TM
Marathon CS
User Guide
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 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 Versa-Tether®.........................................................................28
Child Seat Functions
Storing the LATCH Connectors...........................................................................29
Recline Adjustment ..............................................................................................29
Chest Clip .............................................................................................................30
HUGS™ Chest Pads..............................................................................................30
Harness Buckle ....................................................................................................31
Adjusting Harness Slot Height ............................................................................31
Securing Your Child ............................................................................................32
Care and Maintenance........................................................................................34
Warranty...............................................................................................................38
©2009 Britax Child Safety, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A P332400_R1:04.09
This product and its components are subject to change without notice.
1
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 and 65 lbs (2.3 and
29.5 kg) and whose height is 49 inches (124.5 cm) or less. Rear-
facing for children who weigh between 5 and 35 lbs (2.3 and 15.9
kg) and forward-facing for children who weigh between 20 and 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.
back seat as the safest location for a properly installed child seat.
Please study the Vehicle Compatibility (pages 10-11) section in
this booklet 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.
• Whenusinginavehiclewithairbags, refertoyourvehicleowner’s
manual for child seat installation instructions and precautions.
• Never use 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.
• Follow all instructions on this child restraint and in the written
instructions located under the child seat cover.
• Register your child restraint with the manufacturer.
• 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
Manufacture Date Label located on child seat (see page 9).
• This child seat must not be used in the home, in boats, or other
non-certified applications.
• 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 Safety Standards or
not perform as intended in a crash.
• HUGSTM chest pads must be installed for forward-facing use.
Removal of HUGS is optional only for rear-facing use.
• Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents select the
2
3
Safety Information
Safety Information
Important Notes
Certification
• Verify child seat is secure and harness is properly adjusted around
child each time child seat is used.
This child seat system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards. This child restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles
and aircraft.
• Adjust harness to fit clothes the child is wearing. Remove bulky
coats and/or jackets before putting child in child seat.
• Cover child seat when vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Parts of
child seat could become hot enough to burn a child.
• Store 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 its harness or vehicle’s
seat belts are used.
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 US Government’s Vehicle Safety
Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://
• 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 unsecured or unlatched. In event
of a sudden stop, a loose seat back could prevent child seat from
protecting the child as well as it should.
• Do not allow children to play with this or any child seat.
• Do not use anything to raise child seat off vehicle seat except as
described in these instructions. In a crash, child seat could slide
and may not adequately protect the child.
Serial Number:___________________________________
Batch Number:___________________________________
Date of Manufacture:______________________________
WARNING! DO NOT place a child seat
rear-facing in the front seat of a vehicle with
a passenger air bag. DEATH or SERIOUS
INJURY can occur. See your vehicle owner’s
manual for child seat installations. The back
seat is the safest place for children under 12.
4
5
Safety Information
Safety Information
Important Harness Adjustments
Forward-Facing
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:
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
• 49” (124.5 cm) or less in height and
• the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the child seat and
• the harness straps are in the nearest slots at or above the child’s
shoulders, parallel to level ground (Fig. B).
All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1
year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds (9.1 kg). That means that
if your infant reaches 20 pounds (9.1 kg) 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.
IMPORTANT: When using forward-facing recline mode, it may
become necessary to adjust the harness to the next higher set of slots
than would be used when the seat is upright. See Adjusting Harness
Slot Height on page 31.
Rear-Facing
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 at least 1” (2.5 cm) or
more below the top of the child seat (Fig. A) and
Upright
Reclined
Above Shoulder Level
Below Shoulder Level
• the harness straps are in the nearest slots at or
below the child’s shoulders.
ARear-Facing
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.
Shoulder level
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.
b
Forward-Facing Harness Height
IMPORTANT: See Adjusting Harness Slot Height on page 31.
WARNING!
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
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 or
• the top of the head is less than 1” (2.5 cm) from the top of the child
seat (Fig. A) or
• the child is less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg) in weight or
• 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 or
• the top harness slots fall below the child’s shoulders, parallel to level
ground (Fig. B)
• the harness straps are in a slot above the child’s shoulders.
6
7
Child Seat Features
Child Seat Features
1
7
19
20
21
22
23
8
9
10
11
12
24
25
13
14
26
27
15
16
2
3
4
17
28
5
6
18
1
2
3
4
5
6
Cover
11 HUGS™ (Harness Ultra Guard
System) Chest Pads
12 Harness
19 Serial Number & Manufactured
Date (under cover)
24 Shell
LATCH Straps
25 Forward-Facing Lock-off
26 Rear-Facing Lock-off
27 LATCH Bar
20 Versa-Tether® (Top Anchorage Strap)-
in pouch
LATCH Adjuster Release Buttons
LATCH Adjusters
LATCH Connector Release Buttons
LATCH Connectors (stored under
cover)
13 Buckle
21 Versa-Tether Storage Pouch
22 Harness Yoke
23 Belt Guard
14 Belly Pad
28 Base
15 Harness Adjuster
Lever (under cover)
16 Click & Safe Snug Harness
Indicator (under cover)
17 Harness Adjuster Strap
18 Recline Handle
7
8
9
Harness Slots
Comfort Pads
IMPORTANT: When not in use, this user
guide should be stored under the cover.
DO NOT discard the foam inserts found
under the cover.
Chest Clip
10 Harness Holders
8
9
Vehicle Compatibility
Vehicle Compatibility
Incompatible Vehicle Belts
Vehicle Buckle Positions
WARNING! The following types of vehicle belts are NOT
compatible with this child seat:
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.
1Vehicle belts with top or
bottom anchor points on
the vehicle door.
2Motorized,automaticvehicle
belts
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. Side-
facing 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 instruc-
tions. The back seat is the
safest place for children
12 and under.
3Lap-shoulder belts that
have a separate retractor
each for the lap section
and shoulder section
5Lap belts that have a retractor that locks only
in case of a sudden stop (emergency locking
retractor or ELR).
4Lap belts forward of the
vehicle seat bight.
11
Installation: Rear-Facing
with the “LATCH Strap Here Rear-Facing”
label on each side of the child seat. (Figs. E
and F).
Installation: Rear-Facing
LATCH Installation
• Figure
A
illustrates
a
rear-facing LATCH
installation.
7 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat
while pulling each LATCH strap tight (Fig. G).
IMPORTANT: Ensure the LATCH strap does not fold
into the LATCH adjuster while tightening.
8 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 installation process 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. H).
• If necessary, the proper recline angle can be
achieved by placing a rolled towel or pool noodle in
the vehicle seat bight to level the child seat’s base.
• Rear-facing installation can be improved by the use
of the Versa-Tether. See pages 25 – 28.
• Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH
anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you
must use the vehicle belt installation methods.
1 If stored, remove the LATCH connectors from
the storage slots under the cover (page 29)
and pass them through their adjacent belt slots.
2 Press and hold the first LATCH adjuster
release button, then pull the LATCH strap to
full length. Repeat for the remaining LATCH
connector.
3 Recline the child seat and place rear-facing on
the vehicle seat. This child seat must be in the
recline position when installed rear-facing. See
Recline Adjustment on page 29.
A
e
F
b
4 Attach one LATCH connector to its adjacent
vehicle LATCH anchor (Fig. B) in the upright
position (Fig. C).
Release
button
Top
• An audible click confirms attachment.
• Ensure that the LATCH strap is not twisted.
TIP: You may need to turn the front of the child
seat toward you for easier access to the
vehicle LATCH anchor.
5 Attach the remaining LATCH connector to its
adjacent vehicle LATCH anchor (Fig. D) in the
upright position (Fig. C).
G
h
C
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.
• An audible click confirms attachment.
• Ensure that the LATCH strap is not twisted.
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.
6 Align each LATCH strap on the LATCH bar
d
12
13
Installation: Rear-Facing
Installation: Rear-Facing
• The lock-off is properly closed when a click is
heard.
Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation
• Figure A illustrates a rear-facing, lap-shoulder
belt installation.
• To prevent damage, never extend the lock-off 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.
8 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) front-to-back or side-to-
side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure,
repeat the installation process 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 vehicle seat bight to level the child seat’s base.
• Rear-facing installation can be improved by the
use of the Versa-Tether. See pages 25 – 28.
• When not in use, always store the LATCH
connectors in the storage slots. See page 29.
1 Recline the child seat then place it rear-facing
on the vehicle seat. This child seat must be in
the recline position when installed rear-facing.
See Recline Adjustment on page 29.
2 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
the cover.
2
1
A
b
C
d
e
F
4 Route the vehicle belt across 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 first from the lap portion
of the vehicle belt, then the shoulder portion
(Fig. E).
7 Position the shoulder portion of the vehicle
belt through the open lock-off, tighten belt,
close the lock-off arm (Fig. F), and replace the
cover.
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.
14
15
Installation: Rear-Facing
Installation: Rear-Facing
• If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic
Lap-Belt Installation
• Figure A illustrates a rear-facing, lap-belt
installation.
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.
• When not in use, always store the LATCH
connectors in the storage slots. See page 29.
1 Recline the child seat, then place it rear facing on
the vehicle seat. This child seat must be in the
recline position when installed rear-facing. See
Recline Adjustment on page 29.
2 Lift the cover and 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.
WARNING! Do not use this seat
with a non-locking, two-point Emergency
Locking Retractor (ELR) vehicle belt.
A
b
C
d
e
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-to-back or side-to-
side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure,
repeat the installation process or use an alternate
seating location.
F
4 Route the vehicle belt across the child seat then
through the opposite rear-facing belt slot and
under the LATCH bar.
• Whenproperlyinstalledintherear-facingposition,
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 crease of the vehicle seat to level the child seat’s
base.
IMPORTANT: The vehicle belt must rest behind the
child seat buckle strap.
5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, position
the belt 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.
• Rear-facing installation can be improved by the use of the Versa-Tether. See
pages 25 – 28.
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.
• To prevent damage, never extend the lock-off arm
beyond its normal open position and always keep
the lock-off closed when not in use.
16
17
Installation: Forward-Facing
6 Attach the remaining LATCH connector to its
adjacent vehicle LATCH anchor (Fig. D) in an
upright position (Fig, C).
• An audible click confirms attachment.
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.
• Ensure that the LATCH strap is not twisted.
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 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat
while pulling each LATCH strap tight (Fig.
E).
IMPORTANT: Ensure the LATCH strap does not
fold into the LATCH adjuster while tightening.
8 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.
A
d
e
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 pounds (15.1 kg).
1 If stored, remove the LATCH connectors from
the storage slots under the cover (page 29)
and pass them through their adjacent belt slots.
2 Press and hold the first LATCH adjuster
release button, then pull the LATCH strap to
full length. Repeat for the remaining LATCH
connector.
b
Release
button
Top
9 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.
3 Remove the Versa-Tether from the pouch and
place it up and over the child seat back.
4 Place the child seat forward-facing on the
vehicle seat.
C
WARNING! 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 lbs (18.1 kg) child is the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.
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).
• An audible click confirms attachment.
• Ensure that the LATCH strap is not twisted.
TIP: You may need to turn the back of the child seat toward you for
easier access to the vehicle LATCH anchor.
18
19
Installation: Forward-Facing
5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted and
is routed over the LATCH bars, then buckle
(Fig. D).
Installation: Forward-Facing
Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation
• Figure A illustrates a forward-facing lap-shoulder
belt installation.
6 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).
7 Hold the shoulder belt tight, then rotate the lock-
off until the vehicle belt is secured (Fig. F).
• 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.
• Whennotinuse,alwaysstoretheLATCHconnectors
in the storage slots. See page 29.
WARNING!
d
e
• 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).
Forward-Facing
A
• This child seat must be in full upright position
when installed forward-facing for children who
weigh more than 33 pounds (15.1 kg).
2
1 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.
8 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to the designated
tetheranchor(ifavailableaccordingtothevehicle
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.
9 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.
1
b
IMPORTANT: Britax recommends that the Versa-Tetherbe
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.
F
2 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.
C
3 Rotate the lock-off lever to open the forward-facing lock-off farthest
from where the vehicle belt will be buckled.
4 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).
TIP:Turning the back of the child seat toward you can make routing the vehicle
belt easier (Fig. C).
20
21
Installation: Forward-Facing
4 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).
Installation: Forward-Facing
Lap-Belt Installation
• Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing, lap-
belt installation.
• When not in use, always store the LATCH
connectors in the storage slots. See page 29.
TIP:Turning the back of the child seat toward you can
make routing the vehicle belt easier (Fig. D).
5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, is
routed under the LATCH bars, then buckle
(Fig. B).
WARNING!
Forward-Facing
A
• This child seat must not be used forward-
facing for children less than one year of age
OR who weigh less than 20 lbs.
C
6 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat
while removing slack from the vehicle belt
(Fig. C).
• This child seat must be in full upright position
when installed forward-facing for children
who weight more than 33 lbs (15.1 kg).
7 AttachtheVersa-Tether®hooktothedesignated
tether anchor (if available 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.
1 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.
b
d
8 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, repeatthisprocedureoruseanalternate
seating location.
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.
2 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.
WARNING! Do not use this seat
with a non-locking, two-point Emergency
Locking Retractor (ELR) vehicle belt.
3 If the vehicle is equipped with a designated tether anchor for the
chosen seating position, remove the Versa-Tetherfrom the pouch and
place it up and over the child seat back.
22
23
Installation: Versa-Tether®
Installation: Aircraft
This child seat is certified for aircraft use. Most
Safety Information
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.
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.
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.
IMPORTANT:
If the aircraft lap belt is too short, ask the flight attendant for a belt
extender.
• 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.
Rear-Facing Installation
For rear-facing aircraft installation (Fig. A), follow
Rear-Facing Lap-Belt Installation instructions
on pages 16–17.
• 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.
4 To aid installation on aircraft, open the rear-
facing lock-offs to allow routing of large
buckles.
Forward-Facing Installation
A
For forward-facing aircraft installation (Fig. B),
follow Forward-Facing Lap-Belt Installation
instructions on pages 22–23.
b
24
25
Installation: Versa-Tether®
Installation: Versa-Tether®
Using the Versa-Tether
Tether Connector Strap
1 Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for
designated tether anchorage locations.
2 Locate the tether on the rear of the child seat
and remove the tether from the pouch.
3 Place the tether up and over the child seat
back.
4 InstallthechildseatusingtheLATCHsystemor
the vehicle belts according to the instructions
in this manual.
5 Tilt the tether release tab then pull to fully
extend the tether strap into a “V” shape.
6 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.
WARNING! Only use the tether connector strap for a rear-
OR
facing tether installation.
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.
• If you cannot find an acceptable location to
create an anchor point, contact the vehicle
manufacturer to identify a suitable tether
connection point.
2 Route the strap around the fixed vehicle
anchor point.
3 Take the metal D-ring and thread it through
the webbing loop on the other end of the
strap (Fig. D).
4 Pull the metal D-ring all the way through until
the strap is tight.
A
b
C
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.
• 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.
5 Use the D-ring as an attachment point for
the hook on the tether strap.
NOTE: Store the tether connector strap in the
tether pouch when not in use.
d
26
27
Installation: Versa-Tether®
Child Seat Functions
Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether®
Storing the LATCH Connectors
WhentheLATCHconnectorisnotinuse,liftthecover
to access the LATCH storage slots (Fig. D). Fold the
LATCH adjuster and the connector, then slide each
set into the adjacent slot.
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 energy-
absorbing 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.
NOTE: Child seats are shipped from Britax with the
LATCH connectors in the storage slots. You will have
to open the rear-facing lock-offs to remove the LATCH
connectors from storage.
d
e
Recline Adjustment
Pull the recline handle (Fig. E) then slide the child
seat shell into the desired position. Release the
recline handle, then verify the child seat has locked
into position.
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.
WARNING!
Figures B and C show the tether when the child
seat is unacceptable for continued use. If any of
• Thischildseatmustbeinthereclineposition
when installed rear-facing.
A
• Child seat must be in full upright position
when installed forward-facing with children
whoweighmorethan15kg(33lbs)optional
only for rear-facing use.
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.
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 re-tightened after adjusting the
recline position.
IMPORTANT: Regardless of whether loops have
b
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.
C
28
29
Child Seat Functions
Child Seat Functions
Chest Clip
Harness Buckle
Fastening the Chest Clip
Fastening the Harness Buckle
1 Hold the harness buckle with one hand.
Fasten the chest clip by pushing the two halves
together until a positive click is heard (Fig. A).
2 Use your other hand to insert one buckle tongue
at a time into the harness buckle (Fig. D).
• A proper connection is confirmed with a positive
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. E).
IMPORTANT: Periodically clean the harness buckle to
ensure safe operation (page 37).
Releasing the Chest Clip
1 Squeeze the middle tabs together (Fig. B).
2 Pull the two pieces apart.
x 2
d
e
F
A
b
C
Adjusting the Chest Clip
1 Slide the chest clip up or down (Fig. C) 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.
Adjusting Harness Slot 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 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster
lever while pulling the harness straps forward as
far as possible (Fig. F).
2 From the rear of the child seat, unhook the shoulder
harness from the harness yoke (Fig. G).
3 Pull the harness straps through the shell, foam,
and cover to the front of the child seat.
4 Thread the harness straps through the appropriate
harness slots in the cover, foam, and child seat
shell (Fig. H).
HUGS™ Chest Pads
WARNING! HUGS™ chest pads must
be installed for forward-facing use. Removal of
HUGS is optional only for rear-facing use.
G
h
5 Reattach the harness straps to the harness yoke
(Fig. G).
6 Pull the harness-adjuster strap to tighten the
harness.
7 Verify that all straps are threaded at the same
height and are not twisted.
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31
Securing Your Child
Securing Your Child
7 Slide the HUGS™ chest pads down towards the buckle.
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.
9 Remove slack between the Hugs™ chest pads and the buckle.
Buckling and Tightening the Harness
1 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).
2 Release the chest clip by squeezing the tabs
and sliding the pieces apart (Fig. B).
3 Unfasten the harness buckle by pressing the
release button and sliding the tongues out.
4 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.
8 Slowly pull the adjuster strap
until the harness is snug
around the child. The harness
adjuster will click when the
harness is snug.
A
b
C
d
NOTE: The Click & Safe™ Snug
Harness Indicator is an audible aide
to help determine when the harness
is within range of appropriate
snugness. When tightening the
harness, this audible click provides
extra assurance that the harness is snug.
Pull the harness adjuster away from
the child seat to tighten.
Do not pull sideways.
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 Place child in the child seat.
6 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 a positive click after inserting
each buckle tongue.
• 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 37 for
cleaning instructions.
• 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.
• You should not be able to pinch excess
webbing at the shoulder once the harness is
properly secured.
9 If there is still slack in the harness, review the
checklist and then pull the harness adjuster
strap again until another click indicates a snug harness.
10 Position the chest clip at the middle of the child’s chest, level with the
child’s armpits (Fig. E).
11 Verify that the harness is not twisted and the child is properly
secured.
e
IMPORTANT: Always pull on the harness after securing the child to ensure
the buckle tongues are secure in the harness buckle.
32
33
Care and Maintenance
Care and Maintenance
Cover Removal
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.
WARNING! Do not take apart the harness. Never
remove the buckle tongues from the harness. They
cannotbereattachedafterremoval. Ifreassembledincorrectly,
the child seat may not perform as intended.
Cleaning the Shell
• SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.
• TOWEL DRY
1 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness
adjuster lever while pulling the shoulder straps
forward as far as possible.
2 Unhook the shoulder straps from the harness
yoke on the rear of the child seat (Fig. A).
• 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 or disassemble
the harness.
3 Pull the upper harness straps through the shell
and cover to the front of the child seat.
A
4 Remove the buckle and belly pad (page 36).
5 Gently remove the upper portion of the cover. Be careful not to
damage the energy-absorbing foam.
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
™
6 Pull the lower harness straps, buckle tongues, HUGS chest pads,
and chest clip through the lower slots in cover.
7 Remove the entire cover from the child seat.
• DO NOT use solvents, abrasive cleaners or disassemble the
harness.
Refitting the Cover
To refit the cover, reverse the above directions. Make sure that the
shoulder straps are not twisted, and are threaded properly through
the chest clips, cover, foam and shell.
34
35
Care and Maintenance
Care and Maintenance
Harness Buckle Removal
Cleaning the Harness Buckle
1 Fully recline the child seat.
2 Locate the metal buckle strap retainer on the
bottom of the child seat.
3 Pull the retainer away from the child seat to
loosen.
4 Turn the retainer so the short side will fit through
the slot in the child seat shell (Fig. A).
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 on page 36.
• THOROUGHLY RINSE using warm water (Fig. B).
• TEST THE HARNESS BUCKLE by fastening
(Fig. C) and unfastening (Fig. D) until a positive
click is heard after inserting each buckle
tongue. If either click is not heard, repeat
cleaning procedure.
b
C
d
A
5 Push the retainer through the slots in the shell and cover, to the top
of the child seat.
Re-threading the Harness Buckle
1 Locate the slot in cover and shell for the harness buckle.
2 Turn the buckle retainer so the short side will fit through the slot in the
cover and the child seat shell (Fig. A).
3 Push the retainer through the slots in the shell and cover, to the bottom
of the child seat.
• TOWEL DRY
• DO NOT lubricate, use solvents, abrasive
cleaners, soap or other household detergents.
x 2
4 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.
36
37
Warranty
Notes
This child seat was manufactured by Britax Child Safety, Inc. Britax® warrants this product
to the original retail purchaser as follows:
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 or replace the 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
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.
38
39
Notes
Notes
40
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