New details and pictures are courtesy of Chris Lumley at clek. Make sure you thank him for sharing them with us! I’m not going to attempt to cover everything that was in the clek webinar Chris presented to the CPS community earlier this week but I’ll do my best to highlight the key points.
Lower LATCH anchor limit will be 48 lbs unless your vehicle manufacturer specifies a lower limit. After the child reaches the lower anchor weight limit, foonf will need to be installed with seatbelt. Always use top tether (if one is available) when seat is installed forward-facing.
I asked Chris for clarification on top tether usage and we tossed some ideas back and forth. I’ll try to summarize my understanding of the issues. Clek would really like to mandate top tether usage for all forward-facing installs because tethering helps the seat perform optimally. However, they don’t want to penalize consumers who may not have tether anchors in their vehicles or may not have them in the seating position they wish to place the carseat in. Due to foonf’s open beltpath design and the built-in lockoff device for the vehicle’s shoulder belt that is mounted up high near the top of the shell – the seat still performs well in testing when installed with a (3-pt) lap/shoulder belt but no tether. They acknowledged that the seat must pass NHTSA’s injury criteria testing (and it does) using a lap-only seatbelt or using just the lower LATCH anchors (without tethering) but they are not comfortable allowing that type of installation and will consider it a misuse.
Keeping in mind that ALL of this is subject to change before the final production foonf is released next summer – this is how the “rules” for forward-facing appear to be shaping up:
- If the vehicle has a top tether anchor in the chosen seating position – you MUST use it regardless of whether you are installing with lower anchors or seatbelt. No exceptions.
- If the vehicle has lower anchors but no corresponding top tether anchor (exemptions allowing for this type of set-up exist for convertible vehicles, school buses and vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 lbs) – you MUST use lap/shoulder belt to install.
- If installing foonf in a seating position that has a lap-only seatbelt – you MUST use tether. If no tether anchor is available, switch to a different seating position which has lap/shoulder seatbelt.
All in all, I think those rules are fair and won’t create too many true incompatibilities for their consumers. Hopefully clek can find a way to really highlight the importance of using the top tether strap. Tether usage here in the U.S. is abysmal because most parents don’t understand the important role that tethering plays in a crash. Maybe foonf owners will be the exception? One can only hope.
Foonf specs:
U.S. model (now available for pre-order)
- Rear-facing: over 6 months old and able to hold head upright unassisted, 15-45 lbs, 25-43″ tall (ht limit may be replace by 1″ rule pending further testing – we’ll keep you posted on this)
- Forward-facing: over 1 year old and able to walk unassisted, 20-65 lbs, 25-49″ tall
Canadian model
- Rear-facing: over 6 months old and able to hold head upright unassisted, 6.8-20.5 kg (15-45 lbs), 64-109 cm (ht limit may be replace by 1″ rule pending further testing)
- Forward-facing: over 1 year old and able to walk unassisted, 10-29.5 kg (22-65 lbs), 64-124 cm tall
Measurements:
- Harness heights: 5 positions ranging from 10.5 – 17.5″
- Max shell height 26.5″
- Seat depth: 12.5″
- 17″ width (at widest point)
- 13″ width (at narrowest point – base of seat with RF wedge attached)
- 2 crotch strap positions: 6″, 7.5″
- All harness height positions can be used for RF or FF as long as child meets all stated requirements
Installation details:
With recline wedge (which is required for RF installations) the seat will generally install in a recline angle range of 32 – 42.5 degrees (measured from vertical) depending on the slope of the vehicle seat cushion. However, there will always be vehicles that are exceptions. If you aren’t able to obtain a recline of at least 30 degrees in the RF position – you will need to manually adjust the angle (presumably using a tightly rolled thin towel or a piece of foam pool noodle). Since foonf is designed to be used for children 6+ months old who already have good head control, there is no need for the seat to be installed at or near 45*. Having the seat installed at a more upright angle allows more room for the adults sitting up front and takes up less space in smaller backseats. In it’s most reclined position (i.e., on a very flat vehicle seat cushion), foonf takes up about 34.5″ of cabin depth.
The seat currently does not have a recline angle indicator for rear-facing but they are “toying with” the idea of adding one so stay tuned.
Anti-rebound bar is detachable but required when foonf is installed rear-facing.
Clek has no issue with foonf installed rear-facing and touching the back of the front seat as long as the vehicle manufacturer doesn’t prohibit it and as long as it’s making light contact. If contact from the back of the front seat is causing foonf’s base to lift off the vehicle seat cushion – that would not be okay. Translation: lightly touching front seat okay; cramming against or into the front seat – not okay.
Bottom cushion pops off for easier access to rear-facing beltpath and lock-offs.
Rigid lower anchor attachments are for forward-facing installs only. Rear-facing the seat is installed with flexible lower anchor attachments. Not sure if non-standard LATCH spacing will be allowed for RF but I’ll check on that and update when we have an answer. Rigid LATCH mechanism adjusts to 7 different positions. Attachments do not pivot or rotate but have been tested extensively and prove to fit well in many different vehicles with various lower LATCH anchor locations – even those located above the seat bight. Installing foonf forward-facing in the reclined position will help in situations where the lower anchors are situated above the seat bight. In these cases – the weight of the child in the carseat will help the carseat make contact with the vehicle seat cushion.
There are 3 recline positions – 1 for RF, 2 for FF.
Foonf is narrow enough that it’s likely that a parent would be able to fit 3 of them across the back seat (in various RF and/or FF configuations) of a mid-sized vehicle. When foonf is installed rear-facing it sits up high on the narrow wedge which allows for better “puzzling” with other lower-profile seats.
Foonf construction and safety features: “It’s a tank”
Magnesium frame with steel rods
3 layers of energy absorption on top of metal frame
R.E.A.C.T. energy management technology (Rapid Energy Absorbing Crumple Technology) – crumple zone system in foonf base extends ride-down time during the crash, lessening forces exerted on the child. Aluminum honeycomb panels deform during crash, absorbing energy before it’s transferred to the child occupant.
Side Impact Protection (SIP) is achieved via a combination of rigid metal sub-structure and multiple layers of energy-absorbing foam.
Other Features:
Integrated magnets hold metal buckle tongues out of the way to facilitate easier loading and unloading. If you’ve ever had to dig the buckle tongues out from under a child’s tush day after day – you’ll appreciate what a nice feature this really is!
CRYPTON Super Fabrics were specifically chosen because they offer permanent protection against stains, moisture, bacteria and odors. This means no liquids or bacteria can penetrate the surface of the fabric. This is the same treatment (fabrics) used on hospital beds and pet beds. Fabrics will be removable to facilitate the clean-up process.
100% recyclable through clek’s recycling program.
9 year lifespan before expiration!
Available for pre-order now. Estimated release in late summer 2012. Will be available at independent baby specialty stores and hopefully at BuyBuyBaby. If any BuyBuyBaby buyers are reading this – you need to carry this seat! K? I’ll add a pretty please with organic strawberries and fresh whipped cream on top! 🙂
Um, walking unassisted? Some people would never be able to FF then. :[ I am lucky that my child is currently walking unassisted, but that could change at any moment for us. Do we know yet if this will be airplane approved?
I so want this, but I have a 2 1/2 yo with plenty of growth room in her MR and a CA sitting around with no one using it so I’ll be ok for rfing seats until she’s old enough (4 at least) to go ffing. Still, I want one… LOL!
Wow! That looks AWESOME! I admit i am not a “high base” car seat kind of gal but i think i may “need” one of these! =o)
@ MONSTAH – ummmm… good luck with that! If he’s anything like my DH – he’d be less likely to notice if you sold the couch! LOL
@ PHINEASMAMA – that is correct.
@ MARCHOFEMILY – I agree with all your comments but as KQ mentioned, that language is a CMVSS requirement. I think they kept that language for the US model just for continuity but I’m really not sure if that’s the reason.
@ JOOLS – Of course you have to buy it for yourself first and then give it to them only after you’ve had your foonf fix! 😉
@ JOURDYSMOM – if I had to guess, I would say not actually installed in that 3-across stock photo based on how the bottom vehicle seat cushion looks. But from what I’ve seen of foonf’s design and beltpath, I don’t anticipate any widespread installation issues. I actually think it’s going to be more like an old Britax convertible that installs really well and really quickly with seatbelt in most seating positions. As for head-bonking – yeah, it’s probably going to be more of an issue with this seat being up so high. I was guilty of doing that to my kids when they were younger too! It happens but usually it’s not bad enough to really hurt the poor kid. At least that’s how I like to remember it. 😛
@ KAYSKIDZ – I’m almost positive that the prototype model with played with at ABC had a smooth one-pull harness adjuster. But since it was a prototype I don’t want to make any promises.
@ JESSICA61624 – It does sit up really high when RF and that can be either a pro or a con depending on the situation. However, in general, most RF kids prefer to sit up higher because it gives them a better view. Also, in some cases it helps the CR interact better with the back of the front seat or front seat’s head restraint. Not sure if that makes sense the way I worded it, but hopefully you understand what I’m trying to say.
@ CRUNCHY – I agree. I hope they make foonf covers or cushions that are interchangable!
That sits up very high rear-facing, doesn’t it? Even so, must…resist…lime!!!
This seat looks great. I already have a radian and I can’t justify buying a $450 seat for the extra 1.5″ but if I were in the market I would probably choose the foonf over radian. Great job Clek, it looks like you got everything right!
So even the preorders won’t ship until summer 2012?
I wonder if my hubs will notice if I sell our flat screen for foonf money… ???
Were the seats installed in that 3 across or just set there? That was my problem with the Radians… they are shown 3 across in a Town&Country/Grand Caravan, but you cannot get one properly installed in the center position… 🙁
How high is it really RF with that wedge? I have enough trouble getting DS into the TrueFit in the van without bonking his head. LOL
Will have to see what these look like once they are out… I will sell all my other seats to get one if I have to LOL
The only question is, do I buy it as soon as possible to play with it, or do I wait till my grandbaby actually needs it and have it sent straight to her? Hmmmmm
Emily, that’s due to Canadian law. It’s designed to keep more kids rf longer is my understanding.
I can’t wait to get one!
I am not understanding walking unassisted requirement. It’s a neat seat but it seems like those requirements will feed into the mentality that a child’s body structure is strong enough to FF and withstand crash forces fine just because they have reached a gross motor milestone. There are 9 month olds that can walk alone and my own son didn’t until he was 18 months old.
I hope the audience that buys this seat are well versed on the benefits of staying rear-facing until at least 2 years old and hopefully to the max limits of the seat.
I’m not entirely sure about this seat when seeing it rear facing. I think I’d need to see it in person before making a judgement.
Hey, really very nice details and pictures!! I’m impressed by these seats. I think my sister will be pleased by purchasing this seat. Thanks 🙂
not that i will need this seat anytime soon but with the tech discount its looking alot better
love, love, love.
I really hope they decide to make all the covers removable, and then sell spares. I think dd would like the pink, but I’ll have to have another kid to justify buying this. I need to be able to make it gender neutral.
FYI – a little birdie [named Chris] told me it will be available for pre-order on Amazon! So you can ask for Amazon giftcards for the holidays! 😀
can i pre-order now 🙂 it could be my Christmas present!!
After seeing it installed I really don’t find it appealing. It sits too high up.
I wanted to not like this seat due to the price, but the more I look at it, the more I want it 🙂 .
I think I’m in love! 🙂
Thank you to Clek for releasing more info and pictures. I can’t wait to meet Foonf!
I’ve been fine not wanting one of these up until now….but seeing it installed rear facing and that gorgeous pink seat may push me over the edge. I DO NOT NEED A NEW SEAT. I DO NOT NEED A NEW SEAT. Me thinks this would install beautifully in my Traverse. Is the harness a smooth pull or a tug tug like the Radian??
Still want this seat! Can’t wait to play!