Nuna RAVA vs. PIPA: Which Car Seat Is Right for Your Family?

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When I was pregnant, choosing a car seat felt almost as important as picking a baby name. You’re strapping your tiny, precious human into it every day—safety matters, but so does convenience, lifespan and how it fits into your real life. 

Based on my preference for crash safety ratings and non-toxic materials, I picked the Nuna PIPA and Nuna RAVA. The PIPA is a lightweight, rear-facing infant car seat that’s ideal for newborns and travel, while the RAVA is a convertible seat that grows with your child. If you're deciding between the two, here's everything I now know after testing both extensively.

Why Parents Compare the Nuna PIPA and Nuna RAVA

Nuna has built a cult following for good reason—their car seats consistently get top marks for safety, design and non-toxic materials. Both the PIPA and RAVA are highly rated by CPSTs (Child Passenger Safety Technicians) and loved by real parents, but they serve different needs. 

But do you need both? Can you get away with just one? Let’s look at key differences: 

What Are The Main Differences Between the Nuna RAVA and PIPA?

It all comes down to size and bulk. The Nuna PIPA is an infant car seat designed for portability and easy stroller transfers. Most babies outgrow it within a year. 

The Nuna RAVA, on the other hand, is a convertible seat that stays in your car and grows with your child, offering extended rear-facing and forward-facing options.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Comparison Table: Nuna Pipa vs. Nuna Rava 

Nuna PIPA LiteRX Overview: Infant Car Seat 

The PIPA Lite RX is a rear-facing-only seat ideal for newborns and infants up to 32 lbs or 32 inches. It’s super lightweight—just 7 lbs without the base—and designed with portability in mind. The PIPA line includes several versions, but the Lite RX is the most versatile, allowing for base or seatbelt-only installation (which can be nice for taxis and rideshare).

It’s compatible with Nuna and many other strollers using an adapter, turning it into a true travel system. Just note: Older versions like the PIPA Lite LX or original PIPA may still pop up secondhand, but have different base features.

I originally envisioned myself clicking my dozing newborn out of the car and into the stroller all the time, but, in reality, I almost always used the bassinet in our Nuna Mixx after learning that car seats are not an ideal sleep space. 

That doesn’t mean the car seat wasn’t useful, though! This was by far the easiest car seat we’ve ever had in terms of travel. The base install is super simple and takes seconds. The canopy is huge and well-designed, the seat is incredibly plush, and it just felt premium — which is what I’d expect at that price point. The PIPA line uses flame retardant-free materials, which was important to me.

My son was always comfortable in it, and the padding around the head area felt supportive enough even for a newborn.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight
• Dream Drape canopy for sun and nap protection
• Compatible with many strollers
• Great for travel and city living
• FAA-approved

Cons:

• Short use window
• Requires a base for the full feature set
• Less value long-term

CPST Insight: “The safest car seat is one that fits the child and vehicle and can be installed correctly every time,” says GoodBuy Gear’s in-house CPST, Amanda Brown. “The good news is that every car seat approved to be sold in the United States must pass the exact same federal safety standards.”

Nuna RAVA Overview: Convertible Car Seat 

The Nuna RAVA is a convertible car seat that starts rear-facing (5–50 lbs) and transitions to forward-facing (25–65 lbs), meaning it could be your only car seat for years. It’s plush, easy to install and loved for its extended rear-facing limit.

That said, based on my experience, it might be too upright for a newborn and requires an infant insert. 

We switched to the Nuna RAVA around 10 months and have now used it for over two years. It installs easily, feels incredibly sturdy and my son seems comfortable in it.

I love that it’s rear-facing up to 50 lbs, as I plan to keep him rear-facing for as long as possible and have always had a 100th percentile baby. The padding is still super soft and premium, and the cup holders (which pop out) are a nice bonus.

CPST Tip: “There are height and weight limits on every car seat, but just because they outgrow one, say their infant carrier seat, doesn’t mean they are ready to forward-face. There are convertible car seats that can still rear-face much longer in height and weight than the infant carrier seat. A best practice is to keep a child rear-facing as long as possible.”

Unlike the PIPA, the RAVA stays in the car—it doesn’t click in and out or attach to a stroller—but it eliminates the need to buy another seat as your baby grows.

Pros:

• Extended rear-facing to 50 lbs
• Forward-facing up to 65 lbs
• No rethread harness
• FAA-approved

Cons:

• Heavy and not portable
• Not compatible with strollers
• May be bulky in smaller cars

Which One Is Easier to Install?

Both seats are easy to install, but in different ways:

PIPA Lite RX:

• True lock base makes installation quick
• Can also install without a base using the European belt path
• Great for travel and rideshare

RAVA:

• Simple Secure installation with seatbelt
• No base needed
• Clear color-coded belt paths
  
  

Which is Better for Flying or Travel?

There’s really no contest here - the Nuna PIPA (and infant seats in general) are much easier to travel with than convertible car seats. They install easily on planes, and base installation is super quick once you get the hang of it. 

For those who make use of the travel system with compatible strollers, being able to use a car seat through the airport and all the way onto the flight is hard to beat. The RAVA is so heavy, I can’t personally imagine schlepping it through an airport, though it is FAA-approved. If you’re looking for a car seat that travels well, consider the Cosco Scenera Next or WAYB Pico (although it is, indeed, yet another car seat). 

• PIPA: FAA-approved, ultra-light and easy to click in and out of taxis or planes.
• RAVA: Also FAA-approved but heavy and bulky—better for road trips than airports.

Parent Tip: If you buy your kiddo their own seat on a plane, you could carefully transport a napping baby all the way from the terminal and onto the plane without waking them up! The PIPA has an easy belt install on flights. 

Further Reading: Baby Travel Essentials Every Parent Should Have on Hand 

How do Safety Features Compare?

Both car seats meet or exceed safety standards. Nuna is known for:

• Steel-reinforced frames
• Energy-absorbing foam
• Side impact protection
• Flame-retardant-free materials

Which is “safer” comes down more to proper installation and use.

CPST Note: “The most important thing to remember is that the safest car seat is one that fits the child and vehicle and can be installed correctly every time.”

Which Car Seat Offers the Best Long-Term Value?

Value can come in many different forms, whether that’s the utility value a car seat provides, or monetary value over time. For us, using an infant seat for as long as possible made travel much easier, but my son also had been on over 100 flights by the time he turned two. For families who travel less, choosing based on where you’ll spend less money might make the most sense. 

• PIPA: Only lasts through infancy (around 12 months)
• RAVA: Works from birth through preschool (up to 65 lbs)

So while the PIPA is excellent for those early months, the RAVA will save you money in the long run.

Can You Skip the Infant Car Seat and Go Straight to the Nuna RAVA?

Yes, and many parents do! Especially if:

• You babywear or use a bassinet stroller.
• You don’t take frequent car rides early on. 
• You want to minimize purchases. 

But:

• Infant seats like the PIPA are MUCH easier to transport. 
• Might work better for newborns who can’t sit upright on their own yet. 
• More compact in tight spaces. 

Parent Tip: If you’re constantly in and out of the car, the PIPA can be worth the short-term convenience even if you eventually upgrade to a RAVA (like we did).

Will the Nuna RAVA Fit in a Small Car?

It depends on your car make and model. The RAVA is bulky and deep (Nuna RAVA dimensions: approx. 16" wide at the base), so it may not fit comfortably behind the driver in compact vehicles.

Tip: Try before you buy—Add Hassle-Free Return Protection on GoodBuy Gear that allows returns if the fit isn’t right.

Which One Should You Choose? Real-Life Use Cases

• City parent using Ubers or rideshare? PIPA is your best bet
• Want one-and-done for several years? Go RAVA
• Using a stroller travel system? Stick with PIPA
• Baby outgrowing the infant seat? RAVA is the natural next step

Where to Buy Nuna Car Seats

Both the Nuna PIPA and Nuna RAVA are available at GoodBuy Gear. That means you can shop open-box and gently used with confidence—without paying full retail.

I’m a big fan of buying secondhand where safety allows, and I’ve bought a travel car seat through GoodBuy Gear, which vets every item thoroughly.

They work with CPSTs and engineers to design a 30-point safety checklist for every used car seat, including expiration date verification and a legal attestation from the seller that the seat hasn’t been in a crash.

“We created the industry’s first-ever 30-point Car Seat Safety Check to make secondhand car seats safer and more accessible,” explains Amanda Brown, CPST. “Caregivers sign a legal attestation confirming the seat’s crash history and proper cleaning methods. No seat is accepted if it's been in a crash, recalled, or has less than two years to expiration.”

Final Verdict: Nuna PIPA vs Nuna RAVA

For us, it made sense to get both car seats to use for different stages of my son’s growth. Both seats are excellent—but they serve different needs.

• Go with the PIPA if you want a lightweight, travel-friendly infant car seat that pairs with a stroller. Just know that you’ll be buying another car seat down the line. 
• Go with the RAVA if you want a convertible seat that grows with your child from baby to booster and don’t foresee traveling often. 

Regardless of your choice, you can shop these Nuna car seats and more at GoodBuy Gear and save an average of 50% off retail price!  

Disclaimer: Car seat models, features and regulations can change over time. Always refer to the instruction manual and labels on your specific car seat for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This article is for general guidance only and should not replace manufacturer instructions or professional advice.

FAQ

Does Nuna RAVA use the same base as Nuna PIPA?
No. The RAVA is a convertible seat and doesn’t use a base at all. The PIPA relies on a base for most installs.

Is Nuna PIPA compatible with all Nuna strollers?
Yes, and even with other brands with the right adapter.

Can you use Nuna PIPA without the base?
Yes! Use the European belt path for baseless installs (great for travel).

How long can a baby stay in the PIPA?
Until they reach 32 lbs or 32 inches—typically around 12 months.

When should I switch from PIPA to RAVA?
Once your baby hits the PIPA’s height or weight limit—or starts sitting more upright.

Does the Nuna RAVA fit in small cars?
It can, but it's a tight fit. Measure first or buy from a place with flexible returns.

Is the Nuna RAVA worth it?
Yes, for the extended rear-facing and long use period, many parents find it a smart investment.

What’s the safest Nuna car seat?
All Nuna seats meet rigorous safety standards. The safest seat is the one that fits your car and child properly and that you can install correctly every time.

Why was Nuna RAVA recalled?
A 2023 recall affected a limited batch due to a labeling issue—not a structural or safety flaw. Check Nuna’s site for your model.

About the Author, Kristin Addis

GoodBuy Gear Contributing Writer