Cosco Scenera Next Review (2021): Rock-Bottom Price and Lightweight Design – Perfect for a Tight Budget

The Cosco Scenera Next is a simple, convertible, lightweight car seat with the affordable safety features that parents have come to expect from Cosco's line of car seats.

The side impact protection and five-point harness of the Scenera both meet or exceed federal safety standards. The car seat is fully adjustable with a padded cover parents can remove quickly, and clean in the washing machine. The Scenera Next offers one of the lowest prices available.

The car seat is available in a good choice of colors and styles. The Cosco Scenera Next is suitable for children between five and 40 pounds, with a 19 to 43-inch height range. The car seat provides both the front and rear-facing modes, ensuring the Scenera Next will last for approximately four years. The look is stylish, with a weight making it easy for parents to carry.

Cosco Scenera Next vs Cosco Apt 50

Both the Cosco Scenera Next and the Cosco Apt 50 are good options for a convertible car seat capable of keeping the child safe while traveling. Both models are inexpensive for every budget, and offer simple functions, use and installation. If width is an issue, the Scenera Next requires less room than the Apt 50. The narrower width enables parents to install up to three car seats in the back of the vehicle.

The Apt 50 will last a little longer because the maximum weight capacity is 50 pounds, as opposed to the 40-pound weight limit of the Scenera Next. Although there are numerous similarities between the two models, there are obvious differences as well. Both models are priced almost exactly the same, with either car seat cost-effective. The price is less than the majority of other brands on the market.

The price means parents can afford to purchase a second or third car seat for multiple children, or for a caregiver or relative frequently taking care of the child. When the cost of the average name brand car seat is considered, parents can purchase three of either model for about the same amount of money. This is also an important factor if there is a collision, the parents are on a strict budget, and the car seat needs replacement.

Two cup holders are standard with the Cosco Apt 50. The holders are integrated into the car seat's design. The dual cups enable parents to provide the child with both a drink and snacks during car rides. Although the Scenera Next only has one cupholder, this may be an advantage. The Scenera Next cupholder can be detached, enabling the parents to install two additional car seats.

Once the cupholder is detached, five additional inches of space allows multiple car seat installation. Since it is not possible to detach the cup holders on the Apt 50, a maximum of two car seats can be installed in the average vehicle. If the family has three small children, this difference is critical because the safest place to travel with a child is in the back seat.

Both models have an approximate weight of seven pounds. The difference is in the height of the car seats. The Apt 50 is one inch taller than the Scenera Next. This will enable parents to use the car seat for an additional year. Depending on the parent's budget, the extra year can be an important consideration. There is only one difference in the models regarding the front and rear-facing modes.

The Apt 50 is suitable for children a maximum of 50 pounds, but the Scenera Next has a weight limit of 40 pounds. Both car seats can be converted to the forward-facing mode suitable for new babies, and small children. As the child grows, parents can simply convert the car seat to the rear-facing mode for slightly older children. Both car seats also offer a booster mode for older kids.

The Cosco Apt 50 will enable the child to remain in a car seat for a longer period of time for safety reasons. Both models offer an integrated seat. There are no additional parts with the exception of the cupholder for the Scenera Next. Both car seats offer a nice selection of colors and styles. Neither model adds any additional padding for the comfort of the child. Despite this, the padding included is sufficient.

Both the Scenera Next and Apt 50 are available in a good variety of colors and patterns to suit the tastes of every parent. Both car seats provide a solid black base with a separate cloth easily removed for washing when dirty. The cloth covers are both safe for the washing machine. Both can also be placed in the dryer for faster replacement on the car seats.

The Apt 50 is suitable for children a maximum of 50 pounds or to the age of four years. There are six harness positions for five, seven, nine, 16, 13 and 11 inches. This means the car seat is appropriate for infants through older children. There are five harness positions for the Cosco Scenera Next, with the highest position at 13 inches. This may be an issue for parents with taller children.

The Apt 50 provides four strap positions for the buckle from the seat back at two through six inches. These straps are used to secure the crotch of the child. The Scenera Next has one less buckle position with no position for six inches. If the thighs of the infant are chubby, this may be an issue. Both models have been approved by the FAA for use on an airplane.

The Scenera Next is the better option if the family travels on airplanes fairly frequently. The width of 17 inches combined with the removable cup holder makes it much easier to move around crowded airports, navigate narrow aisles on airplanes, and allow enough room for passengers on either side. Due to the lighter weight of both models, carrying the car seats through the airport does not require much muscle.

Both the Scenera Next and the Apt 50 provide basic padding to ensure the comfort of the child. Despite the lack of any additional padding, the majority of user reviews are positive regarding the comfort of the child. Both car seats are designed as basic models. Although all safety regulations have been met, many of the features of the more expensive car seats are not included.

Neither model includes covers for the harness or any extra accessories with the exception of the Scenera Next cupholder. The manufacturer for the car seats does offer numerous options for accessories sold separately including harness covers. There are a lot of parents unable to afford an expensive car seat. Both models make it possible to make an affordable purchase covering the basic needs and safety of the child.