*This seat has been replaced with the Cosco Scenera NEXT* The Cosco Scenera is a back to the basics, no frills, convertible car seat. It’s a plastic shell with a fabric cover, and there really isn’t much else to it. But the beauty of this seat is that for $39, it will fit the average 0-3 year old child, and it meets all the same safety standards as a $300 convertible seat does.
Cosco Scenera rear facing using pool noodles for recline assistance
CSFTL Quick Stats
- Rear facing weight range: 5-35 lbs
- Rear facing height range: 19-36″
- Forward facing weight range: 22-40 lbs
- Forward facing height range: 34-43″ (some models may have a 29″ minimum forward facing height requirement, check your seat’s manual to confirm your seat’s limit)
- Shell height: 23.5″
- Lowest harness position: 7.5″
- Highest harness position: 14.5″
- Expiration: 8 years (seats made before 12-15-2013 have a 6 year expiration)
Recline line on the Cosco Scenera
Because of the design of the base, the seat will typically need something extra to achieve the proper recline for rear facing. This can be a noodle or rolled up towel or you can use the noodleless installation method.
Cosco Scenera- 8 lbs., 21.5 inch newborn
The Cosco Scenera will fit bigger newborns well. This baby is 8 lbs. and 21.5 inches and just barely fits. The harness could not get any tighter on her and barely passed the pinch test. The harness is below her shoulders though and it can get to a suitable recline for a newborn, though may not fit in some vehicles.
Cosco Scenera- 2.75 years, 25 lbs., 33.5 inches
The Cosco Scenera has a 35 lbs. or 36 inch rear facing limit. This child is 2.75 years old, 25 lbs., and 33.5 inches tall. He still fits well rear facing as he’s below both of those limits and his head is below the top of the seat.
The installation can be a bit tricky because of the need for a pool noodle, and the thin material of the straps can twist easily. The seat does not have harness covers and the straps may irritate the child’s neck. There is also not any padding aside from the cover itself. However, the very best part of the Cosco Scenera is its price and availability. Most Wal-Mart stores keep it in stock and the regular price is $39. The average child will fit from birth to around 2.5-3 rear facing and forward facing until around 3.5-4. If you need a seat in a pinch and you have a tight budget, the Scenera is a great bet.
Neither Cosco nor Amazon.com sponsored this review; opinions, as always, are all our own!
Originally written by Emma Douglas. Edits maintained by CSFTL.
