Cosco Scenera Next vs. Apt 50: Which Car Seat is Right for You?

Parents who are in the market for a convertible car seat that is affordable and safe may be considering the Cosco Scenera Next and the Cosco Apt 50. Both car seats are from the same brand and offer similar features, but they also have some notable differences. This article will compare the Cosco Scenera Next vs. Apt 50 to help parents decide which car seat is best for their child.

The Cosco Scenera Next and the Cosco Apt 50 are convertible car seats used in rear and forward-facing positions. They are designed to accommodate children from 5 to 40 pounds in the rear-facing position and from 22 to 50 pounds in the forward-facing position. Both car seats are lightweight and easy to install, making them ideal for families who need to switch between vehicles or travel frequently.

However, parents should consider some key differences between the two models before purchasing.

Overview of Cosco Scenera Next

The Cosco Scenera Next is a convertible car seat designed to be lightweight and compact, making it an ideal choice for families always on the go. It is suitable for use from birth up to 65 pounds and can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes.

One of the standout features of the Cosco Scenera Next is its affordability. It is one of the most budget-friendly car seats on the market, making it an attractive option for families looking for a high-quality car seat without breaking the bank.

Regarding safety, the Cosco Scenera Next has been rigorously tested and meets or exceeds all federal safety standards. It features side-impact protection and has a five-point harness system that is easy to adjust as your child grows.

Another benefit of the Cosco Scenera Next is its compact size. It takes up less space in the back seat of your car, which means you can fit more car seats side-by-side. This is particularly useful for families with multiple children who must be in car seats simultaneously.

Overall, the Cosco Scenera Next is a reliable and affordable car seat ideal for families always on the go. Its lightweight and compact design, safety features, and affordability make it a popular choice among parents.

Overview of Apt 50

The Cosco Apt 50 Convertible Car Seat is a versatile and affordable option for parents looking for a car seat that can grow with their child. It offers two modes of use, rear-facing for children 5-40 lbs and forward-facing for children up to 50 lbs.

The Apt 50 is equipped with LATCH connectors, making installation a breeze. As your child grows, the 5-point harness can be adjusted with six different heights and three buckle locations. This allows for a comfortable and secure fit for your child as they grow.

One of the standout features of the Apt 50 is its compact size. It is designed to fit in smaller cars and is a great option for families who need to fit multiple car seats in their vehicles. The seat pad is also machine washable, making cleaning up any spills or messes easy.

While the Apt 50 is a great option for parents on a budget, it is important to note that it does not come with some of the bells and whistles of more expensive car seats. For example, it has no built-in cup holder or recline options. However, it still provides the necessary safety features and is a great option for families prioritizing affordability and practicality.

Comparison of Key Features

Safety

The Cosco Scenera Next and Apt 50 have essential safety features to protect your child. The Cosco Scenera Next has an easily adjustable 5-point harness that adjusts to five heights and has three buckle locations. In comparison, the Apt 50 has a 5-point harness that adjusts to six heights and has three buckle locations. Both car seats have been tested and certified to meet or exceed federal safety standards.

The Cosco Scenera Next has side-impact protection, which provides an extra layer of protection in a side collision. The Apt 50, on the other hand, has an integrated steel frame that provides extra strength and durability to the car seat.

Comfort

Both car seats are designed to comfort your child during long car rides. The Cosco Scenera Next has a plush seat pad and headrest that can be easily removed and machine-washed. The Apt 50 has a comfortable, machine-washable seat pad and a removable head pillow that provides extra comfort to your child.

Ease of Use

The Cosco Scenera Next and Apt 50 are easy to install and use. The Scenera Next is lightweight and compact, making moving from one car to another easy. It also has a built-in cup holder, a convenient feature for parents. The Apt 50 has an easy-to-read level indicator that helps you ensure that the car seat is installed correctly.

Durability

Both car seats are made with high-quality materials that are designed to last. The Cosco Scenera Next has a durable plastic shell built to withstand wear and tear. Apt 50 has an integrated steel frame that provides extra strength and durability to the car seat. Both car seats have a long lifespan, with the Scenera Next accommodating children up to 40 pounds and the Apt 50 accommodating children up to 50 pounds.

Features	Cosco Scenera Next	Cosco Apt 50
Harness height positions	5	6
Buckle locations	3	3
Side-impact protection	Yes	No
Cup holder	Yes	No
Weight limit	Up to 40 pounds	Up to 50 pounds

In summary, the Cosco Scenera Next and Apt 50 are excellent choices for parents looking for affordable and reliable convertible car seats. The Scenera Next is a great option for parents who need a lightweight and compact car seat. At the same time, Apt 50 is a better choice for parents who want a car seat that can accommodate their child for a longer time. Choosing between the two car seats will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Price Comparison

When purchasing a convertible car seat, price is often a significant factor. The Cosco Scenera Next and Apt 50 are both budget-friendly options, but there are some differences in their price points.

The Cosco Scenera Next typically retails for around $50-$60, depending on the retailer. On the other hand, the Cosco Apt 50 is usually priced slightly higher, ranging from $60-$80.

While the price difference may not be significant, it is worth noting that the Apt 50 can hold up to 50 lbs, compared to the Scenera Next’s 40 lbs weight limit. This means that the Apt 50 may last longer and provide more value for the money in the long run.

However, the Scenera Next is still a great option for parents on a tight budget or looking for a car seat that is easy to move between vehicles. The Scenera Next may go on sale more often than the Apt 50, making it an even more affordable option.

Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual needs, preferences, and budget constraints.

Pros and Cons of Cosco Scenera Next

Pros

The Cosco Scenera Next is a popular car seat among parents due to its affordable price and lightweight design. Here are some of its pros:

• Affordability: The Cosco Scenera Next is one of the most affordable convertible car seats on the market, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious parents.
• Lightweight: Weighing in at just 10.4 pounds, the Scenera Next is one of the lightest convertible car seats available, making it easy to carry and transport.
• Compact: The Scenera Next is designed to be compact, making it a great option for families who need to fit multiple car seats in their vehicle.

Cons

While the Cosco Scenera Next has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks that parents should be aware of before purchasing:

• Restricted size limit: The Scenera Next has a weight limit of 40 pounds for rear-facing and 65 pounds for forward-facing, which may not be suitable for larger or taller children.
• Difficult to install in certain vehicles: Some parents have reported difficulty installing the Scenera Next, particularly those with deep bucket seats.
• Requires a top tether when forward-facing: The Scenera Next requires a top tether when forward-facing, which may be inconvenient for families who frequently switch between rear- and forward-facing modes.

Overall, the Cosco Scenera Next is a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable, lightweight, and compact car seat. However, parents should be aware of its size limits and potential installation difficulties before making a purchase.

Pros and Cons of Apt 50

Pros

The Cosco Apt 50 is a popular convertible car seat with several advantages. Here are some of its pros:

• Affordable: The Apt 50 is one of the market’s most affordable convertible car seats. It is an excellent option for parents on a budget but still wants a safe and reliable car seat for their child.
• Lightweight and compact: The Apt 50 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to move from one car to another. It is also a great option for families who travel frequently.
• Easy to install: The Apt 50 is easy to install and comes with clear instructions. It also has a built-in level indicator that helps ensure that the seat is installed correctly.
• Comfortable: The Apt 50 has a plush seat and multiple recline positions, making it comfortable for children of different ages and sizes.

Cons

While the Cosco Apt 50 has several advantages, it has some drawbacks. Here are some of its cons:

• Limited weight and height limits: The Apt 50 has a weight limit of 50 pounds and a height limit of 43 inches. This means that children will outgrow the seat sooner than they would with other convertible car seats.
• Limited padding: The Apt 50 has minimal padding, which may not be comfortable for some children, especially during long car rides.
• Limited color options: The Apt 50 is only available in a few color options, which may need to be more appealing to some parents.
• No cup holder: Apt 50 does not come with a cup holder, which may be inconvenient for parents and children during long car rides.

Overall, the Cosco Apt 50 is an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat with some limitations. Parents should consider their child’s size and needs before purchasing the Apt 50.

Final Verdict

When choosing between the Cosco Scenera Next and the Cosco Apt 50, there are a few key differences to consider. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

The Cosco Scenera Next is a lightweight and compact convertible car seat ideal for families on the go. It is easy to install and adjust and can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. However, it has a lower weight capacity than Apt 50 and may not be suitable for larger children.

On the other hand, the Cosco Apt 50 is a versatile and durable convertible car seat that can accommodate children from 5 to 50 pounds. It has a higher weight capacity than the Scenera Next and can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. However, it may be more difficult to install and adjust than the Scenera Next, and it is also bulkier and heavier.

Regarding safety features, both car seats meet or exceed federal safety standards. They both have five-point harnesses, side-impact protection, and adjustable headrests. However, the Scenera Next has no built-in cup holder, while the Apt 50 does.

Overall, the Cosco Scenera Next and the Cosco Apt 50 are great options for families needing a convertible car seat. The Scenera Next is ideal for those who prioritize portability and ease of use, while the Apt 50 is better suited for those who need a higher weight capacity and don’t mind a bulkier and heavier car seat.

Frequently Asked Questions