Graco Headwise 65 Instruction Manual

Headwise™65

CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

PD346650A 7/15

www.gracobaby.com

FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE THIS CHILD

RESTRAINT INCREASES THE RISK OF

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN A SUDDEN

STOP OR CRASH.

Do not install or use this child restraint

until you read and understand the

instructions in this manual.

FEATURING

1-A A Quick Guide to Your Manual
1-B Welcome to the Graco Family
1-C Right Mode of Use
1-D Before You Begin
Register This Car Seat

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

1-E Safety Warnings

2-A Car Seat Features

1 Important Pages 6-23

2 Features Pages 24-29

4-A Forward-Facing
4-B Installing With LATCH Straps
4-C Install Forward-Facing with Vehicle Seat Belt

4 Forward-Facing Use Pages 44-57

3-A Rear-Facing
3-B Installing With LATCH Straps
3-C Install Rear-Facing with Vehicle Seat Belt

3 Rear-Facing Use Pages 30-43

5-A Securing Child 5-Point Harness

5 Securing Child Pages 58-65

6 Accessories Pages 66-67

7-A How to Remove LATCH and Top Tether
7-B Choosing Vehicle Seat Location
7-C Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations
7-D Vehicle Seat Belts

7 Additional Information Pages 68-78

8-A Cleaning Seat Pad
8-B Cleaning Crotch Buckle
8-C Cleaning Harness and LATCH Straps

8 Cleaning Seat Pad Pages 79-83

6

1-A A Quick Guide to Your Manual

This car seat is for children: Rear-Facing: 4-40 lb (1.8-18 kg)

Forward Facing: 22-65 lb (10-30 kg)

• Children less than 22 lb (10 kg) MUST use this car seat rear-facing.
Review section 1-C for more information.

Get to Know Your Car Seat

What Seating Location Should I Use?

Review section 2-A to see all of the features of this car seat.

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.
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.

Review section 7-B, 7-C of this manual AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

7

Which Installation Method Should I Use?

This car seat can be installed in your vehicle using either the vehicle seat
belt OR the LATCH system. Both are equally safe to use. DO NOT USE BOTH
AT THE SAME TIME.

Vehicle Seat Belt: Review section 7 and your vehicle owner’s manual to
learn how to install your car seat with the vehicle seat belts.

LATCH: The LATCH system allows you to securely attach your safety seat
in your car without using the vehicle seat belt and possibly to get a better
fit. 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.

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.

8

LATCH consists of lower anchors and top tether anchors, which are built­in 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.

What is LATCH?

Vehicle Top Tether

Anchor Points

Vehicle Lower
Anchor Points

Typical seat in a passenger

vehicle. Other vehicle types

may have different LATCH

locations.

Vehicle Seat Bight

continue next page

9

When Installing Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing

Vehicle Seat Belt

There are two types of vehicle seat belts
that can be used. Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt
or Lap Only Seat Belt.

Review section 3-C & 4-C of this manual
AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

LATCH System

LATCH consists of two lower anchors, which
are built-in to your vehicle, and connecting
hooks that are built-in your car seat.

Review section 3-B & 4-B of this manual
AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

10

Does Your Car Seat Fit Your Child Correctly?

To make sure your child is secured properly, review section 3 and 4 to
understand all of the actions you need to take to properly adjust the car seat
to fit your child.

Harness Height, Rear-Facing (A)

Harness straps at or just below the child’s
shoulders and

top of head must be 1” (2.5 cm)

below the headrest adjustment lever

(B). Review

section 5.

Buckle Position (C)

The correct slot is the one that is closest to
your child without being underneath them.
Review section 5.

Harness Tightness (D)

If your fingers slide off the harness straps
without pinching the straps, it is tight enough.
Review section 5.

For Rear-Facing, You Need to Adjust:

A

C

B

D

continue next page

11

Harness Height, Forward-Facing (A)

Harness straps at or just above the child’s
shoulders and top of child’s ears below top of
headrest (B). Review section 5.

Buckle Position (C)

The correct slot is the one that is closest to
your child without being underneath them.
Review section 5.

Harness Tightness (D)

If your fingers slide off the harness straps
without pinching the straps, it is tight enough.
Review section 5.

For Forward-Facing, You Need to Adjust:

A

C

B

D

12

Car Seat Does Not Move More
than 1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt
Path (A)

Review section 3

Check level indicator (B)

Review section 3

Harness Straps at or Just
Below Child’s Shoulders (C)

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps
at the Shoulder (E)

Review section 5

Rear-Facing Installation

B

A

D E

C

13

Use the top tether strap when
using forward-facing (A)

When used properly, the top
teather helps reduce injury in a
sudden stop or crash.
Review section 4

Car Seat Does Not Move More
than 1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt
Path (B)

Review section 4

Harness Straps at or Just
Above Child’s Shoulders (C)

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps
at the Shoulder (E)

Review section 5

Forward-Facing Installation

B

A

D E

C

14

1-B 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.

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.

15

1-C Right Mode of Use

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.

4 lb
(1.8 kg)

22 lb
(10 kg)

40 lb
(18 kg)

65 lb
(30 kg)

Rear-Facing with 5-Point Harness

4-22 lb (1.8-10 kg) less than 1 year old MUST be
rear-facing.

22-40 lb (10-18 kg) CAN be rear-facing.

Forward-Facing with 5-Point Harness

22-40 lb (10-18 kg) can sit upright unassisted CAN be forward-facing.
40-65 lb (18.1-30 kg) MUST be forward-facing.

16

1-D 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 1-888-327­4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153), or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.

continue next page

Register This Child Restraint

17

Model Name _________________________

Model Number _______________________

Date of Manufacture __________________

Date of Purchase _____________________

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.

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

If You Need Help

18

STOP using this car seat and throw it away 7 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.

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. Use only on forward­facing aircraft seats. Follow the instructions for vehicle installation. For
rear-facing installation, see section 3-C. For forward-facing installation,
see section 4-C. Contact the airline for their specific polices.

Certification

Car Seat’s Useful Life

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

Vehicle Seat Protection

19

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-E 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.

Warm Weather Use

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.

20

! 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.

continue next page

21

! 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.

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

your child’s size. Infants less than 22 lb. (10 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 7-D and your vehicle owner’s
manual.

22

! 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.

23

! 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.

24

2 Features

2-A Car Seat Features

D

I

E

G

J

L

N

F

A

C

B

H

M

K

25

2 Features

A Height Adjustment Lever
B Head Support
C Headrest Pillow
D Harness Slots
E Harness Straps
F Harness Covers
G Chest Clip
H Harness Buckle
I Cup Holder
J Crotch Strap
K Body Support
L Harness Release Lever

(under seat pad)

M Recline Handle
N Harness Adjustment Strap

26

2 Features

A

E

B

D

C

27

2 Features

A Level Indicator

B Rear-facing LATCH storage

C Forward-facing LATCH storage

D Rear-Facing Belt Path

E Forward-Facing Belt Path

28

2 Features

A

G

F

B

C

D
E

29

2 Features

A Tether Strap
B Harness Straps
C LATCH Straps
D Harness cover plate
E Instruction manual storage
F Tether Storage Bar
G Tether Hook

30

3 Rear

Facing

3-A Rear-Facing

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

• Infants who weigh less than 22 lb (10 kg)
MUST be rear-facing.

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

• Make sure LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt
is routed through the rear-facing 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”. (2.5
cm) from side to side, front to back.

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

LATCH Strap

Vehicle Seat Lap/Shoulder Belt

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

clip is at armpit level.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

and NHTSA recommend that children be
rear-facing until the age of 2 or until they
reach the maximum rear-facing height and
weight. This car seat can remain rear-
facing up to 40 lb (18 kg).

31

3 Rear

Facing

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

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

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

clip is at armpit level.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

and NHTSA recommend that children be
rear-facing until the age of 2 or until they
reach the maximum rear-facing height and
weight. This car seat can remain rear­facing up to 40 lb (18 kg).

32

3 Rear

Facing

When reading the level indicator,

- If the ball is entirely in light blue, the
restraint is level for infants 0+ months
in age.

- If the ball is in light blue and dark
blue, the restraint is level for a child
3+ months in age.

- If the ball is in RED, child restraint is
NOT level. You must adjust your
recline position.

Use corrected age for preemies.

- Vehicle MUST be on level ground.

33

3 Rear

Facing

3-B Installing Rear-Facing 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. Remove LATCH Strap from Storage

Location

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

continue next page

34

3 Rear

Facing

3. Recline the Car Seat

Pull out on handle on front of child
restraint and adjust to rear-facing
position 1.

4. 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.

35

3 Rear

Facing

5. 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.

6. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball
must be completely in the blue zone.

Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball

must completely cover the light blue
circle.

If needed, rolled towels may be placed
under the car seat at the vehicle seat
crease, until the ball is completely in the
blue zone.

continue next page

36

3 Rear

Facing

7. Attach LATCH Connectors
to Vehicle’s Lower LATCH

Anchors.

LATCH strap should lie flat and not be
twisted.

CLICK!

8. 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 rear­facing belt path as shown.

37

3 Rear

Facing

9. Test For Tightness

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

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

10. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball
must be completely in the blue zone.

Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball

must completely cover the light blue
circle.

If needed, rolled towels may be placed
under the car seat at the vehicle seat
crease, until the ball is completely in the
blue zone.

continue next page

38

3 Rear

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Level Indicator’s Ball
in the Blue Zone and
Vehicle on Level Ground

Check the level indicator with child in seat.

Harness Straps at or Just Below the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

39

3 Rear

Facing

1. Store Top Tether and LATCH Strap

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

3-C Install Rear-Facing with

Vehicle Seat Belt

2. Recline the Car Seat

Pull out on handle on front of child
restraint and adjust to rear-facing
position 1.

continue next page

40

3 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

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball
must be completely in the blue zone.

Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball

must completely cover the light blue
circle.

If needed, rolled towels may be placed
under the car seat at the vehicle seat
crease, until the ball is completely in the
blue zone.

41

3 Rear

Facing

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.

Note: It may be easier to route the
vehicle seat belt by lifting seat pad up to
expose the belt path.

Make sure the vehicle seat belt is in
front of the buckle strap when the buckle
is in the inner-most position, and in
behind when in the outter-most position.

6. Lock 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 7-D.

continue next page

42

3 Rear

Facing

7. 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. 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” (2.5 cm),
it is tight enough.

9. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball
must be completely in the blue zone.

Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball

must completely cover the light blue
circle.

If needed, rolled towels may be placed
under the car seat at the vehicle seat
crease, until the ball is completely in the
blue zone.

43

3 Rear

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Level Indicator’s Ball
in the Blue Zone and
Vehicle on Level Ground

Check the level indicator with child in seat.

Harness Straps at or Just Below the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

44

4 Forward

Facing

4-A Forward-Facing

Forward-Facing:
22-65 lb (10-30 kg)
49 inches (125 cm) or less

• 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.

LATCH Strap

Do not install by this method
for a child weighing more
than 45 lb (20 kg)

45

Important

4 Forward

Facing

• Install this car seat tightly in your
vehicle. Car seat should not move
at the forward-facing belt path
more than 1”. (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.

• The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) and NHTSA
recommend that children be

rear-facing until the age of 2
or until they reach the maximum

rear-facing height and weight.
This car seat can remain
rear-facing up to 40 lb.

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

46

4 Forward

Facing

1. Remove LATCH Strap from
Storage Location

2. Adjust the Car Seat

Place car seat in the 2nd or 3rd recline
position. For children over 40 lb (18 kg),
you MUST use recline position 3.

4-B Install Forward-Facing

with LATCH Straps

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for LATCH location and use. Do
not install by this method for a child weighing more than 45 lb (20 kg)

4. 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.

47

Important

4 Forward

Facing

4. 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.

3. Unhook Top Tether Strap From
Storage

Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.

continue next page

48

4 Forward

Facing

5. 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.

6. Attach LATCH Connector to
Vehicle’s Lower LATCH Anchors.

LATCH strap should not be twisted.

CLICK!

49

Important

4 Forward

Facing

7. Tighten the LATCH Strap

Press down firmly in the center of the car

seat while tightening the LATCH strap.

8. Attach Top Tether
Strap

Extend the top tether by
lifting up on the tether
lock and attach.

Consult vehicle’s owner manual for
specific location.

continue next page

50

4 Forward

Facing

10. Test For Tightness

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

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

See section 5-A to secure your child.

9. Tighten Top Tether Strap

Remove all the slack.

51

Important

4 Forward

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Harness Straps at or Just Above the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

52

4 Forward

Facing

4-C Install Forward-Facing with

Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store LATCH Strap

Attach LATCH connectors to the plastic
bars as shown.

2. Adjust the Car Seat

Place car seat in the 2nd or 3rd recline
position. For children over 40 lb (18
kg), you MUST use recline position 3.

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.

3. Unhook Top Tether Strap From
Storage

Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.

53

Important

4 Forward

Facing

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.

3. Unhook Top Tether Strap From
Storage

Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.

continue next page

54

4 Forward

Facing

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

5. 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.

6. Lock 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 7-D.

55

Important

4 Forward

Facing

8. Attach Top Tether Strap

Extend the top tether by
lifting up on the tether
lock and attach. Consult
vehicle’s owner manual
for specific location.

7. 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.

9. Tighten the Top Tether Strap

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

continue next page

56

4 Forward

Facing

10. 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” (2.5
cm), it is tight enough.

See section 5-A to secure your child.

57

Important

4 Forward

Facing

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path

Harness Straps at or Just Above the
Child’s Shoulders.

Review section 5

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 5

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 5

58

5 Securing

Child

1.

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.

5-A

Securing Child 5-point Harness

WARNING! Do not put snowsuits or bulky garments on your child
when placing them in the car seat. Bulky clothing can prevent the

harness straps from being tightened properly. To keep child warm,
buckle your child in the car seat and place a blanket around the child or
place the child’s coat on backwards after buckling in.

Unbuckle the chest clip and the crotch
buckle.

59

5 Securing

Child

Unbuckle the chest clip and the crotch
buckle.

60

5 Securing

Child

2.

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
tightened properly. Place a blanket over the
child after you have secured the child.

3.

Place Harness Straps Over

Child’s Shoulders and Buckle

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

61

5 Securing

Child

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

4.

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” (2.5 cm) below the headrest
adjustment lever.

Rear-Facing

Forward-Facing

62

5 Securing

Child

5. To Raise or Lower Headrest/
Harness Height

Squeeze the red adjustment handle and
move headrest for the proper harness
height.

6.

Check the Buckle Position

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

63

5 Securing

Child

7.

To Adjust Crotch Strap

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

8.

Rotate Metal Retainer and Insert

It Up Through the Shell and Pad

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

9.

Insert Metal Retainer in the New

Crotch Buckle Slot

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

64

5 Securing

Child

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.

65

5 Securing

Child

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

66

6 Accessories

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.

6-A Accessories (on select models)

Headrest Pillow

Slide head pillow into opening in
head support as shown. Curved
bottom of head pillow allows for head
pillow to be pulled down to fit smaller
infants.

67

Important

I

mportan

t

6 Accessories

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.

For the low birth weight infant (preemie),
use slot 1 on the body support. Use slot
2 & 3 as the infant grows.

Use the inner slot in the shell for body
support slots 1 and 2. Use the outer slot
in the shell for body support slot 3.

1

2

3

68

7 Additional

Information

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.

7-A How to Remove LATCH and

Top Tether

69

7 Additional

Information

7-B

Choosing Vehicle Seat Location

Review your vehicle owner’s manual for seating locations.

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

In the event there is no available back seat and / or you have no other option than
to place a child in a front passenger seating position (other than rear-facing), 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

• Move the seat as far back as possible

• 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

70

7 Additional

Information

7-C

Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations

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

rear-facing or side-facing

vehicle seats

rear-facing with an
active front air bag

71

7 Additional

Information

7-D

Vehicle Seat Belts

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

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

Vehicle Seat Belt Terms

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.

72

7 Additional

Information

Identify Your Seat Belt Type

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

Lap Belt Only

2 connection points.

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

Belts Forward of the

Seat Bight

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 ALR). To

determine your type of retractor, follow these steps:

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 further, 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.

73

7 Additional

Information

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 ALR). To

determine your type of retractor, follow these steps:

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 further, 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.

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

74

7 Additional

Information

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” (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.

75

7 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”

(2.5 cm).

76

7 Additional

Information

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).

77

7 Additional

Information

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.

To get a locking clip order online at
gracobaby.com or call 1-800 345-4109

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.

1” (2.5 cm)

Locking Clip

78

7 Additional

Information

Lap Belt Installation

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).

79

Important

I

mportan

t

8 Care &

Cleaning

8-A

Cleaning Seat Pad

Clean with a damp sponge using mild soap
and cool water. Refer to seat pad care tag for
washing instructions.

Raise headrest all the way up.

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

Seat Pad

80

8 Care

&

Cleaning

Remove both harness strap loops
from splitter plate on back of child
restraint and pull through front of pad.
Open chest clip, release tongues from
buckle.

Remove elastic straps from hooks on
back of seat as shown.

Remove hooks at front of seat as
shown.

Remove seat pad from shell by
pushing harness straps and crotch
strap through seat pad.

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

To put the seat pad back on, reverse
preceding steps.

81

Important

I

mportan

t

8 Care &

Cleaning

Head Support Cover

Remove elastic loops from head
support as indicated).

Remove head support cover as
shown.

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

To put the head support cover back
on, reverse preceding steps.

82

8 Care

&

Cleaning

8-B Cleaning Crotch Buckle

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

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.

83

Important

I

mportan

t

8 Care &

Cleaning

8-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.

To purchase parts or accessories in the United States, please contact us at the following:

www.gracobaby.com

or

1-800-345-4109

Replacement Parts

Store instruction manual behind the tab with
the Vinstruction book icon as shown.