Boulevard

®

User Guide

PLEASE READ

INSTRUCTION R

S

R

Table of Contents

Safety Information

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

Important Notes .............................................................................................................4

Certification ....................................................................................................................5

Registration ....................................................................................................................5

Important Harness Adjustments ...................................................................................6

Child Seat Features ..................................................................................................... 8

Vehicle Compatibility

Incompatible Vehicle Seat Belts ...................................................................................10

Vehicle Buckle Positions ...............................................................................................11

Vehicle Seating Positions ..............................................................................................11

Installation: Rear-facing

LATCH Installation .........................................................................................................12

Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation ......................................................................................14

Lap-Belt Installation ......................................................................................................16

Installation: Forward-facing

LATCH Installation .........................................................................................................18

Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation .......................................................................................20

Lap-Belt Installation ......................................................................................................22

Installation: Aircraft ..................................................................................................... 24

Installation: Versa-Tether ®

Safety Information .........................................................................................................25

Using the Versa-Tether ..................................................................................................26

Tether Connector Strap .................................................................................................27

Energy-Absorbing Tether ..............................................................................................28

Child Seat Functions

Switching the LATCH Connectors................................................................................29

Storing the LATCH Connectors ....................................................................................30

Recline Adjustment .......................................................................................................30

Infant Body Pillow ..........................................................................................................30

Chest Clip ......................................................................................................................31

HUGS ™ Chest Pads .......................................................................................................31

Harness Buckle .............................................................................................................32

How to Adjust Harness Height .....................................................................................33

Securing Your Child .................................................................................................... 34

Care and Maintenance ................................................................................................ 36

Warranty ....................................................................................................................... 40

©2009 Britax Child Safety, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A P363200 R1:04.09

This product and its components are subject to change without notice.

2

WARNING!

DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY CAN OCCUR:

• Use only in a rear-facing position when using it with an infant weighing less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg) OR is less than 1 year of age.

• Use only with children who weigh between 5 – 65 lbs (2.3 – 29.5 kg) and whose height is 49 in. (124.5 cm) or less. Use rear-facing for children who weigh 5 – 35 lbs (2.3 – 15.9 kg). Use forward-facing for children who weigh between 20 – 65 lbs (9.1 – 29.5 kg) AND are at least 1 year of age.

• Snugly adjust the belts provided with this child restraint around your child. A snug strap should not allow any slack. It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging. It does not press into the child’s flesh or push the child’s body into an unnatural position.

• Secure the top anchorage strap provided with this child restraint.

• Secure this child restraint with the vehicle’s child restraint anchorage system if available, or with a vehicle belt.

• Follow all instructions on this child restraint and in the written instructions located under the child seat cover.

• Register this child restraint with the manufacturer.

• This child seat must be reclined when installed rear facing.

• Child seat must be in the full upright position when installed in forwardfacing mode with children who weigh more than 33 lbs (15.1 kg).

• HUGS ™ chest pads must be used in forward-facing use. Removal of

HUGS is optional only for rear-facing use.

• To prevent injury due to deterioration or hidden damage, discontinue use of a child seat that is older than six years or has been in a moderate or severe crash. See Serial Number and Manufactured Date

Label located on child seat (page 9).

• This child seat must not be used in the home, in boats, or other noncertified applications.

• Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents select the back seat as the safest location for a properly installed child seat. Please study Vehicle Compatibility on page 10 – 11 to ensure your child’s safety and consult your vehicle owner’s manual.

• Secure this child seat even when it is not occupied. In a crash, an unsecured child seat may injure vehicle occupants.

• When using in a vehicle with air bags, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for child seat installation instructions and precautions.

• Never use the harness straps or harness adjuster strap to lift or carry this child seat. Doing so could cause damage to harness adjuster and webbing. Always carry this child seat by its shell or tether straps.

• The primary protection for occupants of a vehicle in a collision is the body of the vehicle itself; a child seat will not protect a child when a vehicle is seriously impacted. However, correctly installed, a child seat will substantially improve chances for survival in most crashes.

Make sure all users fully understand the correct ways to use this child seat in a vehicle.

• Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the maximum weight rating for their LATCH anchors. Use vehicle belt (not LATCH connectors) for installations with children who weigh more than the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.

Unless specified otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer, assume a

40 lb (18.1 kg) child is the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.

• The use of non-Britax Child Safety, Inc., covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this child seat not perform as intended in a crash.

3

4

Safety Information

Important Notes

• Verify that the child seat is securely installed and the harness is properly adjusted around the child each time the child seat is used.

• Adjust the harness to fit the clothes the child is wearing. Remove bulky coats and/or jackets before putting the child in child seat.

• Cover the child seat when the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight.

Parts of child seat could become hot enough to burn a child.

• Store the child seat in a safe place when it is not being used. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.

• Do not leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.

• Do not, except as described in this booklet, attempt to disassemble any part of the child seat or change the way the harness or vehicle’s seat belts are used.

• Do not leave loose objects, e.g. books, bags, etc., in the back of a vehicle. In the event of a sudden stop, loose objects will keep moving, potentially causing serious injuries.

• Do not leave folding vehicle seats unlatched. In the event of a sudden stop, a loose seat back could cause the child seat not to perform as intended.

• Do not allow children to play with this child seat.

• Do not use anything to raise the child seat off vehicle seat except as described in these instructions. In a crash, this could cause the child seat not to perform as intended.

WARNING!

DO NOT place child seat rear-facing in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag unless deactivated. DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur. See your vehicle owner’s manual for child seat installation instructions. The back seat is the safest place for children 12 and under.

Safety Information

Certification

This child seat system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle

Safety Standards. This child seat is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.

Registration

Child seats can be recalled for safety reasons. You must register this child seat to be reached in a recall. Send your name, address, and the child seat’s model number and manufacturing date to Britax Child

Safety, Inc., 13501 South Ridge Drive Charlotte, NC 28273, or call

1-888-4BRITAX, or register online at www.BritaxUSA.com/registration.

For recall information, call the U.S. Government’s Vehicle Safety Hot line at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.

NHTSA.gov.

Serial Number:___________________________________

Batch Number:___________________________________

Date of Manufacture:______________________________

5

Safety Information

Important Harness Adjustments

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least

1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. That means that if your infant reaches 20 pounds before her first birthday, she should remain rear-facing at least until she turns 1 year old. It is best for children to ride rear-facing to the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer.

Rear-Facing

Weight 5 – 35 pounds (2.3 – 15.9 kg).

Use rear-facing only with children:

• who weigh between 5 and 35 lbs (2.3 – 15.9 kg) and

• the top of the child’s head is 1” (2.5 cm) or more

below the top of the child seat shell (Fig. A) and

• the harness straps are at or slightly below the child’s shoulders.

a

2.5 cm

1 inch

If the child cannot be secured within these requirements because the child exceeds height or weight requirements, review the forward-facing guidelines on page 7.

If the child cannot be secured within these requirements because the child is too small, selection of a different child seat (such as an infant carrier) may be required.

IMPORTANT:

See How to Adjust Harness Height on page 33.

6

WARNING!

Do NOT use the child seat rear-facing if any of the following apply:

• the child is less than 5 lbs (2.3 kg) in weight or

•

•

• the child exceeds 35 lbs (15.9 kg) in weight the top of the head is less than 1” (2.5 cm) from the top of the

child seat shell (Fig. A) or or the harness straps are above the child’s shoulders.

Safety Information

Forward-Facing

Weight 20 pounds (and 1 year) – 65 pounds (9.1 – 29.5 kg).

Use forward-facing only with children:

• who are at least one year of age and

• who weigh between 20 and 65 lbs. (9.1 – 29.5 kg) and

•

• who are 49” (124.5 cm) or less in height and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the child seat shell and

• the harness straps are at or above the child’s shoulders, parallel to level ground (Fig. B).

IMPORTANT: When using forward-facing recline mode, it may become necessary to adjust

the harness to a higher height than would be used when the seat is upright. See Figure B for reference.

See How to Adjust Harness Height on page 33.

Above Shoulder Level

Below Shoulder Level

Upright Reclined

Shoulder level b

Forward-Facing Harness Height

WARNING!

Do NOT use the child seat forward-facing if any of the following apply:

• the child is less than one year of age or

•

•

•

•

• the child is less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg) in weight the child exceeds 65 lbs (29.5 kg) in weight or the child exceeds 49” (124.5 cm) in height or the top of the ears are above the top of the child seat shell or the harness straps are below the child’s shoulders, parallel to level ground (Fig. B).

or

7

Child Seat Features

8

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

5

6

7

1

2

3

4

8

9

10

Cover

LATCH Bar

Rear-Facing Lock-Off

LATCH Adjuster Release Button

LATCH Adjuster

LATCH Connector Release Button

LATCH Connector

(stored under cover)

Head Restraint

Harness Slot

Comfort Pad

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Harness

Infant Body Pillow

Chest Clip

HUGS ™ (Harness Ultra Guard

System) Chest Pads

Harness Buckle

Belly Pad

Harness Adjuster Lever (under flap)

Harness Adjuster Strap

Recline Handle

15

16

17

18

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

19

20

21

22

23

Child Seat Features

24

25

26

20

21

22

23

Serial Number and Manufactured

Date Label (under cover)

Head Restraint Adjustment Knob

Forward-Facing Lock-Off

Base

24

25

26

Versa-Tether ® (Top Anchorage

Strap)-in pouch

Harness Yoke

Belt Guard

IMPORTANT: When not in use, this user guide should be stored under the cover. DO NOT discard the foam inserts found under the cover.

9

Vehicle Seat Belt Information

Incompatible Vehicle Seat Belts

WARNING!

The following types of vehicle belts are NOT compatible with this child seat:

1 Vehicle belts with top or bottom anchor points on the vehicle door.

2 Motorized, automatic vehicle belts

10

3

5

Lap-shoulder belts that have a separate retractor each for the lap section and shoulder section

4 Lap belts forward of the vehicle seat bight.

Lap belts that have a retractor that locks only in case of a sudden stop (emergency locking retractor- or ELR).

Vehicle Compatibility

Vehicle Buckle Positions

WARNING!

The position of the vehicle belt buckle can adversely affect the stability of the child seat.

If the buckle lies near the incorrect position ( ) when the vehicle belt is tightened, try fitting the child seat in another seating position in the vehicle OR consult your vehicle owner’s manual to see if you can lower the vehicle buckle position by twisting the vehicle buckle stalk. If it is not possible to achieve the correct position ( ) for the buckle, then another seating position MUST be used.

Vehicle Seating Positions

WARNING!

Some vehicles have no seating positions which are compatible with this child seat or any other child seat. If in doubt, contact the vehicle manufacturer for assistance.

Forward-facing vehicle seats MUST be used with this child seat. Sidefacing or rear-facing seats CANNOT be used. See diagram below.

WARNING!

DO NOT place a child seat rear-facing in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag unless deactivated. DEATH or

SERIOUS INJURY can occur. See your vehicle owner's manual for child seat installation instructions. The back seat is the safest place for children

12 and under.

11

Installation: Rear-Facing

LATCH Installation

• Figure A illustrates a rear-facing LATCH installation.

• Verify that your vehicle is equipped with

LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you must use the vehicle belt installation methods.

IMPORTANT:

LATCH connectors must be in an upright position (as shown in figure B) and the strap should be tight and not twisted to ensure proper installation.

1

2

3

If stored, remove the LATCH connectors from the storage slots under the cover (see page

30) and route through their adjacent rear-facing belt slots.

Press and hold the first LATCH adjuster button, then pull the LATCH strap to full length. Repeat for the remaining LATCH connector.

Recline the child seat and place it sideways on the vehicle seat with the front facing you. This child seat must be in the recline position when installed rear-facing. See Recline

Adjustment on page 30.

a

Release

Button b

4 Verify the LATCH strap is not twisted, then attach the closest LATCH connector to the vehicle seat back to the farthest LATCH anchor from you (Fig. C).

c

NOTE: It may be necessary to switch the LATCH connectors (page 29) if ANY of the following conditions exist:

• LATCH connector is not in an upright position (Fig. B).

5

6

Top

• LATCH strap is twisted.

• An audible click is NOT heard when the LATCH connector and LATCH anchor are connected.

Rotate the child seat into the rear-facing position.

Verify that the LATCH strap is not twisted and attach the remaining

LATCH connector to the adjacent LATCH anchor (Fig. B).

12

Installation: Rear-Facing

NOTE: If an audible click is not heard when connecting either LATCH connector, the LATCH strap may be twisted, or there may be debris in the LATCH connector. Correct either situation before continuing with the installation process.

7

8

9

Align each LATCH strap on the LATCH bar with the “LATCH Strap Here Rear-Facing” label on each side of the child seat. (Figs. D and E).

Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH strap tight (Fig. F).

•

Verify that all connections are secure, the

LATCH strap is aligned to the “LATCH Strap

Here Rear-Facing” label on each side of the child seat, and that the child seat is stable.

The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) front-to-back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, repeat the procedure or use an alternate seating location.

•

•

When properly installed in the rear-facing position, the back angle of the child seat should be

30º–45º from vertical (not to exceed 45º) when the car is parked on a level surface (Fig. G).

If necessary, the proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a rolled towel or pool noodle in the seat bight to level the child seat’s base.

d e f

WARNING! Do not raise the child seat off the front edge of the vehicle seat.

This could cause your child seat not to perform as intended.

• Rear-facing installation can be improved by the use of the Versa-Tether ® . See pages 25–28.

g

13

Installation: Rear-Facing

Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation

1

2

• Figure A illustrates a rear-facing, lapshoulder belt installation.

• When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 30.

Recline the child seat and place it rearfacing on the vehicle seat. This child seat must be in the recline position when installed rear-facing. See Recline Adjustment on page 30.

Lift the cover to open the rear-facing lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled (Fig. B).

3

•

Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it under the

LATCH bar and through the rear-facing belt slot

(Fig. C).

The vehicle belt can be routed over or under cover.

4

IMPORTANT: The vehicle belt must rest behind the child seat buckle strap.

5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, position the lap belt portion through the open lock-off, then buckle (Fig. D).

6

Route the vehicle belt across seat then through the opposite rear-facing belt slot and under the LATCH bar.

7

•

Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while removing slack first from the lap portion of the vehicle belt, then the shoulder portion (Fig. E).

Position both sections of the vehicle belt through the open lock-off, tighten belt, close the lock-off arm (Fig. F) and replace the cover.

The lock-off is properly closed when a click is heard.

14 a b c d

Installation: Rear-Facing

8

• To prevent damage, never extend the lockoff arm beyond its normal open position and always keep the lock-off closed when it is not in use.

• If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as long as the

ALR is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the type of retractor your vehicle has, and how to lock the retractor.

Verify that vehicle belt is tight and that the child seat is secure.

• The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) frontto-back or side-to-side at the belt path.

If the child seat is not secure, repeat the procedure or use an alternate seating location.

• When properly installed in the rear-facing position, the back angle of the child seat should be 30º– 45º from vertical (not to exceed 45º) when the car is parked on a level surface (Fig. G).

• If necessary, the proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a rolled towel or pool noodle in the seat bight to level the child seat’s base.

e f g

WARNING! Do not raise the child seat off the front edge of the vehicle seat. This could cause your child seat not to perform as intended.

• Rear-facing installation can be improved by the use of the Versa-

Tether ® . See pages 25–28.

15

Installation: Rear-Facing

Lap-Belt Installation

1

2

3

4

• Figure A illustrates a rear-facing, lap-belt installation.

• When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 30.

Recline the child seat and place it rearfacing on the vehicle seat. This child seat must be in the recline position when installed rear-facing. See Recline Adjustment on page 30.

Lift the cover and open the rear-facing lockoff farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled (Fig. B).

Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it under the

LATCH bar and through the rear-facing belt slot

(Fig. C).

• The vehicle belt can be routed over or under cover.

Route the vehicle belt across the child seat then through the opposite rear-facing belt slot and under the LATCH bar.

IMPORTANT: The vehicle belt must rest behind the child seat buckle strap.

5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, position the lap belt portion through the open lock-off, then buckle (Fig. D).

6 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while removing slack from the vehicle belt.

7

•

Tighten the belt, close the lock-off arm and replace the cover (Fig. E).

The lock-off is properly closed when a click is heard.

• To prevent damage, never extend the lockoff arm beyond its normal open position and a b c d

16

Installation: Rear-Facing

• always keep the lock-off closed when not in use.

If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of the lock-offs is not required as long as the

ALR is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the type of retractor your vehicle has, and how to lock the retractor.

e

WARNING! Do not install this seat with a non-locking, two-point Emergency

Locking Retractor (ELR) vehicle belt.

8

•

Verify that vehicle belt is tight, locked, and that the child seat is secure.

The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) front-tof back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, repeat the procedure or use an alternate seating location.

•

•

When properly installed in the rear-facing position, the back angle of the child seat should be 30º – 45º from vertical (not to exceed

45º) when the car is parked on a level surface (Fig. F).

If necessary, the proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a rolled towel or pool noodle in the seat bight to level the child seat’s base.

WARNING! Do not raise the child seat off the front edge of the vehicle seat. This could cause your child seat not to perform as intended.

• Rear-facing installation can be improved by the use of the Versa-

Tether ® . See pages 25–28.

17

Installation: Forward-Facing

LATCH Installation

• Figure A illustrates a forward-facing LATCH installation.

• Verify that your vehicle is equipped with

LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt installation methods.

•

WARNING!

This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg).

• This child seat must be in full upright position when installed forward-facing for children who weigh more than 33 lbs (15.1 kg).

a

1

2

3

If stored, remove the LATCH connectors from the storage slots under the cover (see page

30) and route through their adjacent rear-facing belt slots.

Press and hold the first LATCH adjuster release button, then pull the LATCH strap to full length.

Repeat for the remaining LATCH connector.

Remove the Versa-Tether from the pouch and place it up and over the child seat back.

b

Release

Button

Top

4 Place the child seat forward-facing on the vehicle seat.

c

TIP: You may need to raise or remove the vehicle head restraint to achieve best fit of the child seat.

5 Attach one LATCH connector to its adjacent vehicle LATCH anchor (Fig.

B) in the upright position (Fig. C).

NOTE: It may be necessary to switch the LATCH connectors as shown on page 29 if ANY of the following conditions exist:

• the LATCH connector is not in an upright position as shown in figure B.

18

Installation: Forward-Facing

6

•

• the LATCH strap is twisted.

An audible click is NOT heard when the

LATCH connector and the LATCH anchor are connected.

Attach the remaining LATCH connector to its adjacent vehicle LATCH anchor (Fig. D) in an upright position (Fig, C).

• An audible click confirms attachment.

• Ensure that the LATCH strap is not twisted.

d

NOTE: If an audible click is not heard when connecting either LATCH connector, the LATCH strap may be twisted, or there may be debris in the LATCH connector. Correct either situation before continuing with the installation process.

7 Align each LATCH strap on the LATCH bar with the “LATCH STRAP ON OR ABOVE

LINE FORWARD-FACING” label on each side of the child seat (Fig. E).

TIP:Gradually tighten each LATCH strap and keep the LATCH strap webbing from sliding down on the LATCH bar.

8 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH strap tight (Fig. F).

9 Attach the Versa Tether ® hook to the vehicle’s designated tether anchor for the chosen seating position. Remove all slack from the tether to secure. Store excess webbing in the tether pouch. See pages

25 – 28.

e f

10

•

Verify that all connections are secure and that the child seat is stable.

The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved front- to-back or side-to-side more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, repeat the installation process or use an alternate seating location.

19

Installation: Forward-Facing

Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation

•

•

Figure A illustrates a forward-facing lapshoulder belt installation.

When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 30.

•

WARNING!

This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg).

• This child seat must be in full upright position when installed forward-facing for children who weigh more than 33 lbs (15.1 kg).

a b

IMPORTANT: Britax recommends that the Versa-

Tether ® be used at all times. Using the tether will improve the stability of the child seat and reduce the risk of injury. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for approved tether locations.

1 Place the child seat forward-facing on the vehicle seat. Ensure the bottom of the child seat base is in full contact with the vehicle seat.

TIP: You may need to raise or remove the vehicle head restraint to achieve best fit of the child seat.

2 c

If the vehicle is equipped with a designated tether anchor for the chosen seating position, remove the Versa-Tether from the pouch and place it up and over the child seat back.

3

4

Rotate the lock-off lever to open the forward-facing lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled.

Pull vehicle belt out, then pass it over the LATCH bar, through the forward-facing belt path, then over the LATCH bar on the opposite side (Fig. B).

20

Installation: Forward-Facing

5

6

7

8

9

Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted and is routed over the LATCH bars, then buckle

(Fig. C).

Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while removing slack first from the lap portion of the vehicle belt, then the shoulder portion (Fig. D).

Hold the shoulder belt tight, then rotate the lock-off until the vehicle belt is secured

(Fig. E).

d

• If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as long as the

ALR is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the type of retractor your vehicle has, and how to lock the retractor.

Attach the Versa-Tether ® hook to the designated tether anchor (if available e according to the vehicle owner’s manual) for the chosen seating position. Remove all slack from the tether to secure. Store excess webbing in the tether pouch. See pages 25–28.

•

Verify that the vehicle belt is tight and the child seat is secure.

The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating location.

21

Installation: Forward-Facing

Lap-Belt Installation

• Figure A illustrates a forward-facing, lap-belt installation.

• When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 30.

•

WARNING!

This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg).

• This child seat must be in full upright position when installed forward-facing for children who weigh more than 33 lbs (15.1 kg).

a b

IMPORTANT: Britax recommends that the Versa-Tether be used at all times. Using the tether will improve the stability of the child seat and reduce the risk of injury. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for approved tether locations.

1 Place the child seat forward-facing on the vehicle seat. Ensure the bottom of the child seat base is in full contact with the vehicle seat.

TIP: You may need to raise or remove the vehicle head restraint to achieve best fit of the child seat.

2 If the vehicle is equipped with a designated tether anchor for the chosen seating position, remove the Versa-Tether from the pouch and place it up and over the child seat back.

3 Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it under the LATCH bar, through the forward-facing belt path, then under the LATCH bar on the opposite side (Fig. B).

22

Installation: Forward-Facing

4

5

Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, is routed under the LATCH bars, then buckle

(Fig. B).

Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while removing slack from the vehicle belt (Fig. C).

6

7

Attach the Versa-Tether ® hook to the designated tether anchor (if available c according to the vehicle owner’s manual) for the chosen seating position. Remove all slack from the tether to secure. Store excess webbing in the tether pouch. See pages

25–28.

Verify that the vehicle belt is tight, locked and the child seat is secure.

• The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating location.

23

Aircraft Installation

This child seat is certified for aircraft use. Most airlines in the U.S. and Canada will allow the use of a child seat as long as it is labeled as an approved child seat for airline use and fits properly on the aircraft seat. Contact the airline about their policy prior to traveling.

The FAA recommends that a child weighing up to 40 pounds (18.1 kg) use a certified, harnessed child seat while traveling on an aircraft.

Install your child seat in a window seat to avoid blocking the aisle.

If the aircraft lap belt is too short, ask the flight attendant for a belt extender.

Rear-Facing Installation

For rear-facing aircraft installation (Fig. A), follow

Rear-Facing Lap-Belt Installation instructions on pages 16–17.

4 To aid installation on aircraft, open the rear-facing lock-offs to allow routing of large buckles.

Forward-Facing Installation

For forward-facing aircraft installation (Fig. B), follow Forward-Facing Lap-Belt Installation instructions on pages 22–23.

a

Installation: Versa-Tether

Safety Information

•

WARNING!

When using the child seat in forward-facing mode, attach the

Versa-Tether only to tether anchors designated by the vehicle manufacturer as tether anchorage points. Use of other locations is not approved or permitted.

• DO NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle manufacturer if a tether anchorage is not available.

IMPORTANT:

• Britax recommends that the tether be used at all times. Using the tether will improve the stability of the child seat and reduce the risk of injury.

• If your vehicle does not currently have a tether anchor attachment, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for assistance.

b

24 25

Installation: Versa-Tether

Using the Versa-Tether

1

2

3

4

5

6

Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for designated tether anchorage locations.

Locate the tether on the rear of the child seat and remove the tether from the pouch.

Place the tether up and over the child seat back.

Install the child seat using the LATCH system or the vehicle belts according to the instructions in this manual.

Tilt the tether release tab then pull to fully extend the tether strap into a “V” shape.

Locate the hook on the strap and attach the tether hook to the vehicle’s designated tether anchor.

• See figure A for a forward-facing installation.

• See figures B and C for a rear-facing installation. a b

OR

OR

IMPORTANT: The tether should be hooked over, not under, the vehicle tether anchor.

7 Pull the tether adjuster strap to remove all slack. Roll up excess webbing and store in tether pouch.

8

•

Verify there is tension in the tether strap and that child seat is properly secured. c

The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) at the belt path.

26

Installation: Versa-Tether

Tether Connector Strap

NOTE:

Britax child seats are shipped with the tether connector strap attached to the Versa-Tether ® hook. When not in use with rear-facing installations that have designated tether anchors or forward-facing installations, store the tether connector strap in the tether pouch.

WARNING!

Only use the tether connector strap for rear-facing tether installation when there is NOT a designated vehicle tether anchor.

Because every vehicle model is different, sometimes you cannot find a location to properly anchor the tether. Use the tether connector strap to assist in creating an anchor point (Fig. D).

1 Find a fixed vehicle anchor point that is bolted to the floor.

2

3

If you cannot find an acceptable location to create an anchor point, contact the vehicle manufacturer to identify a suitable tether connection point.

Loop the tether connector strap around the metal anchor.

4

5

6

Take the metal D-ring and thread it through the webbing loop on the other end of the strap.

Pull the metal D-ring all the way through until the strap is tight around the metal anchor.

Use the D-ring as an attachment point for hook on tether strap.

d

27

Installation: Versa-Tether

Energy-Absorbing Tether

The energy-absorbing Versa-Tether was designed to enhance the performance of the child seat tether. By introducing a staged release of the tether webbing, the forward movement of the child seat is delayed while reducing the amount of energy transferred to the child seat during a crash. A secondary benefit of the energyabsorbing Versa-Tether is to help indicate when the child seat has been involved in a moderate or severe crash and replacement of the child seat is necessary.

Figure A shows the tether when the child seat is acceptable for continued use (provided the child seat has not been involved in a crash). The colored stitching will be intact and the webbing will be looped inside the shell.

Figures B and C show the tether when the child seat is unacceptable for continued use. If any of the loops have pulled through the back side of the shell and/or any of the colored stitching has been released on either side, the child seat is no longer acceptable for use. Discontinue use of the child seat.

IMPORTANT:

Regardless of whether loops have pulled through the back side of the shell and the colored stitching has been released, discontinue use of the child seat if it has been involved in a moderate or severe crash.

a b

Child Seat Functions

Switching the LATCH Connectors

The LATCH connectors will properly connect with the LATCH anchors in the vehicle only when the connectors are correctly aligned and the harness is not twisted.

To ensure the LATCH connector is properly aligned with the vehicle’s LATCH anchor, the connector’s red release button should face away from vehicle seat back, and the larger of the two connector sections is on top (Fig. D).

1 Lift the front of cover to access the LATCH connector.

2

3

4

5

Slide both connectors through the rearfacing belt slots to the center of the child seat so both connectors are on the front side of the child seat (Fig. E).

Loosen the loop on one connector (Fig. F).

Thread the other connector through the loop created in step 3 to switch positions (Fig. G).

Slide each connector through the appropriate rear-facing belt slot to opposite side of the child seat.

6 Replace the cover and continue with the installation procedure.

Release

Button d e f

Press

Top c g

28 29

Child Seat Functions

Storing the LATCH Connectors

When the LATCH connector is not in use, lift the cover to access the LATCH storage slots (Fig. A).

Fold the LATCH adjuster and the connector, then slide each set into the adjacent slot.

NOTE: Child seats are shipped from Britax with the

LATCH connectors in the storage slots.

Recline Adjustment

Pull the recline handle (Fig. B) then slide the child seat shell into the desired position.

Release the recline handle, then verify the child seat has locked into position.

a

•

WARNING!

This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg).

• This child seat must be in full upright position when installed forward-facing for children who weigh more than 33 lbs (15.1 kg).

b

NOTE: It will be necessary to loosen the tether, vehicle seat belt, and/or LATCH strap before adjusting the recline position. The tether, vehicle seat belt, and/or LATCH strap must be properly retightened after adjusting the recline position.

c

Infant Body Pillow

The Infant Body Pillow is designed to provide better fit and comfort for infants using this child seat. For additional side support, fold the side flaps inward (Fig. C).

NOTE: Remove the Infant Body Pillow after child can sit comfortably in the child seat without additional support.

30

Chest Clip

Fastening the Chest Clip

Fasten the chest clip by pushing the two halves together until a positive click is heard (Fig. D).

Releasing the Chest Clip

1 Squeeze the middle tabs together (Fig. E).

2 Pull the two pieces apart.

Adjusting the Chest Clip

1 Slide the chest clip up or down (Fig. F) on the harness so it is positioned at the middle of the child’s chest, level with the child’s armpits.

2 Slide the HUGS ™ chest pads and comfort pads to a comfortable location for the child.

Child Seat Functions d

HUGS™ Chest Pads e

WARNING! HUGS ™ chest pads must be installed for forward-facing use.

Removal of HUGS is optional only for rearfacing use.

f

31

Child Seat Functions

Harness Buckle

Fastening the Harness Buckle

1 Hold the harness buckle with one hand.

2 Use your other hand to insert one buckle tongue at a time into the harness buckle

(Fig. A).

• A proper connection is confirmed with an audible click after inserting each buckle tongue.

Releasing the Harness Buckle

1 Brace the rear of the harness buckle with one hand.

2 Use your thumb to press the release button and slide both buckle tongues to remove from the buckle (Fig. B).

IMPORTANT: Periodically clean the harness buckle to ensure safe operation. See page 39.

a b

Child Seat Functions

How to Adjust Harness Height

IMPORTANT:

See Important Harness

Adjustments on pages 6–7 for instructions on proper harness fit based on your child’s height and weight.

1

2

Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster lever while pulling the harness straps forward as far as possible.

Rotate the head restraint adjustment knob on either side of the child seat to raise or lower the head restraint and harness (Fig. C).

c

NOTE: DO NOT force the head restraint adjustment knob in either direction. If the knob is difficult to turn, the head restraint may be at maximum or minimum height, the harness may be tight, or the child’s weight is pressing against the head restraint cover.

32 33

Securing Your Child

Buckling and Tightening the

Harness

1

2

3

4

Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster release lever located on the front of the child seat while pulling both shoulder straps forward (Fig. A).

Release the chest clip by squeezing the tabs and sliding the pieces apart (Fig. B).

Unfasten the harness buckle by pressing the release button and sliding the tongues out.

Move the harness straps to the side of the child seat.

• Use the harness holders located on the straps and both sides of the cover to aid in holding the straps.

IMPORTANT: Remove bulky coats and/or jackets before putting the child in child seat.

Adjust the harness to fit the clothes the child is wearing.

5

6

Place child in the child seat.

Position harness straps around the child and fasten harness buckle (Fig. C) and chest clip

(Fig. D).

• Proper connection of the harness buckle is confirmed with an audible click after inserting each buckle tongue.

7

• If the buckle will not fasten with an audible click after insertion of each buckle tongue, the harness buckle or adjuster area may be clogged with food, drink or other debris that needs to be removed. See page 39 for cleaning instructions.

Slide the HUGS ™ chest pads down towards the buckle.

a b c d

34

Securing Your Child

8

9

Important checklist before tightening the harness:

9 Check for proper harness height (see pages 6 – 7).

9 Remove slack from around the child’s upper thighs.

Slowly pull the adjuster strap until the harness is snug around the child (Fig. E).

•

• e

A snug strap 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.

Pull the harness adjuster away from the child seat to tighten.

You should not be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulder

Do not pull sideways.

once the harness is properly secured.

10

Gently pull up on the harness straps to tighten lap section of the harness which should fit across the child’s upper thighs.

Position the chest clip at the middle of the child’s chest, level with the child’s armpits

(Fig. F).

11 Verify that the harness is not twisted and the child is properly secured.

I

MPORTANT: Always pull on the harness after securing the child to ensure the buckle tongues are secure in the harness buckle. f

35

Care and Maintenance

Cover Removal

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Remove the infant body pillow.

Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster lever while pulling both shoulder straps forward as far as possible.

Release the chest clip and unbuckle the harness.

Unhook the shoulder straps from the harness yoke on the rear of the child seat

(Fig. A).

a

Pull the upper harness straps through the head restraint and cover to the front of the child seat.

Recline the child seat.

Locate the metal buckle strap retainer on the bottom of the child seat.

Pull the retainer away from the child seat to loosen.

b

Turn the retainer so the short side will fit through the slot in the child seat shell (Fig. B).

Push the retainer through the slots in the shell and cover, to the top of the child seat.

11

12

13

Remove the head restraint portion of the cover. Remove the energyabsorbing foam from the head restraint and set aside.

* Be careful not to damage the energy-absorbing foam.

Gently remove the upper portion of the cover by pulling it from behind the side air cushions and then around the head restraint.

Pull the lower harness straps, buckle tongues, HUGS ™ and chest clip through the lower slots in cover.

chest pads,

14 Remove the entire cover from the child seat.

36

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning the Cover

• HAND WASH using cold water and mild soap.

• LINE or LIE-FLAT DRY to prevent the cover from shrinking.

• DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or iron.

Refitting the Cover

To refit the cover, reverse the directions on page 36. Make sure that the shoulder straps are not twisted, and are properly threaded through the chest clip, HUGS chest pads, cover, foam, and shell.

Cleaning the Shell

• SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.

• TOWEL DRY

• DO NOT use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

Cleaning the Harness

• SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.

• TOWEL DRY

• DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry, iron, or disassemble the harness.

Cleaning the Harness Adjuster

Periodically check the adjuster area to be sure it is clean and free of food, drink or other debris. If debris is present, it must be removed to prevent interference with the adjuster mechanism.

• BRUSH AWAY LOOSE DEBRIS using a soft-bristled brush.

• SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and a mild soap.

• TOWEL DRY

• DO NOT use solvents, abrasive cleaners or disassemble the harness.

37

Care and Maintenance

Harness Buckle Removal

1

2

3

4

5

Recline the child seat.

Locate the metal buckle strap retainer on the bottom of the child seat.

Pull the retainer away from the child seat to loosen.

Turn the retainer so the short side will fit through the slot in the child seat shell (Fig. A).

Push the retainer through the slots in the shell and cover, to the top of the child seat.

a

Re-threading the Harness Buckle

1

2

3

4

Locate the slot in cover and shell for the harness buckle.

Turn the buckle retainer so the short side will fit through the slot in the cover and the child seat shell (Fig. A).

Push the retainer through the slots in the shell and cover, to the bottom of the child seat.

Pull the harness buckle away from the child seat until tight and verify the strap is not twisted and the release button is facing outward.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning the Harness Buckle

If a child eats and drinks while in the child seat, the harness buckle may need to be periodically checked and cleaned of any food, drink or other debris.

• REMOVE BUCKLE as described above.

• RINSE THOROUGHLY using warm water

(Fig. B).

• TEST THE HARNESS BUCKLE by fastening

(Fig. C) and unfastening (Fig. D) until a click is heard after inserting each buckle tongue.

If either click is not heard, repeat cleaning procedure.

• TOWEL DRY

• DO NOT lubricate, use solvents, abrasive cleaners, soap or other household detergents.

b c d

38 39

Warranty

This child seat was manufactured by Britax Child Safety, Inc. Britax ® product to the original retail purchaser as follows:

warrants this

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

This product is warranted against defective materials or workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. Proof of purchase is required. The exclusive remedy for this warranty is that Britax will, at its option, provide repair or replacement components for this product. Britax reserves the right to discontinue or change fabrics, parts, models or products, or to make substitutions.

To make a claim under this warranty, contact Britax Consumer Services at

1-888-427-4829 or write to us using the address on the back cover of this booklet.

Proof of purchase is required.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL THE OWNER REGISTRATION CARD

WITHIN (30) DAYS OF PURCHASE OR VISIT WWW.BRITAXUSA.COM/

REGISTRATION.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS

This warranty does not include damages which arise from negligence, misuse or use not in accordance with the product instruction.

The use of non-Britax Child Safety, Inc., covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this child seat to fail Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or not perform as intended in a crash.

Their use automatically voids the Britax warranty.

LIMITATION OF DAMAGES

The warranty and remedies as set forth above are exclusive and in lieu of all others, oral or written, express or implied. In no event will Britax, or the retailer selling this product, be liable for any damages, including incidental or consequential damages, arising out of the use or inability to use this product.

LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTIES AND OTHER WARRANTY TERMS

AND STATE LAWS

Any implied warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, shall be limited to the duration and terms of the express written warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state. Neither Britax, nor the retailer selling this product, authorizes any person to create for it any other warranty, obligation, or liability in connection with this product.

40

Notes

41

Notes

42

Notes

43

IMPORTaNT:

 dOuble check eveRy TIMe yOu use

ThIs caR seaT.

Double Check Car Seat-to-Vehicle Installation:

Check that the LATCH or vehicle seat belt connections to the vehicle are tight and secure.

Verify the car seat cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than one inch (2.5 cm) at the belt path.

Double Check Child-to-Car Seat Installation:

Confirm that the harness straps are snug and over both shoulders and hips. You should not be able to pinch excess harness strap webbing at the child’s shoulder.

Make sure the chest clip is properly fastened and positioned in the middle of the child’s chest at armpit level.