Nuna PIPA Series 2023 Rundown | PIPA LITE RX, Nuna PIPA, Nuna PIPA Lite| Nuna PIPA lite LX (Ratings | Reviews | Prices)
Where Should I Start When Looking for an Infant Car Seat?
The world of infant car seats is labyrinthine. There’s tons of brands that each have 5-10 options that are minutely different from one another, inciting confusion in overwhelmed new parents trying to research safety equipment for their kids! Unfortunately no single explainer will truly cut down all the noise, but we can gradually chip away at it brand by brand, by offering explanations of the different seats and what lifestyles each may fit. Today’s focus is Nuna!
What Sets the Nuna PIPA Apart from Other Infant Car Seats?
The Nuna saga starts with the Nuna PIPA car seat. With roughly ten years under its belt, the PIPA is one of their oldest products, and quickly took the market by storm. At roughly 8lbs, it was one of the lightest seats on the market, and offered safety features that had not been seen in the US before. Their load leg was one of the first to arrive in the US, and brought many copycats over the ensuing years. While the Load Leg was standard for EU laws, it hadn’t yet breached the American market. Another standard they migrated with is the ISOFIX latch, or rigid latches. Also standard in Europe, they ensure car seats click into place rather than have parents fight to tighten the seat and risk an incomplete or ineffective install.
On top of that, they brought over a European seat belt path, lightyears ahead of our American laws (which it still is, our institutions haven’t budged an inch since this arrived). They even boasted some cosmetic features that stood out among the pack, namely the Sky Drape! A canopy extension covering the whole seat and quietly magnetizing into place to keep baby asleep. The combination of lightweight, gorgeous fabrics and entirely unique safety features helped propel Nuna into the next generation of baby brands that grew up this last decade.
Exploring the Evolution: Nuna PIPA Lite and Lite LX Models
Their next addition to the lineup was the Nuna PIPA Lite and Nuna PIPA Lite LX. Using the same durable base the Nuna PIPA offers, the Nuna PIPA Lite and Lite LX used a new type of manufacturing process that essentially “baked” the foam onto the shell of the seat. Nuna calls it Aeroflex foam which is incredibly shock absorbent. This all amounted to a car seat that weighs a mere 5.5lbs.
What Differentiates the Nuna PIPA Lite from the Nuna PIPA Lite LX?
The differences between Lite and Lite LX are subtle. The Lite LX offers accouterments that the Lite does not, such as the full Sky Drape extension present in the PIPA, and a wool-blend fabric that offers natural flame retardance and keeps baby comfortable in any season. These features only add .3lbs to the weight of the seat.
Important Update: Discontinuation of Nuna PIPA Lite and PIPA Lite LX
We have received the latest information regarding the Nuna PIPA series, and we want to share it with you. It has come to our attention that both the Nuna PIPA Lite and PIPA Lite LX models will be discontinued. While there may be limited stock available for these models, they will be phased out by the end of 2023.
The decision to discontinue these models is likely due to their utilization of the original base, which has become less popular compared to the advanced features offered by the newer RELX base. Nuna is committed to providing the best in safety and convenience, which is why they are focusing on their latest innovations, such as the Nuna PIPA Lite RX with the RELX base.
If you have been considering the Nuna PIPA Lite or PIPA Lite LX, we recommend acting quickly to secure one before they are no longer available. However, rest assured that the Nuna PIPA Lite RX remains an excellent option, offering the ultimate in infant car seat technology.
Enhancing Safety and Convenience: The Innovative RELX Base and PIPA RX
Then came the RELX Base. The RELX base takes inspiration from the last 10 years of innovations in the baby gear world, modeling itself around the most unique and important infant car seat base innovations they'd discovered and offering an update to any of the features people found finicky about the previous versions.
The RELX base was first introduced with the PIPA RX. The PIPA RX includes the original Nuna PIPA infant car seat with European belt path, SkyDrape and flame retardant free fabrics boxed with the RELX base.
The RELX base is also sold separately and compatible with all previous PIPA infant car seat models.
The RELX base introduces a range of updates and improvements to enhance both safety and convenience. Let's take a closer look at these enhancements:
- The Load Leg: The RELX base features an even more adjustable Load Leg, designed to fit securely in the middle seat and provide optimal stability for the car seat. This improvement ensures a comfortable and secure installation, surpassing the occasional adjustments required by the PIPA's load leg.
- Adjustable Rigid Latches: The RELX base offers adjustable rigid latches with four positions, ensuring a snug and secure fit against the seat of your car. This enhancement addresses the challenge of achieving a perfect fit with the PIPA's rigid latches in certain vehicle models.
- Enhanced Level Indicators: The RELX base introduces more legible colored indicators, making it easier to determine if the car seat is properly leveled during installation. This visual aid helps ensure optimal safety for your child.
- On-the-Go Recline: With the RELX base, adjusting the recline angle of the car seat becomes effortless, even while the base is installed in the vehicle. This convenient feature allows you to customize your child's comfort on the go.
- Improved Seat-Belt Lockoff: For cars that do not support rigid latches, the RELX base includes an improved seat-belt lockoff mechanism. This enhancement provides a reliable alternative to latches, addressing the challenges of the PIPA's belt lock-off and ensuring a secure installation.
- Flatter and Lower Profile Base: The RELX base incorporates a flatter base design, considering the maintenance of your car's backseat. It minimizes the risk of leaving indentations on your leather or fabric upholstery. Additionally, the lower profile base makes attaching and detaching the PIPA seat easier, reducing strain on your back.
These significant changes bring substantial updates to both safety and convenience, ensuring that the PIPA series remains at the forefront of the car seat market for years to come. With Nuna's commitment to ongoing innovation, we eagerly anticipate future developments from the brand.
Introducing the Nuna PIPA Lite RX: The Ultimate Infant Car Seat
The Nuna PIPA Lite RX is the ultimate in infant car seats. It comes with the RELX base, which takes the already impressive features of the previous models and enhances them further. One standout feature of the PIPA Lite RX is its non-rethread harness. Unlike all of it's predecessors, the PIPA Lite RX allows for easy adjustment of the harness without the need to rethread it. This convenient feature saves time and ensures a secure fit for your child as they grow.
What Makes the Nuna PIPA Lite RX Stand Out from Other PIPA Models?
With so many PIPA options, all offering different standout features, parents had to choose which features they valued more. The PIPA Lite Rx is the only seat that incorporates all of Nuna's signature featues, allowing parents to have it all. The PIPA Lite Rx is the first Lite model to feature a European belt path and allow for a baseless installation. Previously all Pipa Lite models had to be installed with the base. The PIPA Lite RX also features the SkyDrape, GOTS certified organic Merino Wool insert, magnetic harness holders and flame retardant free fabrics. What's really impressive? The PIPA Lite RX weighs in at 6.9lbs.
It's important to note that Nuna is in the process of discontinuing the Nuna PIPA Lite series. As a result, the Nuna PIPA RX, Nuna PIPA Lite RX, and the original Nuna PIPA remain as the available options in the PIPA series.
The Nuna PIPA URBN - baseless technology for UBERs, taxis, and other rideshares.
In 2022, NUNA introduced the URBN, a baseless car seat that offers convenient on-the-go installation. This innovative car seat incorporates PIPAFix technology, where the rigid LATCH connectors are directly attached to the car seat. Currently, the NUNA PIPA URBN is exclusively available as part of a travel system, which includes the Nuna Mixx Next, Nuna TRIV Next, or Nuna TRVL.
It's important to note that the NUNA PIPA URBN does not come with a base and is specifically designed to be used without one. This unique feature allows for quick and hassle-free installation, making it an ideal choice for families on the move.
Nuna PIPA Series Comparison: Choosing the Right Option for You
When considering the Nuna PIPA series, it's essential to understand the differences between the available options. Let's compare the key features of each model:
- Nuna PIPA: The original Nuna PIPA car seat made waves in the market with its lightweight design, unique safety features like the Load Leg and ISOFIX latch, and convenient European seat belt path. It also introduced the innovative Dream Drape canopy for added comfort and protection.
- Nuna PIPA Lite: Building upon the success of the original PIPA, the Nuna PIPA Lite reduced the weight to a remarkable 5.5lbs. It utilized a flexible, lightweight foam for improved impact protection while maintaining a sleek profile. The Lite LX variant offers additional features such as the Dream Drape extension and a wool-blend fabric for enhanced comfort. But discontinued and may be hard to find.
- Nuna PIPA RX: We first saw the RELX base with the introduction of the PIPA RX. The PIPA RX includes the RELX base boxed with the original PIPA with European belt path, SkyDrape and flame retardant free fabric
- Nuna PIPA Lite RX: The Nuna PIPA Lite RX takes infant car seats to new heights. It incorporates the RELX base, offering adjustable features like the Load Leg, rigid latches, and recline options. Notably, it features a non-rethread harness and the ability to install the car seat without the base, providing unmatched versatility.
- NUNA URBN: Great for families on the go and who take rideshares often.
Considering your specific needs and preferences, selecting the right Nuna PIPA model will ensure your child's safety and your peace of mind.
Your Expert Guide to Nuna PIPA and Beyond
At Magic Beans we understand the importance of choosing the perfect baby gear. We are here to help you navigate the intricacies of the Nuna PIPA series and answer any questions you may have. Whether you're curious about the features, pricing, or customer reviews, our experts are ready to assist you. Go to mbeans.com/consulations and book an appointment today.
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Weight |
8 lb |
7.5 lb |
5.3 lb |
5.3 lb |
5.7 lb |
|
Baseless Install |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
|
Dream Drape |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
|
Flame Retardant Free |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
Type of base included |
|||||
|
Recline |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Our team is available via video chat, email (questions@mbeans.com), or phone (866-600-BEAN) during business hours (M-F, 9 am-5 pm EST). We look forward to providing you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision.
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