Mesa capsule: fitting the base, fitting your baby and when it is outgrown

The Mesa is UPPAbaby's Australian capsule, a Type A2/0 rearward-facing restraint approved to AS/NZS 1754. Type A2/0 means it suits babies from premature up to about 12 months: from 2.0 kg to 15 kg. The base fits with ISOFIX or the car's seatbelt, with the load leg on the floor and the top tether strap attached.

Fitting the base

The base comes in the box and stays in the car, so the capsule clicks in and out. You need one base per car. The Australian Mesa is designed to be used with its base.

• With ISOFIX: connect both ISOFIX connectors and check both indicators turn green.
• With the seatbelt: for cars without ISOFIX points, route the belt and close the built-in lock-off to pull it tight. The lock-off is the step people skip.
• Either way, the load leg must sit firmly on the floor of the car.
• In Australia the base also uses a top tether strap. Attach the top tether to your car's anchor point as the manual shows. The tether comes with the capsule, so a second base for another car needs the UPPAbaby Mesa Tether Hook Set.
• Check the base does not move more than about 2.5 cm side to side at the belt path.
• Both methods are tested to the same standard. Neither is safer when fitted correctly.

Fitting your baby

• Harness height: for a rearward-facing capsule, the straps come from at or just below the shoulders. Too high is the most common mistake.
• Infant inlay: for the smallest babies. It changes where the shoulders sit, so recheck the harness height with it in and again when you take it out.
• Premature and small babies: the Mesa is low birthweight tested and approved from 2.0 kg, with a custom-fit infant insert.
• The pinch test: once buckled, you should not be able to pinch a horizontal fold of strap at the collarbone.
• No bulky clothing: take off padded jackets. Buckle in, then put a blanket over the top.

When it is outgrown

Move up when your baby reaches 15 kg, or when the top of the head is level with the top of the shell, whichever comes first. Most babies outgrow a capsule by height before weight.

The next seat is usually a convertible car seat that starts rearward facing. Keep your baby rearward facing for as long as the seat allows. The road rules require rearward facing until at least six months.

On the pram

The Mesa clicks straight onto the Vista V3, Cruz V3 and Kona. The Minu V3, Minu Duo and Ridge V2 each need their own Mesa adapter. The Which adapter do I need? page has the details.

Flying

The Mesa is CASA approved for use on aircraft. Check with your airline when you book.

Warranty and accidents

• The Mesa capsule has a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original purchaser. It covers the capsule's 10 year life.
• If the capsule or base was in a car during an accident, stop using it. The Crash Exchange Program replaces the Mesa capsule and base. Claim within 30 days of the accident. There does not need to be any visible damage.
• Never use a capsule bought overseas. Only the Australian Mesa is approved for use in Australian cars.

Getting the fit checked

Authorised retailers and our team at Meet the Experts days will check a capsule fit with you. An authorised child restraint fitter in your state can also fit and check it, usually for a small fee. Or lodge a request with a photo of the base in your car, and we will tell you if something looks wrong.