Cosco Car Seat Reviews: Detailed Overview

Jess-Miller-Sunglasses
Published by 
Jess Miller
Last updated: 
February 16, 2023

little girl sleeping inside the car

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat is a seat that can grow with your child. While infant car seats are usually only rearward facing, a convertible seat can start out facing the back and then be turned to face the front as the child gets bigger. 

They are often a more affordable option because you only have to buy one car seat instead of two. By the time the child grows out of the convertible car seat, they are ready for a booster. The Scenera is a budget-friendly option and is one of the most affordable convertible car seats on the market.

Features

Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat OTTO

The Scenera has many features that cause it to stand out from other car seats on the market. Those features include,

  • Option for facing rear or front
  • Easy installation
  • 40lb weight limit
  • 5 harness heights
  • 3 buckle positions
  • Various pattern and fabric options

Pros and Cons

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat

As with any product, the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat has pros and cons. Cosco car seat reviews are positive for the most part, but no car seat is perfect, and some people have different preferences. Here are some of the pros and cons of owning this car seat.

There are many positive Cosco car seat reviews that mention all the good things about owning one of these car seats; here are some of the pros.

Inexpensive

The Scenera is an inexpensive convertible car seat that can grow with the baby. Parents who choose traditional car seats often have to choose between a rear facing or forward facing car seat. With a conversable seat, the seat can be turned around to face the front or the back.

Infants start out rear facing and can change to the front as they get older. A convertible seat allows you to save money by only having to buy one car seat instead of two.

Simple

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat and simple and does the job without a lot of fuss. It’s comfortable for babies of all ages, it fits well in most vehicles, it installs quickly and easily, and it comes in different fabrics and colors. The fabric is also easy to clean.

There are a lot of car seats that have fancy features that you probably won’t ever use. If you just want a simple convertible car seat, this is a great option.

Easy To Install

Most parents know how hard it is to install car seats. They come with a belts and clips and cables that have to attach in specific places, and the entire process can be confusing. Every parent wants to make sure the car seat is installed properly, so they know their baby is safe and protected. The Scenera is easy to install.

The seat belt fits right through the back belt paths with ease, and the latch belt stays connected to the car seat so it can’t get lost. There are also various harness slots that allow you to adjust them without needing to remove the car seat from the car first.

Latches Securely

The latches that hold the baby into the car seat are very strong and easy to fasten. You don’t have to worry about the baby being too tall or too small for the seat because you can adjust it to fit the baby properly. This is nice for new parents who are bringing newborns home from the hospital. It can be hard to find a car seat that fits a small baby. The harness straps can easily be moved and adjusted as the baby grows.

Lasts A Long Time

The Scenera is a durable car seat. It’s made of strong plastic that can last through normal wear and tear. It’s also made to be comfortable for babies and even toddlers. Since it can grow with the child, you can count on it lasting a long time. You won’t have to replace it, and it will last until the child outgrows it and is ready for a booster seat.

There are a few things that some Cosco car seat owners did complain about. Here are some of the cons of the product.

Doesn’t Recline In All Vehicles

The seat might be easy to install, but it doesn’t always recline the way it should. In bucket seats and vehicles with seats that are shaped oddly, it may need some support to help it set properly. A pool noodle can is a good way to help hold it in place while it’s reclined.

Some Toddler May Outgrow It Quickly

The seat is meant to last until a child requires a booster seat. The seat is suitable for most children, but some children grow faster than others. Children that are taller or grow faster than others may not be able to fit in the seat as long as others.

Straps Can Twist

The straps that attach to the harness can twist and be hard to pull through the plastic clasp. You can untwist them with a little bit of patience, but most busy parents don’t want to mess around with twisted straps when they are trying to get their kids in a car.

Little Impact Protection

Many car seats have a protective layer of Styrofoam and passing that work as impact protection. If there is an accident, the padding absorbs some of the shocks and helps protect the baby. The baby is pushed against the soft sides instead of hard plastic. That isn’t the case with the Cosco Scenera. It doesn’t have any extra impact protection other than the fabric on the seat.

Sharp

Some parents have mentioned in their Cosco car seat reviews that the plastic can become sharp around the outside edges. The can scratch babies and parents. It can also scratch leather and make holes in your seat.

PROS

  • Inexpensive
  • Simple
  • Easy to Install
  • Latches Securely
  • Lasts A Long Time

CONS

  • Doesn’t Recline In All Vehicles
  • Some Toddler May Outgrow It Quickly
  • Straps Can Twist
  • Little Impact Protection
  • Sharp

Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat

Customers seem to really enjoy the Cosco Scenera Next Convertible car seat

How It Compares To Other Convertible Car Seats

When compared to other convertible car seats, the Cosco Scenera reviews stand out. People are impressed with this car seat and how long it lasts. Customers said they found the ease of installation convenient and liked that it can be used as both a rear facing and forward facing seat. 

Many people choose to use it as a secondary car seat that they can easily switch between vehicles. It’s also a good seat to send with grandparents because it can be taken in and out of the car so easily.  If you expect your child to be tall or if they are topping the growth charts, you may want to consider a taller carseat or one with a pull-out footrest.

 In the meantime, the Scenera is so affordable, that you may want to use it while saving up for a car seat that is a little more expensive and has more features.

What We Think

Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat OTTO

The Cosco Scenera Next convertible car seat is a great option for anyone who is looking for a basic convertible car seat. It may not have all the bells and whistles as some of the other car seats on the market, but it is an affordable, comfortable, and durable option that is great for new parents.

 If you are looking for a car seat that will last until your child is ready to move on to a booster, this seat is a great option. The price of the Scenera is the biggest selling point. There are other options on the market, and they may have more features, but if you don’t need those features, you are really paying for something you won’t use.

Coupons and Deals

Cosco Scenera NEXT Car Seat OTTO

The Cosco Scenera Next convertible car seat is already an affordable option, but there are also coupon codes that can help cut the price more. You can find coupons online from various coupon websites. You can also email Cosco and ask if they have any manufacturers coupons available. 

Be sure to check the ads in your local newspaper for coupons and special deals and sales that may be taking place at your local baby store or department store. Cosco car seats go on sale frequently, so keep an eye open for a good deal.

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