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®
™
Instruction
Manual
Para instrucciones en Español,
llamar al: 1-800-837-4044
www.centuryproducts.com
PM-1458AB 6/01
Avoid injury or death -
Read and understand this manual!
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Information.....................................1
Warnings.........................................................2
Basic Information.............................................4
Vehicle Seat Belts........................................... 14
• Locking Clip........................................ 19
Additional Information ...................................20
• Installation of Anchor Hardware . .
• Tether Storage
• Care and Cleaning
• Aircraft Use
• Second Hand Car Seat
Instruction manual is for:
• Ovation 5-Point Infant/Toddler Car Seat
• Ovation Overhead Infant/Toddler Car Seat
• Encore 5-Point Infant/Toddler Car Seat
• Encore Overhead Infant/Toddler Car Seat
Instructions for these models are the same unless
otherwise noted.
❃
Before You Begin
❃
Use
❃
Special Information
Height & Weight Limits...................................5
Rear-facing Installation....................................6
Forward-facing Installation..............................7
Placing Child in Car Seat.................................8
Operations and Adjustments......................... 10
• Harness Straps
• Harness Tie
• Overhead Shield Adjustment
• Buckle
Page 3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
No car seat can guarantee protection from
injury in every situation, but proper use helps
reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
Child restraints (car seats) could be recalled for
safety reasons. You must register this restraint
to be reached in a recall. Fill out the
registration card attached to car seat and mail
today or send your name, address, and the
restraint’s model number and manufacturing
date to:
Century Products
P.O. Box 551
Elverson, PA 19520-9973
or call 1-888-224-6549
For recall information:
• Call the U.S Government’s Auto Safety
Hotline at 1-800-424-9393
(202-366-0123 in D.C. area)
• www.nhtsa.dot.gov
• Call Century Products at 1-800-837-4044
✔ Read and understand instruction manual
and car seat labels.
✔ Infants less than 20 lbs. (9.1 kg) must use
car seat rear-facing.
✔ Do not use car seat rear-facing in vehicle seat
with air bag.
✔ Secure children in back seat whenever
possible.
✔ Never leave child unattended.
✔ Install car seat securely.
✔ Do not use after date shown on back of
car seat.
✔ Do not allow anyone (babysitter, relatives,
etc.) to use car seat without first
understanding all instructions.
1
❃
Registration Information
❃
Safety First Check List
Page 4
WARNINGS - Prevent serious injur y or death:
DO NOT use rear-facing child
restraint in a vehicle seating
position equipped with an air bag.
Child’s head and neck may be
seriously injured when an inflating
air bag hits back of child restraint.
Never put a car seat in a front
vehicle seat unless recommended by
vehicle owner’s manual. National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) alerts
vehicle owners that according to
accident statistics, children up to
age 12 are safer in the back seat.
For vehicles with air bags, refer to
vehicle owner’s manual for child
restraint installation information.
If car seat is in a crash, it must be
replaced. DO NOT use it again! A
crash can cause unseen damage and
using it again could result in serious
injury or death.
Failure to follow these instructions
and car seat labels can result in child
striking the vehicle’s interior during
a sudden stop or accident. Secure
child restraint with a vehicle seat
belt as shown in this manual.
Infants less than 20 lbs. (9.1 kg)
must use this car seat rear-facing.
Serious crippling injury or death can
result if infant faces front of vehicle.
Vehicle seat belt system MUST hold
car seat securely. Not all vehicle seat
belts can be used with a car seat. If
vehicle seat belt does not hold car
seat securely, read “Vehicle Seat
Belts” section.
2
Page 5
3
DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged
or has missing parts.
DO NOT use accessories or parts
other than those provided by
Century or Graco. Their use could
alter the performance of the
car seat.
Rear-facing car seat must be
properly leveled:
• Too reclined can result in injury
or ejection.
• Too upright can result in
breathing difficulties.
Never leave child unattended, even
when sleeping. Child may become
tangled in harness straps and
suffocate.
WARNINGS - Prevent serious injur y or death (continued):
Page 6
BASIC INFORMATION
This car seat meets or exceeds all applicable
requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 for use in motor vehicles and
aircraft.
Always secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt,
even when unoccupied. An unsecured car seat
can injure passengers.
Protect vehicle seat. Use a car seat mat, towel
or thin blanket under and behind car seat.
Car seat parts can get very hot in the sun or
warm weather.
To avoid burns, always check before putting
child in car seat.
4
Do not use car seat on rear-facing or
side-facing vehicle seats.
❃
Certification
❃
Unoccupied Car Seat
DO NOT use after date shown on back of
car seat due to changing requirements and
normal wear and tear.
Look for:
Do not use this car
seat after December
Year
❃
Car Seat Useful Life
❃
Dangerous Vehicle Seats
❃
Vehicle Seat Protection
❃
Warm Weather
Page 7
Rear-facing: Birth to 30 lbs. (13.6 kg)
• Infants from birth to 20 lbs. (9.1 kg) MUST
be rear-facing.
• Infants or toddlers 20 to 30 lbs. (9.1 to
13.6 kg) may be rear-facing.
HEIGHT & WEIGHT LIMITS
A preterm infant or low birth weight infant may
be at special risk in a vehicle or aircraft.
According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics, these infants may suffer breathing
difficulties if improperly reclined in a car seat.
Century advises that you have your physician or
hospital staff evaluate your infant and
recommend the proper car seat or car bed
before you and your infant leave the hospital.
5
❃
Preterm or Low Birth Weight
Infants
Forward-facing
Forward-facing: 20 to 40 lbs. (9.1 to 18.1 kg)
• Toddlers 20 to 30 lbs. (9.1 to 13.6 kg) who
are capable of sitting upright unassisted
may be forward-facing
*
. If unable to sit
unassisted, use rear-facing.
• Toddlers 30 to 40 lbs. (13.6 to 18.1 kg)
and up to 40 inches (101.6 cm) tall MUST
be forward-facing.
❃
Outgrowing Car Seat
Rear-facing
40 lbs.
(18.1 kg)
Birth
30 lbs.
(13.6 kg)
20 lbs.
(9.1 kg)
To avoid injuries from whiplash, top of
child’s ears must be below top edge of
car seat.
WARNING
IMPORTANT: The Ovation/Encore car seat has
been certified for use rear-facing with children
up to 30 lbs. (13.6 kg). However, some
children approaching 30 lbs. (13.6 kg) may be
too tall to fit comfortably rear-facing. When
child can no longer comfortably fit and knees
remain bent, child should use car seat
forward-facing only if child is over 20 lbs.
(9.1 kg) and can sit upright unassisted *.
*
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
that children should be at least one year of age
before being positioned forward facing.
Page 8
Adjust car seat to recline position and place
rear-facing on vehicle seat. DO NOT use
any other position when using rear-facing.
Thread vehicle seat belt through openings and
buckle belt.
Press down firmly in center of car seat to
compress vehicle seat cushion while tightening
vehicle seat belt (fig. a).
Pull front to back and left to right to check for
secure installation (fig. b). Vehicle lap belt
MUST stay tight.
If not secure, see “Vehicle Seat Belts” section.
Check level indicator on car seat.
Ball MUST be entirely in green zone (fig. c). If
necessary place rolled towels under front of
car seat at vehicle seat crease.
NOTE: Vehicle must be on level
ground and child in car seat
when using level indicator.
REAR-FACING INSTALLATION
1
3
4
5
2
6
(fig. a) (fig. b) (fig. c)
Openings
Towels
Page 9
Adjust car seat to upright or semi-upright position
and place forward-facing on vehicle seat.
Lift seat pad flap and panel.
Thread vehicle seat belt through openings, behind
panel and buckle belt (fig. a).
Press down firmly in center of car seat to compress
vehicle seat cushion while tightening vehicle seat
belt.
HINT: Use your knee to press down in center of
car seat (fig. b).
Pull front to back and left to right to check for
secure installation (fig. c). Vehicle lap belt
MUST stay tight.
If not secure, see “Vehicle Seat Belts” section.
Attach tether strap clip (A) to anchor hardware (B)
and tighten strap to remove any slack (fig. d).
If tether anchor is not available, see “Installation of
Anchor Hardware“ section.
FORWARD-FACING INSTALLATION
1
2
3
4
7
5
(fig. a) (fig. b) (fig. c)
Openings
(fig. d)
(B)
(A)
Pull to
tighten
Page 10
Place child in car seat with child’s back flat
against back of car seat.
Place harness straps over child’s shoulders and
insert tongue (s) into buckle.
Pull up on tongue (s) to be sure it is locked.
Close harness tie:
Position harness tie at arm pit level.
Adjust harness straps to be snug with just
enough room to insert one finger between
child’s chest and harness straps (fig. a).
For 5-Point models, check that harness straps
on chest and thighs are snug.
A rolled towel can be used on each side to
support small children (fig. b). Be sure towels
do not interfere with harness system.
To prevent serious injury or death:
• Keep harness straps snug and
positioned on shoulders.
• Do not use strap covers, blankets,
cushions, or padding under harness
straps or child.
• Child must be dressed in clothing with
arms and legs that will not interfere
with buckling harness.
1
2
3
4
5
8
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT
WARNING
Check harness system:
• Rear-facing - Harness straps must be
through bottom or middle slots at or just
below shoulders.
• Forward-facing - Harness straps must be
through top slots.
Overhead Shield Models Only:
• Harness tongue must be in opening
closest to but not under child.
Page 11
9
2
3
3
5-Point
Models
Overhead
Shield
Models
(fig. a)
2
(fig. b)
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT (continued)
Page 12
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS
10
Buckle:
5-Point Models
• To buckle: Insert both tongues into
buckle. Pull up on tongues to be sure
they are locked.
• To unbuckle: Press red button and pull
tongues out of buckle.
Overhead Shield Models
• To buckle: Push tongue into opening.
Pull up on tongue to be sure it is locked.
• To unbuckle: Press red button, remove
tongue and lift shield over top of car seat.
Car Seat Angle:
Recline - Rear-facing only
Semi-upright - Forward-facing only
Upright - Forward-facing only
To adjust: Pull recline handle out and rotate
car seat to desired position, then release
handle (fig. d).
Harness Straps (fig. a):
• To tighten: Pull lower belt tab.
• To loosen: Pull and hold upper belt tab
while pulling harness straps.
Harness Tie (fig. b):
• To open: Press tab and pull apart.
• To close: Snap halves together. Make
sure harness tie is locked by pulling out
on each half.
Overhead Shield Adjustment (fig. c):
• To adjust shield: Push in both buttons
and rotate shield to desired position
closest to child.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT use position
three (3) with rear-facing children.
NOTE: Shield does not need to contact
child when in closest position; harness
system restrains child.
1
2
4
5
3
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11
5-Point
Models
(fig. a)
(fig. c)
Overhead
Shield
Models
(fig. d)
1
2
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Upper
Lower
(fig. b)
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
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12
Changing Harness Strap Slots:
Rear-facing - MUST use bottom or middle
harness slots which are at or just below
shoulders.
Forward-facing - MUST use top slots.
A Loosen harness straps:
Pull and hold upper belt tab.
Pull harness straps.
B Remove both harness strap loops from
Splitter Plate on back of car seat.
C Change harness strap slots.
Make sure harness straps are threaded
through matching slot of seat pad and
car seat.
It may be necessary to remove seat pad
from top of car seat.
D Re-attach harness strap loops to Splitter
Plate:
5-Point Models (fig. e):
• For Infants or Small Toddlers:
Put top right strap loop on Splitter
Plate first, then attach top left strap
loop.
NOTE: Make sure ends of straps are
behind Splitter Plate.
• For Toddlers:
Put bottom right strap loop on Splitter
Plate first, then attach bottom left strap
loop.
Overhead Shield Models (fig. f):
Put right strap loop on Splitter Plate
first, then attach left strap loop.
NOTE: Make sure straps are NOT twisted.
7
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
Page 15
13
5-Point
Models
Overhead
Shield
Models
(fig. e)
(fig. f)
Bottom
Loop
Loop
Splitter Plate
Top
Loop
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
Page 16
14
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS
To provide the most secure installation of the
car seat:
• Read the vehicle owner’s manual regarding
car seat installation and seat belt use with
car seat.
• Follow all instruction labels on vehicle seat
belt and car seat.
If car seat is not held securely after following
instructions in this manual, vehicle seat belt
labels, and vehicle owner’s manual:
• Move car seat to another seating location
and try again, or
• Contact vehicle dealer for possible seat
belt modification parts.
Not all vehicle seat belts can be used
with a car seat. The car seat must be
held securely at all times by a lap belt
(or lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder
belt) that will not change length while
driving.
WARNING
Page 17
15
Vehicle seat belts located forward of seat
crease may not securely hold car seat. Check
vehicle owner’s manual or see vehicle dealer for
car seat installation requirements.
• If approved for use with car seat, install
car seat and check for secure installation by
pulling car seat front to back. If car seat
slides forward, DO NOT use these seat belts.
Seat Crease
Seat Crease
❃
Belts Forward of Seat Crease
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 18
16
Lap belts with retractors may or may not hold
a car seat securely.
Follow these steps to determine if you have a
retractor system that will hold car seat securely:
a. Pull belt all the way out.
b. Allow belt to retract about 6 inches (15 cm).
c. Pull out on belt again.
If belt is locked and you cannot pull the belt out
any further, you have an Automatic Locking
Retractor which may be used with a car seat.
Remember, when installing a car seat, pull belt all
the way out, buckle belt, and then tighten.
If you can pull the belt out again (step c), you
have an Emergency Locking Retractor which
must not be used with a car seat.
The locking latch plate on some seat belts may
slip and loosen after being buckled on car seat if
positioned at a certain angle. If this happens,
flip latch plate over (fig. a) and re-buckle. Test
installation again to see if this works. If not,
move car seat to another seating position.
(fig. a)
Retractor
❃
Lap Belts - Manually Adjustable
❃
Lap Belts - With Retractor
Flip
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 19
17
DO NOT use with any car seat.
❃
Passive Restraint - Lap Belt
with Motorized Shoulder Belt
DO NOT use with any car seat. Belts will not
stay tight while driving.
❃
Passive Restraint- Lap or
Shoulder Belt Mounted on Door
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 20
18
Pull on latch plate (fig. a). If belt slides freely
through latch plate, a locking clip MUST
be used (see Locking Clip section).
Some combination lap/shoulder belts with
sliding latch plates may be converted into an
“automatic locking mode” that will allow use
without a locking clip. See vehicle owner’s
manual and label on vehicle belts for
instructions.
(fig. a)
❃
Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt
with Sliding Latch Plate
(fig. b)
❃
Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt
with Locking Latch Plate
The locking latch plate on some seat belts may
slip and loosen after being buckled on car seat if
positioned at a certain angle. If this happens,
flip the latch plate over (fig. b) and re-buckle.
Test installation again to see if this works. If
not, move car seat to another seating position.
Pull
Flip
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 21
19
Test installation to see if car seat is secure.
If not secure, additional belt tightening may be
required.
• Unbuckle vehicle seat belt.
• Hold belts together and remove locking
clip.
• Shorten length of lap belt portion slightly
by pulling belt through latch plate.
• Re-attach locking clip.
• Buckle vehicle seat belt.
HINT: Press car seat further down into vehicle
seat cushion to help buckle vehicle seat belt.
Test installation to see if car seat is secure. If
not secure, repeat above steps until secure.
You MUST use locking clip provided with
car seat with a vehicle seat belt that slides
freely through the latch plate or the lap belt
cannot be tightly secured.
Install car seat and tighten vehicle seat belt.
Hold seat belts together at latch plate (fig. a)
then unbuckle.
Slide locking clip on seat belts approximately
1/2 inch (1 cm) away from latch plate.
Re-buckle seat belt.
1
2
3
4
1/2 inch (1 cm)
Avoid serious injury or death:
• Failure to use locking clip where
required will result in car seat not
being securely held in place.
• Remove locking clip from seat belts
when not being used with car seat.
• DO NOT use locking clip as a vehicle
seat belt shortener.
WARNING
5
❃
Locking Clip
(fig. a)
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 22
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
20
Vehicle may already be equipped with a tether
anchor (top strap anchor). See vehicle owner’s
manual for location.
If vehicle does not have a tether anchor, one
must be installed:
• Contact vehicle dealership for proper
anchor location and installation.
• Before installing anchor, install car seat on
a vehicle seat and check that the lap belt
portion of the vehicle belt will hold car seat
securely. If not, move car seat to another
seating position.
If tether anchor hardware kit is not available at
your vehicle dealership, one may be purchased
at a local retailer or call Century at
1-800-837-4044.
❃
Installation of Anchor Hardware
Avoid serious injury or death:
• Be sure anchor hole is properly sealed
to prevent exhaust fumes and water
from entering the vehicle.
• If you wish to remove anchor once child
outgrows car seat, make sure hole is
properly plugged or sealed to prevent
exhaust fumes from entering the
vehicle.
WARNING
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21
DO NOT anchor tether strap to the vehicle
when using car seat rear-facing.
Tether hook must be stored on car seat for
rear-facing use.
For storage of tether hook:
• Lift seat pad from top of car seat.
• Attach tether hook to back of car seat
using one of the locations shown.
• Pull loose end of strap to remove any
slack.
• Roll loose end of strap up and secure
with a rubber band.
• Re-attach seat pad.
❃
Tether Storage
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
Edge of Car Seat Back
Tether Hook
Tether Hook Storage
See Instructions
Back of Car Seat
Tether Hook
Page 24
Removing Seat Pads:
Loosen seat pad from car seat.
Unhook harness straps from splitter plate.
Pull harness straps out of harness slots.
Unhook harness tie and remove from harness
straps.
Press red button to release tongues.
For 5-Point harness system: pull seat pad up
over harness straps leaving harness straps in
car seat.
For Overhead harness system: pull seat pad off.
Removing Shield Pad:
Pull retainer clips out of shield.
Pull pad away from shield.
Pull shield pad over tongue and straps.
Reverse above steps for replacing pads.
22
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
❃
Care & Cleaning
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
7
Page 25
23
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION continued
Seat Pad and Overhead Shield Pad:
Machine-wash separately on gentle cycle and
drip dry.
Harness Straps:
Surface wash only with mild soap and damp
cloth.
If harness straps are frayed or heavily soiled,
they MUST be replaced.
Shell:
Wipe with mild solution of soap and water.
Avoid wetting labels.
Never use “household detergents”: they can
weaken plastic.
Buckle:
Rinse buckle with warm water. DO NOT use
household detergents. Never lubricate
buckle.
Prevent serious injury or death:
• Buckle must be properly latched.
• Periodically inspect and clean buckle
to remove objects or debris that could
prevent latching.
WARNING
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24
Century advises against loaning or passing
along car seat.
This car seat is certified for use on aircraft (see
label on car seat). Contact airline about their
policy.
Use this car seat only on forward-facing aircraft
seats.
Install car seat on an aircraft the same way it is
installed in a vehicle. DO NOT use tether strap.
❃
Aircraft Use
❃
Second Hand Car Seat
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION continued
Page 27
Page 28
Store instruction manual
behind these tabs.
Store Locking Clip under
instruction manual (fig. a).
(fig. a)
If a part is damaged,
missing, or you need help
or replacement parts,
DO NOT return car seat
to the store.
CALL US FIRST
Call toll-free 1-800-837-4044
from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada
or fax at 1-610-286-4555.
or write us at:
Century Products
P.O.Box 100
Elverson, PA 19520-9974
Attention: Customer Service
Department
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