Does the Oobr feature side impact protection?

The side impact protection systems built into a vehicle, such as side-intrusion beams and side curtain airbags, are the first line of protection for a child in the event of a side-impact collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets the federal standards (FMVSS 213) that child restraints and booster seats are required to meet (In Canada, this is done by Transport Canada through CMVSS 213). The current federal standard does not include a side impact test for booster seats. So, no booster seat meets a federally regulated side-impact requirement, as one does not exist.

Clek ALWAYS recommends that parents keep their children in a car seat with a harness for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height and weight limit for their seat. A booster seat will not provide the same side impact protection that a harnessed child seat would. However, by properly positioning the vehicle belt on the child, a booster seat reduces the risk of injury for children in the event of a crash compared to being secured with the vehicle belt alone.

In addition to raising the child up on the vehicle seat to better position the child for the side impact protection systems built into the vehicle, the Oobr model is designed with the exclusive Elemental Safety System, which is comprised of 5 structural elements that together provide additional side impact protection.

Read below for information on the side impact protection provided by the Oobr booster seat.

Oobr in Backless Mode:

Backless booster seats such as the Oobr in backless mode will not provide additional side impact protection as there is no additional structure or energy absorbing material around the child’s head and torso. But, by raising the child up, a booster seat better positions the child for the side impact protection systems built into the vehicle.

Oobr in High-back Mode:

In addition to raising the child up on the vehicle seat to better position the child for the side impact protection systems built into the vehicle, the Oobr model is designed with the exclusive Elemental Safety System, which is comprised of 5 structural elements that together provide additional side impact protection:

Rigid LATCH (UAS) System

Locks the booster seat into place using your vehicle’s LATCH (UAS) anchorage system to provide additional booster seat stability in a collision.

High-Impact Copolymer Seat Frame

Helps contain the torso during a side impact collision and protect against vehicle intrusion.

Structural Headrest with Deep Side Wings

Connects to the high-impact copolymer frame using steel rods to reduce twisting movements and improve head protection in a collision.

Energy-Absorbing Foam Layer

Absorbs energy in a side-impact collision resulting in less forces transferred directly to your child.

Belt Guides

Improves belt positioning on your child’s shoulders and hips.