Graco PD303535A Instruction Manual

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.

www.gracobaby.com

PD303535A 1/15

4EVER

™

/4EVER

™

FEATURING

ALL-IN-ONE CAR SEAT

2

1-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

1 Important Pages 6-25

2 Features Pages 26-31

3

4-A Forward-Facing Use
4-B Install Forward-Facing with LATCH Straps
4-C Install Forward-Facing with the Vehicle Seat Belt

4 Forward-Facing Pages 45-57

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

3 Rear-Facing Pages 32-44

4

6-A Securing Child 5-Point Harness
6-B Securing Child Backed Booster
6-C Securing Child Backless Booster

6 Securing Child Pages 74-90

7 Moving the LATCH Strap Pages 91-94

5-A Booster Use
5-B Install Backed Booster
5-C Install Backless Booster

5 Booster Pages 58-73

5

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

10-A Cleaning Seat Pad
10-B Cleaning Buckle Strap
10-C Cleaning Harness and LATCH Straps

9 Vehicle Information Pages 96-106

8 Accessories Page 95

10 Care & Cleaning Pages 107-110

6

1-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)
Booster: 30-120 lb (14-54 kg)

R

L

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.

Install Cup Holders

7

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Get to Know Your Car Seat

What Seating Location Should I Use?

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

The best seating location for this infant 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. 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.

Review section 9-C, 9-D of this manual AND your vehicle owner’s manual.

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

In the event there is no back seat, review your vehicle owner’s
manual to see how to use your infant child restraint.

8

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 9 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 crash 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.

9

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

10

When Installing Rear-Facing or 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 and 9 of this
manual AND your vehicle owner’s manual
before installing.

LATCH System

LATCH consists of 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 before installing.

11

Vehicle Seat Belt

Only use the Lap/Shoulder seat
belt configuration.

Review section 5-B, 5-C of this
manual AND your vehicle owner’s
manual.

When Installing As a Booster

12

Does Your Car Seat Fit Your Child Correctly?

To make sure your child is secured properly, review section 3,4 and 5 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. Review section 6.

Harness Height, Forward-Facing (B)

Harness straps at or just above the child’s
shoulders and top of child’s ears below top of
headrest (C). Review section 6.

Buckle Position (D)

The correct slot is the one that is closest to
your child without being underneath them.
Review section 6.

Harness Tightness (E)

If your fingers slide off the harness straps
without pinching the straps, it is tight enough.
Review section 6.

For Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing, You Need to Adjust:

BA

DC

E

13

continue next page

Use Lap/Shoulder Belt Only

Position Lap Belt

Lap belt must go behind armrest
and lie low across your child’s
hips and thighs.

Position Shoulder Belt

Shoulder best lies across shoulder
between neck and edge of
shoulder.

For Booster, You Need to Adjust:

14

Did You Do Everything Correctly?

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

Review section 3

Level Indicator’s Bubble in the
Blue Zone (B)

Review section 3

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

Review section 6.

Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)

Review section 6

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at
the Shoulder (E)

Review section 6

Rear-Facing

A B

C

E

D

15

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 6

Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)

Review section 6

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps
at the Shoulder (E)

Review section 6

Forward-Facing

continue next page

B

A

D E

C

16

Never Use Lap Belt Only

Review section 6

Lap Belt Behind Armrest and
Lies Low Across Hips and Thighs

Review section 6

Shoulder Belt Lies On the
Shoulder, Between the Neck and
Edge of Shoulders

Review section 6

Booster

17

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.

continue next page

18

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)

30 lb
(14 kg)

40 lb
(18 kg)

65 lb
(30 kg)

120 lb

(54 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) SHOULD 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 (18-30 kg) SHOULD be
forward-facing.

Booster Mode with Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

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

19

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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

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

Register This Child Restraint

20

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

21

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.

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.

Certification

Car Seat’s Useful Life

22

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.

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.

Vehicle Seat Protection

Warm Weather Use

23

continue next page

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.

24

! 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 9-D 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.

25

! 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.

2 Features

26

2-A Car Seat Features

A

C

D

H
I

N

G

K

M

B

E

F

L

J

2 Features

27

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

2 Features

28

A

D

H

E

F

G

B

C

2 Features

29

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)

2 Features

30

A

B

C

A

B

2 Features

31

A Top Tether Strap Storage
B Forward-Facing LATCH

Strap Storage
C Instruction Manual Storage

3 Rear

Facing

32

3-A Rear-Facing Use

Rear-Facing:
4-40 lb (1.8-18 kg) and whose head is
at least 1” (2.5 cm) below the
headrest adjustment handle

• 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 bubble
is within the blue area. Vehicle MUST be on
level ground.

LATCH Strap

Vehicle Seat Lap/
Shoulder Belt

3 Rear

Facing

33

• 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).

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt

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

3 Rear

Facing

34

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.

3-B Install Rear-Facing with

LATCH Straps

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

3 Rear

Facing

35

3. Make Sure LATCH Strap is in the
Rear-Facing Belt Path Marked With
a Blue Label

If not, See section 7 to move LATCH strap.

4. Recline the Car Seat

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

continue next page

3 Rear

Facing

36

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground.
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.

3 Rear

Facing

37

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

LATCH strap should lie flat and not be
twisted.

9. 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.

continue next page

Click!

3 Rear

Facing

38

10. Test For Tightness

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

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

11. Check the Level Indicator

Vehicle MUST be on level ground.
Check the level indicator on the car seat.

The bubble must be completely within
the blue zone. Readjust if needed.

See section 6-A to secure your child.

Recheck the level indicator with child in
seat.

3 Rear

Facing

39

Is Everything Correct?

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

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

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

Review section 6

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 6

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 6

3 Rear

Facing

40

3-C Install Rear-Facing with

Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store Top Tether and LATCH Straps

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.

3 Rear

Facing

41

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.
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.

3 Rear

Facing

42

5. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt

Thread vehicle seat belt through the rear­facing 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 vehicle seat belt is in front of the
buckle strap.

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 9-D.

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

3 Rear

Facing

43

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-to­side 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.
Check the level indicator on the car seat.

The bubble must be completely within
the blue zone. Readjust if needed.

See section 6-A to secure your child.

Recheck the level indicator with child in seat.

3 Rear

Facing

44

Is Everything Correct?

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

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

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

Review section 6

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 6

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 6

4 Forward

Facing

45

4-A Forward-Facing Use

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

•

For children 22-40 lb (10-18 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.

• 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.

LATCH Strap with Top
Teather Strap

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

4 Forward

Facing

46

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder
Belt with Top Teather
Strap

Vehicle Seat Lap
Belt with Top Teather
Strap

• 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.

4 Forward

Facing

47

4-B Install Forward-Facing

with LATCH Straps

1. Remove LATCH Strap from Storage
Location

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

2.

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

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 Forward

Facing

48

3. Unhook Top Tether Strap From
Storage

Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.

4. Adjust the Car Seat

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

For Children 22-40 lb (10-18 kg)

MUST use recline position 4.

4 Forward

Facing

49

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

LATCH strap should not be twisted.

Click!

4 Forward

Facing

50

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 slit in the
pad at the belt path as shown.

9. 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.

10. Tighten Top Tether Strap

Remove all the slack.

4 Forward

Facing

51

11. Test For Tightness

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

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

See section 6-A to secure your child.

4 Forward

Facing

52

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 6

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 6

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 6

4 Forward

Facing

53

4-C Install Forward-Facing with

Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Store LATCH Straps

Attach LATCH connectors to the plastic bars
as shown.

4. Adjust the Car Seat

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

For Children 22-40 lb (10-18 kg)

MUST use recline position 4.

4 Forward

Facing

54

3. Unhook Top Tether Strap From
Storage

Unhook tether and
lay it in the seat.

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. 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.

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

4 Forward

Facing

55

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 9-F.

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.

4 Forward

Facing

56

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.

9. Tighten the Top Tether Strap

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

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 6-C to secure your child.

4 Forward

Facing

57

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 6

Chest Clip Even With Armpits

Review section 6

Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder

Review section 6

58

5 Booster

5-A Booster Use

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

Booster Use Without Back: 40-120 lb
(18.1-54 kg) 40-57 in. (101-145 cm)
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 marked with green label.

• 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.

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt

Vehicle Seat Lap/
Shoulder Belt

59

5 Booster

• 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

60

5 Booster

1. Store The Harness System
A. Loosen the shoulder straps as much

as possible.

B. Raise the headrest to the highest

position.

C. Unbuckle the chest clip and the

buckle strap D.

5-B Install Backed Booster

B

A

C

D

61

5 Booster

E. Unsnap Pad and Expose Seat Back

Undo the 2 snaps in the headrest pad.

F. Lift the headrest pad flap up out of

the way.

G. Unsnap Bottom Seat Pad

Undo the 2 lower snaps.

G

F

E

62

5 Booster

J

J

I

H

H. Pull Bottom Seat Pad Back To

Expose the Plastic Shell

I. Open the Harness Storage Door

J. Place Harness, Chest Clip,

Buckle Tongues Inside Storage
Compartment and Close the Door

63

5 Booster

K. Store Buckle as Shown

L. Replace Seat Pad

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

L

K

64

5 Booster

2. Adjust the Car Seat

Place the car seat in the 6th recline position.

3. Place the Booster Seat Forward­Facing 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.

65

5 Booster

Graco allows the securing of the car seat with
LATCH in the booster mode. The child still MUST BE
SECURED with the vehicle lap/shoulder seat belt.
LATCH can be used in the booster mode regardless
of the weight of the child up to 100 lb (45 kg).

Verify the following before using LATCH in the
booster mode:

•The LATCH connectors DO NOT interfere with any
vehicle seat belts or buckles.

If the LATCH interferes with the vehicle seat belts or if the chosen seating position
does not have LATCH, you MUST store the LATCH strap. Store the LATCH strap
by pushing in on the red buttons on the connectors and attach to the plastic bar as
shown. Store the top tether strap as shown.

4. Make Sure LATCH Strap is in the
Forward-Facing Belt Path Marked

with Orange Label

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

Skip to Step 11 if Not Using LATCH

66

5 Booster

5. Unhook Top Tether Strap From
Storage Location and Lay it in the
Seat

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

LATCH strap should not be twisted.

Click!

67

5 Booster

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 teather by
lifting up on the tether lock
and attach.

Consult vehicle’s owner manual for specific
location.

9. Tighten Top Tether Strap

Remove all the slack.

68

5 Booster

10. Test For Tightness

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

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

See section 6-B to secure your child.

11. Thread the Vehicle Seat Shoulder

Belt Through Seat Belt Guide on the
Headrest

69

5 Booster

1. 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 buckle strap.

2. Remove Harness Straps from
Splitter Plate

5-C Install Backless Booster

70

5 Booster

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

See section 7 to change positions.

4. Unsnap Bottom Seat Pad

Unsnap seat pad and expose the bottom of
seat base.

71

5 Booster

5. Lift the Red Backrest Lock Up

With the car seat in the 6th recline position,
lift the red backrest locks up and slide

together.

6. 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.

72

5 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

73

5 Booster

10. Attach Base Pad to the Back of Base

Attach the elastic straps onto base as shown.

11.

Place the Booster Seat Forward­Facing 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.

See section 6-C to secure your child.

6 Securing

Child

74

6-A Securing Child 5-Point Harness

1. Loosen Harness Straps

(A) Lift up on the harness release lever

while pulling out on the harness straps at
the chest clip.

(B) Unbuckle the
chest clip and the
buckle. (C) Place
harness straps off to
the sides.

A

B

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.

6 Securing

Child

75

2. Place Your Child in the Seat

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

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.

6 Securing

Child

76

4. Be Sure the Harness Straps Are at
the Proper Height

Rear-Facing: Harness straps must be at
or just below the child’s shoulders and

top of head must be at least 1” (2.5 cm)
below the red headrest/harness adjustment

handle.

Forward-Facing: Harness straps must be
at or just above the child’s shoulders and

top of child’s ears must be below top of
headrest.

Remove the headrest and body pillow.

5. To Raise or Lower Headrest/Harness
Adjustment Lever

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

Rear-Facing

Forward-Facing

6 Securing

Child

77

6. Check the Buckle Position

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

7. To Adjust Buckle 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 buckle
buckle out.

6 Securing

Child

78

9. Insert Metal Retainer in the
New Buckle Strap Slot

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

10. Pull Up on Buckle Strap to Make
Sure it is Secured

6 Securing

Child

79

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.

6 Securing

Child

80

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.

6 Securing

Child

81

14. Raise the Chest Clip to Child’s
Armpit Level

15. Check Tightness Again, Tighten
More if Needed

6 Securing

Child

82

1. Place Child In Seat

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

2. Thread Vehicle’s Shoulder Belt Into
Seat Belt Guide in the Headrest

6-B Securing Child Backed Booster

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

6 Securing

Child

83

3. 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 Securing

Child

84

Is Everything Correct?

Never Use Lap Belt Only

Lap Belt Behind Armrest and Lies
Low Across Hips and Thighs

Shoulder Belt Lies On the Shoulder,
Between the Neck and Edge of
Shoulders

6 Securing

Child

85

1. Place Child In Seat

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

2. Ears Must Be Below the Top of the
Vehicle Seat Back or Headrest.

6-C Securing Child Backless Booster

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

6 Securing

Child

86

3. 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.

You may need to use the belt positioning
clip to help get a good fit.

6 Securing

Child

87

Is Everything Correct?

Never Use Lap Belt Only

Lap Belt Behind Armrest and Lies
Low Across Hips and Thighs

Shoulder Belt Lies On the Shoulder,
Between the Neck and Edge of
Shoulders

6 Securing

Child

88

Using Belt Positioning Clip

1. Make Sure Vehicle’s Seat 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.

2. Attach Belt Positioning Clip

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

6 Securing

Child

89

3. Push Clip and Strap Through Loop

4. Pull to Tighten Strap

5. Push Clip Through Slot In Pad

6. Attach Seat Pad to Base

6 Securing

Child

90

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.

Shorten

Lengthen

7 Moving

LATCH

91

7-A Moving the LATCH Strap

1. For Ease of Moving the LATCH Strap

A. Loosen the harness straps.
B. Raise the headrest to the highest

position.

C. Unbuckle the chest clip.
D. Unbuckle the buckle.

C

B

A

D

7 Moving

LATCH

92

2. Unsnap Bottom Seat Pad to Expose
the LATCH Strap

3. Pull LATCH Connectors Out of the
Belt Path Openings into the Center
of the Car Seat

4. Slide Entire LATCH Strap Along Bar
to the Desired Belt Path Openings

Rear-Facing: Slide LATCH strap along bar
to the front of the seat.

Forward-Facing: Slide the LATCH strap up
along bar to the top.

7 Moving

LATCH

93

5. Push the LATCH Connectors Out
Through the Desired Belt Path
Openings on Each Side of Car Seat

Rear-Facing:

Make sure the
LATCH strap is in
front of the buckle
strap, is flat, and
is not twisted.

Forward-Facing:
Make sure the
LATCH strap is
routed behind the
harness strap,
is flat, and is not
twisted.

Rear-

Facing

Forward-

Facing

7 Moving

LATCH

94

6. Replace Seat Pad

7. Move the Headrest to Its Proper
Position for Your Child

8 Accessories

95

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.

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 Accessories (on select models)

9 Vehicle

Information

96

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.

9-A How to Remove LATCH and

Top Teather

9 Vehicle

Information

97

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for Seating Locations

9-B 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

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

• 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

• Move the seat as far back as possible

9 Vehicle

Information

98

9-C Unsafe Vehicle Seat Location

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

booster mode with vehicle

lap belt only seat belt

9 Vehicle

Information

99

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

Vehicle Seat Belt Terms

9-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.

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.

9 Vehicle

Information

100

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

Lap Belt Only

2 connection points. Can ONLY be

used in harness mode.

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

Lap/Shoulder Belt

3 connections points. Can be used in

all car seats modes of use.

Identify Your Seat Belt Type