Graco ISPC008BA User Manual

Instruction Manual

ISPC008BA 08/02

Avoid injury or death -

Read and understand this manual!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Information.....................................1

Warnings.......................................................2

Basic Information.............................................4

What is LATCH?...............................................5

LATCH System..................................................6

Vehicle Seat Belts........................................... 26

• Locking Clip........................................ 31

Additional Information ...................................32

• Tether Storage

• Cup Holder

• Care and Cleaning

• Aircraft Use

• Second Hand Car Seat

Replacement Parts.........................................

Storage.....................................Back Cover

• Locking Clip

• Instruction Manual

Help Information.......................

Back Cover

Instruction manual is for:

• Accel5-Point Newborn/Toddler Car Seat

• Accel Overhead Shield Newborn/Toddler Car Seat

Instructions for these models are the same unless otherwise noted.

❃

Before You Begin

❃

Use

❃

Special Information

Height & Weight Limits....................................7

Rear-facing Installation With LATCH..................8

Forward-facing Installation With LATCH.........10

Rear-facing Installation With

Vehicle Seat Belts............................................

Forward-facing Installation With

Vehicle Seat Belts............................................

Placing Child in Car Seat................................16

Operations and Adjustments..........................18

• Harness Straps

• Harness Tie

• Buckle

• Recline / Upright Positions

• 5-Point Crotch Strap Adjustment

• Overhead Shield Adjustment

• Changing Harness Strap Slots

• LATCH Belt Routing

• Removing LA TCH from Vehicle Anchor Points

• LATCH Storage

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.

READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY.

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 150 Oaklands Blvd. Exton, PA 19341

or call 1-888-224-6549 www.centuryproducts.com

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 1-888-224-6549 www.centuryproducts.com

✔ 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 rear seat of vehicle

whenever possible.

✔ Never leave child unattended. ✔ Install car seat securely with vehicle seat belt

or LATCH belt.

✔ 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.

❃

Registration Information

❃

Safety First Check List

❃

LATCH

This car seat may be installed in a vehicle using either the vehicle seat belt or the

LATCH system (for vehicles equipped with LATCH).

WARNINGS - Prevent 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 crash. Secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt or LATCH that is properly routed as shown in this manual.

Select a suitable location for the car seat in your vehicle.

Choose the correct mode of use for the car seat depending on your child’s size. 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. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be at least one year of age before being positioned forward facing.

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.

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 car seat 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.

DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged

or missing parts.

DO NOT use accessories or parts

other than those provided by Century. 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.

Insert the harness straps in the proper slots for your child. Never leave child unattended, even when sleeping. Child may become tangled in harness straps and suffocate or strangle.

DO NOT remove LATCH system from car seat. If using vehicle seat belt to secure car seat, LATCH connectors must be stored. (see section “LATCH storage”)

Never attach two

LATCH connectors

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

WARNINGS - Prevent serious injury or death (continued):

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 LATCH or a vehicle seat belt, even when unoccupied. In a crash, 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.

Do not use car seat on rear-facing or side-facing vehicle seats.

❃

Certification

❃

Unoccupied Car Seat

STOP using car seat and throw it away after the date molded into the underside of the car seat.

Look for:

Do not use this car

seat after December

Year

❃

Car Seat Useful Life

❃

Dangerous Vehicle Seats

❃

Vehicle Seat Protection

❃

Warm Weather

DO NOT use rear-facing

car seat in a vehicle seating position equipped with an air bag.

WARNING

Vehicle

Top Tether Anchor

Points

Vehicle

Lower Anchor

Points

Vehicle

Seat Crease

Typical seat in a passenger vehicle. Other vehicle types may have different

LATCH locations.

United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards have defined a new system for installing car seats in vehicles. The system is called LATCH. LATCH stands for:

ower Anchorage and Tether for CHildren.

LATCH System for Vehicles:

LATCH in the vehicle consists of a top tether

anchor point and two lower anchor points. Some vehicle owner manuals use the term

ISOFIX to identify the new car seat anchorage system. This carseat with

LATCH can also be used in vehicle seating

positions equipped with ISOFIX.

Newer vehicles may have one or more seating positions equipped with LATCH anchor points.

If vehicle is equipped with LATCH, the vehicle lower anchor points may be visible at the vehicle seat crease. If not visible, they may be marked with a symbol (Fig. a) or a colored dot.

See your vehicle owner’s manual for exact locations, anchor identification, and requirements for use with a car seat.

Check vehicle owner’s manual for vehicle top tether anchor locations. They may be identified using one of the anchor symbols (Fig. b or Fig. c).

(Fig. a)

(Fig. b)

(Fig. c)

WHAT IS LATCH?

LATCH System:

LATCH consists of a permanently attached

lower anchorage belt and a top tether strap

(Fig. a).

ONLY use LATCH in a seating

position recommended by vehicle manufacturer.

Vehicle

Lower

Anchor

Points

Car Seat

Lower Anchorage

Belt

(Fig. a)

LATCH SYSTEM

Car Seat

Top Tether

Vehicle

Top Tether

Anchor

Point

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.

❃

Preterm or Low Birth Weight

Infants

❃

Outgrowing Car Seat

Prevent serious injury or death:

• Top of child’s ears must be below top edge of car seat.

• Child’s shoulders MUST not be above top harness slots.

WARNING

Rear-facing: 5 to 30 lbs. (13.6 kg)

• Infants who weigh less than 20 lbs. (9.0 kg) MUST be rear-facing.

• Infants or toddlers 20 to 30 lbs. (9.0 to 13.6 kg) may be rear-facing.

Forward-facing: 20 to 40 lbs. (9.0 to 18 kg)

• Toddlers 20 to 30 lbs. (9.0 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 kg) and up to 40 inches (101.6 cm) tall MUST be forward-facing.

IMPORTANT: This car seat is 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. (9.0 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.

Forward-facing

Rear-facing

40 lbs.

(18 kg)

5 lbs.

(2.2 kg)

30 lbs.

(13.6 kg)

20 lbs.

(9.0 kg)

LATCH belt must be routed through

opening in car seat for rear-facing mode. (see page 23, fig. j).

Belt must lay flat and not be twisted.

Adjust car seat to recline position (see pages 18 and 19, fig. b) and place

rear-facing on vehicle seat equipped with LATCH anchors.

For ease of installation, extend LATCH belt to its maximum length.

Hook connectors to vehicle lower anchors (fig. a). Pull connectors to be sure they are securely attached to the anchor points. (fig. b).

Press down firmly in center of car seat while pulling LATCH adjustment belt. (fig. c).

REAR-FACING INSTALLATION WITH LATCH

Pull front to back and left to right to check for secure installation (fig. d).

Check that the lower anchorage belt stays tight and does not slip from the tightened position. If it does not stay tight, try another seating position or contact Customer Service (see back cover).

Check level indicator on car seat. Vehicle must be on level ground

and child in car seat when checking level indicator.

Ball MUST be entirely in green zone (fig. e). If necessary, place rolled towels under car seat, at vehicle seat crease, until entire ball is in green zone. Then re-check level indicator.

DO NOT use tether rear-facing. Tether must be stored (see “Tether Storage” page 32).

Periodically check that car seat is securely installed and properly leveled; adjust if necessary.

(fig. b)

(fig. c)

Openings

Towels

REAR-FACING INSTALLATION WITH LATCH

(continued):

(fig. a)

(fig. e)

(fig. d)

Tether

LATCH

LATCH belt must be routed through

opening in car seat for forward-facing (see page 23, fig. k).

Belt must lay flat and not be twisted.

Adjust car seat to upright position (see pages 18 and 19, fig. b) and place forward-facing

on vehicle seat equipped with LATCH anchors.

For ease of installation, extend LATCH belt to its maximum length.

Hook connectors to vehicle lower anchors (fig. a). Pull connectors to be sure they are securely attached (fig. b).

Press down firmly in center of car seat to compress vehicle seat cushion while tightening

LATCH belt by pulling adjustment belt (fig. c).

Use your knee to press down in center of car seat (fig. c).

FORWARD-FACING INSTALLATION WITH LATCH

Pull front to back and left to right to check for secure installation (fig. d).

Check that the lower anchorage belt stays tight and does not slip from the tightened position. If it does not stay tight, try another seating position or contact Customer Service (see back cover).

Attach tether strap hook (A) to anchor hardware (B) and tighten adjustment belt to remove any slack (fig. e).

Periodically check that car seat is securely installed; adjust if necessary.

Openings

(fig. b)

(fig. c)

FORW ARD-F ACING INST ALLATION WITH LA TCH

(cont.):

(fig. a)

(fig. e)

(fig. d)

(B)

(A)

Pull to

tighten

Tether

LATCH

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” page 26.

Check level indicator on car seat. Vehicle must be on level ground and

child in car seat when checking level indicator. Ball MUST be entirely in green zone (fig. d).

If necessary, place rolled towels under car seat, at vehicle seat crease, until entire ball is in green zone. Then re-check level indicator.

DO NOT use tether rear-facing. Tether must be stored (see “Tether Storage” page 32).

Periodically check that car seat is securely installed and properly leveled; adjust if necessary.

Store LATCH belt by attaching to connectors through forward-facing openings (see page 23, fig. k).

• Attach connectors to storage bar on each side (fig. a).

• Adjust LATCH belt to remove excess slack by pulling adjustment belt.

Adjust car seat to recline position (see page 18 and 19, fig. b) and place rear-facing on vehicle

seat.

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. b).

REAR-FACING INSTALLATION WITH VEHICLE SEAT BELTS

LATCH belt MUST be stored when using vehicle seat belt to install car seat.

WARNING

REAR-FACING INSTALLATION WITH VEHICLE SEAT BELTS

(continued):

(fig. a)

Openings

Towels

(fig. d)

(fig. b) (fig. c)

Storage

Bar

Tether

LATCH

Store LATCH belt by attaching to connectors through rear-facing openings (see page 23, fig. j).

• Attach connectors to storage bar on each side (fig. a).

• Adjust LATCH belt to remove excess slack by pulling adjustment belt.

Adjust car seat to upright position (see pages 18 and 19, fig. b) and place forward-facing on vehicle seat.

Lift seat pad flap (available on some models). Thread vehicle seat belt through openings.

Buckle belt (fig. b).

FORWARD-FACING INSTALLATION

WITH VEHICLE SEAT BELTS

LATCH belt MUST be stored when

using vehicle seat belt to install car seat.

WARNING

Press down firmly in center of car seat to compress vehicle seat cushion while tightening vehicle seat belt.

Use your knee to press down in center of car seat (fig. c).

Pull front to back and left to right to check for secure installation (fig. d). Vehicle lap belt MUST stay tight.

If not secure, see “Vehicle Seat Belts” page 26.

Attach tether strap hook (A) to anchor hardware (B) and tighten adjustment belt to remove any slack (fig. e). If vehicle does not have anchor points to attach tether hook, tether hook should be stored, see “Tether Storage”, page 32.

Periodically check that car seat is securely installed; adjust if necessary.

FORW ARD-FACING INSTALLATION WITH VEHICLE SEAT BEL TS

(continued):

(fig. b)

(fig. c) (fig. d)

Openings

Stand

Storage

Bar

(fig. a)

(fig. e)

(B)

(A)

Pull to

tighten

LATCH

Tether

Check harness system:

• Rear-facing - 5-30 lbs (2.2-13.6 kg) Harness straps must be through bottom or middle slots at or below shoulders.

• Forward-facing - 20-30 lbs (9-13.6 kg) Harness straps must be through middle or

top slots at or above shoulders.

• Forward-facing - 30-40 lbs (13.6-18 kg) Harness straps must be through top slots only.

DO NOT use middle slots for child over 30 lbs. (13.6 kg).

5-Point Models Only:

• Crotch strap must be in opening closest to but not under child.

5-Point Models Only:

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 they are 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).

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. Towels should NOT be placed under child.

To prevent serious injury or death:

• Keep harness straps snug and positioned on shoulders with harness tie at arm pit level.

• Do not use strap covers, blankets, cushions, or padding under harness straps or child unless provided by Century.

• Child should be dressed in clothing that does not interfere with buckling the harness.

PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT

WARNING

Overhead Shield Models Only:

• Harness tongue must be in opening closest to but not under child.

5-Point

Models

Overhead

Shield

Models

(fig. a)

(fig. b)

PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT (continued)

OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS

Recline / Upright Positions (fig. b):

Rear-facing - MUST use Recline position. Forward-facing - MUST use Upright position

Upright Position: Rotate stand out and push into car seat (fig. b).

Recline Position: Pull stand out and rotate into car seat.

Harness straps MUST move freely. Make sure harness straps are not pinched by recline stand.

5-Point Crotch Strap Adjustment (fig. c):

• From bottom of car seat, pull crotch strap clip out and remove clip from crotch strap loop.

• From top of car seat, pull crotch strap out and thread through desired slot. Make sure red button is facing away from child.

• From bottom of car seat, re-attach clip to crotch strap loop exactly as shown.

Overhead Shield Adjustment (fig. d):

• To adjust: Press button down and slide shield to desired position closest to child. Release button to lock shield into one of multiple positions.

NOTE: Shield does not need to contact

child when in closest position; harness system restrains child.

Harness Straps (fig. a):

• To tighten: Pull belt tab.

• To loosen: Lift and hold metal release bar while pulling shoulder harness straps.

Harness Tie:

• To open: Press tab and pull apart.

• To close: Snap halves together. Make sure harness tie is locked by pulling out on each half.

Buckle: MUST be in opening closest to but not under

child. 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, pull tongue out of opening and lift shield over top of car seat.

5-Point

Models

(fig. a)

(fig. d)

Overhead

Shield

Models

(fig. b)

(fig. c)

Upright

Recline

OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)

Clip

Lift

(to release)

Pull Belt

(to tighten)

Changing Harness Strap Slots:

A Loosen harness straps:

Lift and hold metal release bar. Pull harness straps out.

B Remove both shoulder 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 while relocating.

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 both strap loops are securely attached within Splitter Plate hook.

• Make sure straps are NOT twisted and are routed behind stand (fig. g).

OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)

5-Point

Models

Overhead

Shield

Models

(fig. e)

(fig. f)

Bottom

Loop

Splitter

Plate

Top

Loop

OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)

(fig. g)

Stand

LATCH Belt Routing: LATCH belt MUST be routed through

the proper openings depending on direction of car seat use.

A Remove pad from front of seat area by

pulling out 2-button clips on lower front edge of car seat (fig. h)

Removing pad will expose the rotating

LATCH belt. (fig. i)

B Rotate LATCH belt so that the belt routes

through the proper openings (fig. j and fig. k). Belts must remain flat and not twisted.

C Re-attach pad to car seat by pressing

2-button clips back in place.

OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)

(fig. h)

(fig. i)

Rotating LATCH

Belt

(under seat pad)

+ 56 hidden pages