Adjusting your CLEK car seat base involves ensuring proper installation, a secure fit, and appropriate recline for your child's safety and comfort. While specific steps can vary slightly between models (like the Clek Liing or Foonf/Fllo bases), the core principles remain consistent.
Understanding Your CLEK Base Adjustments
CLEK car seat bases, particularly for infant seats like the Liing, are designed with features for easy installation and adjustment. Key adjustments typically include the recline angle, the secure connection to your vehicle, and stability leg positioning.
1. Adjusting the Recline Angle
The correct recline angle is crucial, especially for infants, to prevent head slump and ensure an open airway.
- Locate the Recline Adjustment Lever: On a Clek Liing base, this is typically found at the front or side of the base.
- Select the Appropriate Position: The base will have multiple recline positions. Refer to your car seat manual for the recommended recline for your child's weight and age. Most Clek bases feature a visible recline indicator or bubble level to help you achieve the correct angle. Ensure the indicator shows the base is within the safe range.
- Engage the Recline: Pull the lever and move the base until it clicks into the desired recline position. Release the lever to lock it in place.
2. Securing the Base with Rigid-LATCH or Seatbelt
A properly secured base will not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
- Using Rigid-LATCH (e.g., Clek Liing):
- Extend the Rigid-LATCH connectors from the base (if not already extended).
- Align the connectors with your vehicle's lower anchor bars (found in the seat bight).
- Push the base firmly towards the vehicle seatback until the Rigid-LATCH connectors engage and you hear a "click" on both sides. A green indicator usually confirms a secure connection.
- Apply pressure to the top of the base and push it towards the vehicle seat to remove any slack.
- Using the Vehicle's Seatbelt:
- Route the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated belt path on the car seat base.
- Buckle the seatbelt.
- Remove all slack from the seatbelt by pushing down firmly on the base while pulling the shoulder belt tight. For a secure installation, engage the seatbelt's locking mechanism (either by pulling the shoulder belt all the way out and letting it retract, or using the locking clip if provided/required).
3. Adjusting and Disconnecting the LATCH System
Whether you need to reposition the base, remove it for cleaning, or transfer it to another vehicle, disconnecting the LATCH system is a key step.
- To disconnect the connectors from the LATCH system:
- Locate the red buttons on both of the Rigid-LATCH connectors. These buttons are specifically designed for releasing the connectors.
- You will need to slide those red buttons back firmly to release the Rigid-LATCH connectors from the vehicle's LATCH anchors. This action disengages the locking mechanism, allowing you to lift the base away from the anchors.
4. Adjusting the Stability Leg
Most Clek infant bases (like the Liing) and convertible seat bases (like the Foonf/Fllo) come with an anti-rebound bar and a stability leg for enhanced safety.
- Extend the Stability Leg: Located on the underside of the base, extend the stability leg until it makes firm contact with the vehicle's floorboard.
- Check for Green Indicator: Many stability legs have a green indicator to show when it's properly extended and engaged.
- Ensure Stability: The stability leg helps absorb crash forces and prevent rotation, so ensure it is fully extended and secure.
Quick Reference for Common CLEK Base Adjustments
| Adjustment Type | Purpose | Typical Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recline | Ensures correct angle for child's safety | Use recline lever, adjust to desired position (check indicator). |
| LATCH Connection | Secures base to vehicle's lower anchors | Push Rigid-LATCH connectors onto anchors until green indicator appears. |
| LATCH Disconnect | Releases base from vehicle's lower anchors | Slide red buttons back on Rigid-LATCH connectors to release. |
| Stability Leg | Adds anti-rotation and crash energy absorption | Extend leg firmly to vehicle floor until green indicator shows. |
| Seatbelt Tighten | Secures base with vehicle's seatbelt | Route belt, buckle, remove all slack by pressing down on base and pulling belt. |
Important Tips for Clek Base Adjustment
- Always Refer to Your Manual: The exact steps and features can vary slightly by model. Always consult your specific Clek car seat's user manual for detailed, model-specific instructions and warnings. You can find digital manuals on the official Clek website.
- Check for Movement: After any adjustment, always perform the "inch test" – the car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
- Professional Help: If you are unsure about installation or adjustment, seek assistance from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). You can find one near you through resources like Safe Kids Worldwide.
