a great seat!
scott macmillan says
My babies are all grown and I have adult grandchildren but I certainly would want their children to use a seat that is as safe as this for the precious cargo.I personally prefer the black one.
scott macmillan says
My babies are all grown and I have adult grandchildren but I certainly would want their children to use a seat that is as safe as this for the precious cargo.I personally prefer the black one.
scott macmillan says
My babies are all grown and I have adult grandchildren but I certainly would want their children to use a seat that is as safe as this for the precious cargo.
scott macmillan says
My babies are all grown and I have adult grandchildren but I certainly would want their children to use a seat that is as safe as this for the precious cargo.
Heidi M says
Testing
Heidi M says
Testing
nicolthepickle says
Just testing.
Mommy Gearest says
Got it. 🙂
nicolthepickle says
Just testing.
Mommy Gearest says
Got it. 🙂
Joy D says
The easy installation is a must and the colour but rocks it.
Joy D says
The easy installation is a must and the colour but rocks it.
Alessia says
I love the easy installation and I would choose the black! Love Uppababy products I currently have the uppababy vista stroller.
Alessia says
I love the easy installation and I would choose the black! Love Uppababy products I currently have the uppababy vista stroller.
Nikki says
Love the ease of use! Looks like it quickly connects to the stroller which is key when you’re taking a little baby in and out (especially if you need to in a hurry!). I would love back! I have the uppababy vista and would love the car seat to complete the package!
Nikki says
Love the ease of use! Looks like it quickly connects to the stroller which is key when you’re taking a little baby in and out (especially if you need to in a hurry!). I would love back! I have the uppababy vista and would love the car seat to complete the package!
Natasha says
I love the no-rethread harness. My son has grown so quickly and the harness on my current car seat has needed to be adjusted multiple times and it’s a pain. I have the 2015 Uppababy Vista in grey which I love, love, love (and I took stroller buying very seriously), so it would be lovely to have the matching Mesa in grey.
Natasha says
I love the no-rethread harness. My son has grown so quickly and the harness on my current car seat has needed to be adjusted multiple times and it’s a pain. I have the 2015 Uppababy Vista in grey which I love, love, love (and I took stroller buying very seriously), so it would be lovely to have the matching Mesa in grey.
Clancy mcmanus says
I love an easy to use base! It makes life so much easier. I do not own anything Uppa Baby but if I did it would be in black 🙂
Clancy mcmanus says
I love an easy to use base! It makes life so much easier. I do not own anything Uppa Baby but if I did it would be in black 🙂
Leslie Crosbie says
I like that it has easy installation and I would pick black!!
Leslie Crosbie says
I like that it has easy installation and I would pick black!!
Kristy says
I love that the harness is easy to adjust. It looks very comfortable and safe for a baby. I love the blue
Kristy says
I love that the harness is easy to adjust. It looks very comfortable and safe for a baby. I love the blue
Mary Gaudet says
I love how easy it is to adjust the straps for a snug fit! I’d like the black seat best…goes with everything 😉
Mary Gaudet says
I love how easy it is to adjust the straps for a snug fit! I’d like the black seat best…goes with everything 😉
Betty S says
I like the fact the harness is easy to do up and that is has an adjusting headrest. I think I would love a grey one
Betty S says
I like the fact the harness is easy to do up and that is has an adjusting headrest. I think I would love a grey one
heidi says
Iwould like the red one
heidi says
Iwould like the red one
jackieeman says
I love the easy harness, the easy adjusting of headrest and hidden straps! I would pick the black or the grey – easy colours 🙂
jackieeman says
I love the easy harness, the easy adjusting of headrest and hidden straps! I would pick the black or the grey – easy colours 🙂
Kristine Bauman says
I absolutely love the red car seat. I like the fact that the car seat’s installation is easy and straightforward.
Kristine Bauman says
I absolutely love the red car seat. I like the fact that the car seat’s installation is easy and straightforward.
Kathy Thorn says
I love that the harness is effortless. I always struggle to tighten my grandson into his carseat.
I would certainly pick the great blue color for a car seat.
Kathy Thorn says
I love that the harness is effortless. I always struggle to tighten my grandson into his carseat.
I would certainly pick the great blue color for a car seat.
Jill McDowell says
I like the easy installation and I would pick the blue one!
Jill McDowell says
I like the easy installation and I would pick the blue one!
Anne-Marie says
I love the awesome adjustable head support! I would love to get the gray one for our baby due in September!
Anne-Marie says
I love the awesome adjustable head support! I would love to get the gray one for our baby due in September!
surinder gurm says
i would like to win this for charity fundraiser…good luck to me
surinder gurm says
i would like to win this for charity fundraiser…good luck to me
em says
I love the red one. Never owned an UPPAbaby-compatible stroller yet but will likely own one this Sept
em says
I love the red one. Never owned an UPPAbaby-compatible stroller yet but will likely own one this Sept
Melissa says
I received the Vista as a gift and was considering the Mesa as our car seat but wasn’t sure if it was easy and safe as the Peg Perego. This review/video really helped to provide us with a clear picture of what having this infant car seat would be like and the ease of use was really highlighted!
I would definitely lean toward that blue / turquoise colour (I think it’s called Georgie or Georgia). It’s so beautiful and great for either gender baby!
Thanks for the review Mommygearest!
Melissa says
I received the Vista as a gift and was considering the Mesa as our car seat but wasn’t sure if it was easy and safe as the Peg Perego. This review/video really helped to provide us with a clear picture of what having this infant car seat would be like and the ease of use was really highlighted!
I would definitely lean toward that blue / turquoise colour (I think it’s called Georgie or Georgia). It’s so beautiful and great for either gender baby!
Thanks for the review Mommygearest!
jaimeem says
I like that installation is easy, I dont own a Uppa strolller but like that it is compatible. I would love a blue or grey
jaimeem says
I like that installation is easy, I dont own a Uppa strolller but like that it is compatible. I would love a blue or grey
ginette4 says
I love that the seat clicks easily out of the base and my choice would be the colour black
ginette4 says
I love that the seat clicks easily out of the base and my choice would be the colour black
pinksuzanne says
I like that installation is well explained so you can feel confident it is installed correctly. I would choose the colour Pascal (grey). I do not own the compatible stroller.
pinksuzanne says
I like that installation is well explained so you can feel confident it is installed correctly. I would choose the colour Pascal (grey). I do not own the compatible stroller.
Nicole B says
I love that adjusting the harness is so easy! I love the colours too! I would choose the red one!
Nicole B says
I love that adjusting the harness is so easy! I love the colours too! I would choose the red one!
Mandy says
I like the red color. I like that it’s easy to install since carseat installation is always so confusing!
Mandy says
I like the red color. I like that it’s easy to install since carseat installation is always so confusing!
Rachel Jenkins says
I love how the colors are so beautiful, and I also love how baby fits so well in the seat!
Rachel Jenkins says
I love how the colors are so beautiful, and I also love how baby fits so well in the seat!
Amy J says
This seat looks fantastic! I love that the straps seem easy to adjust to secure baby and would probably pick black as it matches with everything. Thanks for the chance to win one!!
Amy J says
This seat looks fantastic! I love that the straps seem easy to adjust to secure baby and would probably pick black as it matches with everything. Thanks for the chance to win one!!
Amy J says
I love the adjustable side-impact head support and the colour options (although I’d probably pick Jake/black b/c it always matches!). Looks like a safe and stylish infant seat!
Amy J says
I love the adjustable side-impact head support and the colour options (although I’d probably pick Jake/black b/c it always matches!). Looks like a safe and stylish infant seat!
Andrea D says
I love how nice and safe this car seat is! The red one looks fabulous! I own an UPPA baby GLuxe umbrella stroller that I love – they made amazing products!
Andrea D says
I love how nice and safe this car seat is! The red one looks fabulous! I own an UPPA baby GLuxe umbrella stroller that I love – they made amazing products!
Lynda Cook says
Nice looking seat, I need one for my truck for when my granddaughter is over, I would choose the red or grey!!
Lynda Cook says
Nice looking seat, I need one for my truck for when my granddaughter is over, I would choose the red or grey!!
Lushka Smith says
I like that the headrest is adjustable and I would pick the color red
Lushka Smith says
I like that the headrest is adjustable and I would pick the color red
juliag2013 says
Love the blue colour. Also the fact that installation seems to be a breeze.
juliag2013 says
Love the blue colour. Also the fact that installation seems to be a breeze.
kristen visser says
ooo I love this car seat! I would pick black since it goes with everything (i know kinda boring love the blue too but gotsta go with everything) I do not have a compatible stroller BUT i would totally buy one!
kristen visser says
ooo I love this car seat! I would pick black since it goes with everything (i know kinda boring love the blue too but gotsta go with everything) I do not have a compatible stroller BUT i would totally buy one!
Marianne says
I like the ease of installation of the base. I’d do Denny (the red). I use a baby jogger city versa and I’m pretty sure there is an adapter available for the mesa with it.
Marianne says
I like the ease of installation of the base. I’d do Denny (the red). I use a baby jogger city versa and I’m pretty sure there is an adapter available for the mesa with it.
shari Ironside says
I love no rethread harnesses… Rethreading always makes me swear. I would pick the blue!
shari Ironside says
I love no rethread harnesses… Rethreading always makes me swear. I would pick the blue!
Kristin Reid says
I love all my UppaBaby strollers! I have a Vista and a G-Luxe and I would probably get the pascal or jake Mesa to match my jake Vista!
Kristin Reid says
I love all my UppaBaby strollers! I have a Vista and a G-Luxe and I would probably get the pascal or jake Mesa to match my jake Vista!
sarah says
Thanks for the review! I would choose the blue colour, and love that the installation is so simple. Anything that is simple with a baby is a gift.
sarah says
Thanks for the review! I would choose the blue colour, and love that the installation is so simple. Anything that is simple with a baby is a gift.
latanya says
No-rethread harness that adjusts with headrest is my fave feature. I like the Lindsey color.
latanya says
No-rethread harness that adjusts with headrest is my fave feature. I like the Lindsey color.
ivy pluchinsky says
I really like the red one! And I love that it has a headrest that adjusts
ivy pluchinsky says
I really like the red one! And I love that it has a headrest that adjusts
Lisa bolduc says
I would pick the Denny colour. It’s my mother’s maiden name. I love how is has a headrest that adjusts. Not many of the infant seats do. I love how she says the straps and easy to use. Alot of seats the straps suck. I have an uppababy glux. I don’t think the car seat can fit in there but I love uppababy I might buy another stroller
Lisa bolduc says
I would pick the Denny colour. It’s my mother’s maiden name. I love how is has a headrest that adjusts. Not many of the infant seats do. I love how she says the straps and easy to use. Alot of seats the straps suck. I have an uppababy glux. I don’t think the car seat can fit in there but I love uppababy I might buy another stroller
Maritess says
I like the effortless adjustment of the harness. This feature is important when I find myself in a rush to get somewhere.
I choose the red one so it is easy to detect.
I do not own a UPPAbaby-compatible stroller
Maritess says
I like the effortless adjustment of the harness. This feature is important when I find myself in a rush to get somewhere.
I choose the red one so it is easy to detect.
I do not own a UPPAbaby-compatible stroller
nicky says
Looks great! I love that the harness is easy to adjust – very useful with a squirmy baby. I’d get the red one – very fetching!
nicky says
Looks great! I love that the harness is easy to adjust – very useful with a squirmy baby. I’d get the red one – very fetching!