PIPA™ Infant Car Seat
When should I remove the infant insert on a PIPA™ car seat?
The infant insert should be removed when your child weighs 11 lbs. Please also make sure that the shoulder harness straps are at or below the infant’s shoulders as the infant grows, these will need to be adjusted for fit.
What is the safest install location in a vehicle? (New)
All seats in the rear are safe if the child seat is installed correctly and you can install it correctly on every trip. The discernment of “center is safest” originates from the center location being the farthest point from any intrusion into the passenger seating area during a crash.
Generally, the safest location in the vehicle is the center rear of the vehicle. However, this is not always the case, the center seat may not be compatible with the seat you are using or there could be a practicality issue depending on your situation. An example would be: if you want the youngest in the center because it's “the safest” but to get the baby in the center you must lift the infant carrier over the other seat or child. The center seating location is only the safest if you can use it correctly every time the child is in the vehicle. To say the center rear is the “safest” is not saying the other seating positions in the back are not safe, they are.
Can the PIPA™ series base be installed without the stability leg?
Yes. Though there are significant benefits to using the stability leg there may be times when it is not practical or desirable to use it. When that is the case, it is fully acceptable to install the base without the stability leg. The PIPA™ has been tested according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 and meets or exceeds ALL standards with or without the stability leg.
What does the PIPA™ series base stability leg do?
The stability leg function and design are to minimize forward rotation during impact.
The stability leg supports the seat (prevents rotation) so the spine can be evenly supported along the seat back during a collision. The stability leg and rigid lower attachments allow the child seat to be coupled tightly to the vehicle so it can utilize the engineered crush zone of the vehicle to dissipate the energy of a crash.
What are the benefits of using the base’s stability leg?
• This feature greatly reduces rotation of the car seat during a crash, by as much as 90% or more
• Protects the child’s head, neck and spinal cord by reducing the rotation
• The child is supported by the shell and the energy absorbing material
• Keeps seat more stationary during a forward impact
• Reduces forward movement during a forward impact by up to 90%*
• Decreases baby's head injury values (HIC) up to 33%*
• Indicators on the NUNA PIPA turn green when the stability leg is properly used
*based on USA FMVSS 213 testing Nuna PIPA™
Are all the PIPA™ car seats aircraft approved?
Yes. All of the PIPA™ car seats have been tested and certified to meet FAA requirements. Because some aircraft configurations are different than others, it is always a good idea to contact your airline prior to travel to confirm compatibility.
We also recommend you refer to the individual car seat manual for installation in an aircraft.
Can I install any of the PIPA™ car seats without the base, for example when I travel?
Without a Base:
The PIPA™, PIPA™ lite rx, and PIPA™ rx are designed for installation with or without the base, making it convenient for traveling. They are both tested and approved for use in an aircraft with or without the base.
With a Base:
The PIPA™ lite, PIPA™ lite lx, and PIPA™ lite r are only designed for installation with the base and can NOT be installed without the base. They are tested and approved for use in an aircraft with the base.
What is the correct handle position for PIPA™ infant car seat when used in a vehicle?
For in-vehicle use, whether used with or without the base, the handle to the PIPA™ can be in any locked position during travel.
Is it OK to install the base with both the vehicle seat belt and the lower rigid anchors (LATCH)?
Yes. Installing with both is OK-but it does not improve the performance of the installation. We have done additional crash testing to make sure that both methods are safe- even when used together.
How can I tell if my seat is properly installed?
It is important to follow the directions provided with the child seat AND the vehicle in order to achieve a proper installation. When the base is at the correct angle the bubble will be touching the line. When using the lower rigid attachments or the stability leg, the indicators will change from red to green. After installation, grasp the base near the seat belt path (Closest to the vehicles seat back and seat bottom) to check for movement. It should not move more than 1 inch side-side or front-to-back at the seat belt path. (Some movement is allowable). If you are still unsure of the install, Nuna also recommends consulting with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) to determine if your car seat is properly installed. In most cases, this service is free. Visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm to find an Inspection Station near you!
I need help with the recline angle on my PIPA™ series base.
To adjust the recline angle on your PIPA™ series base there is an angle adjustment foot underneath the base. You can deploy this foot to make the recline angle back more. If this is not enough, then a tightly rolled towel or pool noodle can be placed under the base. Do not utilize the recline adjustment foot when using a pool noodle or rolled towel.
The recline is correct when the “bubble touches the line” on the indicator. It only needs to touch not be centered on the line.
When installing the PIPA™ and PIPA™ rx without base a rolled towel or pool noodles can be placed in the void under the seat to adjust the recline angle.
Note: PIPA™ lite, PIPA™ lite lx, and PIPA™ lite r must be installed with base.
I have difficulty using LATCH in my vehicle.
While the lower anchors in the vehicles are mandated to be a specific size and width apart, they are not mandated to be in a specific location in the vehicle seat. The lower anchors do not need to be used if there is a difficulty using them – instead, install with the seat belt. Review both the vehicle’s and car seat’s instruction manuals to ensure the seat can be installed in the location where you want to use the lower anchors. If the issue continues, use the vehicle’s seat belt to install the seat.
Do I have to replace my PIPA™ if it has been involved in a car accident? What if it was a minor accident, i.e.: fender bender?
If you have been involved in a minor crash then we recommend you follow the NHTSA guidelines:
NHTSA recommends that car seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.
Car seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash.
What defines a minor crash?
A minor crash is one in which ALL of the following apply:
• The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
• The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
• None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash.
• If the vehicle has air bags, the air bags did not deploy during the crash; and
• There is no visible damage to the car seat.
NEVER use a car seat that has been involved in a moderate to severe crash. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
Will my PIPA™ fit in my BMW 3 Series?
Yes. The PIPA™ series base fits in most vehicles without issue. We have found that the PIPA series base can be installed correctly in BMW 3 series using the lap/shoulder belt. The rigid latch (lower anchor) installation in BMW 3 Series tends to be difficult because of the shape of the BMW vehicle seat and the location of the anchor bars deep in the bite of the vehicle seat. If installing with the rigid latch becomes too problematic, we recommend using the vehicle’s seat belt to achieve a secure install.
If you prefer rigid latch installation, the PIPA™ relx base can be installed in the BMW 3 series using this installation method. The PIPA™ rx, PIPA™ lite r, and PIPA™ lite rx include the PIPA relx base with purchase, or you can purchase it separately as a second base.
It is recommended that you use the stability leg (load leg) for either installation method you choose, which reduces crash forces in the event of an accident. Always remember to read your instruction manuals.
What is the proper harness tightness for my car seat?
A snug but comfortable harness is important for good crash protection. If there is slack in the harness at the time of a crash the child could move unrestrained increasing the risk of injury. According to Safe Kids; with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go!
What is the highest position that a child's head can be in when using this car seat?
When using this car seat always check the shoulder harness is at or below the child's shoulder and the top of the child's head must be at least 1 inch below the top of the carrier seat back.
How do I clean my car seat?
You can wipe the plastic, vinyl, and metal parts with a damp sponge or soft cloth. For fabrics, you can machine wash on a delicate cycle, with cold water and mild detergent, and then allow to drip dry. The harness system should be cleaned with mild soap and water and allowed to air dry. Wipe the outside of the buckle with a damp cloth. Do not lubricate the buckle or immerse in water. Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals on your car seat and do not dry clean. Use of cleaning agents such as these can damage your car seat and cause deterioration of the materials.
Can my baby wear winter coats in the car seat?
No. Wearing bulky clothing can prevent a proper harness fit. A large “puffy” coat or clothing can compress in a crash introducing slack into the harnesses which needs to stay tight on the child. You should not put your child in any car seat wearing bulky clothing or jackets. Instead, remove any bulky clothing and cover your child with a blanket or jacket after securing your child in the seat. To determine if the harnesses are tight enough, the caregiver should use the “pinch” test. If you can pinch the harness between your fingers at the shoulders, then tighten the harness until you cannot pinch any of the harness between your fingers.
Where can I find my product / serial label on the PIPA™?
The product serial label can be found on the bottom of the PIPA™ car seat as well as on the top of the PIPA™ base.