I just love when game-changing products are released onto the market, such as the MESA infant car seat from UPPAbaby.  This was one of those products that people were dying to buy, preorders were through the roof and I totally understand why.  The MESA infant seat is gorgeous — super stylish and sleek — really functional and safe.  I may have another baby just to use the seat again… that good!  The MESA was sent to me for review and it did not disappoint.  I also received a CRUZ stroller (wow, love) to test the whole system out.  Look for my CRUZ review soon!

The UPPAbaby MESA car seat’s sleek design (feels slimmer and lighter than my old one) is for sure a plus, but not the only feature to note. Here are some highlights:

• optimized for preemies 4lbs+
• no re-thread harness
• adjustable headrest with Side Impact Protection
• 1-push stroller release on carry handle
• hideaway canopy with SPF 50+
• built-in lock-off for secure seatbelt installation
• SmartSecure System – 10 second accurate install
• no need to purchase adapters for the CRUZ or VISTA

I remember when my daughter (now nearly 7) came into the world and we had to install our first car seat.  It was really complicated and stressful.  It’s one thing you HAVE to get right, although I heard the other day 75% of car seats are installed incorrectly.  That’s unacceptable!  Well if people aren’t going to get any smarter, the companies are just going to have to make it easy for us — enter the MESA.  The SmartSecure System assures you that your car seat is properly installed.  Whew, what a relief!

We are utilizing the LATCH system, which was super easy to click in and is mega tight.  That base does NOT move an inch.  You also have the option of lap or lap/shoulder belt installation — see the blue vehicle belt guides and lock below?  If I could not use the LATCH system, I would feel pretty comfortable with the lap/shoulder belt option with the MESA.  Very nice!

Let’s check out the SmartSecure system and the indicators on the base. The system checks two things – tightness and angle. When installing the base, press the recline adjust button until the seat reaches a perfect angle and level.  The indicators on the sides will turn from red to green when correct.

Below you will see the tightness indicator (under the recline button) that changes from red to green when the base is adequately secure.  When you press on the base firmly, it will retract any excess LATCH belt, giving you a superior tightness (and peace of mind).

Now that we have an easy-to-install-safely car seat, we need to look at the other mistakes parents make…. the harness.  I know.  In the past the re-threading and re-re-threading was such a pain, so much so, I’m sure people didn’t adjust them as often as they should.  The MESA has no re-thread harness — it is so simple to do and can always be easily adjusted.  I feel like, finally, my baby is 100% locked in and safe 100% of the time.

I have no idea if this is a coincidence or not, but my baby is so happy in the MESA.  He was always real ornery in his last seat, not sure if it was the seat itself or something else, and maybe he is just outgrowing that phase, but my guy is so smiley now in the car.

If you get the chance, just feel the canopy.  It is so soft and stretchy… so unlike your typical car seat canopy.  It truly gives the seat the mark of luxury and, believe me, you will get lots of compliments on it!

Another beautiful moment is what happens in the UPPAbaby stroller system.  The MESA is compatible with both the CRUZ and the VISTA.  I couldn’t believe how easy the car seat pops onto the CRUZ frame.  No adapters at all!  It just slides on and clicks into place…

…forwards or backwards!  Backwards is great for young babies and those who need comfort, then flip them forward for a better view or dining in a restaurant.

And then to take the car seat off the CRUZ frame, you simply push in this one button that releases the seat.  This is the smoothest stroller system I have ever seen.

The UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat can be purchased online for $279.99 and it is well worth that price.  We encourage you to support local and small business as well, so find a retailer near you. The safety features and ease of install/use is unparalleled.  I have the MESA in Lindsay (wheat) but there is also Drew (tangerine/carbon), Sebby (teal) and Jake (black).  Keep in the know by liking UPPAbaby on Facebook and following on Twitter.  What will this luxury brand do next?

Product was provided by UPPAbaby to facilitate this review; all opinions are 100% my own. May contain affiliate links.