Choosing the right car seat for traveling with your child is essential for any parent. It can be a daunting task, weighing the options of safety, comfort, and portability. But fear not, we’ve done the research and found our favorite travel car seat: the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat.
Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat Review
The Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat is a top contender for parents searching for a travel-friendly option. With its lightweight design and compact size, it is ideal for families constantly on the go. What sets it apart from the rest is its size, making it capable of fitting in any vehicle, airplane, or stroller, without compromising on safety or comfort.
Although it may lack some bells and whistles of more expensive car seats, it certainly makes up for it with its practical features and affordability. In this review, we explore the various components of the Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat and explain why it deserves to be our top choice for travel car seats.
Cosco Scenera NEXT Specs
- Rear facing weight range: 5-40 pounds
- Rear facing height range: 19-40 inches
- Forward facing weight range: 22-40 pounds
- Forward facing height range: 29-43 inches
- Shell height: 23 inches
- Lowest harness position: 5 inches
- Highest harness position: 13 inches
- Expiration: 8 years from date of manufacture
Cosco Scenera NEXT Pros
Lightweight
Weighing in at only 7.65 lbs, the Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat is incredibly easy to move around and install in your vehicle. Its lightweight construction also makes it an excellent travel companion for families on the go.
Slim width
With a width of only 17.5 inches, this car seat can easily fit in any vehicle, making it perfect for families with multiple cars or if you plan on using it in ride-sharing services.
Lots of fun color options
One of the standout features of the Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat is the wide range of colors it comes in. From bright and bold hues to understated neutrals, there is an option to suit every taste. This making it easy for parents and children to find the perfect seat they can enjoy together.
Rear-facing up to 40 pounds
The car seat can accommodate infants and toddlers weighing up to 40 pounds in the rear-facing mode. This extended rear-facing capability makes it an ideal choice for parents looking to keep their little ones safe and secure.
Excellent safety ratings
The Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat has been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with a 5-star rating and meets all Federal safety standards.
The Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat has excellent safety ratings and meets or exceeds all federal safety standards. It features side-impact protection, a five-point harness, and easy-to-use buckle and strap systems.
Cosco Scenera NEXT Cons
Tougher than usual installation
While the installation process of this car seat is meant to be straightforward, several customers have noted that the installation can be challenging and requires a lot of effort. This drawback may be a significant concern for parents who value easy installation and want to avoid the hassle of difficult car seat installations.
Potentially Uncomfortable Airplane Seat Belt Positioning
The Cosco Scenera NEXT is an FAA-approved car seat that can be used on an airplane. However, the positioning of the seatbelt can be uncomfortable for the child and cause discomfort, leading to a challenging journey. Consequently, the car seat may not be an ideal choice for parents who frequently travel by air with their child.
Wears & tears quickly
Many reviews from users stated that the Cosco Scenera NEXT wears down relatively quickly, even after light use. This drawback is a major concern for parents who are looking for a long-lasting and durable car seat for their kid.
Only works up to 40 lbs
The Cosco Scenera NEXT has a weight capacity of 40 pounds, which means that parents will need to purchase a new seat when their child outgrows it, often within a year or two. This cons disadvantage means that parents will have to repurchase a new car seat and that the original seat was only fit for short-term use.
Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat Price
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the Cosco Scenera NEXT Convertible Car Seat is its price. At around $50, it is significantly more affordable than many other car seats on the market, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious parents.
FAQs
Is The Cosco Scenera NEXT Safe?
The Cosco Scenera NEXT is a safe and reliable car seat that meets all the required safety standards set by the federal government. It is also tested beyond the minimum safety requirements to ensure maximum protection for your child. The car seat is equipped with multiple safety features, including a five-point harness, side-impact protection, and a rear-facing mode for infants weighing between 5 and 40 pounds.
It has also been crash-tested to ensure its performance, versatility, and overall durability. The car seat is designed with your child’s safety in mind, and it provides excellent head, neck, and spine protection in the event of an accident. Therefore, the Cosco Scenera NEXT is a safe and reliable car seat that parents can trust to protect their children while driving.
Who are the Cosco Scenera NEXT best for?
The Cosco Scenera NEXT is an excellent car seat for parents who are looking for an affordable and versatile option. It is best for families who need a car seat that can grow with their child’s needs, as it can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. It is also lightweight and compact, making it ideal for travel and for families with smaller cars.
The car seat is easy to install, and its simple design makes it easy to adjust as your child grows. The car seat is suitable for infants weighing between 5 and 40 pounds in the rear-facing mode and for toddlers weighing between 22 and 40 pounds in the forward-facing mode. Therefore, the Cosco Scenera NEXT is an excellent choice for budget-conscious parents looking for a safe, reliable, and versatile car seat that can grow with their child.
Conclusion
Overall, we can confidently say that the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is the perfect travel companion for parents. With its compact size, lightweight design, and safety features, it is the best choice for traveling with your little one. We highly recommend this convertible car seat for any family on the move.