Diplomat
PLEASE READ
INSTRUCTIONS
STORE UNDER
COVER
User Guide
™
Safety Information
Table of Contents
WARNINGS............................................................................
Important Notes.....................................................................
Certification............................................................................
Registration............................................................................
Weight Range/Maximum Height............................................
Installation: Aircraft...............................................................................
Features
Front View..............................................................................
Rear View...............................................................................
Vehicle Compatibility
Vehicle Safety Belts................................................................
Vehicle Seating Positions........................................................
Vehicle Buckle Position..........................................................
Installation: Rear Facing
LATCH Installation.................................................................
Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation................................................
Lap-Belt Installation...............................................................
Installation: Forward Facing
LATCH Installation.................................................................
Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation................................................
Lap-Belt Installation..............................................................
Installation: Versa-Tether®
Safety Information................................................................
Using the Versa-Tether..........................................................
Rear-Facing Tether Connector Strap......................................
Energy-Absorbing Tether.......................................................
Restraint Functions
Switching the LATCH Harness...............................................
Storing the LATCH Connectors...............................................
Recline Adjustment...............................................................
Infant Body Pillow.................................................................
Chest Clip.............................................................................
Harness Buckle......................................................................
Harness Height.....................................................................
Securing Your Child.............................................................................
Care and Maintenance.........................................................................
Warranty..............................................................................................
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9
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24
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37
©2007 Britax Child Safety, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A P297700-R1:06.07
This product and its components are subject to change without notice.
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur:
Infants should remain in a rear-facing child restraint for as
•
long a possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics and
Britax recommends rear facing until at least 1 year of age
and 20 pounds.
Use only with children who weigh between 5 and 40
•
pounds (2.3 and 18 kg.) and whose height is 40 inches
(102 cm.) or less. Use rear facing for children 5–35 pounds
(2.3–15.9 kg.) and forward facing to a maximum of 40
pounds (18 kg.).
Adjust the belts provided with this child restraint so they
•
fit snugly around your child. A snug strap should not
allow any slack. It lies in a relatively straight line without
sagging. It does not press on the child’s flesh or push the
child’s body into an unnatural position.
Secure the top anchorage strap provided with this child
•
restraint.
Secure this child restraint with vehicle’s child restraint
•
anchorage system if available or with a vehicle belt.
Follow all instructions on this child restraint and in the
•
written instructions.
Register your child restraint with the manufacturer, Britax
•
Child Safety, Inc.
This child restraint must not be used in the home, in boats,
•
or other non-certified applications.
To prevent injury due to deterioration or hidden damage,
•
discontinue use of a child restraint that is older than six
years or has been in a severe crash. See date of manufacture
located on restraint.
2
Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic
•
Safety Administration recommends that parents select the
back seat as the safest location for a properly installed child
restraint. Please study the Vehicle Safety Belts section in
this booklet to ensure your child’s safety. If in doubt about
installing child restraint, consult your vehicle’s owner’s
manual.
Secure this child restraint even when it is not occupied.
•
In a crash, an unsecured child restraint may injure vehicle
occupants.
When using in a vehicle with air bags, refer to your vehicle‘s
•
owner’s manual for child restraint installation instructions
and precautions.
Never use adjuster strap to lift or carry this child restraint.
•
Doing so could cause damage to harness adjuster and
webbing. Always carry this child restraint by its shell or
tether straps.
The primary protection for occupants of a vehicle in a
•
collision is the body of the vehicle itself; a child restraint
will not protect a child when a vehicle is seriously
impacted. However, correctly installed, a child restraint will
substantially improve chances for survival in most crashes.
Make sure all users fully understand the correct ways to
use this child restraint in a vehicle.
3
Safety Information
Important Notes
Verify child restraint is secure and harness is properly adjusted
•
around child each time child restraint is used.
Adjust harness to fit clothes the child is wearing. Remove
•
bulky coats and/or jackets before putting child in restraint.
Cover restraint when vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Parts
•
of child restraint could become hot enough to burn a child.
Store child restraint in a safe place when it is not being used.
•
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.
Do not leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a short
•
time.
Do not, except as described in this booklet, attempt to
•
disassemble any part of the child restraint or change the way
its harness or vehicle’s restraint belts are used.
Do not leave loose objects, e.g. books, bags, etc., in the back
•
of a vehicle. In the event of a sudden stop, loose objects will
keep moving, potentially causing serious injuries.
Do not leave folding vehicle seats unlatched. In event of a
•
sudden stop, a loose seat back could prevent child restraint
from protecting the child as well as it should.
Do not allow children to play with this or any child restraint.
•
Do not use anything to raise restraint off vehicle seat except
•
as described in these instructions. In a crash, restraint could
slide and may not protect the child as well as it should.
4
Safety Information
Certification
This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This restraint is certified for use
in motor vehicles and aircraft.
Registration
Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You must
register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name,
address, and the restraint’s model number and manufacturing
date to Britax Child Safety, Inc., 13501 South Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273, or call 1-888-4BRITAX, or register online
at www.BritaxUSA.com. For recall information, call the U.S.
Government’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.
WARNING! DO NOT place a child
restraint in the front seat of a vehicle with
a passenger air bag. DEATH or SERIOUS
INJURY can occur. The back seat is the safest
place for children under 12.
5
Safety Information
Standing Heigh
t
Child
We
ight
5 - 35 lbs.
1 Y
ear & 20 lbs.
Up to 40 lbs.
22” - 33”
27” - 40
15
15
Rear
ac
g
Forward
Fa
cing
Seated
Shoulder Heigh
t
For proper fit, your child must fall within the weight, standing height, and
seated shoulder height ranges li sted for this product.
Weight Range
Rear-Facing
Weight 5-35 pounds (2.3-15.9 kg).
Forward-Facing
Weight 20 pounds (and 1 year) - 40 pounds
(9-18 kg.)
Maximum Height
Rear-Facing
The child is too tall when the top of the head is
1 inch from the top of the restraint.
Forward-Facing
Use of the restraint should be discontinued when
any of the following occurs:
The top of the ears are above the top of the
•
restraint
The top harness slots fall below the child’s
•
shoulders
The child exceeds the weight capacity of the
•
restraint
6
Aircraft Installation
This child restraint is certified for aircraft use.
Most airlines in the U.S. and Canada will allow
use of a child restraint if it is labeled as an
approved child restraint for airline use and fits
properly on plane. Contact the airline about
their policy prior to traveling.
The FAA recommends that a child weighing
•
up to 40 pounds use a certified, harnessed
child restraint while traveling on an aircraft.
Install your child restraint in a window seat to
•
avoid blocking the aisle.
If the aircraft lap belt is too short, ask the flight
•
attendant for a belt extender.
Rear-Facing Installation
For rear-facing aircraft installation
(fig. A), follow Rear-Facing Lap-Belt
Installation instructions on pages
16–17.
Forward-Facing Installation
For forward-facing aircraft installation
(fig. B), follow Forward-Facing Lap-Belt
Installation instructions on page 22.
Installation: Aircraft
A
B
7
Features
Cover
1
Headrest Adjustment
2
Knob
LATCH Adjuster
3
LATCH Release Button
4
LATCH Connector
5
Headrest
6
Harness Slots
7
Comfort Pads
8
Infant Body Pillow
9
Chest Clip
10
Harness
11
Harness Buckle
12
Belly Pad
13
Harness Release Button
14
Harness Adjuster Strap
15
Recline Handle
16
8
Forward-Facing Lock-Off
17�
Rear-Facing Lock-Off
18�
Base
19�
Versa-Tether® Adjuster and Hook
20�
(inside pouch)
Belt Guard
21�
Serial Number and Manufacturing
22�
Date (under cover)
IMPORTANT: When not in use, this user
guide should be stored under the cover.
DO NOT discard foam inserts found under
the cover.
Features
9
Vehicle Compatibility
Vehicle Safety Belts
NOTE: The information in this section only applies
to installation with vehicle safety belts.
IMPORTANT: Vehicle seats and safety belts differ
from vehicle to vehicle. Refer to your vehicle’s
owner’s manual for specific information about
vehicle safety belts and their use with child
restraints. Some vehicles have no seating positions
which are compatible with this child restraint or any
other child restraint. If in doubt, contact the vehicle
manufacturer for assistance.
This child restraint can fit securely in most vehicles
using existing vehicle belts. However, some vehicle
designs prevent a secure fit of the child restraint
due to position of the vehicle belt lower anchorage
points.
The owner’s manual for your vehicle will have
information on the types of vehicle belts in your
vehicle. If your belt type is listed below, select
another seating position or use Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH) connectors.
The following types of vehicle belts are not compatible with this child restraint:
Front vehicle belts with top or bottom anchorage points in the door. (Fig. A)
Motor-driven, automatic vehicle belts. (Fig. B)
Lap-shoulder belts that have separate retractors for shoulder section and lap section in which
lap section retractor does not lock.
Non-locking, two-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) vehicle belts.
Lap-shoulder ELR vehicle belts without use of the lock-off.
NOTE: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the kind of retractors
used in your vehicle and how to operate them.
A
B
10
Vehicle Seating Positions
Vehicle Compatibility
WARNING!
with this child restraint. Side-facing or rear-facing seats CANNOT be used. See diagram below.
Forward-facing vehicle seats MUST be used
Vehicle Buckle Position
WARNING!
affect stability of the child restraint. In a crash, an improperly
positioned buckle could become loose and the child would be
unprotected.
The position of vehicle belt buckle can
If buckle lies near position marked as wrong
( ) when vehicle belt is tightened, try fitting
child restraint in another seating position in
vehicle.
If it is not possible to achieve correct position
( ) for buckle, another seating position
MUST be used.
11
Installation: Rear Facing
LATCH Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing LATCH installation.
•
Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors. If
•
LATCH anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt
installation methods.
NOTE: LATCH connectors must be in an upright position
(as shown in figure B) and strap should be tight and not
twisted to ensure proper installation.
If stored, remove LATCH connectors from storage slots
1�
A
under cover (see page 28).
Press and hold first LATCH adjuster button, then pull
2�
LATCH strap to full length. Repeat for remaining
LATCH connector.
Fully recline restraint then place it sideways on vehicle
3�
Release
Button
Top
seat with front facing toward you.
Verify LATCH strap is not twisted, then attach closest
4�
LATCH connector to vehicle seat back to farthest
LATCH anchor from you (fig. C).
B
NOTE: It may be necessary to switch LATCH harness as
shown on page 27 if ANY of the following conditions exist:
LATCH connector is not in an upright position as shown
•
in figure B.
LATCH strap is twisted.
•
A positive click is NOT heard when LATCH connector and
•
LATCH anchor are connected.
NOTE: If a positive click is not heard, but LATCH
•
connector is in an upright position, you should not
switch LATCH harness. The strap may be too tight or
twisted, or there may be debris in LATCH connector.
If a positive connection cannot be made, do not use
LATCH installation; install using vehicle belt method.
Rotate seat into rear-facing position.
5�
Verify LATCH strap is not twisted, then attach remaining LATCH connector to
6�
C
adjacent LATCH anchor (fig. D).
12
Installation: Rear Facing
Push child restraint firmly into vehicle seat while pulling
7�
each LATCH strap tight (fig. E).
Verify all connections are secure and that restraint is
8�
stable. The restraint is secure when it cannot be moved
front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1” (2.5 cm.)
at belt path. If restraint is not secure, repeat procedure,
or use an alternate seating location or vehicle belt
installation method.
Britax recommends use of the Versa-Tether® to improve
•
installation. See pages 23-26.
The back angle of the child restraint should be 30º-45º
•
from vertical (not to exceed 45º from vertical) when car is
parked on a level surface (fig. F).
The proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a
•
rolled towel or pool noodle in crease of vehicle seat to
help level child restraint’s base.
If there is a problem stabilizing restraint, tighten tether as
•
described on page 24 using anchor point 3.
D
E
WARNING!
Do not raise restraint off
front edge of vehicle seat. Doing so will
reduce protection for your child and
may damage recline adjustment.
Removal
Disconnect the Versa-Tether from tether anchor, if
attached. While pushing the restraint firmly into the
F
vehicle seat, press the red release buttons on the LATCH connectors
to release. When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors and
Versa-Tether.
13
Installation: Rear Facing
Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing, lap/shoulder belt
•
installation.
When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in storage
•
slots. (see page 28).
Fully recline restraint then place it rear facing on
1�
vehicle seat.
Lift cover to open rear-facing lock-off farthest from
2�
where vehicle belt will be buckled.
Pull vehicle belt out then pass it through farthest
3�
rear-facing belt slot from where vehicle belt will be
buckled (fig. B).
Vehicle belt can be routed over or under cover.
•
Route vehicle belt across seat, behind buckle strap,
4�
then through second rear-facing belt slot.
Verify vehicle belt is not twisted, then buckle
5�
(fig. C).
Push restraint firmly into seat while removing
6�
slack first from the lap portion of vehicle belt, then
shoulder portion (fig. D).
Lift cover to access lock-off farthest from vehicle
7�
buckle. Position both sections of vehicle belt
through lock-off, tighten belt, close lock-off arm
(fig. E) and replace cover.
Lock-off is properly closed when a click is heard.
•
To prevent breakage, never extend lock-off arm beyond its
•
natural open position and always keep lock-off closed when
not in use.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking
•
retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as long as
ALR is activated. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to
determine type of retractor your vehicle has, and for proper
use of retractor.
A
B
C
14
D
Installation: Rear Facing
Verify all connections are secure and that restraint is
8�
stable. The restraint is secure when it cannot be moved
front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1” (2.5 cm.)
at belt path. If the restraint is not secure, repeat
procedure or use an alternate seating location.
Britax recommends use of the Versa-Tether® to improve
•
installation. See pages 23-26.
The back angle of the child restraint should be 30º-45º
•
from vertical (not to exceed 45º from vertical) when car
is parked on a level surface (fig. F).
The proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a
•
rolled towel or pool noodle in crease of vehicle seat to
help level child restraint’s base.
If there is a problem stabilizing restraint, tighten tether as
•
described on page 24 using anchor point 3.
E
F
WARNING!
Do not raise restraint off front edge of
vehicle seat. Doing so will reduce protection for your child
and may damage recline adjustment.
Removal
Disconnect the Versa-Tether from tether anchor if
attached. While pushing the restraint firmly into the
vehicle seat, release the lock-off and vehicle belt.
15
Installation: Rear Facing
Lap-Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing, lap-belt
•
installation.
When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in
•
storage slots. (See page 28).
WARNING!
Do not install with non-locking (ELR),
2-point vehicle belt.
Fully recline restraint, then place it rear facing on
1�
vehicle seat.
Lift cover and open rear-facing lock-off farthest
2�
from where vehicle belt will be buckled.
Pull vehicle belt out, then pass it through farthest
3�
rear-facing belt slot from where vehicle belt will
be buckled (fig. B).
The vehicle belt can be routed over or under restraint
•
cover.
Route vehicle belt across seat, behind buckle strap,
4�
then through second rear-facing belt slot.
Verify vehicle belt is not twisted, then buckle (fig. C).
5�
Push child restraint firmly into vehicle seat while
6�
removing slack from vehicle belt.
Position vehicle belt through lock-off (fig. D),
7�
tighten belt, close lock-off arm and replace cover.
Lock-off is properly closed when a click is heard.
•
To prevent breakage, never extend lock-off arm beyond
•
its natural open position and always keep lock-off closed
when not in use.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use
•
of lock-offs is not required as long as ALR is activated. Check your vehicle’s
owner’s manual to determine type of retractor your vehicle has, and for proper
use of retractor.
A
B
C
16
Installation: Rear Facing
Verify all connections are secure and that restraint is
8�
stable. The restraint is secure when it cannot be moved
front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at
belt path. If the restraint is not secure, repeat procedure
or use an alternate seating location.
Britax recommends use of the Versa-Tether® to improve
•
installation. See pages 23-26.
The back angle of the child restraint should be 30º-45º
•
from vertical (not to exceed 45º from vertical) when car is
parked on a level surface (fig. E).
The proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a
•
rolled towel or pool noodle in crease of vehicle seat to
help level child restraint’s base.
If there is a problem stabilizing restraint, tighten tether as
•
described on page 24 using anchor point 3.
D
WARNING!
Do not raise restraint
E
off front edge of vehicle seat. Doing so
will reduce protection for your child
and may damage recline adjustment.
Removal
Disconnect the Versa-Tether® from tether anchor if attached.
While pushing the restraint firmly into the vehicle seat,
release the lock-off and vehicle belt.
17
Installation: Forward Facing
LATCH Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing LATCH installation.
•
Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors. If
•
LATCH anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt
installation methods.
NOTE: LATCH connectors must be in an upright position (as
shown in figure B) and strap should be tight and not twisted
to ensure proper installation.
If stored, remove LATCH connectors from storage slots
1�
under cover (see page 28).
Press and hold first LATCH adjuster button, then pull
2�
LATCH strap to full length. Repeat for remaining LATCH
connector.
Place restraint sideways on vehicle seat, with back of
3�
restraint facing toward you.
Restraint can be used in recline position when installed in
•
forward-facing mode with children up to 40 pounds (18 kg.).
Britax recommends use of Versa-Tether® to improve
•
installation. If using Versa-Tether® (see pages 23-26), locate
tether on rear of restraint and place up and over seat back
while securing restraint.
Verify LATCH strap is not twisted, then attach closest
4�
LATCH connector to vehicle seat back to farthest LATCH
anchor from you (fig. C).
NOTE: It may be necessary to switch LATCH harness as
shown on page 27 if ANY of the following conditions exist:
LATCH connector is not in an upright position as
•
shown in figure B.
LATCH strap is twisted.
•
A positive click is NOT heard when LATCH connector
•
and LATCH anchor are connected.
NOTE: If a positive click is not heard, but LATCH connector is in an upright position,
you should not switch LATCH harness. The strap may be too tight or twisted, or
there may be debris in LATCH connector. If a positive connection cannot be
made, do not use LATCH installation; install using vehicle belt method.
A
Release
Button
B
C
Top
18
Installation: Forward Facing
Rotate seat into forward-facing position.
5�
Verify LATCH strap is not twisted, then attach
6�
remaining LATCH connector to adjacent
LATCH anchor (fig. D).
A positive click confirms attachment.
•
Push child restraint into vehicle seat while
7�
pulling each LATCH strap tight (fig. E).
Verify all connections and restraint are
8�
secure. The restraint is secure when it
cannot be moved front- to-back or side-toside more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at belt path. If
restraint is not secure, repeat procedure, or use
an alternate seating location or vehicle belt
installation method.
If using Versa-Tether® complete Versa-
9�
Tether® installation (pages 23-26) and store
excess webbing in tether pouch.
D
E
Removal
Disconnect the Versa-Tether® from tether anchor if attached.
While pushing restraint firmly into vehicle seat, press red release
buttons on LATCH connectors to release. When not in use, always
store LATCH connectors and Versa-Tether.
19
Installation: Forward Facing
Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing lap/
•
shoulder-belt installation.
When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in
•
storage slots.
Place child restraint forward facing on
1�
vehicle seat.
Restraint can be used in recline position when
•
installed in forward-facing mode with children up
to 40 pounds (18 kg.).
Britax recommends use of Versa-Tether® to
•
improve installation. If using Versa-Tether® (see
pages 23-26), locate tether on rear of restraint
and place up and over seat back while securing
restraint.
Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it through
2�
both forward-facing belt slots (Fig. B).
Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, then
3�
buckle (Fig. C).
Rotate the lock-off lever downward to open
4�
(Fig. D).
Only use lock-off farthest from where the vehicle
•
belt is buckled.
Push child restraint into the vehicle seat while
5�
pulling the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt
tightly through the lock-off to remove slack.
A
B
C
20
Installation: Forward Facing
Hold shoulder belt tight, then rotate lock-
7�
off upward until secured (fig. E).
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking
•
retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as
long as ALR is activated. Check your vehicle’s owner’s
manual to determine type of retractor your vehicle
has, and for proper use of retractor.
Verify all connections are secure and restraint
8�
D
is stable. The restraint is secure when it
cannot be moved front-to-back or side-toside more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at belt path. If
restraint is not secure, repeat procedure or
use an alternate seating location.
If using Versa-Tether® complete Versa-Tether
9�
installation (pages 23-26) and store excess
webbing in tether pouch.
®
E
Removal
Disconnect the Versa-Tether® from tether anchor if attached.
While pushing restraint firmly into vehicle seat, release lock-off
and vehicle belt.
21
Installation: Forward Facing
Lap-Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing, lap-belt
•
installation.
When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in
•
storage slots.
WARNING!
non-locking (ELR) two-point vehicle belt.
If using Versa-Tether® (pg. 23-26) locate and place up
•
Do not install with
A
and over seat.
Place child restraint forward facing on vehicle seat.
1�
Restraint can be used in recline position when installed in
•
forward-facing mode with children up to 40 pounds (18 kg.).
Britax recommends use of Versa-Tether® to improve
•
installation.
locate tether on rear of restraint and place up and over
seat back while securing restraint.
Pull vehicle belt out, then pass it through
•
both forward-facing belt slots (fig. A).
Verify vehicle belt is not twisted, then buckle (fig. B).
2�
Push child restraint into vehicle seat while
3�
If using Versa-Tether® (see pages 23-26),
B
removing slack from vehicle belt (fig. C).
Verify all connections are secure and that
4�
restraint is stable. The restraint is secure when
it cannot be moved front to back or side to
side more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at belt path. If
restraint is not secure, repeat procedure or use
an alternate seating location.
If using Versa-Tether
5�
®,
complete Versa-Tether® installation
C
(pages 23-26) and store excess webbing in tether pouch.
Removal
Disconnect the Versa-Tether® from tether anchor if attached. While
pushing restraint firmly into vehicle seat, release lock-off and vehicle belt.
22
Installation: Versa-Tether
Safety Information
WARNING!
When using restraint in forward-facing mode, attach VersaTether® only to tether anchors identified by vehicle manufacturer
as tether-anchorage points. Use of other locations is not approved
or permitted.
If a tether anchorage is not available, DO NOT modify vehicle
without advice from vehicle manufacturer.
DO NOT hook Versa-Tether to bottom of a vehicle seat adjuster!
IMPORTANT:
Britax recommends that tether be used at all times. Using tether will
•
improve the stability of child restraint and reduce risk of injury.
If vehicle does not currently have a tether anchor attachment, refer
•
to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact vehicle manufacturer for
assistance.
The back angle of child restraint should not exceed 45º from vertical
•
when properly installed in rear-facing position.
NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen tether and/or vehicle seat belt before
adjusting recline position. Tether and/or vehicle seat belt must be properly
re-tightened per the instructions in this manual.
®
23
Installation: Versa-Tether
®
Using the Versa-Tether
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for
1�
approved tether-anchorage locations.
Locate the tether on rear of restraint
2�
and place up and over seat back while
securing restraint.
Secure child restraint by a seat-belt or
3�
LATCH system.
Lift lock adjuster, then pull to fully extend
4�
tether strap into a "V" shape.
Locate hook on strap and loosely attach
5�
tether to an approved anchor point.
See figure A for forward-facing installation.
•
See figures B and C for rear-facing
•
installation.
NOTE: Rear-facing installation may also require
use of Tether Connector Strap, as described on
page 25.
Pull Versa-Tether strap to remove all
6�
slack.
Verify there is tension in Versa-Tether
7�
strap and that child restraint is properly
secured. The restraint is secure when it
cannot be moved front-to-back or sideto-side more than 1 inch (2.5 cm.) at
belt path. If restraint is not secure, repeat
procedure or use an alternate seating
location.
Roll up excess webbing and store in tether pouch.
8�
A
B
C
24
Installation: Versa-Tether
NOTE:
The rear-facing recline angle of the child restraint should be 30º-45º
•
from vertical (not to exceed 45º from vertical) when car is parked
on a level surface.
The rear-facing recline angle can be adjusted by placing a rolled
•
towel or pool noodle in the crease of the vehicle seat, and restraint
can be stabilized by tightening tether as shown in figure C, using
anchor point 3.
It may be necessary to loosen tether and vehicle seat belt before
•
adjusting recline position.
Rear-Facing Tether Connector Strap
®
WARNING!
strap for rear-facing tether installation.
Because every vehicle model is different, sometimes
you cannot find a location to properly anchor the
tether, or the structural part of seat is too large
for the hook. Use rear-facing tether connector strap (fig. D) to assist in
creating an anchor point.
Find a fixed vehicle seat belt anchor or vehicle seat leg (that is bolted
1
to the floor) to which the strap can be wrapped around.
If you cannot find an acceptable location to create an anchor point,
2
contact vehicle manufacturer to identify a suitable tether connection
point.
Loop strap around metal anchor.
3
Take metal D-ring and thread it through webbing loop on other end
4
of strap.
Pull metal D-ring all the way through until strap is tight around metal
5
anchor.
Use D-ring as an attachment point for hook on tether strap.
6
Only use tether connector
D
25
Installation: Versa-Tether
®
Energy-Absorbing Tether*
WARNING! The energy-absorbing
tether has been designed to help indicate
when child restraint has been in a severe crash and
replacement of child restraint is necessary.
Figure A shows the tether when child restraint
is acceptable for continued use (provided the
restraint has not been involved in a crash). The
colored stitching will be intact and webbing will
be held under a tether label.
Figures B and C show examples of when child
restraint is unacceptable for continued use. If
tether label is torn, or if one or both of the loops
have pulled through back side of shell and the
colored stitching has ripped, child restraint is
no longer acceptable for use. Discontinue use
of child restraint and contact Britax Consumer
Services for further instruction.
IMPORTANT: Regardless of whether loops have
pulled through the back side of the shell and the
colored stitching has been ripped, discontinue use
of restraint if it has been involved in a moderate
to severe crash.
A
B
C
*Patent Pending
26
Switching the LATCH Harness
The LATCH harness must be switched
for proper alignment in rear facing (Fig.
D) or forward facing (Fig. E) installations.
Complete the following procedure to switch
the connectors.
NOTE: LATCH connectors must be in an upright
position (as shown in figure G) and strap should be
tight and not twisted to ensure proper installation.
1 Pull the LATCH harness and connectors
out of the current belt path OR from the
storage slots (Fig. F).
2 Align the LATCH harness in the
appropriate belt path.
Refer to figure D for rear-facing installation
•
OR figure E for forward-facing installation.
Verify that the harness is not twisted.
•
3 Follow instructions for restraint installation
with LATCH.
Restraint Functions
D
E
Release
Button
Top
F
G
27
Restraint Functions
Storing the LATCH Connectors
When LATCH connectors are not in
use, lift cover to access LATCH storage slots (fig. A). Fold LATCH adjuster
and connector, then slide each set into
the adjacent slot.
NOTE: Restraints are shipped from Britax
with LATCH connectors in the storage slots.
Recline Adjustment
Pull recline handle (fig. B) then slide
restraint shell into desired position.
Release recline handle, then verify the
child restraint has locked into position.
NOTE: Restraint can be in recline position
when installed in forward-facing mode
with children up to 40 pounds (18 kg.).
28
A
B
Infant Body Pillow
The Infant Body Pillow is designed to
provide better fit and comfort for infants
using this restraint. For additional side
support, fold side flaps, as shown below.
(fig. D)
NOTE: Remove Infant Body Pillow after
child can sit comfortably in restraint without
additional support.
Chest Clip
Fastening the Chest Clip
Fasten chest clip by pushing the two
halves together until a positive click
is heard (fig. E).
Releasing the Chest Clip
Squeeze middle tabs together.
1�
Pull the two pieces apart.
2�
Adjusting the Chest Clip
Slide chest clip up or down on harness so it is positioned at the middle
of child’s chest, level with child’s
armpits.
Restraint Functions
D
E
29
Restraint Functions
-
-
-
Harness Buckle
Fastening the Harness Buckle
Hold harness buckle with one hand.
1�
Use other hand to insert one buckle tongue
2�
at a time into harness buckle (fig. A).
Proper connection is confirmed with a positive click
•
after inserting second buckle tongue.
Releasing the Harness Buckle
Brace rear of harness buckle with one
1�
hand.
Use thumb to press release button until
2�
both tongues are ejected from harness
buckle (fig. B).
IMPORTANT: Periodically clean harness buckle to
ensure safe operation (pg. 36).
Harness Height
Place child in restraint then secure harness
1�
(see pages 31-32).
Observe where shoulder harness is
2�
positioned on child.
Rear Facing: Harness straps should be located at
•
or below top of child’s shoulders (fig. C).
Forward Facing: Harness straps should be located
•
at or above top of child’s shoulders (fig. C)
3 If harness height is okay, continue using
child restraint without adjustment. If
harness height requires adjustment, see
“Harness Height Adjustment” (pg. 32).
A
B
C
30
Securing Your Child
Once child restraint has been installed in the
vehicle and adjustments have been made,
follow these instructions to secure child.
Loosen harness by pushing the adjuster
1�
button located in front of the restraint,
then pull the shoulder straps forward (fig.
A).
Release chest clip by squeezing tabs and
2�
sliding pieces apart (fig. B).
Unfasten harness buckle by pressing
3�
release button and sliding tongues out.
Move harness straps to the side of
4�
restraint.
Use harness holder located on straps and side of
•
cover to aid in holding straps.
Place child in restraint.
5�
Position harness straps around child and
6�
fasten harness buckle (fig. C) and chest
clip.
Proper connection of harness buckle is confirmed
•
with a positive click after inserting the second
buckle tongue.
Gently pull up on harness straps to tighten
7�
lap section of harness which should fit
across child’s upper thighs.
Slowly pull adjuster strap to tighten
8�
harness around the child (fig. D).
Position chest clip at middle of child’s
9�
chest, level with child’s armpits (fig. E).
Verify that harness is not twisted and child
10�
is properly secured.
Securing Your Child
A
B
C
31
Securing Your Child
IMPORTANT:
Always pull on harness after securing child
•
to make sure harness buckle and harness
adjuster are secure. If not, harness buckle
or adjuster area may be clogged with food,
drink or other objects that need to be
removed. See pages 34 – 36 for cleaning
instructions.
Adjust the belts provided with this child
•
restraint so they fit snugly around your child.
A snug strap should not allow any slack.
It lies in a relatively straight line without
sagging. It does not press on the child’s flesh
or push the child’s body into an unnatural
position.
Harness Height Adjustment
Loosen harness by pressing adjuster
1�
release button while pulling harness
straps forward as far as possible.
Rotate headrest adjustment knob on
2�
either side of restraint to raise or lower
headrest and harness (fig. F).
NOTE: DO NOT force headrest adjustment
knob in either direction. If the knob is difficult to
turn, headrest may be at maximum or minimum
height.
Before each use, make sure harness is
•
tight.
See “Harness Height” (pg. 30) to determine
•
correct harness height for your child.
D
E
F
32
Care and Maintenance
Cover Removal
WARNING! Do not take apart or attempt
to take apart the harness. It is unnecessary and
dangerous to do so.
Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness.
They cannot be reattached after removal.
Remove infant body pillow.
1�
Loosen harness by pressing adjuster release button while
2�
pulling shoulder straps forward as far as possible.
Unhook shoulder straps from yoke on rear of child
3�
restraint.
Pull upper harness straps through headrest and cover to
4�
front of restraint.
Remove buckle and belly pad (pg. 35).
5�
Gently remove headrest cover. Be careful not to damage
6�
the energy-absorbing foam.
Remove upper portion of cover.
7�
Pull lower harness straps, buckle tongues, and chest clip
8�
through slots in cover.
Remove entire cover from restraint.
9�
Refitting the Cover
To refit the cover, reverse above directions. Make sure that the
shoulder straps are threaded through the chest clips and that
the harness is not twisted.
33
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning the Cover and Pillows
HAND WASH using cold water and mild soap.
•
LINE or LIE-FLAT DRY to prevent cover from shrinking.
•
DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or iron.
•
Cleaning the Shell
SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.
•
TOWEL DRY
•
DO NOT use solvents, abrasive cleaners or disassemble the
•
harness.
Cleaning the Harness
SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.
•
TOWEL DRY
•
DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or disassemble
•
the harness.
Cleaning the Harness Adjuster
Periodically check the adjuster area to be sure it is clean and
free of food, coins, dirt and other objects. If debris is present,
it must be removed to prevent interference with the adjuster
mechanism.
BRUSH AWAY LOOSE DEBRIS using a soft-bristled brush.
•
SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.
•
TOWEL DRY
•
DO NOT use solvents, abrasive cleaners or disassemble the
•
harness.
34
Care and Maintenance
Harness Buckle Removal
Fully recline the child restraint.
1�
Locate the metal-buckle strap
2�
retainer on bottom of the
restraint.
Pull retainer away from child
3�
restraint to loosen.
Turn the retainer so the short side will go through the
4�
slot in restraint shell.
Push the retainer through slots in the shell and cover, to
5�
the top of the restraint.
Rethreading the Harness Buckle
Locate slot in cover and shell for harness buckle.
1�
Turn the buckle retainer so the short side will go through
2�
the slot in the cover and restraint shell.
Pull harness buckle away from restraint until tight, then
3�
verify the strap is not twisted and the release button is
facing outward.
35
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning the Harness Buckle
If a child eats and drinks while in the
restraint, the harness buckle may need to
be periodically checked and cleaned of any
accumulated debris or dried liquids.
REMOVE BUCKLE as described on
•
page 35.
THOROUGHLY RINSE using warm
•
water.
TEST THE HARNESS BUCKLE by
•
fastening and unfastening until a
positive click is heard after inserting
the second buckle tongue. If click is
not heard, repeat cleaning procedure.
TOWEL DRY
•
DO NOT lubricate, use solvents,
•
abrasive cleaners, soap or other
household detergents.
36
Warranty
This child restraint was manufactured by Britax Child Safety, Inc. (Britax®). Britax
warrants this product to the original retail purchaser as follows:
LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
This product is warranted against defective materials or workmanship for one
year from the date of original purchase. Proof of purchase is required. The
exclusive remedy for this warranty is that Britax will, at its option, provide repair
or replacement components for this product or refund the original purchase price
of the product. Britax reserves the right to discontinue or change fabrics, parts,
models or products, or to make substitutions.
To make a claim under this warranty, contact Britax Consumer Services at
1-888-427-4829 or write to us using the address on the back cover of this booklet.
Proof of purchase is required.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL THE OWNER REGISTRATION CARD WITHIN (30)
DAYS OF PURCHASE.
WARRANTY LIMITATIONS
This warranty does not include damages which arise from negligence, misuse or use
not in accordance with the product instruction.
The use of non-Britax covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is
not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this restraint to fail Federal Safety
Standards or perform worse in a crash. Their use automatically voids the Britax
warranty.
LIMITATION OF DAMAGES
The warranty and remedies as set forth above are exclusive and in lieu of all others,
oral or written, express or implied. In no event will Britax, or the retailer selling this
product, be liable for any damages, including incidental or consequential damages,
arising out of the use or inability to use this product.
LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTIES AND OTHER WARRANTY TERMS AND
STATE LAWS
Any implied warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose, shall be limited to the duration and terms of the express
written warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the above limitations may not apply. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. Neither
Britax, nor the retailer selling this product, authorizes any person to create for it any
other warranty, obligation, or liability in connection with this product.
37
Notes
38
Notes
39
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