The reclining seat back is one of the cool features differentiating Oobr from other booster seats.  Together with the adjustable headrest, children can sleep safely and more comfortably than ever before on long journeys.

However, we’ve fielded a couple of inquiries from customers wondering whether there was something wrong with the back of their brand new seat.  They noticed the back moved about and were expecting it to be more rigid.

We told them not to worry:  The seat back is rigidly attached to the seat cushion, but is also designed to pivot freely up to 12 degrees. This free motion allows the booster seat to accommodate the range of different seat angles of vehicle seats. It also allows the seat to recline when used with Oobr’s rigid LATCH system. So, as long as the booster seat’s LATCH connectors are securely attached to the vehicle’s lower LATCH anchors, and the booster seat back or headrest is in contact with the front surface of the vehicle seat back or headrest, the recline position is safe for use.

How does this work? The LATCH system operates like the seat track on your driver’s seat (sliding backwards and forwards) and locks in different positions — this is what locks the booster seat relative to the vehicle seat.  As you pull the recline handle and slide the cushion forwards, the seat back automatically reclines. The vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt  then secures the child in the booster seat against the vehicle seat.

Remember! You should NEVER use the recline feature without the booster seat’s lower LATCH connectors securely attached to the vehicle’s lower LATCH anchors. When using the booster seat without using the latch connectors, the back of this booster seat base MUST be in contact with the vehicle seat back.

So if you were also worried about your brand new seat, the short answer is Yes, it is meant to do that!

We’re excited to announce that the new Oobr™ is in production and has started shipping.  The latest addition to the Clek product line, Oobr is a full back booster seat designed with a removable back that easily converts to a backless booster to grow with your child:

Its Elemental Safety System™ is comprised of five structural safety elements: a rigid latch system, magnesium back frame, structural headrest with deep side wings, energy absorbing foam layer and belt guides, all designed to systematically secure and protect your child in the event of a collision.

The upholstery is made of Crypton^® Super Fabric, which is stain, moisture and bacteria resistant. It is easy to clean and the bottom seat cover is removable for machine washing too.  Check out the image gallery for a closer look at the six hip choices – which include Paul Frank’s irresistible Skurvy and Zoom Julius designs.  Whatever your child’s personality, there is an Oobr to match their style (or your car!):

This weekend, we’re hitting the road and heading to Boston for the American Baby and Family Expo. Held at the Seaport World Trade Center (get directions here), the show will run Saturday through Sunday (10 am – 5 pm).

Boston parents: You’re invited to come by and check us out! You’ll see the new olli special-edition Paul Frank designs and get a sneak peek of our new full back booster oobr (coming to stores this summer). You’ll also have the chance to enter our olli giveaway and take a backless booster home with you!

For full details on the event, click here. Hope to see you there!

We were thrilled when we received the February/March issue of Fit Pregnancy in the mail last month, partly because we love the publication, and partly because clek’s new full-back booster oobr was featured in the 2009 Editor’s Choice Awards, touted as “sleek and secure.”

“This full-back booster seat connects directly to your car’s LATCH system for a secure fit. Added safety features include a protective head restraint and energy-absorbing foam that will lessen the impact on your child in a crash. 33 to 100 pounds, or with the removable back detached, 40 to 100 pounds.”

oobr will be available late spring of this year. Check out the Image Gallery for a full range of colors available, including two limited-edition Paul Frank Industries designs, featuring Julius the Monkey and his friend, Skurvy.

At clek, we’re big fans of sleek design. That was the idea behind oobr’s clean lines and bold color palette. When creating new products, we strive to exist in the space where style overlaps with function—where comfort meets convenience and everything just plain looks good.

When it comes to children’s products, it seems as if a lot of people are catching on to the idea that cool design is important. We’ve rounded up some consumer products that we wouldn’t mind getting our hands on here.

Interlocking Plate and Bowl Set: Keep food in its proper place with this interlocking dining set from Boon. BpA-free, it includes a toddler-size plate with two separate compartments and two small bowls that easily attach for smaller portions.

Svan Scooter: Scandinavian Child created this piece of art that doubles as a scooter for your on-the-go tots. Sturdy, safe and so chic.

SPLASH Bottle Drying Rack: A fun component to any kitchen counter, this space saving drying rack conveniently holds up to nine baby bottles and a handy bottle brush. By SkipHop.

If you haven’t heard the buzz yet, here’s the scoop: In just a few months clek will be launching its first full back booster seat, oobr. Just like olli, oobr will feature simple installation with rigid LATCH – plus the style and convenience of Crypton Super Fabrics(R). (And all the fun of Julius and his canny friend Skurvy, too!)

To keep kids safe, oobr’s removable back frame is crafted of magnesium for maximum protection in the event of a collision. Of course, oobr’s headrest offers deep side wings for head protection, and energy-absorbing foam is used as well, resulting in less force transferred should a vehicle accident occur.

If your child is between 38-57 inches tall and weighs 33-100 pounds, this is the seat for her or him. Remove the back and you’ll have a suitable booster for kids between 40-57 inches who weigh 40-100 pounds.

Want to find out more? Stay tuned. oobr will arrive in Spring 2009.