When it comes to luxury car seats and strollers, Nuna has always been my go-to choice!
Not just because it looks good, but it also ensures me I have made the right parenting choice of picking only the best for my kiddo.
As Nuna offers many car seats in their offer, and it can be impossible to make a decision, I have decided to guide you through one of the most popular models - the Nuna Pipa RX car seat.
This was one of the first purchases with my second child, and I could not be more excited to give you all the scoop on this purchase.
Whether it's worth the money or not, you get to decide at the end, but let's see what is there to know about the Nuna Pipa RX car seat review.
The Nuna Pipa RX car seat will be the perfect addition to your daily walks.
It's compatible with most strollers on the market, with or without the adapter.
Plus, the elegant Dream Drape makes sure your little one is shaded and protected from the harmful rays while you enjoy outdoor adventures.
It's ideal for city living as it includes a 4-position recline and is easily installed in vehicles thanks to the rigid latch.
It's also FAA certified, so it's safe to use on-air travels while you make unforgettable family memories.
1. Installation: 5/5
This is one of the easiest things about the Nuna Pipa RX because it features an excellent Relax base.
Thanks to the recline angle indicator and the anti-rebound bar, you can achieve a safe installation for your little one.
2. Stroller Compatibility 5/5
Nuna is compatible with all Nuna strollers without the adapter. However, if you wish to pair it with other brands, you must purchase a separate car seat adapter.
3. Suitable for City Living: 5/5
What makes this car seat ideal for city living is the lightweight edition of the Dream Drape that keeps the baby shaded during city walks.
4. Travel-Friendly: 5/5
Thanks to the great stroller compatibility and the lightweight design of the car seat, the Nuna Pipa RX is the perfect candidate for travel.
Plus, it's FAA-approved so that you can take it on the airplane.
Price: Under $400
- Anti-rebound panel
- No-rethread harness
- Relx base
- The Dream Drape
- Lots of safety features
- Open belt path
- Firm head support
- Fabric is free from flame retardant chemicals
- FAA approved
- Average crash test results
Bottom Line
The Nuna Pipa RX will not disappoint you! If you had the chance to test the original Pipa car seat, you would enjoy this one even more.
It's upgraded lightweight, including a leatherette carry handle and a great parent-friendly design.
It's super easy to install with the vehicle seat belt and the well-known Relx base.
In addition, it includes an anti-rebound bar that prevents the seat from flipping in the vehicle seatback in case of an accident.
Nuna Pipa RX Specifications
Based on these specifications, you can determine whether the Nuna Pipa car seat is for you or not.
A lot of parents can decide on the spot if the Nuna is the right choice for them, but let me tell you, this new car seat release does not disappoint!
Get to Know Nuna Pipa
Source: nunababy.com
As a first-time parent, I bet you are overwhelmed by the extensive line Nuna Pipa offers.
So there are many versions by different names, yet they all seem similar? So how do you make the right choice without spending hours online researching?
I got you!
We were all beginners once; no shame in that. So, mommas, listen up.
There are a total of six infant car seats Nuna offers.
That being said, you can get the original Nuna Pipa, Nuna Pipa Lite, Nuna Pipa Lite R, Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa Lite RX, Nuna Pipa Lite LX.
I know it all seems confusing, but honestly, things could not be simpler. One of the differences that set these six infant car seats apart from one another is the base and its installation.
For instance, Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa Lite R, and Nuna Pipa Lite RX include the Pipa Relx base but are also compatible with the original car seat base by the Pipa series.
Likewise, other models have the original car seat base but can also be paired with the Nuna Pipa Relx base.
Also, with some models such as Pipa RX, Pipa Lite RX, Original Pipa, and Nuna Pipa Lite, you will get to enjoy the benefit of the Dream Drape.
Is Nuna Pipa RX Good for City Dwellers?
Yes, yes, thousand times yes! This infant car seat has got a big thumbs up when it comes to city living!
For starters, the infant car seat comes with loads of premium features and is compatible with all Nuna strollers. If you already own one, you will save a bunch of money on the next purchase.
One of the biggest bonuses we see with Nuna infant car seats is the lightweight design.
Such is the case with this lightweight carrier. It weighs only 7.5 pounds and features a luxury leatherette carry handle available in three colors-gray, black and creamy white.
Moreover, the Nuna seat includes a removable UPF 50+ canopy.
For those summer walks, this one is necessary to have around!
You always want to protect your little one from the dangerous UV rays, and what better way to do so than to get an extendable canopy?
In addition, the car seat includes a well-known Dream Drape. It pulls down quietly and attaches with a magnet to not wake the baby when you try to adjust it.
This one is a game-changer for the fussy infants that get woken up even at the slightest sound!
However, the effortless installation makes this infant car seat a great candidate for city parents! Let's check it out.
1. The Relx Base
Source: nunababy.com
As you can see, the Nuna Pipa RX features a unique Pipa Relx base.
It's compatible with the Pipa infant car seats and allows for effortless installation and numerous adjustment points.
Compared to the original Pipa base, the Relx one is an improved version with many benefits. For instance, the original base includes a rigid latch system, a load leg, and a bubble indicator.
However, it was tricky to get it to fit every vehicle.
With the original Pipa base, you must compromise a few features. However, the new base allows for secure installation as it includes a recline angle indicator that is easier to read.
The most significant difference between the new base and the original one is that the Relx base features a lock-off device with separate portions for the lap belt, shoulder belt, and vehicle seat belt.
Thanks to this update, the vehicle seatbelt installation is much safer and does not get tangled in the other two belts.
The load leg on the Pipa Relx base has also been updated, offering a safer and easier installation.
I found that it's much easier to install the seat in the middle center of our vehicle with the Pipa Relx base since the load leg is adjustable.
In addition, the rigid latch guides offer four positions so you can get the best fit for your vehicle. Once the base is installed, you can further adjust the recline positions on the go!
I love this feature the most for a mom who's always out and about!
2. Stability Leg
I mentioned previously that the load leg was one of the most troublesome features on the original Nuna infant car seat.
The Nuna Pipa RX features an upgraded stability leg that is adjustable and far better to use than the load leg.
It's much shorter, so installing the infant car seat in the center seating position and smaller vehicles is possible.
Of course, it can be extended if you want, but the fact that it's adjustable makes things even better!
3. LATCH Guides & Rigid Lower Anchors
Let's start with the rigid lower anchors.
For starters, they make installation quick as they do not get in the way of the vehicle seat belt.
We talked about this previously, but the new version includes separate sections for both the lap portion of the belt and the shoulder seat belt.
Now, for the latch guides, the Nuna Pipa Relx base features handy guides for new parents.
Installing the car seat with the base for the first time can be a challenge, and for this reason, you will appreciate the color-coded latch guides the most!
Plus, it features an open belt path for effortless installation.
4. Recline Adjustments
Again, I will compare the original Pipa base with the Pipa Relx base to understand how different they are.
The original one was known for its reclined foot to make all the adjustments. However, I admit it was a bit awkward to use.
So if you install an infant car seat with a base for the first time, it's not the best option to go with the original base.
For this reason, I recommend all new parents try out the Pipa Relx base first and see how effortless it is to adjust the recline!
Plus, the recline can be adjusted even after installing the car seat, which is super helpful sometimes!
There are four positions available for the recline.
With that being said, you can use the first two positions for children weighing between 4-20 pounds, while the other two are reserved for kiddies weighing between 21-30 pounds.
5. Nuna Pipa RX Infant Insert
Source: nunababy.com
Ask any parent who had the pleasure of using the Nuna infant seat, and they will tell you that the comfort is unmatched!
However, there is a reason why Nuna is one of the most expensive seats on the market, and premium quality fabric is one.
All of the Nuna infant car seat models include an infant insert. However, the Pipa RX has a much nicer fabric on the insert. It's also a two-piece, so it's much easier to install on the seat.
In addition, it features one body insert plus head support.
In the manual, you can find that this infant insert should be removed once the baby grows into 11 pounds of weight.
6. Harness
With a fussy infant, you never can be too sure you have reached a safe installation. Well, now you can be!
The infant seat features a no-rethread harness and a secure chest clip you can adjust with one hand.
My hands are always full of groceries, bags, toys, and whatnot, so I enjoyed the fact I could get these things done with one hand only.
However, there is one more thing I think you will like. I was surprised when I found this nifty pocket, but side storage on the seat holds the buckle tongues and the chest clip out of the way!
7. Stroller Compatibility
As a city mom, I always searched for car seats paired with the stroller I already have back at home.
Well, with Nuna Pipa, you no longer have to roam around the internet trying to find the next best thing.
This infant car seat can be paired with all Nuna strollers. Yes, you read that correctly!
The good news does not stop there.
The Nuna Pipa RX is also compatible with other well-known brands like UPPAbaby, Baby Jogger, Babyzen, BOB, Thule, Bumbleride, and many others!
When you want to pair your Nuna infant car seat with a Nuna stroller, you will not need a separate adapter.
However, if you wish to connect it to another brand stroller, you will need to get an adapter which usually ranges from $35-$50.
Nuna is also compatible with double strollers, so if you are a lucky parent of two, you can easily pair the infant car seats with Baby Jogger City Select, Thule Sleek, UPPAbaby Vista.
What Makes Nuna Pipa RX Unique?
One of the features that make the Nuna Pipa RX infant car seat special is its Relx base. However, we talked about that one previously, so let's see what else is there that will blow your mind!
For starters, the fabric is just out of this world.
Like all of the infant car seat models by Nuna, it's free from flame retardant chemicals. It's sleek and soft to touch and does not irritate the baby's skin.
Also, the comfortable organic jersey body cushion is responsible for all naps! It keeps the baby snug at the youngest age, and it can be removed as the little one grows.
The Nuna Pipa RX features the desirable Dream Drape! Not all Nuna car seats have one, so this is a unique addition all parents will love. Why?
Well, because the Dream Drape is made out of well-ventilated material and closes off with a magnet so the entire operation is silent and will not wake the baby up.
It's featured on four Nuna models and those include Nuna Pipa Lite RX, Nuna Pipa RX, Nuna Pipa, and Nuna Pipa Lite LX.
What Does Nuna Pipa RX Lack?
Not that many things, to be honest.
The Nuna Pipa RX and the Pipa R were the new releases for 2020, so they were drastic improvements from previous versions.
The only thing I found to be a controversy among parents is, surprisingly, the Dream Drape.
Not that it's faulty or anything, but many parents would prefer longer coverage. Logically, you will need something that covers the carrier completely for taller infants.
But, considering the Nuna can be used up to 32 pounds, how much taller can your infant get?
FAQ's
Is the Nuna Pipa Lite RX new?
Yes, the Nuna Pipa Lite RX is a new infant car seat by Nuna, and it was released in September of 2021!
It's one of the ultimate baby gear items from Nuna, and it comes with lots of beneficial features all parents love!
Is Nuna Pipa RX FAA approved?
Yes, Nuna Pipa RX is FAA approved.
It's lightweight and features a carry handle, so you can easily take it on the airplane. Plus, its fabrics are free from flame retardant chemicals!
How do you put a baby in a Nuna Pipa RX car seat?
You can start by attaching the infant car seat on the Relx base and waiting for the audible click. It means it's locked on the base and securely installed.
Once the seat is attached, you can further adjust the recline positions depending on the size of your infant.
There are four positions, and they all stand for different weight groups. Once you put the baby in, it's easy to attach the harness and the chest clip with one hand!
In addition, numerous other safety features ensure the safe use of the Nuna Pipa RX.
What is the difference between the Nuna Pipa Lite and Lite RX?
Source: nunababy.com
The Nuna Pipa Lite is one of the lightest car seats from the line! Unfortunately, it does not have a Dream Drape, while the Lite RX does feature one.
Also, the Nuna Pipa Lite RX has a European belt path, so you can easily install it in an Uber, Taxi, or airplane without the base.
Plus, it comes with the Relx base that makes every installation easier and does not require a pool noodle for adjustments.
How long can you use Nuna Pipa RX?
You can use the Nuna Pipa RX from 4-32 pounds until your kiddo is at least 32 inches tall.
The rear-facing infant car seat by Nuna can be used from infancy as it features a comfortable infant insert that is also removable once your baby is 11 pounds.
Final Words
There is no doubt that Nuna Pipa RX has it all!
- Relx base? Check.
- Effortless installation? Check.
- Dream Drape for the ultimate naps, even outdoors? Check.
This infant car seat is a premium pick for city parents who want a lightweight alternative to the original Nuna infant car seat.
The stroller compatibility is like no other, and you can easily create your travel system.
All in all, I enjoyed using the infant car seat for the past year. It has been a reliable choice not just for our daily use but also for travel!
