Nuna Pipa Aire RX: Quick Verdict

• The Nuna Pipa Aire RX is very lightweight, at under 7 lbs

• It uses a rigid LATCH install which can be more secure, but is also trickier to use correctly in some vehicles

• Also installs easily off-base with a seatbelt making it great for rideshares and public transit.

Nuna is a well-known, high-end baby brand. The Pipa Aire RX is their most lightweight infant car seat , at just over 6 lbs. Its portability is a likely draw for frequent travelers or city dwellers. 

In addition to being lightweight it also installs securely on base with rigid LATCH or off-base with a seatbelt. 

While there’s a lot to like about the Pipa Aire RX, choosing the right car seat and stroller is about understanding the needs of your lifestyle. 

Let’s take a closer look and figure out if the Pipa Aire RX is right for you.

Who the Nuna Pipa Aire RX Works Best For 

The Nuna Pipa Aire RX is exceptionally lightweight, making it a good option for frequent travelers or city dwellers taking advantage of rideshares and public transit. 

With a lower height and weight limit than some other options, it might be outgrown sooner. That said, it works well for young infants.

Key Features of the Nuna Pipa Aire RX

• Lightweight: weighs less than 7 lbs

• 4-recline positioning: adjust with your child 

• Manual rethread harness

• Locking three piece stability leg: for safer install

• Rigid LATCH install: the LATCH anchors are on the car seat base themselves, rather than attaching to a strap, which provides for a more secure install.

• Installs on or off-base: for easier traveling

Pricing

The Nuna Pipa Aire RX starts at $550.

Nuna Pipa Aire RX Pros 

There are several features that make the Nuna Pipa Aire RX a standout infant car seat option.

Lightweight

At less than 8 lbs, the Pipa Aire RX is one of the lightest car seats on the market.

Rigid LATCH Install

The Pipa Aire RX’s LATCH anchors are on the seat base themselves, rather than attached by a strap. This provides for a more secure install with less movement.

Fire Retardant-Free Fabrics

From fabric to foam, the materials used in Nuna’s car seats are naturally flame-resistant.

Nuna Pipa Aire RX Cons

The Pipa Aire RX does have a few drawbacks parents may want to consider.

No Recline Indicator

The Pipa Aire RX’s recline is determined by your child’s weight. This can make it hard for non-primary caregivers, who may not know how heavy the baby is, to provide the correct install. There’s also no recline indicator on the seat itself to show that it’s installed correctly.

Manual Rethread Harness

While the absence of a harness rethread mechanism helps keep it lightweight, manually rethreading the harness can be tedious since it will be done several times over the course of using the car seat.

Shorter Lifespan

Its lower height and weight limits mean you’ll outgrow the Pipa Aire RX sooner than some of its competitors.

Nuna Pipa Aire RX Customer Reviews and User Ratings

Let’s take a look at what Nuna’s customers have to say about the Pipa Aire RX.

Positive Review

• Lightweight

Negative Review

• Consumers complain Nuna’s customer service is unresponsive when there’s an issue. 

Nuna Pipa Aire RX Alternatives

Let’s take a look at some of the other car seats on the market that compare favorably to the Pipa Aire.

Orbit Baby G5+

The G5+ is an infant car seat that rotates into position on its base. This saves on back strain for parents and also makes it easier to ensure your child is securely buckled. 

You can install the car seat in as little as 60 seconds, and recline indicators let you know that your baby is well-positioned. 

Orbit Baby uses the same SmartHub base on all their products, allowing you to seamlessly transition to the stroller while maintaining the same rotating features. 

 

 

 

UPPAbaby Aria

The recently introduced Aria undercuts the Aire RX by a few ounces to officially be the lightest infant car seat on the market. 

There is some concern around the positioning of UPPAbaby car seats for young infants—they can promote a “C position” which tips the baby’s chin toward their chest to inhibit airways.

Doona

The Doona offers an all-in-one car seat/stroller combo. It’s especially appealing to urban dwellers and frequent travelers, although the lack of frills and features may be a drawback for some.

Nuna Pipa Aire RX or Orbit Baby G5+ Infant Car Seat?

For frequent travelers or urban dwellers who frequently use rideshares or public transit, the Nuna Pipa Aire RX’s lightweight design is likely appealing. Not unlike the Doona, it works very well for a specific niche of consumers. 

Families who do not fall into that category may want to explore other options better suited to their lifestyle. A more robust infant car seat like the Orbit Baby G5+ can offer additional features and options that meet your daily needs.