Compared to the light and portable infant car seats, convertible seats feel like tanks. But consider that they have to be - their whole point is to manage energy to protect your growing child! 

 Today, we’re facing off two of our most popular seats for city parents that do have a car, the Cybex Callisto vs. Clek Foonf, two city parent favorites that fit two different customer needs. 

If you don’t have a car, this article is probably not for you, just because the Callisto requires the base, something that is a deal breaker for carless folks, and the Foonf is on the heavier side, which also could make it impractical.

For those with cars, however, TLDR is this: The Cybex Callisto is a great one-and-done serving as an infant seat, convertible seat, and booster seat. It’s comfortable, has innovative safety features like the SensorSafe ® in the chest clip and base with a load leg and it’s convenient, especially with its swivel allowing simple loading and unloading. 

The Foonf, on the other hand, has long been deemed “the mother of all car seats” and is known for its safety, including steel inner structure and crumple zone and  rigid LATCH front-facing installation.  It’s the more portable of the two, and with the wheeled bag, can come on any trip with (relative) ease. It’s also more narrow, at only 17” wide, meaning 3 car seats can fit in the back row of most cars.

 This being said, it’s more short lived than the Callisto, as children grow out of it at 65lbs.

Key Takeaways

1. Whereas both car seats are great options  — the Cybex Callisto swivels and is longer lasting, serving children from 4 months old to 120lbs, as it’s an infant car seat, convertible car seat, and booster seat, all in one. 

2. The Foonf, on the other hand, has the safest front facing install, using rigid LATCH, and is often called the “mother of all car seats”. It also has a narrow profile so three-in-a-row in the backseat is possible. Clek offers many fabrics including a wool for parents who want a natural-as-possible car seat. It’s also made in Canada.

3. The Callisto is a good choice if you value safety and convenience of the luxe, all-in-one seat-into-booster. It’s also good for tech-aficianados who will appreciate the SensorSafe technology in the chest clip.

4. The Foonf is a good choice if you need something narrow and marginally more portable (with a wheeled bag) for trips, or if you’re looking for naturally breathable fabrics. 

Quick Specs at a Glance

Safety Features

Cybex Callisto

First we’ll talk about safety! The Cybex Callisto G 360 offers lots of safety features including a reinforced steel frame, the SecureFix 360 Tether, linear side impact protection, energy absorbing shell and anti rebound base. 

Beyond that, the seat also features a tech-savvy chest clip with SensorSafe. This syncs with your phone and gives real time alerts if your child unbuckles their chest clip while the vehicle is moving, if they’re in the seat too long, if the temperature is too hot or cold, and if you exit your vehicle but the child is still in the seat. If these things happen, your phone will get an alert, as well as other emergency contacts that you share with.

Clek Foonf

The Foonf by Clek is also rich with safety features! One of the most unique of them is that when in forward facing mode, it affixes to your car using rigid LATCH. This makes for an incredibly safe install as the steel substructure of your car seat attaches to the steel substructure of your car. 

Beyond that, the seat features energy-absorbing crumple zone technology reducing forces on the child in the case of a frontal collision. There’s also a structural headrest with deep side wings and energy absorbing foam layers, providing excellent head protection. The anti rebound bar is also made of steel, giving greater protection in rear facing mode. 

Speaking of rear facing, the seat is built to allow your child to rear face for longer (up to 4 years old). 

Installation & Everyday Use

Callisto G 360

We love that the Callisto is super easy to install, as one of the most difficult things in the car seat world is that seats can be confusing or difficult to install, and misinstallation is common. The Callisto’s SafeLock System is super easy where you fasten the tether, and then route the seatbelt through the guide and click it into place!

The Callisto is a little lighter weight than the Foonf (35 vs 38lbs), however, the three pounds aren’t probably enough to make a big difference. All adjustments to the seat (turning, making it bigger, reclining it) are easy and intuitive. 

One of the most unique points of difference of this seat is that it’s made to last. It accommodates children from 4 pounds to 120 pounds, acting as an infant seat, convertible seat, and booster seat all in one! It’s the ultimate “one and done” for anyone with a car.

The Callisto can be used rear facing from 4-40  pounds and front facing from 26.5 to 120 pounds. You can use the five point harness until your child is 65 lbs, and then after that, put it in booster configuration and use your vehicle seatbelt. Keep in mind, the max height for this seat is 57”.

Foonf

As for installation, the Foonf is a bit trickier by all accounts when rear facing so take your time with their instructions (or call on the amazing Car Seat Lady to do it for you). But when forward facing while your child can use the LATCH, installing it is a snap, literally. Whereas the Foonf is a bit on the heavy side, its steel substructure is worth it when it comes to safety. 

For those using this seat everyday, we’re loving the zip on and off fabric. It’s a real advantage for any spills or spit ups along the way. The easy zip makes clean up super easy.

Comfort & Fit for the Child

Callisto 

When it comes to comfort, the Callisto offers multiple recline positions and an adjustable headrest that has 12 positions. There’s also a UPF 50+ canopy for those sunny days. For infants, there’s a multi stage infant insert, and the whole vibe of the seat is luxe, plush comfort. 

The fabric is breathable mesh and the magnetic buckle holders make it easy to load and unload your little one (as does the awesome swivel.). There are also two color coordinated cup holders on the seat, which is nice for sippys and snacks on the go. 

Foonf

The Foonf, on the other hand, is more firm and structured, but still comfortable thanks to the padded EPP foam cushioning. The adjustable headrest gives a nice spot to rest a sleepy head while keeping protected, and the smooth recline offers two forward and two rear facing reclines. 

The no twist harness has easy buckle stowage locations and the seat features an adjustable crotch strap as well as six harness heights. 

Design & Aesthetic

Callisto

The Callisto offers a luxurious European design, and will look great in your car. However, because it’s a bit bigger, it will take up more of your backseat. Fabrics are high quality, flame retardant free, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified as well. 

Foonf

The Foonf, which has more of a minimalist and modern vibe, is nice and slim, allowing for three across, or if only one, lots more room for more passengers or stuff. The Foonf is also PFOA, PFOS, PFC, PFAS, and Fluorine-free. 

For those who want a natural fabric, the Mammoth is made of ethically sourced, non mulesed Merino wool which is hypoallergenic and excellent for breathability and temperature regulation. 

Longevity & Value

Callisto 

If you want an all in one, the Callisto is a great choice as it lasts until your child is about 10 years old or 57” tall. This being said, it’s also a bit pricier. 

Foonf

The Foonf will serve you until your baby grows out of a convertible seat (about 65lbs) and then you’ll just move them to a booster. As it has a bit less functionality, it’s also a couple hundred dollars less expensive. 

At the end of the day, both the Callisto G 360 and Foonf are great choices that are long lasting. 

Best For…

So what parent is going to love which car seat? Drumroll, please! 

When it comes to choosing between the Cybex Callisto G 360 and the Clek Foonf, parents are really deciding between two excellent—but very different—approaches to safety, longevity, and everyday convenience.

The Cybex Callisto G 360 stands out for its versatility. It swivels for easy ins and outs and is designed to grow with your child from 4 months all the way to 120 lbs. Because it functions as an infant seat, convertible seat, and booster all in one, it’s a long‑lasting, luxe solution. Tech‑minded parents also love the built‑in SensorSafe chest clip, which adds an extra layer of peace of mind.

The Clek Foonf, on the other hand, is famous for its engineering. Often called the “mother of all car seats,” it offers one of the safest forward‑facing installs on the market thanks to its rigid LATCH system. Its narrow profile makes three‑across seating possible, and Clek’s fabric options—including a naturally breathable wool—appeal to parents seeking the most natural materials. It’s also proudly made in Canada.

Choose the Callisto if you want an all‑in‑one seat that prioritizes convenience, longevity, and tech‑forward safety.

Choose the Foonf if you need something narrow, ultra‑secure, and marginally more portable (especially with Clek’s wheeled travel bag), or if natural fabrics are high on your list.

Shopping Car Seats at Babesta

So there you have it: Two great convertible car seats. If you’re still on the fence, come to Babesta to see them in person. It’s just one of many categories that you can get hands-on with on the floor: You can also test your favorite strollers, check out travel cribs, high chairs, front carriers and more. 

We’re here to give you the best guidance we can for your lifestyle and living situation. Don’t lose your cool shopping for your little one. Shop Babesta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i know which will be better for my car?

This is the million dollar question. All of the car seats we offer have excellent safety features and comfort features, but each car is different so quality of installation can vary. We err on the side of choosing car seats that fit easily in most vehicles. The goal is to get it tight and stable so the seat doesn’t move around once installed. 

If you’re concerned, it’s a good idea to get a professional, like the Car Seat Lady to give you a hand with the installation (and train you on it).

Are the Callisto or Foonf FAA Approved?

Yes. Both the Callisto and Foonf are FAA approved. 

How do I bring these car seats around if I need to travel?

Convertible car seats aren’t easy to carry around, because unlike infant car seats, they don’t just click onto any stroller frame. There are luggage carts that you can strap them to – that’s the NYC hack. Your child can stay in the seat and wheel around like that. Otherwise, Clek offers a wheeled bag that is great for the airport.

What are the Callisto and Foonf expiration?

The Callisto has a 10 year expiration, whereas the Foonf has a 9 year expiration. 

Can I buy a Callisto or Foonf second hand?

We do not recommend purchasing a second hand car seat, as these seats have a lot of internal technology (like the crumple zones). You don’t know what the car seat has gone through and if any of their safety features have already been deployed (meaning the car now won’t offer the same protection. 

If a car seat is ever in an accident, the recommendation is to dispose of it and purchase a new one.

Where are the Callisto and Foonf made?

The Callisto is designed in Germany and made in China while Foonf is designed and made in Canada.

What is the Fore-aft measurement rear facing?

The Foonf’s Fore-aft measurement is 33 inches.