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Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn | Infant Car Seat Comparison
Bugaboo stands as one of the original luxury baby gear brands, renowned for its exceptional stroller engineering and a reputation for performance and quality. Although Bugaboo introduced its inaugural stroller in 1999, parents previously sought alternative brands for infant car seats to complement their travel systems. In recent years, Bugaboo has delved into the car seat market, collaborating with Dutch neighbors Nuna. The Bugaboo Turtle line of infant car seats, crafted by Nuna and branded for Bugaboo, is designed to align with the Bugaboo aesthetic. This initiative provides parents with the choice of cohesive travel systems from Bugaboo.
Upon its initial launch, the original Bugaboo Turtle bore a resemblance to the Nuna Pipa but was purposefully designed for direct compatibility with the Bugaboo Fox and Bugaboo Lynx strollers, eliminating the need for adapters. Unfortunately, the original Turtle model did not extend its compatibility to other strollers. Yet, in line with the ever-evolving nature of the baby gear industry, Bugaboo has introduced two subsequent generations of the Turtle: the Turtle One and the Turtle Air.
In recent times, both the original Turtle and the Turtle One have been phased out, making way for Bugaboo's more advanced and widely acclaimed option—the Bugaboo Turtle Air. This innovative model now stands as the exclusive infant car seat option available from Bugaboo, meeting the demands of discerning parents seeking top-notch safety and design in baby gear.
Bugaboo's decision to collaborate with Nuna for their infant car seat design likely stemmed from Nuna's impressive track record in introducing advanced safety features to the US market. Nuna surfaced in the US in 2007, and their original PIPA design played a pivotal role in elevating infant car seat safety, bringing features that were once only seen in Europe.
The innovative design of Nuna's PIPA, included a steel load leg in its infant car seat base, providing crucial anti-rebound protection, and a rigid LATCH installation for maximum stability, and easy installation. These features resonated with parents who prioritize safety. Nuna quickly gained trust and popularity among parents nationwide, establishing the PIPA as one of the most sought-after infant car seats.
With Bugaboo now providing a "made by Nuna" infant car seat option, the pressing question on parents' minds is how the Bugaboo Turtle models stack up against Nuna PIPA models. In this article, we aim to address this query by conducting a comprehensive comparison between the latest models offered by each brand.
Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA Series infant car seats:
First, lets introduce the three current Nuna PIPA infant car seats: PIPA RX, PIPA aire RX and PIPA urbn.
*(For a full detailed comparison of the three current Nuna PIPA car seat models refer >>>here)
The PIPA RX and PIPA aire RX are the most similar to the Bugaboo Turtle Air. All three models are packaged with an infant car seat base featuring advanced safety technology. The primary use involves installing the base in the caregiver's main vehicle, allowing the infant car seat to be easily clicked in and out for convenient transitions on the go.
The PIPA urbn sets itself apart as a baseless infant car seat. This means it does not fit into a base, and it is not compatible with one. The PIPA urbn provides a different approach to installation and usage compared to the other models, offering a unique solution for parents who may prefer or require a baseless infant car seat.
What infant car seat models offer better installation? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn
The Bugaboo Turtle Air, PIPA RX and PIPA aire RX are similar in design and share the same infant car seat base. The Nuna base is called the RELX base while the Bugaboo base is referred to as the Recline base.
While the bases do have different names the design remains consistent and the safety features are the same.
RELX and Recline base features:
- Crumple zone within the steel load leg minimizes forward rotation by up to 90%, absorbing impact and minimizes force transferred to baby
- Reclines to four positions, with two positions for babies 4-20 pounds and two positions for 21-32 pounds, to add comfort as your child grows
- Recline button confirms safe riding angles without the need for bubble levels
- 4-position rigid LATCH connectors reduce the gap between your vehicle seat and base, creating a more secure installation and fitting more vehicle models
- Color-coded installation indicators confirm correct connections to the vehicle
- Anti rebound panel reduces rearward motion and ensures a flush fit against your vehicle seat
- Locking 3 piece steel stability leg has a wide range of adjustment to fit most vehicles including middle seat jumps
- Seat belt lock off with separate lap and belt paths is easy-to-use for seatbelt installations
- Base is lower-profile for easier loading of infant seat
The PIPA urbn is not compatible with the Nuna PIPA RELX base. Instead the PIPA urbn features integrated pipaFIX rigid latch installation. This rigid latch system is built into the body of the car seat eliminating the need for a base. The PIPA urbn is the first infant car seat that provides the convenience of a baseless installation without skimping on safety!
Can both Bugaboo and Nuna infant car seats be used without a base? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn:
The Bugaboo Turtle Air, Nuna PIPA RX, PIPA aire RX, and PIPA urbn all feature a European belt-path providing safe and secure installation utilizing only a vehicle seatbelt. The option for a baseless install adds convenience for city families using public transportation and frequent travelers. All seats are FAA approved using this installation method.
If you live in an urban area, and solely rely on public transit, the PIPA urbn is the best baseless choice, as you have extra security with the pipaFIX anchors.
Do Bugaboo or Nuna infant car seats offer better safety? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn:
Now that we have identified that the Turtle Air, PIPA RX, PIPA aire RX all share the same base- this level of safety is identical within these three models. Let's dive into the body of the seats.
Most car seats are lined with EPS foam to absorb collision energy. However, the Turtle Air, PIPA aire RX, and PIPA urbn introduce a propitiatory Aeroflex foam, proven to be more flexible and lighter-weight. The transition from EPS to Aeroflex foam also results in an overall lighter weight car seat.
Do Bugaboo or Nuna infant car seats have better features? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn:
All of these seats do carry over parent favorite features from the original Nuna PIPA.
All four models feature an extendable canopy with UPF50+ protection.
The Nuna PIPA RX, PIPA aire RX and PIPA urbn feature Nuna's "Sky Drape." The Sky Drape is a knit canopy extension that is integrated within the main canopy and stored away in a zippered pouch. When parents desire full coverage for their baby they can unzip to reveal the Sky Drape which attaches to the end of the seat with magnets to provide sun protection and privacy. The Sky Drape also features ventilation panels and can be stored away when not in use. All three Pipa Series infant car seats feature the Sky Drape!
The Bugaboo Turtle Air features the Bugaboo version of the Sky Drape- the "Smart Shade." The function and utility remain the same, with the only difference being the lack of zipper closure storage. The Smart Shade is stored away by tucking it into a pouch on the underside of the main canopy.
All four models are made with naturally flame resistant materials, negating the need for chemical flame retardants. Furthermore all four seats are GREENGUARD GOLD Certified.
Feature highlights:
- Peek-a-boo ventilation panel at the back of the canopy. The addition of this window provides maximum airflow and visibility!
- No-rethread harness for easy adjustments as baby grows taller
- Merino-wool infant insert is temperature regulating and moisture wicking
- Memory foam seat panel and headrest provides a comfortable custom fit
- Magnetic harness-holders, allowing for easier baby loading!
- Merino-wool infant insert is temperature regulating and moisture wicking
- Additional GOTS organic cotton infant insert and harness cover set
- Tailor tech™ memory foam seat panel and headrest provides a comfortable custom fit
- Head support includes a 2-layer soft surround to accommodate smaller babies
- Merino-wool infant insert is temperature regulating and moisture wicking
- It is important to note the PIPA urbn is only sold as part of a travel system with Nuna strollers- it is not offer sold separately.
Are Bugaboo infant car seats and Nuna infant car seats compatible with the same strollers? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn:
The Bugaboo Turtle Air is designed to be used with Bugaboo strollers and is compatible with all of Bugaboo's strollers with the use of the dedicated Bugaboo infant car seat adapters.
For a full list of Bugaboo Turtle Air stroller compatibility refer >>>here
The Nuna PIPA RX, PIPA aire RX and PIPA urbn have been thoughtfully crafted for effortless compatibility with Nuna strollers. Nuna further enhances this synergy by offering a ring adapter, simplifying the user experience. With the ring adapter, parents can effortlessly place their Nuna PIPA infant car seat into the designated ring, where it automatically locks into place. This streamlined design adds convenience to Nuna travel systems, providing a straightforward and secure connection between the car seat and stroller for parents on the move.
In addition to the obvious Nuna stroller compatibility, the Nuna PIPA RX, PIPA aire RX and PIPA urbn also offer the flexibility to pair with non-Nuna brand strollers. Nuna PIPA infant car seats are typically compatible will all brands that offer Maxi Cosi style adapters.
While the PIPA urbn is sold as a travel system with Nuna strollers it does still have the capacity to pair with non-Nuna brand strollers.
For a full list of Nuna PIPA Series stroller compatibility refer >>> here
Are Bugaboo infant car seats or Nuna infant car seats lighter weight? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn:
As mentioned earlier in this article, the Turtle Air, PIPA aire RX, and PIPA urbn all incorporate Aeroflex foam, offering not only an additional safety benefit but also resulting in impressively lightweight car seats.
The PIPA aire RX takes the lead as the lightest-weight. Although the Turtle Air incorporates the lightweight Aeroflex foam, the inclusion of it's no-rethread harness introduces additional weight from the integrated mechanism required to provide this useful feature.
Here are the manufacturer-provided weights for each car seat.
- Turtle Air: 7.1lbs
- PIPA RX: 7.6 lbs
- PIPA aire RX: 6.2 lbs
- PIPA urbn: 7 lbs
*Note that Nuna's weights do not include the canopy or infant insert
How long can Bugaboo and Nuna infant car seats be used? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn:
Most infant car seats can be used from birth for about 1 year. Infants typically reach the height restriction of their infant car seat around their first birthday, at which point they will be ready to move into a rear facing convertible car seats.
Height and weight limits:
- Turtle Air: 4 to 32 pounds or up to 32" in height
- PIPA aire RX: 4 to 30 pounds or up to 30" height limit
- PIPA RX: 4 to 32 pounds or up to 32" height limit
- PIPA Urbn: 4 to 22 pounds or up to 29” height limit
Are Bugaboo infant car seats or Nuna infant car seats better? Bugaboo Turtle Air vs. Nuna PIPA RX vs. Nuna PIPA aire RX vs. Nuna PIPA urbn:
If you find yourself torn between choosing a Bugaboo or Nuna infant car seat model, a logical starting point is to consider the stroller you've decided on. The most natural approach is this: if you've opted for a Bugaboo stroller, the Bugaboo Turtle Air is the perfect match; similarly, if you've chosen a Nuna stroller, then a Nuna infant car seat would be the most suitable choice.
While evaluating features, weight, and stroller compatibility, other factors may influence your decision.
For families relying on public transportation, the PIPA Urbn is an apparent choice, offering both convenience and safety for families on the move. If a lightweight design is your top priority, the PIPA Aire RX would be the best fit.
For families enamored with Bugaboo strollers and their aesthetic, there's no need to look beyond the Bugaboo Turtle Air. This model not only embodies the lightweight design and safety features of Nuna PIPA models but also comes with the added benefits of a no-rethread harness and a large ventilation panel on the back of the canopy.
However, for parents who anticipate using more than one stroller and prioritize flexible stroller compatibility, Nuna PIPA infant car seats offer the versatility needed for various stroller brands and models. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific preferences, lifestyle, and the stroller you have selected to meet your family's needs.
Questions?
Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the Bugaboo Turtle Air or Nuna PIPA infant car seats free to chat, or email us at customercare@strolleria.com.
