Clek Foonf
The Clek Foonf, introduced in 2012, has become a trusted choice for parents in the US and Canada. It’s one of the narrowest car seats on the market today and it stands out as the only harness seat in both countries that features rigid lower anchors for forward-facing installation. This unique characteristic is an energy management feature that reduces the crash forces that go to the child. It also boasts advanced safety features for rear-facing mode, such as an anti-rebound bar that minimizes seat movement during crashes. With its longevity in the market and commitment to safety, the Clek Foonf continues to be a go-to car seat for parents seeking reliability, versatility, and the capability to accommodate multiple car seats side by side.
Our Review of the
Clek Foonf
The Clek Foonf, introduced in 2012, has become a trusted choice for parents in the US and Canada. It’s one of the narrowest car seats on the market today and it stands out as the only harness seat in both countries that features rigid lower anchors for forward-facing installation. This unique characteristic is an energy management feature that reduces the crash forces that go to the child. It also boasts advanced safety features for rear-facing mode, such as an anti-rebound bar that minimizes seat movement during crashes. With its longevity in the market and commitment to safety, the Clek Foonf continues to be a go-to car seat for parents seeking reliability, versatility, and the capability to accommodate multiple car seats side by side.
Our recommendation: From birth (with infant-thingy insert) until the seat is outgrown (average 5-6 years old)
A convertible car seat that can be used rear-facing and forward-facing
From birth (with infant-thingy insert) or after you’ve used an infant seat for a few months
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
Lock-off
This seat has lock-offs for both rear and forward-facing modes. This helps to get a tight seat belt installation.
Anti-rebound Bar
The anti-rebound bar (ARB) is required in rear-facing mode. The anti-rebound bar is an added safety feature for rear-facing that can reduce the secondary movement of the car seat, called rebound, during a crash. When a collision occurs, the car seat will move forward, towards the front of the vehicle, and rotate downward. And as we all know from high school physics, every action has an equal and opposite reaction — so after that initial movement, the car seat will rebound, or “bounce back” towards the backrest of the vehicle seat. The ARB minimizes this bounce-back effect, helping limit the car seat movement and your child inside it! ARBs may also limit the side-to-side rotation of the car seat in a side-impact collision. Overall, it’s a great feature on a rear-facing car seat!
Q-tether
Clek’s q-tether serves the same purpose as a load leg, which is to minimize the movement and rotation of the car seat during a collision. By doing so, it helps reduce the amount of crash forces that the child is exposed to. *This is a separate purchase. You can find it for sale on Clek’s website.*
Seat is good for you if
You need to fit 3 across.
At just 17″ wide, the Clek Foonf is one of the narrowest convertible seats available. The seat belt lock-offs make it easy to get a snug installation as well, which is really helpful in a tight 3 across situation. Check out all our recommended seats for three across situations here.
You have non-removable headrests.
Non-removable headrests can sometimes be problematic once you are ready for a forward-facing seat. But rest assured; we have yet to find vehicle headrests that the Clek Foonf does not work with.
You want to skip an infant seat.
We’ve found this seat fits newborns pretty well! You do have to buy an additional piece called Infant-Thingy in order to fit a newborn. The Infant-Thingy insert is specifically engineered to ensure a proper and safe fit for newborns and smaller infants using the Clek Foonf or Clek Fllo convertible car seats. It consists of a removable body support cushion and a head support cushion, both strategically designed to provide extra padding and maintain a snug and secure fit for your little one.
You seek flame-retardant-free options.
Clek has 2 flame-retardant-free fabric options: Mammoth and Railroad. The flame-retardant-free fabric options from Clek are made without the use of added flame-retardant chemicals. Instead, Clek utilizes innovative engineering and fabric technologies to meet the required safety standards without compromising on safety or performance.
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Use caution if
You have a child who vomits frequently.
Most versions of this seat are hand wash only and is more difficult to clean. But Clek has a YouTube channel with cleaning tips that are very helpful. However, Clek has recently released a Ziip version that has machine washable fabric!
You are using this in the middle seat.
It sits up high in the vehicle and can obscure your view out of the back window.
Quirks to be aware of
Washing the Cover
All of the fabric options, except for Railroad Ziip, are hand wash only. But as mentioned above, Clek has a YouTube channel with cleaning tips that are very helpful.
Weight of the car seat
The Clek Foonf is relatively heavy compared to other car seat options, weighing 36 pounds. This weight may pose a challenge if you frequently need to transfer the car seat between vehicles or travel with it. Consider your specific needs and lifestyle to determine if the weight of the Clek Foonf is manageable for you.
Child Fit Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Clek Foonf is an FAA-approved car seat. It’s one of the heaviest seats on the market, but you certainly can travel with it. Just get a travel cart to maneuver through the airport! If you want to install the seat rear-facing on the plane, the anti-rebound bar is required! You may find it best to use the seat forward-facing on the plane while storing the anti-rebound bar and recline wedge in your luggage. For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our Wheels Up Course and private Facebook group.
Videos
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SITS Bottom Line
Over the years, the Clek Foonf has earned a reputation as a reliable, versatile, and safety-conscious car seat option. Its longevity in the market is a testament to its exceptional quality and the satisfaction of countless caregivers who have chosen it for their children. As car seat technology continues to evolve, the Clek Foonf remains a steadfast choice for those who prioritize safety, versatility, and the ability to accommodate multiple car seats. With its rigid lower anchors, three-across compatibility, and advanced safety features, the Clek Foonf continues to be a preferred option for discerning parents who seek the best for their little ones.
Similar Car Seats
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Specifications
Clek
Product Information
Weight: 36lbs
Width: 17"
Highest Harness Height: 17"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 25-43″ as is; from 19″ with infant-thingy
Weight: 14-50 pounds (US), 14-40 pounds (CAN); from 5 pounds with infant-thingy
Head Height Rules: at least 1″ below the top of the headrest
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 25lbs
Forward-Facing Limits
Height: 49"
Weight: 65lbs
Head Height Rules: ears must be below the top of the headrest
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 35lbs
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
High Back Booster Limits
Other Important Details
Newborn Fit
will work; requires separate Infant Thingy insert
Expiration Limit
9 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after any crash
Harness
rethread
Lock-off
yes
Vehicle Seat Protectors
This brand allows the Clek Mat-Thingy Car Seat Protector
Ford Inflatable Seat Belts
Find instructions here.