Clek Olli Booster Seat Review Canada
This is the booster seat stage, a crucial time for safety that often gets overlooked. If you are looking for a solution that bridges the gap between a bulky car seat and sitting directly on the vehicle bench, the Clek Olli Booster Car Seat is a standout contender.
It isn't just a plastic wedge; it is an award-winning, Canadian-made backless booster designed to make that transition safe, cool, and incredibly convenient. Unlike many other options on the market, the Olli treats your child's comfort as a priority, not an afterthought. In this review, we will break down everything you need to know about the Clek Olli—from its rigid LATCH system to its "numb-bum" prevention technology—to help you decide if it is the right addition to your family vehicle.
If you are just starting your search, you might also want to browse our wider collection of Booster Car Seats to see what else is available.
At a Glance
Before we dive deep, here are the quick specs busy parents need to know:
- Recommended age: 4+ years
- Weight: 40–120 lbs
- Height: 40–57 inches
- Seat type: Backless booster
- Expiration: 9 years
When Is my Child Ready for a Backless Booster?
Making the switch to a booster is exciting, but it is important not to rush it. A child is generally ready for a booster when they have outgrown the weight or height limits of their forward-facing five-point harness. However, maturity matters just as much as size.
In a booster seat, your child has more freedom of movement than they did in their Convertible Car Seats. They need to be mature enough to sit properly for the entire ride without slouching, leaning over to bug their sibling, or playing with the seat belt. If your child is technically big enough but still wiggles constantly, you might want to wait a bit longer.
For a deeper dive into readiness and different stages of car seats, check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Baby Car Seat in Canada.
Safety Features in Clek Olli Booster Car Seat
Safety is the number one reason we buy car seats, and Clek has built a reputation for over-engineering their products. The Olli might look simple, but it is packed with safety innovation.
Rigid UAS (LATCH) System
The most distinct feature of the Clek Olli is its rigid LATCH system (often called UAS in Canada). Unlike flexible latch connectors that you have to tighten manually, the Olli has metal connectors that extend from the back of the seat and click directly into your vehicle's anchors. This locks the booster firmly in place, providing stability during a collision. It also means the seat won't become a dangerous projectile if you are driving alone and forget to buckle an empty booster in.
Belt Positioning
The primary job of a backless booster seat in Canada is to raise the child up so the vehicle seat belt fits correctly. The Olli raises your child about 4 inches. This height boost ensures the lap belt sits low and flat across the hips (not the soft stomach area) and positions the shoulder belt firmly across the collarbone.
Canadian Standards and Construction
The Olli meets all Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Under the fabric, it features a metal substructure and an energy-absorbing polypropylene base designed to reduce the impact of road bumps and forces during travel.
Comfort-Cube Construction Explained
Have you ever sat on a hard stadium bench for two hours? That feeling of your legs falling asleep is what Clek calls "numb bum," and they have designed the Olli specifically to prevent it.
The seat is built using what they call "Comfort-Cube" construction. This isn't just marketing fluff; it refers to the three distinct layers that make up the seat:
- Metal Substructure: This provides the rigid foundation.
- Expanded Polypropylene Base: This energy-absorbing layer acts like a shock absorber for the road.
- Moulded Polyurethane Foam: This is the top layer, similar to the foam used in high-end vehicle seats, which maintains its shape and comfort over time.
This design ensures that your child stays comfortable, whether you are driving five minutes to school or five hours to the cottage. Long-term durability means the foam won't flatten out after a few months of use.
Installation and Portability
If you frequently carpool or travel, the Olli is a game-changer. Installation is incredibly fast—we are talking 10 seconds or less. You simply align the rigid LATCH connectors with your car's anchors and push until you hear an audible "click." That sound confirms the seat is secure.
Removing it is just as easy thanks to the quick-release strap at the front of the seat. One pull and the connectors disengage.
Weighing in at just 5 lbs, the Olli is light enough for a child to carry themselves. It even comes with a strap (the "Strap-thingy") that clips onto the seat, turning it into a portable accessory your child can sling over their shoulder. This is brilliant for families who use taxis, fly often, or need to send a seat along for a playdate.
If you need to outfit a second car or replace an old base, you can always check out our selection of Car Seat Bases for other models, but with the Olli, the hardware is built right in.
Fabric and Materials
Clek is famous for their Crypton performance fabrics, which are a parent's best friend. These fabrics are resistant to stains, moisture, and odour-causing bacteria. If a juice box incident occurs, the liquid tends to bead up rather than soak in immediately, giving you time to wipe it away.
Crucially, Clek ensures their fabrics are free from brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, offering a safer chemical profile for your child.
The seat cover is also removable and washable, which is essential for any piece of baby gear that will see years of use. This attention to detail reflects the overall Canadian-made quality that Clek is known for.
Everyday Convenience
Beyond the big features, it is the little things that make daily life easier. The Olli comes with a cup holder (the "Drink-thingy") that is detachable and dishwasher safe. It holds standard water bottles and travel cups securely.
The seat itself has a slim profile. Because it doesn't have armrests that flare out excessively, it is easier to buckle the seat belt, and it fits better in smaller vehicles or alongside other Car Seats in the back row.
For families looking to maximize their setup, Macklems offers various Car Seat Accessories that can complement your Olli, such as vehicle seat protectors to prevent indentations on your car's upholstery.
How It Compares to High Back Boosters
You might be wondering if you should choose a backless booster like the Olli or a high back booster.
A high back booster provides side-impact protection for the head and torso and usually includes a belt guide to keep the shoulder belt in place. They are often better for younger booster riders (ages 4-6) or for children who tend to fall asleep in the car, as the wings provide a place to rest their head.
A backless booster like the Olli is ideal for older kids who are taller and more mature. It is less bulky and "babyish," which can be a big selling point for independent kids. If your vehicle has good headrests in the back seat to support your child's head (up to the tops of their ears), a backless booster is a safe and legal option.
If you aren't sure if your child is ready for backless, you can browse our All in One Car Seats or high back options to compare.
Who the Clek Olli Is Best For
The Clek Olli is not the cheapest booster on the shelf, but it offers significant value. It is best for:
- Families on the go: If you travel, take taxis, or use car-sharing services, the portability is unmatched.
- Carpools: Its slim width and easy installation make it perfect for switching between vehicles.
- Style-conscious parents: The sleek design avoids the "baby gear" look, blending well with modern car interiors.
- Older kids: Children who want to feel grown-up will appreciate the discreet, comfortable design.
- Canadian winters: The easy installation means less time standing in the freezing cold fighting with latch straps.
Final Thoughts
The Clek Olli Booster Car Seat proves that a booster seat can be safe, comfortable, and stylish all at once. It solves the common complaints of "numb bum" and difficult installation, making every ride smoother for both parent and child.
While it is an investment compared to basic plastic boosters, the durable construction, 9-year expiration, and Canadian manufacturing quality make it a worthwhile choice for many families. Whether you are running to hockey practice or heading out on a cross-country road trip, the Olli supports your child every mile of the way.
Ready to find the perfect colour for your backseat? Visit our Booster Car Seats collection at Macklems to shop the Olli and other top-rated safety gear. Safe travels!
