Graco 4EVER User Manual

Download

PD276106E 4/14

www.gracobaby.com

Do not install or use this

child restraint until you

read and understand

the instructions in this

manual.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY

USE THIS

CHILD RESTRAINT

INCREASES THE

RISK OF SERIOUS

INJURY OR DEATH IN

A SUDDEN STOP OR

CRASH.

Important Pages 6-16

1-A Safe Use Checklist 1-B Before You Begin Register This Car Seat

If You Need Help Certification Car Seat’s Useful Life Vehicle Seat Protection Warm Weather Use

1-C Safety Warnings 1-D Right Mode of Use

Features Pages 17-23

2-A Car Seat Features

Rear-Facing Use Pages 24-38

3-A Rear-Facing Checklist 3-B Prepare to Install LATCH Rear-Facing

Rear-Facing Continued

3-C Installing With LATCH Straps 3-D Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

Forward-Facing Use Pages 39-53

4-A Forward-Facing Checklist 4-B Prepare to Install LATCH Forward-Facing 4-C Installing Using the LATCH Strap 4-D Installing Using the Vehicle Seat Belts

Belt-Positioning Booster Use Pages 54-68

5-A Booster Seat Checklist 5-B Prepare for Backed Booster Use 5-C Install Backed Booster 5-D Prepare Backless Booster Use 5-E Install Backless Booster

Securing Child Pages 69-81

6-A Securing Child 5-Point Harness 6-B Securing Child Backed Booster 6-C Securing Child Backless Booster 6-D Securing With Belt-Positioning Clip

Care & Cleaning Pages 82-86

7-A Cleaning Seat Pad 7-B Cleaning Crotch Buckle 7-C Cleaning Harness and LATCH Straps 7-D Accessories

Additional Information Pages 87-99

8-A Choosing Vehicle Seat Location 8-B Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations 8-C What is LATCH?

Additional Information Continued

8-D Choosing LATCH or Seat Belts 8-E How to Remove LATCH and Tether 8-F Vehicle Seat Belts

1-A Welcome to the Graco Family!

Your child’s safety depends on you. No car seat can guarantee protection from injury in every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

Even if this car seat seems easy to figure out on your own, you must follow the detailed instructions in this instruction manual to ensure the steps below are performed correctly.

SAFE USE CHECKLIST

Choose the correct mode of use for your child, depending on their weight.

• Rear-Facing: 4-40 lbs. (1.8-18 kg)

• Forward-Facing: 20-65 (9-30 kg) 49 in. (125 cm) or less

• Booster Use: With back: 30-100 lbs. (14-45 kg) 38-57 in. (96-145 cm) Without back: 40-120 lbs. (18.1-54 kg) 40-57 in. (101-145 cm)

• Children less than 20 lbs (9 kg) MUST use this car seat rear-facing.

For More Information…

Review section 1-D.

SAFE USE CHECKLIST

For More Information…

Choose a suitable location for this car seat in your vehicle.

• Never place a child rear-facing in a seating position with an active frontal airbag.

• You MUST use a lap and shoulder vehicle seat belt when using as a booster seat.

Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle.

• Car seat should not move at the belt path more side, front to back when installed rear facing or forward-facing.

• Use the top tether strap when using forward-facing.

than 1 in. (2.5 cm) from side to

Review section 8-A.

Review sections: Rear-Facing 3-C or 3-D. Forward-Facing 4-C or 4-D. Booster 5-C or 5-D

Important

SAFE USE CHECKLIST

Secure your child tightly in this car seat

• Rear-Facing: Harness strap height MUST be at or just below top of child’s shoulders. Top of head must be 1 in. below the headrest adjustment lever.

• Forward-Facing: Harness strap height MUST be at or just above top of child’s shoulders. Top of child’s ears below top of headrest.

• Harness strap snug enough you cannot pinch the strap.

• Chest clip at armpit level.

• Booster Use: shoulder belt should lie between child’s neck and edge of shoulder and the lap belt should lay low on the child’s hips.

For More Information…

Review section 6.

1-B Before You Begin

Please fill out the prepaid registration postcard attached to the harness and mail it in today or register online at www.gracobaby.com/ carseatregistration.

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:

Graco Children’s Products, Inc.

Attn: Customer Service

3 Glenlake Parkway Atlanta, GA 30328

or call 1-800-345-4109

or register online at

www.gracobaby.com/carseatregistration

For recall information, call the U.S. Government’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888327-4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153), or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.

Important

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For future reference or if you change addresses, record the model name, model number, date of manufacture and purchase date of this car seat on the below. You can find this information either on the registration card if you still have it or on the date label located on the back of the car seat.

Model Name _________________________ Model Number _______________________ Date of Manufacture __________________ Date of Purchase _____________________

If You Need Help

In the U.S.A, please contact our Customer Service Department with any questions you may have concerning parts, use, or maintenance. When you contact us, please have your product’s model number and date of manufacture ready so that we may help you efficiently. These numbers can be found on a sticker on the back side of your car seat.

For additional resources or to get your car seat checked by a child passenger safety technician, please visit the following web sites:

www.nhtsa.gov • www.seatcheck.org • www.safekids.org • www.cpsc.gov

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Certification

This child restraint meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 for use in motor vehicles.

This child restraint is certified for use in aircraft only when used with the internal harness system.

This child restraint is NOT certified for use in aircraft when used as a booster seat because aircrafts do not have shoulder belts.

Contact the airline for their specific polices.

Car Seat’s Useful Life

STOP using this car seat and throw it away 10 years after the date of manufacture. Look for this sticker on back of the car seat.

Graco Children’s Products Inc. advises against loaning or passing along a car seat unless you know the complete history of the product. We also advise against purchasing a car seat second hand.

Important

Vehicle Seat Protection

Protect vehicle seat. Use a car seat mat, towel, or thin blanket under and behind car seat.

Warm Weather Use

Car seat parts can get very hot in the sun or warm weather. To avoid burns, always check before putting child in car seat.

1-C Safety Warnings

No car seat can guarantee protection from injury in every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of serious injury or death. READ THIS MANUAL

CAREFULLY.

Failure to follow these instructions and child restraint’s labels can result in child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden stop or crash.

! NEVER PLACE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT REAR-FACING

IN A VEHICLE SEATING LOCATION THAT HAS AN ACTIVE FRONT AIR BAG.

If an air bag inflates, it can hit the child and car seat with great force and cause serious injury or death to your child.

! Review your vehicle owner’s manual for more information

about air bags and car seat use.

! If your vehicle does not have a back seat, review your

vehicle owner’s manual.

! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children be rear-facing until age 2 or until they reach the maximum rear-facing height and weight rating for their seat.

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Important

! Choose the correct mode of use for the car seat depending

on your child’s size. Infants less than 20 lbs. (9 kg) MUST use this car seat rear-facing.

! Select a suitable location for the car seat in your vehicle. ! Secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt or LATCH that is

properly routed as shown in this manual.

! 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 8-F and your vehicle owner’s manual.

! Always secure car seat with LATCH or a vehicle seat belt,

even when unoccupied. In a crash, an unsecured car seat can injure passengers.

! 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.

! DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged or missing parts.

! DO NOT use accessories or parts other than those provided

by Graco. Their use could alter the performance of the car seat.

! DO NOT remove LATCH system from car seat. If using vehicle

seat belt to secure car seat, LATCH connectors must be stored.

! Never leave child unattended, even when sleeping. Child

may become tangled in harness straps and suffocate or strangle.

! Rear-facing car seat must be properly leveled:

• Too reclined can result in injury or ejection.

• Too upright can result in breathing difficulties.

! Never attach two LATCH connectors to one

vehicle lower anchor point unless specifically allowed by the vehicle manufacturer.

! Do not use both the vehicle belt and LATCH belts

at the same time when using the car seat rear or forward facing.

Important

1-D Right Mode of Use

4 lbs (1.8 kg)

Important

Rear-Facing with 5-Point Harness

4-20 lbs (1.8-9 kg) less than 1 year old MUST be rear-facing. 20-40 lbs (9-18 kg) CAN be rear-fcing.

Note: Preterm or low birth weight infants may be at special risk in a vehicle or aircraft. According to the AAP, these infants may suffer breathing issues if improperly reclined in a car seat. When rear-facing, use the corrected age for preemies. Graco 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.

30 lbs

20 lbs

(14 kg)

(9 kg)

Forward-Facing with 5-Point Harness

20-40 lbs (9-18 kg) can sit upright unassisted CAN be forward-facing. 40-65 lbs (18-30 kg) SHOULD be forward-facing.

Booster Mode with Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

30-65 lbs (14-30 kg) CAN be in backed booster mode. 40-65 lbs (18.1-30 kg) CAN be in backless booster mode. Over 65 lbs (30 kg) MUST be in booster mode.

40 lbs (18 kg)

65 lbs (30 kg)

120 lbs

(54 kg)

2-A Install Cup Holders

Cup Holders

To attach the cup holders, match the right cup holder to the right side of the seat and the left to the left. Align the tab on the cup holder with the slot in the seat and slide down. You will

hear a “Click” when they are secured in place.

Cup Holders

Installing

2-B Car Seat Features

A B

D C

E H

Features

A Headrest/Harness Adjustment Lever

B Headrest C Booster Shoulder Belt

Guide D Headrest Infant Pillow E Infant Body Pillow F Harness Covers G Harness Straps

H Chest Clip I Buckle

J Harness Release Lever (under flap)

K Harness Adjustment Strap L Recline Handle M Seat Base N Cup Holder

Features

E C H

A Level Indicator B Top Tether Strap C LATCH Strap

D Forward-Facing Belt Path E Booster Lap Belt Path F Recline Position Indicator G Rear-Facing Belt Path

H Rear-Facing LATCH Strap Storage (under seat)

Features

A Top Tether Strap Storage B Forward-Facing LATCH

Strap Storage C Instruction Manual Storage

Features

3-A Rear-Facing

LATCH Strap

Vehicle Seat Lap/Shoulder Belt

Rear

Facing

Rear-Facing: 4-40 lbs (1.8-18 kg)

• Place car seat rear-facing in the vehicle back seat.

• Make sure LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt is routed through the rearfacing belt path marked with a blue label.

• Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle. Car seat should not move at the rear-facing belt path more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) from side to side, front to back.

• Check recline level making sure the bubble is within the blue area.

• Harness straps need to be even with or just below the top of child’s shoulders and chest clip is

at armpit level.

• Infants who weigh less than 20 lbs (9 kg) MUST be rear- facing.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and NHTSA recommend that children be rearfacing until the age of 2 or until they reach the maximum rearfacing height and weight. This car seat can remain rear-facing up to 40 lbs.

NEVER place this child restraint rearfacing in a vehicle seating location that has an active front air bag.

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

Facing

Rear

Facing

3-B Prepare to Install LATCH Rear-Facing

1. Remove LATCH Strap from Storage Location

Push in on the red buttons on the LATCH connectors and remove from storage position.

2. Recline the Car Seat

Place the car seat in 1st, 2nd or 3rd recline position.

Make Sure LATCH Strap is

in the Rear-Facing Belt Path Marked With a Blue Label

If correct, skip to section 3-C. Continue to next step if it is not.

To Move LATCH Strap to Rear-Facing Belt Path

Loosen Harness Straps

Lift up on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip.

Facing

Rear

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Rear

Facing

5. Raise Headrest

Squeeze the red handle and lift headrest up.

6. Unsnap Pad and Expose Seat Pan

Undo the 2 snaps and pull bottom of seat pad to expose the plastic shell.

Pull LATCH Connectors Out

of Forward-Facing Belt Path

Slide Entire LATCH Strap

Along Bar to the Front of the Seat

Push Each Connector Into

the Rear-Facing Belt Path in Front of Crotch Belt

Facing

Rear

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Rear

Facing

10. Replace Seat Pad

Move headrest back to its proper position for your child.

3-C Installing With LATCH Straps

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for LATCH location and use.

1. Store Top Tether Strap

Attach tether hook to the plastic bar on either side of the car seat.

2. Extend the LATCH Strap.

For easier installation, extend the LATCH strap to its maximum length by pressing the grey button and pulling on the strap.

Facing

Rear

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REAR-FACING

ORIENTADO HACIA ATRÁS

Rear

Facing

3. Place Car Seat Rear-Facing in Back Seat of the Vehicle

Place rear-facing in vehicle seat and center the car seat between the lower LATCH anchors. The base should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat.

4. Check the Level Indicator

Check the level indicator on the car seat. The bubble must be completely within the blue zone.

Adjust the recline until the bubble is completely within the blue zone.

5. Attach LATCH Connectors to Vehicle’s Lower LATCH

Anchors.

LATCH strap should lie flat and not be twisted.

6. Tighten the LATCH Strap

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat while tightening the LATCH strap. You may need to tighten through the slit in the pad at the belt path as shown.

Facing

Rear

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REAR-FACING

ORIENTADO HACIA ATRÁS

Rear

Facing

7. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the LATCH strap is and slide the car seat side-to-side and frontto-back.

If the seat moves less than 1 in. (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

8. Check the Level Indicator

Check the level indicator on the car seat. The bubble must be completely within the blue zone. Readjust if needed.

9. To Remove LATCH Strap From Vehicle

Push in on the red buttons on the LATCH connects and pull them off the anchor bars.

3-D

Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store Top Tether and LATCH Strap

Attach tether hook and LATCH connectors to the plastic bars as shown.

2. Recline the Car Seat

Place the car seat in 1st, 2nd or 3rd recline position.

Facing

Rear

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REAR-FACING

ORIENTADO HACIA ATRÁS

Rear

Facing

3. Place Car Seat Rear-Facing in Back Seat of the Vehicle

Place rear-facing in vehicle seat. The base should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat.

4. Check the Level Indicator

Check the level indicator on the car seat. The bubble must be completely within the blue zone.

Adjust the recline until the bubble is completely within the blue zone.

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for vehicle seat belt use

5. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt

Thread vehicle seat belt through the rear-facing belt path (marked with a blue label) and out the other side. Buckle it. The seat belt should lie as flat as possible and not be twisted.

Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt

In most vehicles today, slowly pull the shoulder belt all the way out and then let it go back in. You will hear a clicking sound. Slowly pull out on the belt and it should be locked. If not, review your car’s owner manual and section 8-F.

Facing

Rear

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REAR-FACING

ORIENTADO HACIA ATRÁS

Rear

Facing

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat. Pull on the shoulder belt to tighten while feeding the slack back in the retractor.

7. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the vehicle seat belt is and slide the car seat side-to-side and front-to-back.

If the seat moves less than 1 in. (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

8. Check the Level Indicator

Check the level indicator on the car seat. The bubble must be completely within the blue

zone. Readjust if needed.

4-A Forward-Facing

Forward-Facing: 20-65 lbs (9-30 kg) 49 inches (125 cm) or less

•

For children 20-40 lbs (9-18 kg) you MUST use recline position 4.

• Place car seat forward-facing in the vehicle back seat.

• Make sure LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt is routed through the forward-facing belt path marked with a orange label.

Do not use the lower anchors of the

• child restraint anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this child restraint when restraining a child weighing more than 42 lbs (19 kg) with the internal harnesses of the child restraint.

LATCH Strap

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

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ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

Forward

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

• Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle. Car seat should not move at the forward-facing belt path more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) from side to side, front to back.

• Harness straps need to be even with or just above the top of child’s shoulders and chest clip is at armpit level.

4-B Prepare to Install LATCH Forward-Facing

1. Remove LATCH Strap from Storage Location

Push in on the red buttons on the LATCH connectors and remove from storage position.

2. Adjust the Car Seat

Place the car seat in the 4th, 5th or 6th recline position.

ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

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Facing

Forward

For Children 20-40 lbs (9-18 kg)

MUST use recline position 4.

Make Sure LATCH Strap is in the Forward-Facing Belt Path Marked with Orange

Label

If correct, skip to section 4-C. Continue to next step if it is not.

To Move LATCH Strap to Forward-Facing Belt Path

Loosen Harness Straps

Lift up on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip.

5. Raise Headrest

Squeeze the red handle and lift headrest up.

ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

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Facing

Forward

6. Unsnap Pad and Expose Seat Pan

Undo the 2 snaps and pull bottom of seat pad to expose the plastic shell.

Pull LATCH Connectors Out

of Rear-Facing Belt Path

Slide Entire LATCH Strap Up Along Bar to the Top

Push Each Connector Into the Forward-Facing Belt Path

10. Replace Seat Pad

Move headrest back to its proper position for your child.

ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

4-C Installing With LATCH Straps

Do not use the lower anchors of the child restraint anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this child restraint when restraining a child weighing more than

Facing

42 lbs (19 kg) with the internal harnesses of the child restraint.

Forward

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for LATCH location and use.

1. Extend the LATCH Strap.

For easier installation, extend the LATCH strap to its maximum length by pressing the grey button and pull out on the strap.

2. Unhook Top Tether Strap From Storage

3. Place Car Seat Forward Facing in Back Seat of the

Vehicle

Place forward-facing in vehicle seat and center the car seat between the lower LATCH anchors. The base should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat.

4. Loosely Attach Top Tether Strap

Do not tighten. Consult vehicle’s owner manual for specific location.

ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

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Facing

Forward

5. Attach LATCH Connectors to Vehicle’s Lower LATCH Anchors.

LATCH strap should not be twisted.

6. Tighten the LATCH Strap

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat while tightening the LATCH strap. You may need to tighten through the slit in the pad at the belt path as shown.

7. Tighten the Tether Strap

Push the car seat back while tightening the tether strap to remove all the slack.

8. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the LATCH strap is and slide the car seat side-to-side and frontto-back.

If the seat moves less than 1 in. (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

9. To Remove LATCH Strap From Vehicle

Push in on the red buttons on the LATCH connects and pull them off the anchor bars.

ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

Forward

4-D

Installing With Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store LATCH Strap

Attach LATCH connectors to the plastic bars as shown.

2. Adjust the Car Seat

Place the car seat in the 4th, 5th or 6th recline position.

For Children 20-40 lbs (9-18 kg)

MUST use recline position 4.

3. Unhook Top Tether Strap From Storage

4. Place Car Seat Forward Facing in Back Seat of the

Vehicle

Place forward-facing in vehicle seat. The base should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat.

5. Loosely Attach Top Tether Strap

Do not tighten. Consult vehicle’s owner manual for specific location.

ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

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Facing

Forward

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for vehicle seat belt use

6. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt

Thread vehicle seat belt through the forward-facing belt path (marked with a orange label) and out the other side. Buckle it. The seat belt should lie as flat as possible and not be twisted.

Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat. Pull on the shoulder belt to tighten while feeding the slack back in the retractor.

8. Tighten the Tether Strap

Push the car seat back while tightening the tether strap to remove all the slack.

9. Test For Tightness

Grab the sides of the seat where the vehicle seat belt is and slide the car seat side-to-side and front-to-back.

If the seat moves less than 1 in. (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

ImportantImportant

Forward

Facing

5-A Belt-Positioning Booster

Booster Use With Back: 30-100 lbs (14-45 kg) 38-57 in. (96-145 cm) at least 3 years old

Booster Use Without Back: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54 kg) 40-57 in. (101-145 cm)

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

Booster

Vehicle Seat Lap/Shoulder Belt

at least 4 years old

• Place car seat forward-facing in the vehicle back seat.

• Make sure vehicle seat’s lap belt is adjusted snugly and lays low on the child’s hip and is routed behind the armrest in the booster’s belt path.

• Vehicle belts MUST lie flat against child and MUST NOT be twisted.

• Vehicle seat’s shoulder belt is adjusted snugly and should lie between child’s neck and edge of shoulder.

• Never use a vehicle lap-only belt across front of child.

• DO NOT position vehicle shoulder belt under the child’s arm or back.

• DO NOT allow child to slouch or slide down in the booster seat.

• DO NOT position vehicle belt over top of armrests.

• Vehicle’s seat headrest SHOULD NOT create a gap between vehicle seat and booster seat.

• The front of booster seat MUST NOT hang over front of vehicle seat.

•If child will not keep vehicle belt properly positioned, DO NOT use this booster seat. Use a different car seat.

Never use a vehicle lap-only belt

across front of child.

Booster

5-B

Booster

Prepare for Backed Booster Use

1. Store the Harness Straps

Loosen the shoulder straps as much as possible.

Raise the headrest to the highest position.

Unbuckle the chest clip and the crotch buckle.

2. Unsnap Pad and Expose Seat Back

Undo the 2 snaps in the headrest pad.

Lift the headrest pad flap up out of the way.

3. Unsnap Bottom Seat Pad

Undo the 2 lower snaps.

Booster

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Booster

4. Pull Bottom Seat Pad Back To Expose the Plastic Shell

5. Open the Harness Storage Door

6. Place Harness, Chest Clip, Buckle Tongues Inside Storage Compartment and

Close the Door

7. Store Buckle as Shown

8. Replace Seat Pad

Move the headrest back to its proper position for your child.

Booster

5-C

If your vehicle has LATCH, you can secure the booster seat to the vehicle using LATCH, as long as it does not interfere with the vehicle seat belt or buckle.

If the LATCH interferes with the vehicle seat belt or if your vehicle does not have LATCH, you MUST store the LATCH strap and tether as shown.

Install Backed Booster

Booster

1. Adjust the Car Seat

Place the booster seat in the 6th recline position.

Place the Booster Seat

Forward-Facing in the Back Seat of Vehicle

Place forward-facing on a vehicle seat that has a lap/shoulder seat belt. The base should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat.

Skip to Step 8 if Not Using LATCH

3. If Using LATCH,

Make Sure

LATCH Strap is in the Forward-Facing Belt Path

Continue to next step if correct. See section 4-C if it is not.

Booster

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Booster

4. Loosely Attach Top Tether Strap

Do not tighten. Consult vehicle’s owner manual for specific location.

5. Attach LATCH Connectors to Vehicle’s Lower LATCH Anchors.

LATCH strap should not be twisted.

6. Tighten the LATCH Strap

Press down firmly in the center of the car seat while tightening the LATCH strap.

7. Tighten the Tether Strap

Push the car seat back while tightening the tether strap to remove all the slack.

8. Thread the Vehicle Seat Shoulder Belt Through Seat Belt Guide on the Headrest

Booster

5-D

Booster

Prepare Backless Booster Use

Remove the Seat Back by

First Loosening the Harness Straps

Lift up on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip.

Unbuckle the chest clip and the crotch buckle.

2. Remove Harness Straps from Splitter Plate

3. Make Sure LATCH Straps are in the Forward-Facing Belt Path and in the Stored Position

See section 4-B to change positions.

4. Unsnap Bottom Seat Pad

Unsnap seat pad and expose the bottom of seat base.

Lift the Red Backrest Lock

Lift the red backrest locks up and slide together.

Booster

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Remove Seat Back from

Seat Base

Push the seat back up and lift out of base.

To replace the seat back, reverse steps 4 though 6.

Booster

7. Relock the Red Backrest Locks

Make sure they are both flat and locked into place

8. Store Splitter Plate

Pull the harness adjustment strap all the way out and then store the splitter plate.

9. Store Buckle Strap

10. Attach Base Pad to the Back of Base

Attach the elastic straps onto base as shown.

Booster

5-E

Booster

Install Backless Booster

Place the Booster Seat

Forward-Facing in the Back Seat of Vehicle

Place forward-facing on a vehicle seat that has a lap/shoulder seat belt. The base should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat.

6-A

Loosen Harness Straps

Lift up on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip.

Unbuckle the chest clip and the crotch buckle. Place harness straps off to the sides.

Securing Child 5-point Harness

Securing

Child

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Rear-Facing

Child

Securing

Place Your Child in the Seat

Make sure their back is flat against the car seat back.

Avoid bulky or heavy clothing. Doing so will prevent the harness straps from being tighten properly . Place a blanket over the child after you have secured the child.

Place Harness Straps Over Child’s Shoulders and Buckle

Y ou will hear a “click” when buckle tongues are securely attached. Pull up on each buckle tongue to make sure it is securely attached.

Be Sure the Harness Straps

Are at the Proper Height

Rear-Facing: Harness straps should be at or just below the child’s shoulders. Top of head must be 1 in. below the headrest adjustment lever.

Forward-Facing: Harness straps should be at or just above the child’s shoulders. Top of child’s ears below top of headrest.

5. T o Raise or Lower Headrest/ Harness Adjustment Lever

Squeeze the adjustment lever and lift or lower headrest for the proper harness height.

Check the Crotch Buckle

Position

The correct slot the one that is closest to your child without being underneath your child.

Forward-Facing

Securing

Child

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Child

Securing

To Adjust Crotch Strap

Recline the car seat and locate the metal retainer under the car seat shell.

Rotate Metal Retainer and

Insert It Up Through the Shell and Pad

From the top of the car seat, pull the crotch buckle out.

Insert Metal Retainer in the

New Crotch Buckle Slot

Reach underneath the car seat and pull the metal retainer through.

10.

Pull Up on Crotch Strap to

Make Sure it is Secured

11.

Buckle the Chest Clip

You will hear a “click” when the chest clip is securely buckled.

12.

Pull All the Slack Out From

Around the Waist

Pull up on the harness strap while pushing the chest clip down. Do this to both sides.

Securing

Child

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Child

Securing

13.

Tighten the Harness

by Pulling the Harness Adjustment Strap

When you are not able to pinch any of the harness webbing at your child’s shoulder, the harness is tight enough.

A snug harness 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.

14.

Raise the Chest Clip to

Child’s Armpit Level

6-B

WARNING! Use only the vehicle lap and shoulder belt system when restraining the child in the booster seat.

Place Child In Seat

Have your child sit in the booster seat, with his/her back flat against the back of the booster seat.

Thread Vehicle’s Shoulder

Securing Child Backed Booster

Belt Into Seat Belt Guide in the Headrest

Securing

Child

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Child

Securing

Buckle the Vehicle

Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

Be sure the lap portion of the vehicle seat belt goes behind the armrests.

Be sure the lap portion of the vehicle seat belt lies low across your child’s hips.

Be sure the shoulder belt lies across your child’s shoulders, between the neck and edge of shoulder. The belt guides should be even with or just above the shoulders.

6-C

WARNING! Use only the vehicle lap and shoulder belt system when restraining the child in the booster seat.

Place Child In Seat

Have your child sit in the booster seat, with his/her back flat against the back of the vehicle seat.

Buckle the Vehicle

Securing Child Backless Booster

Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

Be sure the lap portion of the vehicle seat belt goes behind the armrests.

Securing

Child

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Child

Securing

Be sure the lap portion of the vehicle seat belt lies low across your child’s hips.

Be sure the shoulder belt lies across your child’s shoulders, between the neck and edge of shoulder.

You may need to use the belt positioning clip to help get a good fit. See section 6-D.

6-D

WARNING! Use only the vehicle lap and shoulder belt system when restraining the child in the booster seat.

Make Sure Vehicle’s Seat

Securing With Belt Positioning Clip

Shoulder Belt Lays in the Red Zone As Shown

If the vehicle’s seat shoulder belt lays outside this zone, you MUST use the belt positioning clip.

Attach Belt Positioning Clip

Insert the loop end of the strap through the same slot as the harness adjustment strap as shown.

Securing

Child

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Child

Securing

3. Loop

5. Pad

Push Clip and Strap Through

Pull to Tighten Strap

Push Clip Through Slot In

Attach Seat Pad to Base

7. Place Child in Seat, Buckle Child In Seat and

Attach

Belt Positioning Clip

With child’s back flat against the back of the vehicle seat, buckle child in. Then slide the clip onto the vehicle’s seat shoulder belt as shown.

8. Adjust the

Belt Positioning

Clip to Fit Your Child

Lengthen or shorten the belt length as shown.

Clip should fit right at the top of should as shown.

To Lengthen

To Shorten

Securing

Child

Care &

Cleaning

7-A

Cleaning Seat Pad

Refer to seat pad care tag for washing instructions.

Headrest Pad Clean with a damp sponge

using mild soap and cool water. If needed, pad may be removed for cleaning.

To remove, unsnap headrest pad from plastic shell.

Undo the 2 elastic straps from the back of headrest and remove the pad. Slide the elastic retaining loops out of the belts guides.

Machine wash pad in cold water on delicate cycle and drip-dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

Reverse the steps to reattach the pad on the headrest.

Seat Pad

Clean with a damp sponge using mild soap and cool water. If needed, cover may be removed for cleaning.

To remove, unsnap base pad from side pad. Undo the elastic straps in the rear-facing belt path. Pull plastic tab out of armrest. Undo the 2 elastic straps by the recline handle.

Machine wash pad in cold water on delicate cycle and drip-dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

Reverse the steps to reattach the pad to the shell.

Cleaning

Care &

7-B Cleaning Crotch Buckle

WARNING! Inspect and clean buckle from time to time to remove any objects or debris that could prevent latching.

Care &

Cleaning

Recline the car seat and locate the metal retainer. Rotate the metal retainer up through the shell and pad. From the front, pull the crotch buckle out.

To clean buckle, place in a cup of warm water and gently agitate the buckle. Press the red button several times while in the water.

DO NOT SUBMERGE THE BUCKLE STRAP. DO NOT USE SOAPS,

HOUSEHOLD DETERGENTS or LUBRICANTS.

Shake out excess water and allow to air dry. Repeat steps as needed until it fastens with a click. Re-insert the buckle into the same slot it was removed. Pull up on crotch buckle to make sure it is secured.

7-C Cleaning Harness and LATCH Straps

Surface wash only with mild soap and damp cloth. DO NOT IMMERSE THE HARNESS STRAPS or LATCH STRAP IN WATER Doing so may

weaken the straps. If harness straps or LATCH belt are frayed or heavily soiled, contact

Customer Service at www.gracobaby.com or 1-800-345-4109.

7-D Accessories (on select models)

Harness Covers

Make sure that harness covers do not interfere with placement of the chest clip at armpit level.

To remove, undo the fastening strips and remove.

Cleaning

Care &

Cleaning

Body Support

Use only in the rear-facing mode. Body support must be used if

shoulders are below the lowest harness setting.

Never allow body support to bunch or fold behind child.

Headrest Pillow

Use only in the rear-facing mode. To adjust the pillow, pull up until desired height. Do not use without the body pillow.

To remove, slide the pillow out from the body support.

8-A

Review your vehicle owner’s manual for seating locations.

Choosing Vehicle Seat Location

The best seating location for this car seat is one that:

• Is recommended by your vehicle owner’s manual, and

• Results in a secure installation of this car seat

According to accident statistics, the safest place for your child in any vehicle is the back seat. The center of the back seat can be the safest during a possible side impact.

Some vehicles have specific requirements for where the car seat can be installed, so be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for available seating positions, if any. For example, sometimes the center rear seat has a lap belt only vehicle seat belt, which cannot be used when this car seat is in Booster mode.

Information

Additional

ImportantImportant

In the event there is no available back seat and / or you have no other option than to place a child other than an infant in a rear-facing car seat in a front passenger seating position, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you take the following steps:

• Ensure the child is properly restrained according to their age and size

Additional

• Move the seat as far back as possible

Information

• Make sure the child is not leaning out of position, such as leaning forward into the deployment path of the air bag

• Set the air bag ON-OFF switch, if available, to the OFF position

• Move the seat as far back as possible

8-B

Never install this car seat in any of the following vehicle seating locations:

rear-facing or side-

facing vehicle seats

Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations

rear-facing with an active front air bag

booster mode with vehicle

lap belt only seat belt

8-C

This car seat can be installed using your vehicle’s LATCH system, if your vehicle is equipped with LATCH. All 2003 and newer model year vehicles are required to have a LATCH system, although some manufacturers began including LATCH earlier. Some vehicle owner manuals use the term ISOFIX to identify the LATCH system.

LATCH consists of lower anchors and top tether anchors, which are built-in to your vehicle, and connecting hooks that are built-in to your car seat. Lower anchors are used INSTEAD of the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the child seat to the vehicle. Top tethers are used IN ADDITION to the lower anchors OR the vehicle’s seat belt to secure a forward-facing car seat to the vehicle.

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for exact location and use.

Vehicle Top Tether

Vehicle Seat Bight

What is LATCH?

Anchor Points

Typical seat in a passenger vehicle. Other vehicle types

may have different LATCH

locations.

Vehicle Lower Anchor Points

Information

Additional

ImportantImportant

8-D

This car seat can be installed in your vehicle using either the vehicle seat belt OR the LATCH system.

The LATCH system allows you to securely attach your safety seat in your car without

Additional

Information

using the vehicle seat belt and possibly to get a better fit. For more information on LATCH and how to determine if your vehicle is equipped with LATCH, see section 8-D: What is LATCH?.

For seating positions equipped with LATCH, exper ts recommend tr ying the LATCH installation first and only using the seat belt in that seating position if LATCH, for some reason, results in a looser fit. If you want to use the center rear seat and LATCH is not available in that position (check the vehicle owner’s manual), tr y the seat belt to be sure you can get a tight installation. If you cannot, try using LATCH in a different seating position. Remember to only use LATCH in seating positions recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Do not use the lower anchors of the child restraint anchorage system (LATCH system) to attach this child restraint when restraining a child weighing more than 42 lbs (19 kg) with the internal harnesses of the child restraint.

Choosing LATCH or Seat Belts

8-E

How to Remove LATCH and Tether

LATCH

To remove the LATCH from the lower anchors, push in on the red buttons and pull them off.

Top Tether

To remove, lift up on the tether lock to release the tension.

Press in on the hook’s spring. Push tether hook in, then lift up and pull away from tether anchor.

Information

Additional

ImportantImportant

8-F

Review your vehicle owner’s manual for vehicle seat belt use

This car seat can be installed using a vehicle seat belt. To do this, you will need to change the seat belt to a locked mode for use with car seats. With some vehicle seat

Additional

Information

belts, this is done with the latchplate; with other vehicle seat belts, this is done with the retractor.

Vehicle Seat Belt Terms

Vehicle Seat Belts

Retractor

A device that winds up the unused vehicle seat belt. It is often hidden inside the panels on the walls of the vehicle or in the vehicle seatback.

Latch Plate

The male end of the seat belt with the silver tongue.

Seat Bight

The crease where the vehicle seat

back and seat bottom meet.

Identify Your Seat Belt Type

There are two different types of vehicle seat belts that can be used with this car seat:

Information

Additional

Important

Lap/Shoulder Belt

3 connections points. Can be used in

all car seats modes of use.

The following types of vehicle seat belts CANNOT be used safely with this car seat:

Lap Belt with Motorized

Shoulder Belt

Lap Belt or Shoulder

Belt Mounted on Door

2 connection points. Can ONL Y be

Lap Belt Only

used in harness mode.

Belts Forward of the

Seat Bight

Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation - Rear-Facing/Forward Facing Modes

Always review your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle seat belts.

There are three types of retractors: ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor), ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) , and Switchable (ELR switch to

Additional

ALR). To deter mine your type of retractor, follow these steps:

Information

1. Slowly pull the belt out about halfway and stop.

2. Let the belt retract back several inches.

3. Try to slowly pull the belt out more. If the belt cannot be pulled any fur ther, it is ALR. If it can be pulled further, go to the next step.

4. Slowly pull the belt all the way out, and then allow it to retract several inches.

5. Try to pull the belt all the way out again. If it cannot be pulled out, it is

Switchable. If it can still be pulled out freely, it is ELR.

Note: Most vehicles manufactured after 1996 will have Switchable

retractors in the back seat. If you have any questions about your retractor type, consult your vehicle owner’s manual or call Graco for assistance.

How to Lock Your Lap and Shoulder Vehicle Seat Belt

Sliding Latch Plate and Switchable Retractor

A latchplate that slides freely on the belt webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt snug around a car seat.

When installing the car seat, route the vehicle seat belt through the proper belt path and buckle it in. Slowly pull

the shoulder belt all the way out to switch it to locking mode. Then, as

you pull the vehicle seat belt tight, feed all the slack back into the retractor.

Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and slide the seat side-to-side and front-to-back. The seat should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Note: With the vehicle seat belt in this locking mode, all the tension is upwards in the shoulder belt. This may start to tilt your car seat sideways. If this happens, use a locking clip instead of this switching the retractor. See Sliding Latch Plate and ELR Retractor.

Information

Additional

ImportantImportant

Additional

Information

Locking Latchplate and ELR Retractor

A latchplate that holds the lap belt snug after it has been adjusted; contains a metal bar on the underside of the hardware that “locks” the belt in position.

When installing the car seat, route the vehicle seat belt through the proper belt path and buckle it in. Then, pull upwards on the shoulder belt so that the lap belt gets tight around the car seat.

Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and slide the seat side-to-side and front-to-back. The seat should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Sliding Latch Plate and ALR Retractor

A latchplate that slides freely on the belt webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt snug around a car seat.

Slowly pull the shoulder belt all the way out. Route the vehicle

seat belt through the proper belt path and buckle it in. Then, as you pull the vehicle seat belt tight, feed all the slack back into the retractor.

Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and slide the seat side-to-side and front-to-back. The seat should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Information

Additional

ImportantImportant

Additional

Information

Locking Clip

located on the back of the backrest.

1” (2.5 cm)

Sliding Latch Plate and ELR Retractor

A latchplate that slides freely on the belt webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt snug around a car seat.

With this retractor, you will need to use the locking clip to lock the vehicle seat belt.

Route the vehicle seat belt through the proper belt path and buckle it in. Pull the vehicle seat belt tight. While pushing down on seat, pinch the two straps together behind the buckle tongue. Unbuckle the belt without allowing it to slip.

Attach locking clip to lap and shoulder belts as shown.

Rebuckle belt. Check that lap belt does not move by pulling hard. If belt loosens or lengthens, repeat procedure.

Lap Belt Installation - DO NOT use in Booster Mode

Always review your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle seat belts.

Locking Latch Plate and No Retractor

When installing the car seat, route the lap seat belt through the proper path and buckle it in. Then, pull upwards on the tail of the belt so that the lap belt gets tight around the car seat.

Sewn On Latch Plate and ALR

Slowly pull the lap belt all the way out. Route the vehicle seat

lap belt through the proper belt path and buckle it in. Then, pull the lap belt tight while feeding all the slack back into the retractor.

Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and slide the seat side-to-side and front-to-back. The seat should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Information

Additional

ImportantImportant

Replacement Parts

To purchase parts or accessories in the United States,

please contact us at the following:

www.gracobaby.com

1-800-345-4109

Store instruction manual in the slot with the instruction book icon as shown.

Locking Clip Storage

(behind harness

straps)

Graco 4EVER User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual