Cosco Scenera Next Review – The lightest one for traveling?

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat Review
Airports, airplanes, you need something light and durable this might be the choice for you…

Recently some friends of ours came to visit. They live a few time zones away. And they have a little son. They opted for this Cosco car seat as their travel companion. There weren’t direct flights, so they had to face layovers and different airplanes.

The trip itself is taxing on an adult, but what about a little one? Well, he had the time of his life. He played with mommy and daddy. When he got tired, he fell asleep without fuss. All this happened with the Cosco Scenrea car seat.

Look:

Without it the car seat, it would’ve been a trip from hell. Best of all, the car seat can be mounted on carry-on luggage. He was full of smiles as he rode through the busy airport, strapped on the luggage.

He’s a special child.

Before we get any further, let me give you a quick preview. Officially this is the cheapest car seat that I’ve reviewed. It is as barebones as possible. Yet it comes with a cup holder. It’s light so ideal for traveling. Plus, it’s FAA approved.

This car seat is cheap, I mean it’s almost free, and still, it’s comfortable. You don’t have to check in this car seat. And it’s one of the few chairs that can be mounted in a Porche 911.

Let’s get this Cosco Scenera Next review started. If you stick with me until the end, I will tell you the pros/cons. Some of them are unexpected, to say the least.

Who is the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat for?

The Cosco Scenera Next car is for parents who travel and need a light and durable car seat. I mean, there’s no joy in hauling a tank across a busy airport.

Plus, bigger and expensive car seats have to be checked at the luggage compartment. And you probably know that often than not these expensive car seats get lossed.

The  Cosco Scenera Next car seat is FAA approved and fits easily between the aisles. Best of all, it can be mounted in economy class.

Also, this car seat can be a cheap backup just in case.

What can the Cosco Scenera Next car seat do for you?

Let me tell you about the features. It’s a car seat. I’m done. I am just kidding. Usually, when you go on a shopping site, you see the main features highlighted. Well, there’s no such thing with the Cosco Scenera Next.

Either way, I have a few important facts to tell you before you consider buying it.

As I mentioned before, this car seat is for a parent who wants to travel light. Besides airplanes, it can be easily mounted in taxis, rentals, and UBER. What I’ve noticed is that usually, rentals come with some crappy car seats. The rental fee is higher than getting this cheap Cosco Scenera Next car seat.

This car seat is so narrow it fits in smaller cars. For example, I have a friend who managed to mount it in a Porche 911. Yes, you are probably laughing that a high-end sports car gets the cheapest car seats. What can I say? This was the only one that fits.

It does the bare minimum, so don’t expect miracles. You get what you pay for.

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat shortcomings

You would think that a cheap car seat would be full of complaints. I wasn’t pleasantly surprised that there were only a few issues.

Let me share them with you, so if it’s a deal-breaker, then you will know it up front.

There’s no other way to describe this car seat as a bare bone. It does everything perfectly that it’s advertised. And that’ it. I mean we shouldn’t expect more from something that’s less than $100.

Some parents complained that there’s not much cushion on the chair. Yet kids like it, and they can fall asleep with ease.

There’s a steep learning curve for this Cosco car seat. You need to get used to the locking mechanism. After you’ve done that it will be easy to install it in a car or on a plane.

Matter of fact I haven’t found any crash reports about this car seat. Many of the parents who have used it say that they would opt for something different for longer drives.

How To Get The Most Out Of Cosco Scenera Next car seat?

As I mentioned before, there’s a learning curve for this car seat. So get some practice under your belt and only after that do it live. I know how hard it is to mount a car seat while stressing about the takeoff and a crying baby.

If you opt to mount it in a car, do remember that the safest position is the rear-facing mode. And the safest spot to mount the car seat is in the middle. If you can’t do that, then opt for the second safest spot, which is the driver’s side.

The Cosco Scenera Next car seat doesn’t allow a lot of head tilt. Even though kids fall asleep fast in it, maybe that’s because of the pressurized air? Either way, it has good head support, and it’s comfortable.

Even if it’s a cheap car seat, it has high reviews on Consumer reports. Some parent is worried about the material because it’s on the low end. Well, the material is fine, and it’s easily washable.

It’s not a bad car seat, and it’s safe as well.
Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat Review

Pros
  • Perfect car seat to travel via plane or rental cars
  • It’s FAA approved and easy to carry through the airport
  • It comes with a high Customer Reports review
Cons
  • It’s a bare-bone car seat which telegraphs cheap
  • There’s not much cushion on these car seats

Conclusion for the Cosco Scenera Next  Review

I couldn’t pass on reviewing this car seat. On Consumer Reports, it got high ratings. This car seat is perfect for anyone who’s on a serious budget, or they need something narrow in the car. Also, this is perfect for parents who travel.

The Cosco Scenerera car set is cheap, and it does what it does well. Don’t have high hopes for it. The kids like it, and it’s comfy enough for them to fall asleep.

We have reached the end of the Cosco Scenera Next review. If you have experience with this car seat, do share it with me. Also, if you have questions send me an email, and I’ll get back to you.

Catch you next time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Cosco Scenera next FAA approved?

Yes, the Scenera Next is FAA approved.

What is the difference between Cosco Scenera and the next DLX?

There’s only a minimal difference between the two. The fabric material is way nicer with the DLX and it offers a bit more cushion.

How many years are Cosco car seats good for?

They are good for 8 years after the time of manufacturing.

How do you install the Scenera convertible car seat?

Since it’s a convertible car seat you can mount it both rear facing installation and front facing installation. To mount it you can use the seat belt installation and the latch system. To do the seat belt install all you have to do is feed it through the belt path and pull it tight. With the latch it’s a good idea to remove the seat cover and pull the latch strap towards the inside. Always keep the safety standards in mind. With a bit of elbow grease you will get it nice and tight. Other than that it’s easy to install. To get a bit more leveling you can use a pool noodle.

What is the best use for this convertible car seat?

This convertible car seat works well as a travel car seat. Since it’s so easy to use and so light no wonder it’s the favorite travel car seat for many parents. It’s ideal for air travel seat. As you know for airplane travel the seat has to be FAA approved. The Scenera is approved for air travel. You hardly feel the weight so this is why I recommend it for airplane travel. Here’s some good news the Scenera fits in airplane seats so airplane use is highly appreciated.

Does the Scenera come with a cup holder?

Yes, the Scenera has one cup holder.

How much does this convertible seat weigh?

The seat weight is just 7 pounds. The shipping weight is 10.4 pounds. The weight limit (weight range) is 5-40 pounds in rear facing mode and the weight limit for forward facing mode is 22-40 pounds. As you can see thanks to the generous weight limit you can do extended rear facing. The height limit (harness heights) shouldn’t be an issue.

What kind of safety features does this car seat have?

The Scenera has kept all the safety standards in high regard. It has side impact protection. You know how important that is since our bodies can’t take damage from the sides. This is why more and more car seat makers are adding side impact protection.

What competitors does the Scenera have?

Well in the convertible world there’s a lot of competitors like Britax Boulevard and the Diono radian 3RXT. These baby gear units don’t have a car seat base. On the other hand, the vehicle seat is easy to install. It’s an excellent toddler car seat. The car seat pad is comfortable.

What other features does the Scenera have?

It comes with: anchor weight limit, anchor strap, anchor connectors, strap routing, harness routing and harness straps. It’s ideal for one year old kids. Also even older kids up to 4 years old can use it. This product is one of the best baby products you can get. It’s a must have baby gear.

Can you wash the cover?

Yes you can use it in the washing machine and it’s dryer safe. Make sure you don’t let it run more than 10-15 minutes. As for the safety perspective always do the appropriate tests. Like there’s the pinch test. The chest clip should be under the armpit level. The crotch strap should be comfortable. Keep in mind the buckle locations and the locking clip. You can always check product reviews for more info.

Is the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 a good car seat?

The Cosco Mighty Fit 65 is one of the best budget car seats by Cosco.

Why is the Cosco Scenera a good choice?

The Scenera Next is lightweight and easy to install, making it a great choice for parents who are looking for an affordable and convenient car seat. The seat is also adjustable, so it can be easily moved to different positions in the vehicle as needed. However, some parents find that more expensive car seats offer more features and support than Scenera Next. Additionally, car seats can sometimes be difficult to fit in certain vehicles. Overall, Scenera Next is a good choice for parents who are looking for a lightweight and affordable car seat. The Cosco Scenera Next is a great car seat that can be used in three different ways. It can be used as a forward-facing car seat, an airplane seat, or a booster seat. The car seat is very comfortable and has a lot of features that make it great for families. The car seat is easy to install and comes with a lot of safety features. The car seat is also very affordable and is a great value for the money.

Can you bring the Cosco Scenera Next on airplane?

Yes, the Scenera is approved for air travel. You hardly feel the weight so this is why I recommend it for airplane travel.

 

Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!