Clek Liing Review

Crash Testing

Crash-test results show that the Liing shines better than most, but it isn't the best.

The Clek has one of the best HIC head sensor results in our lineup.   Credit: BabyGearLab Staff, MGA Research

The Clek has one of the best chest clip sensor scores in the group.   Credit: BabyGearLab Staff, MGA Research

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The HIC and chest clip sensor data are lower than most seats (lower is better). The Liing sensor results are among the lowest for both HIC and the chest-clip sensors. This means fewer G forces were recorded on the crash test dummy. Every one of the safety seats in this infant car seat review should be considered safe because they pass the federal test guidelines. We ran our crash tests a little “hotter” and used a sled that better mimics a modern car. We were looking for seats that perform better than average, and there, for eight, offer a better margin of protection than other seats. If the budget allows, we believe the Liing does this, making it the shoo-in car seat for the shortlist of those who prize better crash test results.

Ease of Installation LATCH

No matter your chosen installation method, it will be easy, but the LATCH method is the easiest. Given the rigid LATCH connectors and lack of tightening needs, it is easy to see why parents are drawn to this straightforward option.

Installation is accomplished by pulling out the connectors, lining them up with the LATCH anchor points in your car, and pushing them into the anchors. Once a connection is made, you push a little more to tighten. It doesn't have an anti-rebound bar, but it does have a load leg with a color change indicator.

Pressing the red button on top of the rigid connector releases the LATCH connectors quickly and easily.

Recline Adjustment

The recline adjustment method on this seat is unbelievably easy, and the central location lets you do it while the base is installed.

The installation level indicator on the Liing to ensure proper installation is achieved is located on the base, and you check it before you attach the carrier.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The base of the LIing includes recline adjustment in the center of the base and on the outward-facing end, making adjustment easy and frustration-free.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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This adjustment has seven possible positions, more than most of the competition, so you are more likely to find the right angle. It also features a bubble-style indicator to help you find the correct installation position.

Ease of Installation - Belt

The Liing is super easy to install using the vehicle belt. It features a color-coded pathway and a built-in lock-off and belt tensioner to help ensure a tight fit. The belt path is visible, and you can easily see if the belt is twisted. You pull on the tensioner location first before using the lock-off, and there are indicators to let you know you've done it right. Tightening the strap is simple, and the direction of the pull is intuitive.

The vehicle belt threads through the color-coded slots on the side of the Liing base before you push down the lock-off.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The belt lock-off/tensioner on the Liing is pushed down over the belt after you thread it.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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The slots for the belt seem to cause some curling on the shoulder portion, but it didn't seem to affect the tightening or locking down of the belt. It only requires a slight tightening to get a snug feel. We didn't have to get in the car or use a knee to tighten. You can adjust the seat angle after installation, which is a plus and unique in this category of seats. The tensioner and lock-off, in our experience, work best with a swift motion instead of a slow press down. The seat was more stable in the test sedan, we think, because the SUV is a little more cushiony, and getting it tighter was more challenging.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

Installing this seat without the base isn't the easiest installation method for the Liing, but it is still easier than most competitors.

This carrier uses the European belt path with color-coded indicators and a decal line for leveling. The pathway slots are large and wide open with easy access. The bright blue color keeps you on the right track, and you don't need to finagle with anything. The level line is not very long, and given that it is your only indicator and you're comparing it to the ground beneath the car, it would be nice if it were longer.

The back of the Liing carrier has a upward-facing clip for the shoulder belt on the vehicle to thread through.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The level decal line on the Liing carrier is covered by the shoulder belt when you install it, making it somewhat of a challenge to ensure you have the right angle.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Also, once the shoulder belt is in place, you can't see it at all, making the final judgment difficult. Overall, it is pretty solid when installed with a little wiggle. We liked that the handle position for driving is clearly indicated on the carrier, so you don't forget the correct position. Something we suspect most parents forget.

Ease of Use

The Liing's ease of use is disappointing for a high-priced seat.

Buckle

The shoulder strap prongs slide all the way down the strap, and the design on the Liing left us searching deep into the seating area to retrieve them. If they had some friction-causing design like metal inside the prongs, this wouldn't be a problem. The buckle button is a large, textured oval with a dimple to make pressing easier. The prongs don't really pop out on their own. The single crotch strap position prevents adjustments as your baby grows.

The chest clip includes a diagram with a white contrast to make it easier to see. The reminder of where to position the clip is nice, even if most parents won't need it. You have to press all the way down to release it, which means it requires slightly more pressure than the average clip and real attention to detail.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

Thanks to the shoulder padding, tightening the harness is slightly more challenging. You must push the buttons down to avoid getting them trapped or preventing them from tightening. The release button is located inside a slit in the fabric and padding. It has a somewhat unfinished look, and larger fingers might find the design problematic. The button's deep inset from the edge also means you can't use your thumb if your index finger isn't strong enough.

Harness Adjustment

This harness adjustment is a rethread adjustment style. The larger headrest assembly makes you think it will be a no-rethread style, so it was disappointing that it requires rethreading. Also, as you rethread, the headrest tries to slump downward, which is annoying. The slots are the right size, and threading the straps is not hard.

Carrier to Base Connection

We love an indicator to ensure proper connection, and this one has it. It is easy to miss, as it is somewhat covered, but it does provide peace of mind that you did it right. We did not see a way to do this incorrectly. Attaching the carrier to the base is easy. Removal is awkward because it is a two-point release, whereas most are only one-point. It's not hard, and we suspect parents will get used to it quickly; it's just different than most of the competition. The higher-than-typical back can make the removal angle feel strange and less ergonomic than competitors'.

Handle

The handle joints are somewhat sharp-edged, with no smooth curvature, which can poke your thumbs when rotating the handle. The adjustment buttons are clunky and click in to engage. The handle can be in three positions, and only the upright position is allowed when driving.

Canopy

While the handle design is somewhat disappointing, we think this design helps the canopy open and close smoothly without brushing the handle at any point.

LATCH and Manual Storage

The LATCH connectors are rigid and don't require a traditional storage location since they are not loose. They are attached to a bar that can slide back into the base when not in use. It slides easily in and out without a problem. The user manual stows in an open slit pocket on the foot of the base. This manual will not be accessible with the carrier in place or if you use the carrier without the base.

Comfort/Quality

The Liing is just below the average for comfort and quality, which is disappointing given the higher price.

Fabric and Padding

The fabric is the same throughout. It is not super soft, but it isn't likely to chafe. The warning labels are closer to the legs than the head, which is a nice choice. The amount of padding isn't brag-worthy, but it is more than many of the less expensive seats and bounces back nicely. However, we'd love to see more comfort padding on this higher-priced seat. It also comes with an infant insert and shoulder and crotch padding.

Handle and Canopy

The canopy on the Liing is much bigger than the average seat when you unzip the extension. It has a midway point for average coverage and a zipper extension for more sun protection or privacy. It has a rotational joint that allows incremental opening or closing. The handle is a thin and narrow design that is relatively flat. This creates a lot of palm pressure, and we wish it were easier to carry, especially given its above-average weight.

Shell

The shell on the Liing is sleek and smooth, with little opportunity for gunk to collect. However, after just a short testing period, this shell showed every bump and ding caused by moving it around and installing it. It isn't super noticeable, but it does look like a sheen difference. While this doesn't affect its functionality or safety, it's a bummer at this price.

Weight/Size

This seat came in below the average for weight. We aren't really surprised, given that most Clek safety seats are typically heavy monsters. The Liing carrier weighs in at 10.5 lbs, which by Clek standards is practically a feather, but it isn't anything to brag about by infant car seat standards. While some seats come in closer to 12, others come in near 8 lbs. If you plan to lug your little one in their carrier often, then it might be a seat to avoid if you aren't used to carrying heavy things very far.

Should You Buy the Liing?

The Clek Liing is a seat we like, especially if your goal is an easy-to-install seat with better crash-test analysis. This seat is high-quality and features a load leg and rigid LATCH. However, it is expensive, which could make it a no-go if your budget is smaller. Also, it is a hefty seat and not one you'd want to carry around the city without a compatible stroller, which might be harder to find. Overall, if your budget fits and crash test results are an essential consideration, then the Clek is one for your shortlist.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?

While we love the Liing, we recognize it isn't for everyone. If your aim is the best possible crash test analysis score, then the Nuna Pipa RX is the seat to consider. With some of the best sensor data we've seen in an infant crash test, the Nuna is a standout for crash testing and ease of installation. Not convinced? Comfort, quality, and a lighter-weight carrier are also part of the package. If you want to save money over the Nuna and the Clek, the Romer Juni crash test analysis is almost as good as the Nuna, it is easier to install, and costs nearly $150 less.

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