Clek Foonf Car Seat Review: Luxury, Style, & Safety But Is It Worth It?

The Clek Foonf is a classy and luxurious car seat. It is beautifully designed, safe, and built to last.

A lot of the more inexpensive car seats can’t boast more than safety and maybe a cup holder. The Clek Foonf is designed to make you forget about those car seats and swear them off forever. But is it right for you?

In this review we cover the Clek Foonf in depth so you can feel confident that you’ve made the right decision when picking your car seat.

First of all, if you already know you want this seat and are just looking for a deal, then…

Click here to see today’s best price from Amazon on the Clek Foonf

Otherwise, click on the topic you are interested in, or read the entire review below:

Why Buy The Clek Foonf

A better question here would be why not to buy the Clek Foonf. It has so many positives it’s very difficult to find a negative. The Clek Foonf is comfortable. It has a plush seat with an easy to clean fabric. That is a convenience you will never take for granted as a mom.

Speaking of convenience, it’s easy to install. I know, I know, what else do you need to know? Wait, there’s more! The Clek Foonf actually sits up a little higher than other car seat models. This makes it really easy to get your kid in and out without wrenching your back. There will be no more struggling with your spirited 11 month old to get them into the seat. Amen to that!

It’s narrow. It fits in your car. The Clek Foonf may look large and bulky but it’s really not. What it is is a sturdy monster of a car seat in a surprisingly slim frame. In fact it is only 17 inches wide. That makes it an idea seat to fit 3 across in a backseat. If you have multiples or just want some more space, the Clek Foonf is your guy.

There’s another feature that I think really sets the Clek Foonf apart from other car seats. This seat has an anti-rebound bar. What in the world is that? (Or at least that’s what I was thinking when I was researching this seat). An Anti-rebound bar is exactly what it says it is. It is an extra rebound point in the event of a crash. That means less force on your precious cargo. Anytime you can reduce the force on your child more, the safer they are.

The anti-rebound bar is just part of the revolutionary safety features of the Clek Foonf. It has extended rear-facing capabilities which, if you have read up on safety for car seats, you KNOW is a must. The Clek Foonf has a steel and magnesium substructure. That is pretty hard core for a car seat! Advanced side impact protection is another must in a quality car seat. The Clek Foonf doesn’t disappoint. It has a nice cocoon of foam around your child to keep them safe and sound in the event of a collision. It’s also NCAP tested. This is important because they simulate extreme collision situations.

As you can see there is a whole lot of reasons to buy the Clek Foonf car seat, and that’s why it ranks high on our convertible car seat reviews. The only drawbacks I can find are that it is heavy and expensive. However, I would argue that both of those are due to the extreme high quality of the Clek Foonf seat.

Pros and Cons

PROS:

• Heavy-duty build
• Revolutionary safety features
• Comfortable and stylish
• Easy to clean
• Narrow
• Easy to install
• Easy to get kids in and out
• Extended rear facing capability
• Anti-rebound bar

CONS:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Safety Review

As mentioned above, the Clek Foonf has revolutionary safety features. I really love this about this seat. If for no other reason, you should buy the Clek Foonf for peace of mind while you are barreling down the highway.

The Anti-rebound bar is a big safety feature that makes this car seat stand out in the crowd. It absorbs energy in the event of a crash to reduce force on your child. You are going to be hard pressed to find something similar like this in another car seat.

Again, the extended rear-facing capability is a must anymore in any car seat. The Clek Foonf has you covered and then some. This seat was designed to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible.

When I think of a safe car seat, I think of my child wearing a helmet wrapped in bubble wrap, and placed in a cushion packed steel frame. This is basically what the Clek Foonf does, minus the helmet.

It has a steel and magnesium frame. Then, the shell is stuffed with energy absorbing foam to help absorb any force in the event of a crash. Combined with the Anti-rebound bar, it really is one of the safest if not THE safest car seat on the market.

It is side impact tested and NCAP tested. This is important because they test for the most extreme situations. If that’s not peace of mind, I don’t know what is. If you are looking for even more safety features, the Clek Foonf has them.

The REACT safety system is what parents dream of when they want their child safe in a car seat. Beyond just having your child rear facing as long as possible, you want the car seat to be safe forward facing, too.

REACT stands for Rigid-Latch Energy Absorbing Crumple Technology. What the heck does that translate to in simple English? Basically it means that you want your child to have as small of an impact as possible. If you paid attention in physics class, you know that in a sudden stop you don’t just stop with the vehicle. You continue to move forward.

What the REACT system does is slow down the speed at which you stop. It does this by crumpling the aluminum honeycomb and then absorbing the energy from the collision. This makes it so as little of force as possible is transferred to your child.

All of these things combined put the Clek Foonf car seat as one of the absolute safest on the market. You can keep looking but you aren’t going to find anything any more safe. This is your gold standard.

Weight, Dimensions, and Weight Limits

We talked earlier about how the Clek Foonf may LOOK bulky, in reality, it is pretty slim. It is however a bit heavy. That’s that steel and magnesium frame for you! The weight and dimensions vary somewhat depending on forward facing, rear facing, and height of your child.

Seating depth: 12.5 inches

Seating height: 21.5-26 inches

Harness-Slot Height: 8-17 inches

Width: 13-17 inches

Fore-Aft measurement in rear-facing: 33 inches

Height measurement in rear-facing: 25.5-28.5 inches

Height measurement in forward-facing: 28-32.5 inches

Seat weight in forward-facing: 33 pounds

Seat weight in rear-facing: 38 pounds

Weight and height limits for rear-facing:

The Clek Foonf has a 14 to 50 pound weight limit rear-facing.They must be able to sit up on their own. It also has a 25-43 inch height range.

*Read more on these ranges in Using it for Newborn Babies and Infants

Weight and height limits for forward-facing:

It has a 20 to 65 pound weight range for forward facing seat and a 30 to 49 inch height range.

Using it for Newborn Babies and Infants

I think that the Clek Foonf rear facing weight and height ranges are really misleading because they can go much lower. You can get the infant-thingy (basically an infant insert that is sold separately) and put your child in as small as 5 pounds and 19 inches.

I’d like to point out that while buying something extra on an expensive car seat can be frustrating, it’s better than buying a whole extra car seat. The Clek Foonf is one of the safest seats on the market so I think it’s well worth it to buy the infant-thingy.

You should be able to keep your child rear facing for at LEAST 1 year if not 2. I would keep them rear facing as long as they fit the weight and height ranges. It’s the safest way for them to ride in the car.

Using it for Toddlers and Older Kids

It’s hard to find a 2-in-1 car seat that is comfortable for both infants and toddlers. The Clek Foonf managed to excel at this. While you should keep your child rear facing until at least 1 year, it is recommended to keep them rear facing until they are 2.

When it is time to turn them around, you should feel secure in knowing that the safety standards for forward facing are just as looked into with the Clek Foonf as rear facing. The REACT safety system makes you as a parent feel more than comfortable knowing it is heavily tested for severe impacts.

How Does it Compare to Other Car Seats

I’m a big fan of a lot of these car seats. However, the Clek Foonf really does take the cake. You are going to have a really hard time beating it. Nonetheless, let’s see how the Clek Foonf stands up to some other heavy hitters.

Clek Foonf vs Fllo

These are pretty close in comparison. The Fllo just is a little less expensive and has not quite the safety standards as the Foonf. That being said, I do think that the Foonf wins out. Safety is always going to be my main concern in a car seat. The safer, the better.

Clek Foonf

• 14-50 pound rear facing capacity
• 22-65 pound forward facing capacity
• 25/30 pound lower anchor weight limit
• Lower anchor are rigid anchors, can be used forward facing with seat belt
• More expensive
• A base that attaches to bottom of the seat to recline the car seat.
• Anti-rebound bar

Clek Fllo

• 14-50 pound rear facing capacity
• 22-65 pound forward facing capacity
• Anti-rebound bar
• 35/40 pound lower anchor weight limit
• Flexible lower anchors
• Recline foot- may need more help from towel/pool noodle

Clek Foonf vs Nuna Rava

The Nuna Rava gives the Clek Foonf a run for it’s money. It is about the same price and is very stylish and safe. However, I will still give the win to the Clek Foonf for the extra safety features.

Clek Foonf

• Rear facing up to 50 pounds
• 65 pound max weight capacity
• 33 pounds
• 43 inch max height rear facing
• 49 inch height max total
• REACT safety precaution
• Anti-rebound bar
• Fabrics not machine washable
• Cupholders are extra

Nuna Rava

• Rear facing up to 50 pounds
• 65 pound max weight capacity
• 27.2 pounds
• 49 inch max height rear facing
• 49 inch height max total
• Side impact protection pods
• Fabrics ARE machine washable
• Comes with 2 cupholders

Clek Foonf vs Britax Boulevard

These are two very competitive bands. I think that Clek Foonf is still superior in safety, but just by a hair.

The Britax Boulevard has different features, so whether you should get it or not depends on your needs and preferences (take a look at the Advocate and Marathon as well because they are quite similar to the Boulevard).

Clek Foonf

• More Expensive
• 65 pound max capacity
• Steel frame
• Multiple recline positions
• Side impact tested
• REACT safety system

Britax Boulevard

• Less Expensive
• 65 pound max capacity
• Steel frame
• Click and safe snug harness
• Push button latch
• Multiple recline positions
• Side impact tested
• Safe Cell System

Clek Foonf vs Chicco Nextfit

I still like the Clek Foonf. It beats out the Chicco Nextfit in a few categories, mainly safety. You really just can’t win with the Foonf’s safety standards.

Clek Foonf

• More expensive
• 65 pound weight capacity
• Rear and forward facing
• Anti-rebound bar
• Premium lower anchor connectors

Chicco Nextfit

• Less expensive
• 65 pound weight capacity
• Rear and forward facing
• No rethread harness
• Premium lower anchor connectors

Clek Foonf vs Diono Radian

Both of these are great car seats. I really do like the Diono Radian. However, the Clek Foonf is just a step up in safety and luxury. If you are looking for those qualities, the Clek Foonf is almost always going to take the cake, sorry Diono Radian.

Clek Foonf

• More Expensive
• 65 pound max weight
• No booster seat
• Lock-offs
• Anti-rebound bar
• Must buy infant thingy to fit newborn

Diono Radian

• Less Expensive
• 80 pound max weight
• Booster Seat
• No lock-offs
• No anti-rebound bar
• Fits newborns

How to Install the Clek Foonf Front Facing

*Always refer to your product’s instruction manual before installation!

• Make sure that anti-rebound bar is detached.
• Make sure that rear-facing base is detached.
• Adjust shoulder harness to appropriate height for your child.
• Install headrest on seat if not already installed.

Installation with UAS System

• Locate lower and top anchors for UAS system.
• Make sure the vehicle seat is locked in an upright position.
• Adjust car seat to correct recline position by pulling handle and rotating seat.
• Pull and hold rigid UAS adjustment handle.
• Grasp the back of the rigid UAS lower connectors and pull out until they stop.
• Release the handle.
• Remove the top tether from storage space in car seat.
• Lengthen the top tether belt by pressing adjuster release and pulling belt.
• Place the top tether hook in the seat of the car seat.
• If installing with vehicle belt in addition to UAS and top tether:
• Route vehicle belt through forward facing belt path and buckle seat belt.
• Make sure not to put the vehicle belt between the harness and the back of the seat.
• Open the forward-facing belt lock-off on the same side of the seat as the vehicle shoulder belt anchor point.
• Place the vehicle shoulder belt through the forward-facing belt lock-off.
• Place the car seat forward-facing on the seat with the rigid UAS lower connectors facing the vehicle seat.
• Secure the rigid UAS lower connectors to the vehicle UAS lower anchors.
• Press the UAS connectors against the UAS lower anchors until each connector locks.
• Check both UAS connector locks to make sure they have changed from red to green.
• Pull forward on the car seat to make sure both connectors are secure.
• Pull and hold rigid UAS adjustment handle.
• Push the car seat firmly into the vehicle seat back.
• Release the rigid UAS adjustment handle.
• Check the fit against the vehicle seat back.
• Attach tether hook to vehicle top tether anchor.
• Pull firmly on free end of strap until top tether is snug.
• Check that the seat is secure by wiggling front to back and side to side.

Installation with Seat Belt

• Make sure the vehicle seat is locked in an upright position.
• Adjust car seat to correct recline position by pulling handle and rotating seat.
• Pull and hold rigid UAS adjustment handle.
• Grasp the back of the rigid UAS lower connectors and pull out until they stop.
• Release the handle.
• Remove the top tether from storage space in car seat.
• Lengthen the top tether belt by pressing adjuster release and pulling belt.
• Place the top tether hook in the seat of the car seat.
• Place the car seat forward-facing on the seat.
• Route the vehicle belt through the forward-facing belt path.
• Make sure not to put the vehicle belt between the harness and the back of the seat.
• Open the forward-facing belt lock-off on the same side of the seat as the vehicle shoulder belt anchor point.
• Place the vehicle shoulder belt through the forward-facing belt lock-off.
• Tighten vehicle seat belt to secure car seat.
• Press down in the center of the car seat into the vehicle seat.
• Pull vehicle seat belt to tighten.
• If you are using a lap/shoulder belt: while holding the vehicle belt tight, lock forward-facing belt lock-off.
• Make sure the belt is laying flat without any twisting.
• Attach the tether hook to vehicle top tether anchor.
• Pull firmly on the free end of the strap until the top tether is snug.
• Check that the car seat is secure by wiggling it forward and backward and side to side.

How to Install the Clek Foonf Rear Facing

*Always refer to your product’s instruction manual before installation!

• Install headrest on seat.
• Rear-facing base must be attached to the bottom of the car seat.
• Adjust shoulder harness to appropriate height for your child.
• Recline car seat to position 3.
• Install anti-rebound bar.

Installation with UAS System

• Locate your lower anchors on your vehicle seat.
• Make sure seat is locked in upright position.
• Remove seat cushion.
• Remove rear-facing UAS belt from it’s storage position.
• Lengthen each side of the UAS belt by pushing the adjuster release button.
• Route the rear-facing UAS belt through the rear-facing UAS path.
• Center the rear-facing UAS belt in the belt path.
• Place it under the two forward belt tabs and over rear-facing belt lock offs.
• Make sure the crotch strap is not under the rear-facing UAS belt.
• Place the car seat rear-facing in the vehicle seat.
• Secure the rear-facing UAS push-on connectors to the vehicle UAS lower anchors.
  • Position the red release button of rear-facing UAS push-on connector facing away from the car seat.
  • Align the UAS connector with the vehicle UAS anchor and press the UAS connector against the UAS anchor until you hear it click.
  • Pull on both connectors to make sure they are secure.

• Press down in the middle of the car seat with your weight and tighten the rear-facing UAS belt on both sides.
• Check car seat is secure by wiggling front to back and side to side.
• Make sure that ground level is within the recline range depicted on the side of the car seat for your child.
• If it is not, you may need to use a pool noodle or rolled up towel to achieve correct recline.
• Install seat cushion.

Installation with Seat Belt

• Make sure seat is locked in upright position.
• Remove seat cushion.
• Place the car seat rear-facing in the vehicle seat.
• Open one rear-facing belt lock-off. (It doesn’t matter which side).
• Route the vehicle seat belt through rear-facing belt path and under all four belt tabs.
• Buckle vehicle seat belt.
• Check that the crotch strap isn’t under the vehicle seat belt.
• If installing with a lap/shoulder belt without the lock-off:
• Tighten the vehicle seat belt to secure the car seat.
• Engage the vehicle’s ALR by slowly pulling the vehicle seat belt all the way out until it stops.
• Then, feed the belt back into the retractor.
• Press down in the center of the car seat to push down into the vehicle cushion.
• Pull free the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt to tighten.
• Feed any remaining belt back into the retractor.
• Make sure the entire lap/shoulder belt is under all four belt tabs and over both rear-facing lock-offs.
• Check to make sure your car seat is secure by wiggling front to back and side to side.
• Make sure that ground level is within the recline range depicted on the side of the car seat for your child.
• If it is not, you may need to use a pool noodle or rolled up towel to achieve correct recline.
• Install seat cushion.

Airplane Installation

*Always refer to your product’s instruction manual before installation!

Forward Facing

• Make sure the airplane seat is locked in an upright position.
• Adjust car seat to correct recline position by pulling handle and rotating seat.
• Pull and hold rigid UAS adjustment handle.
• Grasp the back of the rigid UAS lower connectors and pull out until they stop.
• Release the handle.
• Place the car seat forward-facing on the seat.
• Route the airline seat belt through the forward-facing belt path.
• Make sure not to put the airline seat belt between the harness and the back of the seat.
• Open the forward-facing belt lock-off on the same side of the seat as the airplane shoulder belt anchor point.
• Place the airplane shoulder belt through the forward-facing belt lock-off.
• Tighten airplane seat belt to secure car seat.
• Press down in the center of the car seat into the airplane seat.
• Pull airplane seat belt to tighten.
• If you are using a lap/shoulder belt: while holding the vehicle belt tight, lock forward-facing belt lock-off.
• Make sure the belt is laying flat without any twisting.
• Check that the car seat is secure by wiggling it forward and backward and side to side.

Rear Facing

• Make sure seat is locked in upright position.
• Remove seat cushion.
• Place the car seat rear-facing in the airplane seat.
• Open one rear-facing belt lock-off. (It doesn’t matter which side).
• Route the airplane seat belt through rear-facing belt path and under all four belt tabs.
• Buckle airplane seat belt.
• Check that the crotch strap isn’t under the airplane seat belt.
• If installing with a lap/shoulder belt without the lock-off:
• Tighten the airplane seat belt to secure the car seat.
• Engage the airplane’s ALR by slowly pulling the vehicle seat belt all the way out until it stops.
• Then, feed the belt back into the retractor.
• Press down in the center of the car seat to push down into the airplane cushion.
• Pull free the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt to tighten.
• Feed any remaining belt back into the retractor.
• Make sure the entire lap/shoulder belt is under all four belt tabs and over both rear-facing lock-offs.
• Check to make sure your car seat is secure by wiggling front to back and side to side.
• Make sure that ground level is within the recline range depicted on the side of the car seat for your child.
• If it is not, you may need to use a pool noodle or rolled up towel to achieve correct recline.
• Install seat cushion.

As an extra side note here: the Clek Foonf does not fit through the x-ray in airplane security. Make sure to leave time to go through security.

Clek Foonf Cleaning and Washing Instructions

Fabric

• If the spot has dried, try brushing off the residue. Use warm water to wipe clean.
• If the spot remains, apply a mild detergent to fabric with a light mist.
• Work area using brush or back of spoon working from outside of spot in.
• Allow detergent to do it’s magic for a minute or two.
• Remove with clean water or blot with a towel.
• Repeat this process as many times as necessary.
• Rinse with clear lukewarm water and blot dry with clean towel.

Shell or Plastic Part of Seat

• Use a soft cloth with warm water and soap.
• Apply light pressure and wipe in small circles.

DO NOT REMOVE LABELS

Harness

• Wash the harness with a damp cloth and warm water.
• You can use a mild detergent.
• Hang dry

Buckle

• Wash under warm water.
• Hang dry.

DO NOT USE DETERGENT OR LUBRICANT.

What is the Recline Range?

The Clek Foonf car seat has a label on the side of the seat directing you to the proper recline range. Make sure to follow this as it is imperative for safety!

For children under 1 year old, the ground level has to be within the dark blue recline range (Between 30 and 45 degrees). If they are over 1 year old, the ground level has to be within either the dark blue or light blue recline range (greater than 20 but no less than 45 degrees).

What is the Anti Rebound Bar

The anti-rebound bar is one of the best qualities of the Clek Foonf. As described previously, it basically is an extra bar you install on the rear-facing car seat. It absorbs more of the force in a crash so that your child doesn’t. This is such a great feature because the less force your child has put on them, the safer they are.

What Colors and Fabrics Does the Clek Foonf Come In?

Since style is one of the highlights of the Clek Foonf, it’s no wonder they come in a vast array of colors. They are as follows:

Shadow (black shell and fabric), Dragonfly (olive green fabric and white shell), Tank (olive green fabric and black shell), Ink (dark blue fabric and black shell), Flamingo (dark pink fabric and black shell), Capri (teal fabric with black shell), Capri White (teal fabric with white shell), Cloud (grey fabric with white shell), Thunder (grey fabric with black shell), Slate (dark grey fabric with black shell), Tokidoki Space (cartoon space print with black shell)

Is it Flame Retardant

The Clek Foonf follows federal regulations on flame retardants. However, it does boast no chlorinated flame retardants.

What Accessories Can I Get?

There are three main accessories you can buy for the Clek Foonf. The most practical and perhaps most widely bought is the Infant Thingy. This is the infant insert to allow a newborn from 5 pounds up to sit in the Clek Foonf.

The second most bought is the drink thingy. This is the cup holder. You can get one or two. I think you know how handy these are if you are a parent. If you don’t know or haven’t used a cup holder with a car seat before, do yourself a favor and just get one (or two).

Finally, the Mat-Thingy is the car seat mat. Need I say more? If you want to keep your vehicle in at least sort of presentable condition, I would highly suggest getting a mat-thingy.

Have There Been Any Recalls?

Nope! There have not been any recalls. I think this is primarily because their focus was on a high quality, incredibly safe, car seat. They got the job done and so far have had no issues.

The Bottom Line

The Clek Foonf is a revolutionary car seat. It is so far beyond other car seats in quality, luxury, and safety. I love the peace of mind you are buying along with the car seat. You are always going to worry about your kids. For just a few minutes or hours you don’t have to with the Clek Foonf.

Click here to see today’s best price from Amazon on the Clek Foonf