UPPAbaby launches Mesa infant car seat

Jane Kitchen -- Kids Today, 10/16/2012 11:27:00 AM

Stroller manufacturer UPPAbaby debuted an infant car seat Sunday night at an invitation-only event at local area restaurant Harvest. The company shuttled buyers, media and bloggers to the jam-packed event, which featured cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before Creative Director Trung Phung took the stage to make the announcement and unveil the Mesa.

Trung Phung (left) of UPPAbaby shows off the Mesa.

The new Mesa infant car seat features intuitive features designed to enhance safety by decreasing complexity, the company said. UPPAbaby is using a unique technology dubbed Smartsecure that features a tightness indicator and self-retracting mini LATCH connectors to facilitate quick, accurate, and easy installation.

Phung said the process of developing the Mesa started two-and-a-half years ago.

"Most of the people in the company have kids - we've all gone through the process of installing base seats," said Phung. "...But (other models) required really good arm strength to get it tight."

The company set about developing an infant seat with a better, easier install, as well side-impact protection and no re-thread harness.

"If there is any adjustment that needs to be made, it's intuitive and it's obvious," said Phung. "...We've tried to make everything as easy as possible."

A one-push stroller release on the carry handle makes stroller-to-car transfer easy, and the hideaway SPF 50+ canopy protects baby from the sun but hides away when not in use.

The Mesa also has integrated storage pockets for the infant restraint buckles to keep the metal parts cool when the seat is exposed to sun. The finished bottom protects car upholstery and eliminates the need for seat protectors, and the Mesa works directly with UPPAbaby's Vista and Cruz strollers.

The Mesa retails for $280 and comes in four fashions: Drew (tangerine), Sebby (teal), Lindsey (wheat) and Jake (black).

After Phung's presentation at the party, guests were able to try out the Mesa for themselves at one of four stations set up throughout the restaurant. Reaction, said Phung, was tremendous.

UPPAbaby is taking orders now, and the Mesa will be available in March.