Graco TRANZITIONS Instruction Manual

Do not install or use this child

restraint until you read, understand

and follow the instructions in this

manual and the warnings on the seat.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE THIS

CHILD RESTRAINT INCREASES
THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY

OR DEATH IN A SUDDEN STOP OR

CRASH.

TRANZITIONS

CHILD RESTRAINT/BOOSTER SEAT

www.gracobaby.ca

PD348877F 11/18

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
Airplane Installation
Car Seat’s Useful Life
Vehicle Seat Protection
Warm Weather Use

1-E Safety Warnings

1 Important Pages 6-22

3

2 Features Pages 23-29

3-A Forward-Facing Use
3-B Install Forward-Facing with UAS Straps
3-C Install Forward-Facing with the Vehicle Seat Belt

3 Forward-Facing with Built in Harness Pages 30-41

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

4 Booster Pages 42-52

2-A Cup Holder
2-B Car Seat Features

4

6 Accessories Page 70

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

5 Securing Child Pages 53-69

5

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

8-A Cleaning Seat Pad
8-B Cleaning Buckle Strap
8-C Cleaning Harness and UAS Strap

7 Vehicle Information Pages 71-81

8 Care & Cleaning Pages 82-86

6

1-A Quick Guide to Your Manual

This car seat is for children: Forward-Facing: 10-30 kg (22-65 lb)
69-125 cm (27-49 in.)
Booster: 18-45 kg (40-100 lb)

110-145 cm (43-57 in.) and at least 4 years old

Get to Know Your Car Seat

What Seating Location Should I Use?

Review section 2-B 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.

7

Which Installation Method Should I Use?

This car seat can be installed in your vehicle using either the vehicle seat belt OR the Universal Anchor
System (UAS). DO NOT USE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME when using the internal harness.

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.

UAS : The UAS system allows you to securely attach your car seat in your car without using the
vehicle seat belt. All 2003 and newer model year vehicles are required to have a UAS, although
some manufacturers began including them earlier. Some vehicle owner manuals use the term
ISOFIX to identify the UAS.

According to collision 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.

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

8

UAS consists of lower anchor bars and a tether anchor bar, which are built-in to your
vehicle, and connecting hooks that are built-in to your car seat. Lower anchors are used
INSTEAD of the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the child seat to the vehicle. The tether is
used IN ADDITION to the lower anchors OR the vehicle’s seat belt to secure a forward­facing car seat to the vehicle.

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

What is UAS?

Vehicle Tether

Anchorage Points

Vehicle Lower
Anchor Points

Typical seat in a passenger

vehicle. Other vehicle types

may have different lower

anchor bar locations.

Vehicle Seat Bight

9

When Installing 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 of this manual AND your vehicle
owner’s manual.

UAS System

UAS 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 of this manual AND your vehicle
owner’s manual.

Using The Car Seat Correctly

To make sure your child is secured properly, review section 3 and 4 to fit your child.

10

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

11

Use the tether when using forward­facing (A)

When used properly, the tether helps reduce
injury in a sudden stop or crash.
Review section 3

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

Review section 3

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

12

Vehicle Seat Belt

Only use the Lap/Shoulder seat belt
configuration.

Review section 4-B, 4-C of this manual AND
your vehicle owner’s manual.

When Installing As a Booster

13

Use Lap/Shoulder Belt Only

Position Lap Belt

Lap belt must go in front of 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:

Highback Backless

14

Never Use Lap Belt Only

Review section 4

Lap Belt In Front of Armrest and Lies Low
Across Hips and Thighs

Review section 4

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

Review section 4

Booster Installation

Highback Backless

15

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 all steps are preformed
correctly.

16

10 kg
(22 lb)

18 kg
(40 lb)

45 kg
(100 lb)

Forward-Facing with 5-Point Harness 10-18 kg
(22-40 lb), 69-125 cm (27-49 in.), can sit upright
unassisted and are at least 1 year old MUST be
forward facing.18-30 kg (40-65 lb) SHOULD be
forward-facing.

High Back Booster Mode with Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat
Belt 18-45 kg (40-100 lb), 110-145 cm (43-57 in.) CAN

be in high back booster mode. Over 30 kg (65 lb) MUST
be in booster mode. Child MUST be at least 4 years old.

Backless Booster Mode with Vehicle Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt 18-45 kg (40-100 lb) 110-145 cm (43-57 in.)

CAN be in booster mode. Over 30 kg (65 lb) MUST be in
booster mode. Child MUST be at least 4 years old.

1-C Right Mode of Use

30 kg
(65 lb)

17

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.ca

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:

Newell Industries Canada Inc.

P.O. Box 20090 Oaktown Plaza, Oakville, ON L6K 3Y7

or call 1-800-345-4109

For recall information, call the Customer Service in Canada at www.gracobaby.ca or call
1-800-345-4109.

Register This Child Restraint

18

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.

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 of your child restraint.

www.gracobaby.ca

1-800-345-4109

If You Need Help

19

This child restraint meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 213.2 for use in motor vehicles.

This child restraint is certified for use in aircraft only when used with the
internal harness system. Use only on forward-facing aircraft seats. Follow the
instructions for vehicle installation, except to keep tether stored. See section 3-C.

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

20

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

Warm Weather Use

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.

STOP using this car seat and throw it away 7 years after the date of manufacture. Look
for date of manufacture label 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.

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

21

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

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

! Always secure car seat with UAS 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.

22

! DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged or missing parts.
! DO NOT use accessories or parts other than those provided by Graco except

for a thin towel or mat to protect your vehicle seat. Their use could alter the
performance of the car seat.

! DO NOT remove the UAS system from car seat. If using vehicle seat belt to secure

car seat, UAS connectors must be stored.

! Never leave child unattended, even when sleeping. Child may become tangled in

harness straps and suffocate or strangle.

! Never attach two UAS hooks to one vehicle lower

anchor POINT unless specifically allowed by the vehicle
manufacturer.

! Do not use both the vehicle seat belt and UAS strap at the

same time when using the car seat forward-facing with the
built in harness system.

! This restraint system may only be used in these classes of vehicles: passenger

cars, multi-purpose passenger vehicles and trucks that have vehicle lap/shoulder
belts and tether anchors.

2 Features

23

Cup Holder

To install cup holder, lift cup half out of the cup holder.
Rotate cup. Align cup holder tabs with T-slots in shell and
slide cupholder into place.

2-A Cup Holder

2 Features

24

2-B Car Seat Features

A

E

H
I

K

D

B

C

F

L

J

J

G

2 Features

25

A Height Adjust Lever
B Head Support
C Shoulder Belt Guide
D Harness Strap
E Harness Covers
F Chest Clip
G Body Support
H Buckle
I Buckle Strap
J Cup Holder
K Harness Adjuster Lever
(Under Seat Pad)
L Harness Adjustment Strap

2 Features

26

F

A

C
D

E

G

B

A

C
D

E
F

B

2 Features

27

A Tether Storage Ring
B Tether Hook
C Tether Strap
D UAS Storage Ring
E UAS Strap
F UAS Adjuster
G Cup Holder

2 Features

28

B

C

A

2 Features

29

A Belt Positioning Clip (Inset)
B Harness Straps
C Splitter Plate

3 Forward

Facing

30

3-A Forward-Facing Use with built in harness

Forward-Facing:
10-30 kg (22-65 lb) and 69-125 cm (27-49 in.)

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

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

• Attach and tighten the tether. When used properly, the
tether helps reduce injury in a sudden stop or crash.

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

UAS with Top Tether
Do not install with

the UAS connectors
for children weighing
more than 20 kg (45
lb)

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

Experts recommend that children should use the built-in
harness system for as long as possible until they reach the
maximum forward-facing weight and height for their car seat.
This car seat can remain forward-facing using the built-in
harness system for children up to 30 kg (65 lb) and 125 cm
(49 in.).

3 Forward

Facing

31

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

Experts recommend that children should use the built-in
harness system for as long as possible until they reach the
maximum forward-facing weight and height for their car seat.
This car seat can remain forward-facing using the built-in
harness system for children up to 30 kg (65 lb) and 125 cm
(49 in.).

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder
Belt with Tether
Strap

Vehicle Seat Lap Belt
with Tether Strap

3 Forward

Facing

32

3-B Install Forward-Facing with UAS Straps

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for UAS location and use. Do not install with
the UAS connectors for children weighing more than 20 kg (45 lb)

1. Remove UAS and Tether Hook from Storage
Locations

Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.

2. Place Car Seat Forward-Facing in Back Seat of
the Vehicle

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

3. Extend the UAS Strap.

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

3 Forward

Facing

33

2. Place Car Seat Forward-Facing in Back Seat of
the Vehicle

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

3. Extend the UAS Strap.

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

3 Forward

Facing

34

4. Attach UAS to Vehicle’s Lower UAS Bars.

UAS strap should not be twisted.

5. Tighten the UAS Strap

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

3 Forward

Facing

35

6. Attach Top Tether Hook

Extend the tether by pressing the grey
button and pulling out on the strap and
attach.

Consult vehicle’s owner manual for
specific location.

7. Tighten Tether Strap

Remove all the slack.

8. Test For Tightness

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

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

See section 5-A to secure your child.

3 Forward

Facing

36

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than 2.5 cm (1 in.)
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

1. Store UAS Strap

Attach UAS hooks to the plastic rings as shown.

2. Unhook Top Tether Hook From
Storage Location and Lay it
in the Seat

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

Vehicle

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

3 Forward

Facing

37

3-C Install Forward-Facing with Vehicle

Seat Belt

1. Store UAS Strap

Attach UAS hooks to the plastic rings as shown.

2. Unhook Top Tether Hook From
Storage Location and Lay it
in the Seat

3. Place Car Seat Forward­Facing in Back Seat of the

Vehicle

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

3 Forward

Facing

38

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

3 Forward

Facing

39

5. 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.

6. 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.

3 Forward

Facing

40

7. Attach Top Tether Strap

Extend the tether by pressing
the grey button and pulling out
on the strap and attach.

Consult vehicle’s owner manual
for specific location.

8. Tighten Tether

Remove all the slack.

9. Test For Tightness

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

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

See section 5-A to secure your child.

3 Forward

Facing

41

Is Everything Correct?

Car Seat Does Not Move More than 2.5 cm (1 in.)
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

4 Booster

42

4-A Booster Use

Booster Use With Back:
18-45 kg (40-100 lb) 110-145 cm (43-57 in.) at
least 4 years old

Booster Use Without Back:
18-45 kg (40-100 lb) 110-145 cm (43-57 in.) 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 in front of the
armrest in the booster’s belt path.

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

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

Vehicle Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt

Vehicle Seat Lap/
Shoulder Belt

• 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 the internal harness system.

Experts recommend that children should use the built-in
harness system for as long as possible until they reach the
maximum forward-facing weight and height for their car seat.
This car seat can remain forward-facing using the built-in
harness system for children up to 30 kg (65 lb) and 125 cm
(49 in.).

4 Booster

43

• 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 the internal harness system.

Experts recommend that children should use the built-in
harness system for as long as possible until they reach the
maximum forward-facing weight and height for their car seat.
This car seat can remain forward-facing using the built-in
harness system for children up to 30 kg (65 lb) and 125 cm
(49 in.).

Never Use a Vehicle
Lap-Only Belt Across
Front of Child

4 Booster

44

4-B Install Backed Booster

1. Remove The Harness System

A. Loosen Harness Straps

(A) Push down on the harness release lever while pulling

out on the harness straps.

B. Remove Straps From Metal

Splitter Plate

Face the rear of the seat and remove the belt straps from
metal splitter plate as shown.

B

A

C. Remove the Buckle Strap and
Harness Straps

From bottom of car seat, rotate
metal retainers to side in order to
push them through slot easier.

D. Pull Restraint System Out of

the Seat

E. Push on Back Support to Release and Remove

4 Booster

45

C. Remove the Buckle Strap and
Harness Straps

From bottom of car seat, rotate
metal retainers to side in order to
push them through slot easier.

D. Pull Restraint System Out of

the Seat

E. Push on Back Support to Release and Remove

4 Booster

46

F. Detach Lower Seat Elastic Straps

On the rear of the seat, detach 2 lower seat pad elastic
straps from hooks as shown.

G. Store Metal Splitter Plate

On the rear of the seat, lift the flap and fit the splitter
plate into the holder. Pull the adjustment strap to tight­en in place.

4 Booster

47

H. Attach Seat Elastic Straps

Attach 2 elastic straps onto the hooks on the rear of the
seat as shown.

I. Place Seat Back Hooks Into Gutters and Raise

Seat Back

4 Booster

48

2. Unhook Tether
From Storage
location and
Lay it in the
Seat

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

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

4 Booster

49

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

Verify the following before using UAS in the booster mode:

• The UAS hook DOES NOT interfere with any vehicle seat belts or
buckles.

If the UAS interferes with the vehicle seat belts or if the chosen
seating position does not have UAS bars, you MUST store the UAS
strap. Always secure car seat with UAS or a vehicle seat belt, even

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

4. Extend the UAS Strap.

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

Skip to Step 9 If Not Using UAS

4 Booster

50

5. Attach UAS Hooks to Vehicle’s Lower Anchors.

Lower Anchor strap should not be twisted.

6. Tighten the UAS Strap

Remove all the slack from the UAS strap

7. Attach The Tether

Extend the tether by pressing the grey button and pulling
out on the strap and attach.

Consult vehicle’s owner manual for
specific location.

4 Booster

51

8. Tighten Tether

Remove all the slack.

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

See section 5-B to secure your child.

4 Booster

52

1. Remove the Back Support

See section 4-B for instructions on how to remove back
support.

Once back support is removed, store with harness straps
in a safe place.

2. Place the Booster Seat Forward-Facing in the
Back Seat of Vehicle

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

See section 5-C to secure your child.

4-C Install Backless Booster

5 Securing

Child

53

5-A Securing Child 5-Point Harness

1. Loosen Harness Straps

(A) Push down on the harness

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

(B) Unbuckle the chest clip and
the buckle strap. (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.

5 Securing

Child

54

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.

Click!

5 Securing

Child

55

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

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.

5. To Raise or Lower Headrest/Harness

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

Forward-Facing

5 Securing

Child

56

6. Check the Buckle Position

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

7. Remove the Buckle Strap

To change the buckle location, remove the buckle strap
from bottom of car seat. Rotate metal retainer to side in
order to push it through slot easier.

8. Pull buckle strap from child restraint as shown.

5 Securing

Child

57

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

5 Securing

Child

58

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.

Click!

5 Securing

Child

59

13. Tighten the Harness by Pulling the Harness
Adjustment Strap

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.

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

5 Securing

Child

60

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

15. Check Tightness Again, Tighten More if
Needed

5 Securing

Child

61

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

5-B Securing Child Backed Booster

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

5 Securing

Child

62

3. Buckle the Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

Be sure the lap portion of the vehicle seat belt goes in
front of 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.

5 Securing

Child

63

Is Everything Correct?

Never Use Lap Belt Only

Lap Belt in Front of Armrest and Lies Low Across
Hips and Thighs

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

5 Securing

Child

64

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.

5-C Securing Child Backless Booster

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

5 Securing

Child

65

3. Buckle the Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

Be sure the lap portion of the vehicle seat belt goes in
front of 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. See “Using Belt Positioning Clip”

5 Securing

Child

66

Is Everything Correct?

Never Use Lap Belt Only

Lap Belt in Front of Armrest and Lies Low Across
Hips and Thighs

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

5 Securing

Child

67

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. To attach clip to booster seat:

There are 2 slots on the back of the booster seat. Choose
the slot that is the further away from the vehicle buckle,
where the shoulder belt will lie across your child’s
shoulder. Insert the loop end of the strap through the
chosen slot.

3. Push Clip and Strap
Through Loop

Pass the clip and the strap through the loop end as shown
and pull strap up.

5 Securing

Child

68

4. Free End of Strap Should Face Front of Seat

5. 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.

Rear View

5 Securing

Child

69

6. 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 shoulder as shown.

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

Shorten

Lengthen

6

Accessories

70

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

To remove, thread buckle through pad.

Cup Holder

Refer to section 2-A to install cup holder.

6-A Accessories (on select models)

7 Vehicle

Information

71

UAS

Press in on the hook’s spring. Push hook in, lift hook up,
twist and pull out away from anchor point.

Top Tether

To remove, press the grey button and pull out on the strap
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 UAS and Top Tether

7 Vehicle

Information

72

Review your vehicle’s owner manual for Seating Locations

7-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 in a front passenger seating position, experts recommend that you take the following
steps:

• Do not place car seat in front of an active airbag unless you check your vehicle’s owner
manual for instructions and allowable seating locations.

• 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

7 Vehicle

Information

73

7-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

booster mode with vehicle

lap belt only seat belt

7 Vehicle

Information

74

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

Vehicle Seat Belt Terms

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.

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.

7 Vehicle

Information

75

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 built in

harness mode.

Lap/Shoulder Belt

3 connections points.
Can be used in all car

seats modes of use.

Identify Your Seat Belt Type

Some vehicles you may not

get a secure fit. Read both your

vehicle and car seat manuals.

Belts Forward of the

Seat Bight

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

7 Vehicle

Information

76

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 - Forward Facing Modes

7 Vehicle

Information

77

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 2.5 cm (1 in.).

7 Vehicle

Information

78

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 2.5 cm (1 in.).

7 Vehicle

Information

79

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 2.5 cm (1 in.).

7 Vehicle

Information

80

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.

Call us at 1-800-345-4109 to order a locking clip.
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.

2.5 cm (1 in.)

7 Vehicle

Information

81

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

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

Lap Belt Installation - DO NOT use in Booster Mode

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.

8 Care &

Cleaning

82

Refer to seat pad care tag for washing
instructions.

DO NOT remove foam padding.

Head Support Cover

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

Remove harness and buckle strap. See section 4-B.
Remove head support cover as shown.
Machine wash cover in cold water on delicate cycle and

drip-dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

8-A Cleaning Seat Pad

8 Care &

Cleaning

83

Seat Cover

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

To remove, unbutton snaps on seat back as shown.
Remove harness and buckle strap. See scetion 4-B.
Remove seat cover as shown.
Machine wash cover in cold water on delicate cycle and

drip-dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH.
Reverse the steps to reattach the seat cover.

8 Care &

Cleaning

84

See section 4-B for instructions on how to remove back
support.

On the rear of the seat, detach 2 lower seat pad elastic
straps from hooks as shown.

Remove seat cover as shown.

8 Care &

Cleaning

85

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

From bottom of car seat, rotate metal retainer to side in
order to push it through slot easier. Pull buckle strap from
child restraint as shown.

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 buckle strap to
make sure it is secured.

8-B Cleaning Buckle Strap

8 Care &

Cleaning

86

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

the straps.
If harness straps or lower anchor strap are frayed or heavily soiled, contact Customer

Service at www.gracobaby.ca or 1-800-345-4109.

8-C Cleaning Harness and UAS Straps

87

Notes

Store instruction manual in

the pouch with the instruction

book icon as shown.

Replacement Parts

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

www.gracobaby.ca

or

1-800-345-4109