Nuna Pipa Review: Is the car seat worth it?

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The Nuna Pipa is a rear-facing infant car seat.  

Nuna Pipa infant car seats are popular. 

It is a great choice for cool parents who appreciate good design but also want peace of mind

The TrueLock latch system makes installation a breeze, and the extensive side protection keeps your child safe in the event of an accident. 

The seat is also lightweight making it easy to move around. And thanks to the quick-install feature, you can have your child safely secured in no time. The car seat is super lightweight and has a sleek design. The car seat can be easily folded flat for storage or travel when not in use.

The Nuna Pipa is an option for those who want a car seat compatible with a wide range of strollers. Like other infant car seats, it can be fixed easily on a car seat base. It has rigid latch connectors better than any other infant seat.

Pros & Cons of  Nuna Pipa

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy and Quick Installation
  • Fancy and Catchy Design
  • Safe and Comfortable vehicle seat 
  • No Added Fire retardant chemicals.

Cons 

  • Frail Canopy Zipper
  • Expensive
  • Some people found harness not feasible

What is the Nuna Pipa?

The Nuna Pipa is a parent-friendly car seat and has good day-to-day use. It fits busy lifestyles, and parents find it easy to carry around. It also helps that it is compatible with a huge list of strollers.

Additionally, there’s no need for an extra stroller adapter when traveling since this one can be used in most of the Nuna strollers without an adapter!

The lightweight design makes carrying less burdensome – so much easier than lugging around another heavy item or baby burden all day long. 

The rear-facing infant car seat from Nuna Pipa makes installation pretty seamless. But leveling might be tricky if you use the belt path .  

Nuna Pipa claims that There’s no need to worry when they have these wobbly seats which provide peace of mind as well, thanks to their engineering team, who made sure every single detail was considered. 

 

How To Choose?

If you’re considering Nuna Pipa, then you would likely have a question in mind about different models that come under the same brand. For this reason, we have discussed the variations Nuna PIPA has, and the factors that separate them in this section. 

Nuna has two Pipa: Lite and next. There are various differences between these types in terms of weight, installation options and more. The most significant distinction between the Pipa and the Lite LX is the installation choices. The original Pipa has a European belt route, which is a built-in pathway that allows you to install the seat instead of the base using your vehicle’s seat belt. On the other hand, the Pipa Lite does not.

Details on these specs are mentioned in the following table:

CAR SEAT MODELWeightWhat’s Included?InstallationNo-Rethread HarnessDream DrapeMagnetic Buckle Holders
Nuna PIPA8 lbsPIPA baseWith or without baseXX
Nuna PIPA RX7.5 lbsRELX baseWith or without baseXX
Nuna PIPA Lite5.3 lbsPIPA base and extra insertsWith baseXXX
Nuna Pipa Lite R5.3 lbsRELX baseWith baseXXX
Nuna PIPA Lite LX5.7 lbsPIPA base and extra insertsWith baseXX
Nuna PIPA Lite RX6.9 lbsPIPA base and extra insertsWith or without base

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What comes with Nuna Pipa?

The Nuna Pipa infant car seat has a RELX base. It provides a wide variety of options (RELX base or pipa base). It also has a rigid latch system. 

Nuna Pipa comes with a removable, full coverage, UPF 50+ canopy, with a dual option,  a flip-out eyeshade, and a mesh peekaboo window. It also has a dream drape feature.

The dream drape feature is probably one of my favorite things about the Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat. It’s a canopy that can be used to shade your child from the sun or wind. It can also be quickly and easily detached if you need to get your child in and out of the car seat quickly. 

These just add to the beauty and feature list of Nuna Pipa. It also includes an infant insert, buckle and crotch belt, and lap belt guides. The latch connectors of Nuna pipa ( often misspelled as Nuna Pipa) are a key highlight.

Who is Nuna Pipa For?

The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is designed for comfort and safety, making it the best choice for new parents who want the best for their children.

The True Lock latch ensures a rigid installation, while the extensive side protection keeps kids safe in case of an accident. The car seat is very portable, weighing just eight pounds, and can be installed quickly and easily. In short, it is good for city dwellers. The Nuna company claims to cater to all the consumer demands.

The Nuna Car Seat comes with some added features for extra convenience, such as a detachable sun canopy and adjustable headrest. 

Where to buy it?

You can get it delivered to you from here.

Overall Rating

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐3 out of 5

  • Safety: ⭐⭐⭐ 3  out of 5
  • Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4 out of 5
  • Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 0ut of 5
  • Market Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 0ut of 5
Our evaluation of this product is based on four metrics: 1) Safety, 2) Durability and 3) Ease of use, and 4) Market Consensus. We write about each of these metrics in its section below. 

#1. Safety – How Safe is Nuna Pipa?

Total Safety Score = ⭐⭐⭐

In terms of Safety, we rate the Nuna Pipa based on the formula below: 

Safety Score = Safety Features + Certifications + Recall/Quality Issues 

Safety Features ⭐⭐⭐

  • Super Durable Shell
  • Extensive Side Protection
  • Adjustable Load Leg 
  • Five Point Harness

Although the Nuna Pipa infant car seat has passing crash test results, It has failed to catch market interest. The chest sensor test results themselves are poor and unsatisfactory. The Nuna Pipa rating increases if only head injury criteria are focused. Side impact protection is a great feature. Various crash test results prove it is a good product but still better options are available in the market. 

It does not provide satisfactory crash protection due to fewer crash test results. It cannot withhold the crash forces as well as others. To our surprise, it does include an adjustable load leg to provide additional safety features being the stability leg. 

Just ensure that the car seat is properly latched. The belt lock-off is one good thing that should be praised.

Safety Certifications ⭐⭐⭐

Nuna Pipa Review : Nuna Pipa safety certificate
Nuna Pipa safety certificate

Car: The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seats are one of the safest on the market. It is certified for use in aircraft, as well as automobiles. In addition to the safety certifications, the car seat also features a five-second installation time. The Vehicle belt needs no alteration and can easily fit. The rigid latch connectors provide a tension-free and safe journey.

This is much faster than most seats on the market. The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is also one of the lightest baby seats available, weighing in at only eight pounds. This makes it easy to transport, whether you are carrying it in your arms or putting it in the trunk of your car.

The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is a great choice for parents who are looking for a safe and comfortable car seat for their children. It is easy to install and transport, making it a convenient option for busy families. 

Flight: The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is certified for use on aircraft, which is a testament to its safety. The product meets or exceeds all safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition to the FAA certification, the car seat also has a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification.

The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is designed for optimal comfort and safety. The product features a True Lock latch for rigid installation. It has a unique feature that turns green when it is properly latched. It will not turn green if the connector is not locked properly. When anchored, it also features extensive side protection. However, portability is equally essential, as well.

At eight pounds, you can easily carry the product around in your arms, not just the car. Speed of installation is also crucial to the design of the Nuna Pipa Infant  Car Seat. The company claims you can set the product up in under five seconds, so no more wasting time with a lengthy setup.

Recall/Quality Issues ⭐⭐⭐⭐

At this time, there are no known recalls for Nuna Pipa infant car seats.

But some people have presented the following complaints. 

It isn’t as compatible with strollers as the other infant car seats in the market. It does not include a bubble level indicator which is why parents cannot balance it with ease. Its latch connectors are sometimes aren’t smooth. Some also complained that its canopy is flimsy. 

Tips: Keep your receipt. You should examine all seat sections as soon as you receive them. The sooner you can reach out to customer support, the better, as they might be slow to respond at times. Be ready to take pictures of the product defects, if any. 

#2. Durability: How Long Can you Nuna Pipa?

Total Durability Score = ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In terms of Durability, we rate the Nuna Pipa with a 5 star based on the formula below: 

Durability Score = Range of Use + Expiration + Warranty

Range of Use ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Minimum weight limit recommendation: ‎4 Pounds (1.8kg)
  • Maximum weight limit recommendation: ‎32 Pounds (15.515 kilograms)
  • Maximum height limit recommendation: 32 inches less
  • Weight range: ‎4 Pounds (1.8kg) – ‎32 Pounds (14.5kg)
Range of use is provided by the manufacturer. The minimum weight recommendation means you should not put your baby in the car seat if they are under the minimum weight limits. Likewise, the maximum weight and height limit also tells you if your kid has outgrown the car seat if you can’t already tell, or your kids don’t complain about it. 

Expiration ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Seven years from manufacture date.

Do pay attention to the expiration date as a guideline for your child’s safety. Manufacturers of baby seats provide this information based on the design and materials. Baby seats that have passed their expiration dates are more likely to have safety issues due to the average estimated wear and tear.

Warranty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two years warranty from date of purchase.

#3. Ease of Use: How Nuna Pipa?

Ease of Use Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In terms of Ease of Use, we rate the Nuna Pipa with a 4 star based on the formula below: 

Ease of use =  Installation + Adjustability + Maintenance + Carry +Stroller Compatibility

Installation ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Nuna Pipa Infant  Car Seat is designed for easy installation. The true lock latch ensures a rigid installation, and the extensive side protection keeps your child safe in the event of an accident. But portability is just as important to the Nuna Pipa Infant  Car Seat as safety, which is why it only weighs eight pounds. Plus, you can set it up in under five seconds, so you don’t have to waste any time.

The Nuna PipaInfant Car Seat also comes with some added features for your convenience, such as a no-rethread harness and an adjustable base. The rigid anchors need to be adjusted in the vehicle’s lower anchors.

These features make it easy to keep your child safe and comfortable in the car seat. The rigid anchors need to be adjusted in the vehicle’s lower anchors.

The Latch system ensures that the car seat is properly attached. The latch guides are included with the package. This provides a European-style belt path. The seat belt is easily connected to the Nuna Pipa Infant Car seat.  

Nuna Pipa Review : Visual Guides. Image: Official Website
Visual Guides. Image: Official Website

Adjustability ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is highly adjustable. You can change the height of the headrest and the harness to ensure a perfect, snug fit for your child. The car seat also reclines to a near flat position, which is ideal for napping on the go. The Nuna Pipa infant car seat provides recline positions which is usually a must feature of baby gear. The recline angle indicator is a great feature.

The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is also equipped with an integrated UV sunshade. This provides complete coverage for your child and can be easily adjusted as needed.

Overall, the Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is a great option for both safety and comfort. It is easy to install and comes with some great features to boot. If you are looking for a car seat for your child, the Nuna Pipa should be on your list.

Carry-Around ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Nuna Pipa rear-facing Car Seat is incredibly lightweight than most infant car seats and is easy to carry around. You can easily hold it in your arms, making it perfect for when you need to transport it between cars. 

The car seat also installs quickly and easily, so you won’t have to waste time setting it up. Plus, it comes with some great added features for extra safety and comfort. With the Nuna Pipa Car Seat, you can rest assured that your child will be safe and comfortable on all of your journeys.

The Company also offers a Nuna Pipa Lite variant of this model which is even lighter than the Nuna Pipa. You can find various comparison charts online.

Stroller Compatibility ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nuna Pipa Review : Image: Official Website
Image: Official Website

The Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat is compatible with a variety of strollers on the market. You can find a list of compatible strollers on the Nuna website.

  • Nuna Demi Grow, MIXX Next, MIXX, TRIV, TRVL, TAVO, TAVO Next, PEPP and PEPP Next (with included adapters)
  • Agio Z3 (with adapter)
  • Agio Z4 (with adapter)
  • Austlen Entourage (with front adapter or rear adapter)
  • Babyzen YOYO+ and YOYO2 (with adapter)
  • BOB Revolution Flex and Rambler ** (with adapter)
  • BOB Alterrain and Alterrain Pro (with adapter)
  • Bugaboo Ant (with adapter) 

Also there is a wide list of double strollers which are compatible with Nuna Pipa seat.

  • Nuna Demi Grow* (with included adapters)
  • Agio Z4* (with adapter and double adapters)
  • Bumbleride Indie Twin** (with adapter or twin adapters)
  • Cybex Gazelle S* (with the included adapter, or add a second set when using with twins)
  • Joolz Geo2* (with upper or lower adapter)
Nuna Pipa Review : Image: Official Website
Image: Official Website

Measures & Specs

Seat dimensions: 22.6 H x 17 W x 26.5 L inches.

Base dimensions: ‎L 22; W 12; H 8.5; in

Material Type: Fabric

Harness type: ‎5-Point

Item Weight: 7.90 lbs (weight does not include canopy or insert)

Product Installation Video

#4. Market Consensus – What do others say about Nuna Pipa?

Total Market Consensus ⭐⭐⭐

In terms of Customer Consensus, we rate the Nuna Pipa with a 4 star based on the formula below:

Market Consensus =
Customer Feedback (Quantitative) + Expert Reviews (Qualitative)

Overall Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 out of 5 based on ratings)

Note that for highly-rated products, we will avoid bombarding you with more praises about the product. We intentionally look for substantiated negative reviews or criticisms that add to our knowledge.  So, if you’re going to jump right into this section, know it has its own merits we’ve discussed before. 

Selected Critical Nuna Pipa Review

⭐⭐“Stay away! I just opened the box and I couldn’t be more disappointed!!! Horrible quality! Cheap fabric…that’s not a NUNA or a Stokke quality level! It’s a joke! It goes back right this second! Return! I would rather keep the Uppababy Mesa even though I cannot use it with my Stokke x stroller… the quality is night and day!” Amazon Review

⭐⭐“After returning my uppa baby because of the fire retardant I bought this on their website they claim they’re fire retardant free but THEYRE NOT” Bloomingdales review

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The best car seat, love Nuna <3 Chose this one because it’s the best rated and is compatible with Mima Xari stroller <3.” Bloomingdales review

Expert Reviews ⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐“The PIPA icon can easily contend with other leading infant seats on the market. It has several state-of-the-art safety features, such as side impact protection and memory foam cushioning for extra protection too. Baby was always comfortable and happy in the seat, whether awake or asleep and a happy baby means happy parents!” Pushchairexperts

⭐⭐⭐“While the Pipa has some intriguing qualities and uses high-end materials, it only scored an average overall score in our tests. It didn’t really offer a standout feature or function to justify the price or the other sacrifices you’ll need to make with this seat. With one of the lowest crash test analysis scores in the group, we think there are better options to be had.” Babygearlab

FAQ

Q1. What age group is the Nuna PIPA recommended for?

A: PIPA is suitable for a child 4 to 32 lbs and up to 32 in, or until approximately 18 months of age

Q2. Which Nuna strollers are compatible with the PIPA?

A: PIPA is compatible with all Nuna strollers and their included adapters to make a travel system.

Q3. When should I remove the infant insert on the PIPA?

A: The infant insert should be removed when your child weighs 11 lbs. Please also make sure that the shoulder harness straps are at or below the infant’s shoulders as the infant grows, these will need to be adjusted for fit.

Q4. What is a Pipa Base?

Pipa base was the first model introduced by Nuna, an older version of the relx base if we rightly call it so. It was introduced to make installation hassle-free and easy. The company added a bubble indicator and flip-out recline adjustment foot that made installation and stability better.

Q5. What Is A Pipa Relx Base?

Lately, Nuna introduced the Pipa Relx base that has some additional features and it has made installation even more hassle-free. It has a bubble-free installation because the four-point recline makes the job easy. The company has added an anti-rebound panel that makes it a more reliable choice.

Q6.What Is A Dream Drape?

The baby car seat comes with a mesh-like-breathable hood that can be pulled down from the seat just like a canopy. It is attached to the seat and protects the baby from sunlight and dust.

Q7. What Is A Rethread Harness?

A rethread harness has multiple visible shoulder strap slots. The height of the straps can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the harness on the slots.

Q8. What Is A Magnetic Buckle Holder?

With features improving day by day, Nuna introduced this magnetic buckle holder in their seats. It is an easy way to lock the buckle in its place. The presence of a magnet makes it almost automatic as it locks on its own as soon as you bring it closer.


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Shane
Shane is passionate about researching and comparing interesting baby stuff for his baby girl. After getting his Master's in Health Management in London, he worked for a top-tier naming and branding consulting firm based in the US. He helps with the research on this site.