Ever since I saw Clek put out this Liing infant car seat, I've been dying to try it out!
I've been a big fan of the Clek brand ever since they came out with the Foonf convertible model I used with my firstborn.
It's been a few years, and I now needed a new infant car seat, so I thought, what better choice than Clek?
I had to admit, I had my doubts as soon as I got it, but now that I had the time to test it out thoroughly, I am here to give you all the details on the Clek Liing infant car seat.
Let's begin.
The Clek Liing infant car seat is one of the safest options you can get on the market.
It's manufactured in Canada, and it meets and exceeds all the safety regulations and standards.
It's installed with a riding LATCH and offers several adjustable features, all necessary for the infant's comfort.
In addition, with this infant car seat, you can create your very own travel system as it's stroller compatible.
1. Ease of Use: 5/5
The infant car seat includes a carry handle so you can take it in and out of the car with no problem whatsoever. However, the fabric is removable but not machine-washable.
2. Installation: 5/5
Clek Liing has a unique way of installing, offering you the possibility to use the rigid latch system or your vehicle's seat belt.
It includes a car seat base so that you can install the seat with or without one.
Plus, it features a metal load leg that reduces the crash forces by 40% and allows for stable installations.
3. Comfort: 4.5/5
Exceptional padding support and the infant insert that is lined with Merino wool.
However, the infant insert has a rubber label on them which can affect the baby's comfort.
4. Convenience: 4.5/5
This is one of the most convenient car seats to use as it includes easy and secure installation.
Convenience is found because it's compatible with many stroller brands, but you will have to buy adapters for most of them.
- Metal load leg
- Allows for three across installations
- Multiple seating position options
- Includes a head insert
- Manual harness
- Needs adapters for stroller compatibility
- The cover is not machine-washable
The Clek Liing is a spectacular infant car seat rated as No.1 on Consumer Reports.
It offers a safe and stable installation in all vehicles with the option of a rigid latch system or the vehicle's seat belt.
A safety feature you will love is the metal load leg which prevents the rotation of the car seat during a collision.
It's also compatible with many stroller brands and is the only car seat free from chlorinated flame retardants.
Above all, you will love how it has a snug fit, so it keeps the little one safe and protected during your road trip.
PRICE: Under $400
Clek Liing Infant Car Seat: What Should You Expect?
Source: Youtube
Clek Liing is a rear-facing infant car seat suitable for infants between 4-35 pounds up to 32 inches tall.
These are the pretty standard requirements for an infant seat, so it's nothing that I did not already expect.
Clek company is a family-owned brand designed by parents who wanted only the best car seats for their kids.
They have created numerous collections of car seats from this idea, including Liing, Liingo, Foonf, Fllo, Oobr, Olli, and Ozzi.
In addition, they have a generous offer.
You can find high-quality convertible car seats, booster car seats, backless booster seats as well as forward-facing car seats.
If you talked with your fellow parent friends, I bet that Clek's name sneaked into the conversation one way or another.
This brand is centered in North America, and it features one of the best safety programs in the industry.
So, what can you expect from the Clek Liing seat?
1. Installation in under 5 minutes
Clek car seats are known for their rigid LATCH connectors that offer effortless installation.
Although, I have to admit I was always scared of LATCH installations as I often found it to be challenging.
But, I gathered my strength and tried it out on the Clek car seat. Surprise, surprise, it could not be any easier!
If you don't trust the rigid LATCH installation yet, you will be happy to know that the car seat includes a red and green light bubble indicator that notifies you if you have achieved secure installation.
During the first few tries of getting it right, I have to say that the bubble indicator was a huge helper!
But, if you still struggle with installation, you can always give the Clek information service a call. They are always helpful and offer top-notch service to parents in need!
Source: Youtube
Plus, it can be installed with or without the car seat base!
My husband and I often carpool and tend to switch cars a lot, so it's a huge lifesaver knowing you don't need to drag the Clek Liing base when you want to transfer the seat to another vehicle.
Also, the Liing includes the European belt path so that you can install it without the base or with the car's seat belt.
This brings me to my next question. Where does the Clek Liing best fit?
2. Where should you install it?
I found that with most infant car seats, the best place for installation in the middle seat.
But, as my car is slightly smaller than my husband's, I did not get the chance to install the infant seat in the middle vehicle seat.
So instead, I placed it right behind the driver's seat, which worked just fine!
Plus, it still had room left even after I adjusted the recline positions.
But, thanks to the lock-off seatbelt tension system, it's possible to install the infant car seat in the center seating positions of many vehicles that do not have the LATCH anchors.
As for the size of the car seat, I like that it's slim and narrow so that you can install other seats in the back as well!
But, again, it's excellent if you carpool and you often have to install three across.
3. Advanced safety features
The results are in, and it seems as though the Clek infant car seats are one of the safest on the market!
Seems too good to be true?
Would you believe it if I said that Clek is the only brand whose car seats are free of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants?
That's right.
If your little one is as prone to rashes as mine, you will appreciate the fact that Clek Liing uses soft and gentle material that is not irritating to the baby's skin.
Plus, all of their car seats last up to 9 years which is excellent if you have a growing family.
As for the safety system, the infant car seat Clek Liing offers a metal load leg designed as a superb energy-absorbing.
In case of a car crash, the metal load leg is structured by reducing crash forces and protecting the baby to the fullest.
However, it's not possible to use the metal load leg in the US for some strange reason. In Canada, however, the metal load leg can be used for infants over the 22-pound weight limit.
Furthermore, the infant car seat is lined with energy-absorbing foam that features a full-side impact program.
Although the material is quite dense for safety, it's made out of mesh material, so it offers optimal airflow.
4. Stroller compatibility
I was so excited when I discovered that the Clek Liing is compatible with the stroller I already own!
Making smart choices for car seat decisions can often be challenging as there are so many offers on the market. But, eventually, you will need a stroller that would go with your infant car seat.
So, what are the compatible strollers with the Clek Liing infant car seat?
However, note that you will need to purchase a separate car seat adapter for some stroller brands such as Peg Perego or Maxi Cosi.
5. What do you get with the Clek Liing purchase?
Source: clekinc.com
Let's be honest, the Clek Liing infant car seat is not exactly for everyone's budget.
However, it's one of those car seats you need to think about, investigate and talk to other parents who had the chance to try it out before you buy it.
Not because it's unreliable, but because you will be investing a lot of money!
To my surprise, the Clek Liing infant car seat included a corresponding car seat base and an infant insert that acts like a newborn body support system.
It's designed to properly support the baby's head, neck, and back while in the Clek Liing carrier.
As I mentioned, I had the luck that my stroller was already compatible with the Clek Liing.
But, you will have to purchase the Maxi Cosi adapters if you want to connect the car seat to the compatible strollers I mentioned previously.
If you want your baby to nap comfortably, adjust the recline sled and pull down the canopy.
The canopy is one of my personal favorites as it's rated UPF 100! Other car seats are usually maxed out at 50 UPF, so this is a fantastic find.
Plus, the rigid infant car seat has multiple recline positions you can choose from and provide your kiddo with the best comfort.
We need to talk about the infant cushion later on, but let me say that the C Zero Plus fabrics and the moisture barrier on them are simply outstanding! It does help when the weather gets super hot.
But, be careful with the color choice.
Logically, a black child seat will get so much hotter than some lighter colors.
6. Why the high price?
I know that many parents take a look at this infant seat and think, "Nah, it's not for me and my budget."
So understandingly, it's only fair that I mention a few of the features that set the price with this car seat and why they are worth paying for more.
Firstly, I love the fabric, and I found that my little one is pleased with it. How do I know?
Let's stay that the absence of screams from the back seat gave me a little hint.
The Clek Liing car seat includes Merino wool, which acts as a temperature regulating layer naturally, not allowing for excessive sweating.
Other safety features would regard the secure installation with the rigid latch and many seating position choices.
I didn't mind paying extra for these features since nothing beats a safe installment and comfortability!
Knowing your baby is secure in their car seat gives you all the sound mind you need while driving.
7. Cleaning & maintenance
As one of the biggest shortcomings of this infant car seat, I select the car seat fabric.
Other car seats often include the removable layer that is machine-washable, so it makes the process of cleaning so much easier!
But not this one.
The Clek Liing has to be spot cleaned with mild detergents if it's a tough stain. To this day, it's still one of my biggest problems with this car seat.
Babies spit up, and that's inputting a little bit of thought and designing a cover that can go in the washing machine?
If you don't worry about these things, it may not bother you as much as I did. However, you can remove the car seat cover and wash it by hand.
It's going to be tricky since the car seat includes a hard shell, so it may be better if you spot clean the little messes.
Does Clek Liing Have A Close Competitor?
1. Clek Liing vs. Chicco KeyFit 30
Source: babygearabc.com
Is there a cheaper alternative to the Clek Liing infant car seat equally good or even better?
First, let's see how the car seat compares to one of its biggest competitors - Chicco Key Fit 30.
Right off the start, I'll tell you that the Clek Liing infant seat has a more extensive weight range of 35 lbs of maximum weight, whereas KeyFit only has a 30 lbs weight range.
Clek can be installed with rigid lower anchor connectors or a seat belt, while Chicco has only LATCH system installations.
Nonetheless, you won't struggle with either installation as they are pretty straightforward.
Where Chicco has an advantage is the stroller compatibility.
It's compatible with all Chicco strollers, while Clek Liing requires a Maxi Cosi adapter.
Both will offer you the convenience of a carry handle and a lightweight design, and adjustable recline positions.
However, Clek Liing is a better choice if you have a smaller vehicle and install more than one car seat.
But, as an affordable alternative, there is no better pick than Chicco Key Fit 30.
2. Clek Liing vs. Nuna Pipa
Source: strolleria.com
The competition gets heated up when these two are compared.
They both have the option to be installed with a rigid LATCH system which is superb at preventing the rotation of the car seat during a collision.
In addition, they have multiple other similarities so let's see what they are.
For starters, the Nuna Pipa is one of the few infant car seats that acquired the "best" title in the crash tests. It features a steel load leg and is installed easily in most vehicle seats.
In terms of a price point, both infant car seats are high-end, so that you won't be getting an affordable alternative.
The main thing that sets the high price with Nuna is the flexibility and soft proprietary foam in the car seat.
In addition, the car seat bases Nuna offers have up to four recline positions.
They are practically the same in weight as one weighs 9 pounds while the other is 8 pounds. So you won't feel a significant difference here.
If one thing can help you decide on a car seat between these two, it would be the expiration date.
The Clek Liing can be used for at least nine years, while the Nuna Pipa has a 7-year user limit. So if you have or plan multiple children, Clek Liing is a better choice.
Shortcomings & Disadvantages
Nothing you purchase for your baby will be 100% perfect. There will always be a few disadvantages then and there that will make you question the decision.
So, is there anything you need to be on the lookout for when it comes to Clek Liing's infant car seat?
There sure is.
For starters, it's not in everyone's budget to afford this car seat, so the high price is one of the shortcomings of this car seat.
However, it does last for nine years, so it's something you should take into consideration.
Next is the manual rethread harness.
If this is your first car seat ever, expect some difficulties getting into the harness slot and adjusting the harness properly.
Most car seats include the no-rethread harness, which makes the process much easier, but this one does not.
But, once you test out the entire system, it won't be such a problem getting the right tightness.
I also did not care for the infant insert.
For some reason, they have placed the rubber warning labels on the infant insert to bother the baby if you dress them lightly.
Lastly, I need to mention one more thing about the rigid latch system.
For the system to work, you will need a standard 11" lower anchor spacing.
But, of course, you can always do the European belt path and install the car seat with the belt tensioning system if you don't.
Other than these few shortcomings, I have nothing bad to say about the Clek Liing car seat.
Does it have its flaws? Sure, but they are not that crucial and do not question the safety of the seat.
FAQs
How long does Clek Liing last?
The Clek Liing infant lasts up to 9 years!
It's amazing if you are a growing family and would like to use the car seat a few more times before it expires.
Of course, you can always check the expiration date in the infant car seat vehicle manual and see for how long it's good for.
Can Clek Liing be installed without base?
Source: clekinc.com
Yes! Clek Liing can be installed without the base or with one!
It's one of the best safety features of this car seat as it gives you the option to install it with the rigid latch system or simply with the belt tensioning system.
If you often switch vehicles, you will find that Clek Liing is the best option since you don't have to take the base everywhere you go.
Is Clek compatible with Nuna?
Yes, Clek Liing uses a similar design as Nuna, so it's compatible with the stroller with the adapter.
It's also compatible with many other popular stroller brands, so that you can check the full list here.
Is Clek Liing FAA approved?
Clek Liing infant car seat is FAA approved, so you can take it along with you when you air travel. The label with the approval is located underneath the shell.
The seat is incredibly lightweight, so that you will have no trouble taking it along.
Is the Clek Liing compatible with UPPAbaby Cruz?
The Clek Liing is compatible with UPPABaby Cruz and Vista strollers. Recently, the company has developed car seat adapters that allow for compatibility.
The adapters have been tested and certified with maximum safety and follow all the regulations.
Bottom Line
If you ask me whether the Clek Liing was a worthy purchase, I would proudly say YES! For me, it has met all my expectations, and more so, it's worth every penny in that matter.
This is just the right infant car seat I would recommend to anyone who has an unlimited budget.
The metal load leg, advanced safety features, and rigid latch system are not hyped for no reason.
They are fantastically built and ultimately make the car seat one of the best head-to-toe protection for the little guy/girl in the back.
Let me know if you have experience with Clek Liing and whether you will be investing in it!
Till next time!
