www.gracobaby.com
Read This Instruction Manual
CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT
Extend2Fit
®
FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE THIS
CHILD RESTRAINT INCREASES THE
RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
IN A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH.
Do not install or use this child restraint
until you read and understand the
instructions in this manual.
PD348857D 1/20
2
1-A A Quick Guide to Your Manual
1-B Welcome to the Graco Family
1-C Right Mode of Use
1-D Before You Begin
Register This Car Seat
If You Need Help
Certification
Car Seat’s Useful Life
Vehicle Seat Protection
Warm Weather Use
1-E Safety Warnings
2-A Car Seat Features
1 Important Pages 6-23
2 Features Pages 24-29
3
1 Important Pages 6-23
4-A Forward-Facing
4-B Installing Forward-Facing With LATCH
4-C Install Forward-Facing With Vehicle Seat Belt
4 Forward-Facing Use Pages 48-61
3-A Rear-Facing
3-B Installing Rear-Facing With Lower Anchors
3-C Install Rear-Facing With Vehicle Seat Belt
3 Rear-Facing Use Pages 30-47
4
6 Accessories Page 70
7 Moving the Lower Anchors Pages 71-73
5-A Securing Child 5-Point Harness
5 Securing Child Pages 62-69
5
8-A How to Unistall Lower Anchors and Tether
8-B Choosing Vehicle Seat Location
8-C Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations
8-D Vehicle Seat Belts
8 Additional Information Pages 74-84
9-A Cleaning Seat Pad
9-B Cleaning Crotch Buckle
9-C Cleaning Harness, Lower Anchor and Tether Straps
9 Cleaning Seat Pad Pages 85-95
6
1-A A Quick Guide to Your Manual
This car seat is for children: Rear-Facing: 4-50 lb (1.8-22.5 kg)
Forward Facing: 22-65 lb (10-30 kg)
• Children less than 22 lb (10 kg) MUST use this car seat rear-facing. Review section
1-C for more information.
Get to Know Your Car Seat
What Seating Location Should I Use?
Review section 2-A to see all of the features of this car seat.
The best seating location for this car seat is one that:
• Is recommended by your vehicle owner’s manual, and
Car Seat Assembly (On Select Models)
Adult Assembly Required
1. Attach Cup Holders
You MUST attach cup holders. Remove
seat cover. Line up tab on bottom of
cupholder with hole in shell. Press and
snap into place. Replace cover.
Which Installation Method Should I Use?
This car seat can be installed in your vehicle using either the vehicle seat belt OR
Lower Anchor Attachment OR the LATCH system. All are equally safe to use. DO NOT
USE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. Graco allows the securing of the car seat with LATCH
system in the booster mode, only if the vehicle manufacture allows it.
Vehicle Seat Belt: Review section 8 and your vehicle owner’s manual to learn how to
install your car seat with the vehicle seat belts.
LATCH or Lower Anchor Attachment: The LATCH system or lower anchor attachment
allows you to securely attach your safety seat in your car without using the vehicle seat
belt and possibly to get a better fit. All 2003 and newer model year vehicles are required
to have a LATCH system, although some manufacturers began including LATCH earlier.
Some vehicle owner manuals use the term ISOFIX to identify the LATCH system.
According to accident statistics, the safest
place for your child in any vehicle is the
back seat. The center of the back seat can
be the safest during a possible side impact.
• Results in a secure installation of this car seat.
Some vehicles have specific requirements for where the car seat can be installed, so be sure
to check your vehicle owner’s manual for available seating positions, if any. Review section
8-B, 8-C of this manual AND your vehicle owner’s manual.
7
8
LATCH consists of lower anchors and tether anchors, which are built-in to
your vehicle, and lower anchor attachment that are built-in to your car seat.
Lower anchors are used INSTEAD of the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the
child seat to the vehicle. Tethers are used IN ADDITION to the lower anchors
OR the vehicle’s seat belt to secure a forward-facing car seat to the vehicle.
Review your vehicle’s owner manual for exact location and use.
What is LATCH?
Vehicle Tether
Anchor
Vehicle Lower
Anchor
Typical seat in a passenger
vehicle. Other vehicle types
may have different LATCH
locations.
Vehicle Seat Bight
11”
(28 cm)
9
When Installing Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing
Vehicle Seat Belt
There are two types of vehicle seat belts that
can be used. Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt or Lap
Only Seat Belt.
Review section 3-C & 4-C of this manual
AND your vehicle owner’s manual.
Lower Anchorage Attachment
The lower anchorage system consists of two lower
anchors, which are built-in to your vehicle, and lower
anchor attachment that are built-in your car seat. Review
section 3-B & 4-B
of this manual AND your vehicle
owner’s manual.
Lower anchor attachment can ONLY be used if the vehicle
lower anchor spacing is 11 inches (28 cm) from the
center of one lower anchor to the center of the other lower
anchor.
10
Does Your Car Seat Fit Your Child Correctly?
To make sure your child is secured properly, review section 3 and 4 to understand
all of the actions you need to take to properly adjust the car seat to fit your child.
Harness Height, Rear-Facing (A)
Harness straps at or just below the child’s
shoulders and top of head must be at least 1”
(2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever (B).
Review section 5.
Buckle Position (C)
The correct slot is the one that is closest to your
child without being underneath them. Review
section 5.
Harness Tightness (D)
If your fingers slide off the harness straps without
pinching the straps, it is tight enough. Review
section 5.
For Rear-Facing, You Need to Adjust:
1” (2.5 cm)1” (2.5 cm)
A
C
B
D
11
For Forward-Facing, You Need to Adjust:
Harness Height, Forward-Facing (A)
Harness straps at or just above the child’s
shoulders and top of child’s ears below top of
headrest (B). Review section 5.
Buckle Position (C)
The crotch strap must be in the front-most
slot when forward facing.
Harness Tightness (D)
If your fingers slide off the harness straps
without pinching the straps, it is tight enough.
Review section 5.
A
C
B
D
12
Car Seat Does Not Move More
than 1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt
Path (A)
Review section 3
Check level indicator (B)
Review section 3
Harness Straps at or Just
Below Child’s Shoulders (C)
Review section 5
Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)
Review section 5
Cannot Pinch Harness Straps
at the Shoulder (E)
Review section 5
Rear-Facing Installation
B
A
D E
C
13
Use the top tether strap when
using forward-facing (A)
When used properly, the top tether
helps reduce injury in a sudden
stop or crash.
Review section 4
Car Seat Does Not Move More
than 1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt
Path (B)
Review section 4
Harness Straps at or Just
Above Child’s Shoulders (C)
Review section 5
Chest Clip Even With Armpits (D)
Review section 5
Cannot Pinch Harness Straps
at the Shoulder (E)
Review section 5
Forward-Facing Installation
B
A
D E
C
14
1-B Welcome to the Graco Family!
Your child’s safety depends on you. No car seat can guarantee protection
from injury in every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of serious
injury or death.
Even if this car seat seems easy to figure out on your own, you must follow
the detailed instructions in this instruction manual to ensure the steps below
are performed correctly.
15
Your child’s safety depends on you. No car seat can guarantee protection
from injury in every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of serious
injury or death.
Even if this car seat seems easy to figure out on your own, you must follow
the detailed instructions in this instruction manual to ensure the steps below
are performed correctly.
1-C Right Mode of Use
*Check your state laws and the AAP/NHTSA recommendations. See page 21 for more
information.
4 lb
(1.8 kg)
22 lb
(10 kg)
50 lb
(22.5 kg)
65 lb
(30 kg)
Rear-Facing with 5-Point Harness
4-22 lb (1.8-10 kg) less than 1 year old MUST be rear-
facing.
22-50 lb (10-22.5 kg) SHOULD be rear-facing.
Forward-Facing with 5-Point Harness
22-50 lb (10-22.5 kg) can sit upright unassisted CAN be forward-
facing.
50-65 lb (22.5-30 kg) MUST be forward-facing.
16
1-D Before You Begin
Please fill out the prepaid registration postcard attached to the harness and mail it in
today or register online at www.gracobaby.com/carseatregistration.
Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You must register this restraint
to be reached in a recall. Send your name, address, and the restraint’s model
number and manufacturing date to:
Graco Children’s Products, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
P.O. Box 169, Elverson, PA 19520-9901
or call 1-800-345-4109
or register online at
www.gracobaby.com/carseatregistration
For recall information, call the U.S. Government’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153), or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.
Register This Child Restraint
17
Model Name _________________________
Model Number _______________________
Date of Manufacture __________________
Date of Purchase _____________________
For future reference or if you change addresses, record the model name, model
number, date of manufacture and purchase date of this car seat on the below. You
can find this information either on the registration card if you still have it or on the
date label located on the back of the car seat.
In the U.S.A, please contact our Customer Service Department with any questions
you may have concerning parts, use, or maintenance. When you contact us, please
have your product’s model number and date of manufacture ready so that we may
help you efficiently. These numbers can be found on a sticker on the back side of
your car seat.
For additional resources or to get your car seat checked by a child passenger safety
technician, please visit the following web sites:
www.nhtsa.gov • www.seatcheck.org • www.safekids.org
If You Need Help
18
STOP using this car seat and throw it away 10 years after the date of
manufacture. Look for this sticker on back of the car seat.
Graco Children’s Products Inc. advises against loaning or passing along a car
seat unless you know the complete history of the product. We also advise
against purchasing a car seat second hand.
This child restraint meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal motor
vehicle safety standard 213 for use in motor vehicles.
This child restraint is certified for use in aircraft. Use only on forward-
facing aircraft seats. Follow the instructions for vehicle installation. For
rear-facing installation, see section 3-C and 8-D Lap Belt Installation.
For forward-facing installation, see section 4-C and 8-D Lap Belt
Installation, but do not use tether. Contact the airline for their specific
polices.
Certification
Car Seat’s Useful Life
Protect vehicle seat. Use a car seat mat, towel, or thin blanket under and
behind car seat.
Vehicle Seat Protection
19
Car seat parts can get very hot in the sun or warm weather. To avoid burns,
always check before putting child in car seat.
1-E Safety Warnings
No car seat can guarantee protection from injury in
every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of
serious injury or death. READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY.
Warm Weather Use
Failure to follow these instructions and child restraint’s labels
can result in child striking the vehicle’s interior during a sudden
stop or crash.
20
! NEVER PLACE THIS CHILD RESTRAINT REAR-FACING
IN A VEHICLE SEATING LOCATION THAT HAS AN ACTIVE
FRONT AIR BAG.
If an air bag inflates, it can hit the child and car seat with great force
and cause serious injury or death to your child.
! Review your vehicle owner’s manual for more information about air
bags and car seat use.
! If your vehicle does not have a back seat, review your vehicle
owner’s manual.
! Choose the correct mode of use for the car seat depending on your
child’s size. Infants less than 22 lb. (10 kg) MUST use this car seat
rear-facing.
! Select a suitable location for the car seat in your vehicle.
! Secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt or lower anchor
attachment that is properly routed as shown in this manual.
21
! Children are safer riding rear-facing and should ride rear-facing as long
as possible, until they reach the maximum rear-facing height or weight
rating for their car seat. Then children should ride forward-facing,
using the built-in harness system for as long as possible until they
reach the maximum forward-facing weight or height for their car seat.
Be sure to check your local and state laws, as well as AAP and NHTSA
recommendations, for car seat usage.*
! Vehicle seat belt system MUST hold car seat securely. Not all vehicle
seat belts can be used with a car seat.
! If vehicle seat belt does not hold car seat securely, read “Vehicle Seat
Belts” section 8-D and your vehicle owner’s manual.
! Always secure car seat with lower anchor attachment or a vehicle seat
belt, even when unoccupied. In a crash, an unsecured car seat can
injure passengers.
*Graco Supports the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration’s Car Seat Guidelines. Visit www.gracobaby.com/en-US/safety
for information on car seat usage recommendations.
22
! If car seat is in a crash, it must be replaced. DO NOT use it
again! A crash can cause unseen damage and using it again
could result in serious injury or death.
! DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged or missing parts.
! DO NOT use accessories or parts other than those provided by
Graco except for a thin towel or mat to protect your vehicle seat
or a rolled towels or pool noodles to help get your car seat level.
Their use could alter the performance of the car seat.
! DO NOT remove LATCH system from car seat. If using vehicle seat
belt to secure car seat, lower anchor connectors must be stored.
! Never leave child unattended, even when sleeping. Child may
become tangled in harness straps and suffocate or strangle.
! Rear-facing car seat must be properly leveled:
• Too reclined can result in injury or ejection.
• Too upright can result in breathing difficulties.
23
! Never attach two lower anchor connectors to one
vehicle lower anchor point unless specifically allowed
by the vehicle manufacturer.
! Do not use both the vehicle belt and lower achorage attachment at
the same time when using the car seat rear or forward facing.
Note: Preterm or low birth weight infants may be at special risk in a vehicle or aircraft.
According to the AAP, these infants may suffer breathing issues if improperly reclined
in a car seat. When rear-facing, use the corrected age for preemies. Graco advises
that you have your physician or hospital staff evaluate your infant and recommend the
proper car seat or car bed before you and your infant leave the hospital.
24
2 Features
A
B
H
I
C
D
E
J
K
G
L
M
F
2-A Car Seat Features
25
2 Features
A Height Adjust Lever
B Headrest
C Head Support
D Harness Cover
E Buckle Pockets
F Cupholder
G Harness Release Lever
(under seat pad)
H Extender Handle
I Chest Clip
J Harness Buckle
K Body Support
L Harness Adjustment Strap
M Base Recline Handle
26
2 Features
A
E
B
D
C
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
27
2 Features
A Tether Storage Ring
B Tether Hook
C Tether Strap
D Lower Anchor Attachment Storage
E Lower Anchor Strap
F Lower Anchor Adjuster
G Cup Holder
H Level Indicator
H
28
2 Features
A
G
F
B
C
D
E
29
2 Features
A Tether Strap
B Harness Straps
C Lower Anchor Attachment
Storage
D Splitter Plate
E Instruction Manual Storage
F Tether Storage Bar
G Tether Hook
30
3 Rear
Facing
3-A Rear-Facing
Rear-Facing: 4-50 lb (1.8-22.5 kg) and
whose head is at least 1” (2.5 cm) below
the headrest adjustment handle
• Infants who weigh less than 22 lb (10 kg)
MUST be rear-facing.
• Place car seat rear-facing in the vehicle back
seat.
• Make sure lower anchor attachment or
vehicle seat belt is routed through the rear-
facing belt path marked with a blue label.
• Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle. Car
seat should not move at the rear-facing belt
path more than 1” (2.5 cm) from side to side,
front to back.
• Check recline level making sure the ball is
within the blue area.
Lower Anchor Attachment
Do not install by this
method for a child
weighing more than 45 lb
(20 kg)
31
3 Rear
Facing
NEVER place this child
restraint rear-facing in a
vehicle seating location that
has an active front air bag.
• Harness straps need to be even with or just
below the top of child’s shoulders and chest
clip is at armpit level.
• Children are safer riding rear-facing and
should ride rear-facing as long as possible,
until they reach the maximum rear-facing
height or weight rating for their car seat.
Then children should ride forward-facing,
using the built-in harness system for as long
as possible until they reach the maximum
forward-facing weight or height for their
car seat. Be sure to check your local and
state laws, as well as AAP and NHTSA
recommendations, for car seat usage.
Vehicle Seat Lap Belt
Vehicle Seat Lap/Shoulder Belt
32
3 Rear
Facing
When reading the level indicator,
- If the ball is entirely in light blue, the restraint
is level for infants 0+ months in age.
- If the ball is in light blue and dark blue, the
restraint is level for a child 3+ months in
age.
- If the ball is in RED, child restraint is NOT
level. You must adjust your recline position.
Vehicle MUST be on level ground.
Use corrected age for preemies.
33
3 Rear
Facing
- If the ball is entirely in light blue, the restraint
is level for infants 0+ months in age.
3-B Installing Rear-Facing With Lower
Anchors
Review your vehicle’s owner manual for lower anchor location and use.
1. Store Tether Strap
Attach tether hook to the plastic bar
on right side of the car seat.
2. Remove Lower Anchor
Connectors from Storage
Location
Push in on the red buttons on the
lower anchor connectors and remove
from storage position.
34
3 Rear
Facing
3. Make Sure Lower Anchor Strap
is in the Rear-Facing Belt Path
Marked With a Blue Label
If not, See section 7 to move lower
anchor attachment.
4. Recline the Car Seat
Pull out on handle on front of child
restraint and adjust to one of the four
rear-facing positions.
Rear Facing
Forward Facing
35
3 Rear
Facing
1
2
3
4
5. Place Car Seat Rear-Facing in
Back Seat of the Vehicle
Place rear-facing in vehicle seat
and center the car seat between the
lower anchors. The base should sit
as flat as possible on the vehicle
seat.
6. To Keep Your Child Rear-
Facing Longer
For additional legroom, squeeze
the adjustment handle and pull the
extension panel out. The extension
panel has 4 positions.
36
3 Rear
Facing
7. Make Sure Base is a minimum
of 80% on Vehicle Seat
8. Check the Level Indicator
Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball
must be completely in the blue zone.
Readjust the incline if needed. Or if
needed, rolled towels may be placed
under the car seat at the vehicle seat
crease, until the ball is completely in
the blue zone.
For infants 3 months and under, the
ball must completely cover the light
blue circle.
9. Extend the Lower Anchor Strap
For easier installation, extend the
lower anchor strap to its maximum
length by pressing the grey button
and pulling on the strap.
10. Attach Lower Anchor
Connectors to Vehicle’s Lower
Anchors
Lower anchor strap should lie flat
and not be twisted.
37
3 Rear
Facing
9. Extend the Lower Anchor Strap
For easier installation, extend the
lower anchor strap to its maximum
length by pressing the grey button
and pulling on the strap.
10. Attach Lower Anchor
Connectors to Vehicle’s Lower
Anchors
Lower anchor strap should lie flat
and not be twisted.
CLICK!
38
3 Rear
Facing
12. Test For Tightness
Grab the sides of the seat where the
lower anchor strap is and slide the car
seat side-to-side and front-to-back.
If the seat moves less than 1” (2.5 cm),
it is tight enough.
11. Tighten the Lower Anchor Strap
Press down firmly in the center of the
car seat while tightening the lower
anchor strap. You may need to tighten
through the rear-facing belt path as
shown.
39
3 Rear
Facing
12. Test For Tightness
Grab the sides of the seat where the
lower anchor strap is and slide the car
seat side-to-side and front-to-back.
If the seat moves less than 1” (2.5 cm),
it is tight enough.
13. Check the Level Indicator
Vehicle MUST be on level ground.
Ball must be completely in the blue
zone. Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the
ball must completely cover the light
blue circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be
placed under the car seat at the
vehicle seat crease, until the ball is
completely in the blue zone.
See section 5 to secure your child.
Recheck level indicator with child in
seat.
40
3 Rear
Facing
Is Everything Correct?
Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path
Level Indicator’s Ball
in the Blue Zone and
Vehicle on Level Ground
Harness Straps at or Just Below the
Child’s Shoulders.
Review section 5
Chest Clip Even With Armpits
Review section 5
Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder
Review section 5
41
3 Rear
Facing
1. Store Tether and Lower Anchor
Strap
Attach tether hook and lower anchor
connectors to the plastic bars as shown.
Rear Facing
Forward Facing
3-C Install Rear-Facing with
Vehicle Seat Belt
2. Recline the Car Seat
Pull out on handle on front of child
restraint and adjust to one of the 4
rear-facing positions.
Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path
Level Indicator’s Ball
in the Blue Zone and
Vehicle on Level Ground
Harness Straps at or Just Below the
Child’s Shoulders.
Review section 5
Chest Clip Even With Armpits
Review section 5
Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder
Review section 5
42
3 Rear
Facing
3. Place Car Seat Rear-Facing in
Back Seat of the Vehicle
Place rear-facing in vehicle seat. The
base should sit as flat as possible on
the vehicle seat.
4. Make Sure Base is a minimum
of 80% on Vehicle Seat.
5. To Keep Your Child Rear-Facing
Longer
For additional legroom, squeeze
the adjustment handle and pull the
extension panel out. The extension
panel has 4 positions.
6. Check the Level Indicator
Vehicle MUST be on level ground.
Ball must be completely in the blue
zone. Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the
ball must completely cover the light
blue circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be
placed under the car seat at the
vehicle seat crease, until the ball is
completely in the blue zone.
1
2
3
4
43
3 Rear
Facing
6. Check the Level Indicator
Vehicle MUST be on level ground.
Ball must be completely in the blue
zone. Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the
ball must completely cover the light
blue circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be
placed under the car seat at the
vehicle seat crease, until the ball is
completely in the blue zone.
44
3 Rear
Facing
8. Lock Vehicle Seat Belt
In most vehicles today, slowly pull
the shoulder belt all the way out and
then let it go back in. You will hear
a clicking sound. Slowly pull out on
the belt and it should be locked. If
not, review your car’s owner manual
and section 8-D.
9. Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt
Press down firmly in the center of
the car seat. Pull on the shoulder
belt to tighten while feeding the
slack back in the retractor.
Review your vehicle’s owner manual for vehicle seat belt use
7. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt
Thread vehicle seat belt through the
rear-facing belt path (marked with
a blue label) and out the other side.
Buckle it. The seat belt should lie as
flat as possible and not be twisted.
Note: It may be easier to route the
vehicle seat belt by lifting seat pad up
to expose the belt path.
Make sure the vehicle seat belt is in
front of the buckle strap when the
buckle is in the inner-most position,
and in behind when in the outer-most
position.
45
3 Rear
Facing
8. Lock Vehicle Seat Belt
In most vehicles today, slowly pull
the shoulder belt all the way out and
then let it go back in. You will hear
a clicking sound. Slowly pull out on
the belt and it should be locked. If
not, review your car’s owner manual
and section 8-D.
9. Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt
Press down firmly in the center of
the car seat. Pull on the shoulder
belt to tighten while feeding the
slack back in the retractor.
46
3 Rear
Facing
10. Test For Tightness
Grab the sides of the seat where the
vehicle seat belt is and slide the car seat
side-to-side and front-to-back.
If the seat moves less than 1” (2.5 cm), it
is tight enough.
11. Check the Level Indicator
Vehicle MUST be on level ground. Ball
must be completely in the blue zone.
Readjust if needed.
For infants 3 months and under, the ball
must completely cover the light blue
circle.
If needed, rolled towels may be placed
under the car seat at the vehicle seat
crease, until the ball is completely in the
blue zone.
See section 5 to secure your child.
Recheck level indicator with child in seat.
47
3 Rear
Facing
Is Everything Correct?
Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path
Level Indicator’s Ball
in the Blue Zone and
Vehicle on Level Ground
Harness Straps at or Just Below the
Child’s Shoulders.
Review section 5
Chest Clip Even With Armpits
Review section 5
Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder
Review section 5
48
4 Forward
Facing
4-A Forward-Facing
Forward-Facing:
22-65 lb (10-30 kg) and
49 inches (125 cm) or less
and at least one year old
• For children 22-40 lb (10-18 kg) you
MUST use recline position 4.
• For children over 40 lb (18.1 kg) you
MUST use recline position 5 or 6.
• The crotch strap must be in the front
most slot when forward facing.
• Place car seat forward-facing in the vehicle
back seat.
• Make sure lower anchor strap or vehicle
seat belt is routed through the forward-
facing belt path marked with a orange label.
LATCH
Do not install by this method
for a child weighing more
than 45 lb (20 kg)
49
Important
4 Forward
Facing
• Install this car seat tightly in your vehicle.
Car seat should not move at the
forward-facing belt path more than 1”
(2.5 cm) from side to side, front to back.
• Harness straps need to be even with or
just above the top of child’s shoulders
and chest clip is at armpit level.
• DO NOT USE the extension panel
forward-facing.
• Children are safer riding rear-facing
and should ride rear-facing as long as
possible, until they reach the maximum
rear-facing height or weight rating for
their car seat. Then children should
ride forward-facing, using the built-in
harness system for as long as possible
until they reach the maximum forward-
facing weight or height for their car
seat. Be sure to check your local and
state laws, as well as AAP and NHTSA
recommendations, for car seat usage.
Vehicle Seat Lap Belt with Tether
Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt
with Tether
50
4 Forward
Facing
1. Remove Lower Anchor Strap from
Storage Location
2. Make Sure Lower Anchor Strap is in
the Forward-Facing Belt Path Marked
with Orange Label
If not, See section 7 to move lower anchor
strap.
3. Unhook Tether Strap From Storage
Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.
4-B Install Forward-Facing
with LATCH
Review your vehicle’s owner manual for LATCH location and use.
51
Important
4 Forward
Facing
4. Adjust the Car Seat
For Children 22-40 lb (10-18 kg)
MUST use recline position 4.
For Children Over 40 lb (18.1 kg)
MUST use recline position 5 or 6.
5. Place Car Seat Forward Facing in
Back Seat of the Vehicle
Place forward-facing in vehicle seat and
center the car seat between the lower
anchors. The base should sit as flat as
possible on the vehicle seat.
Orientado hacia atrás
Orientado hacia adelante
52
4 Forward
Facing
6. Make Sure Base is a minimum
80% on Vehicle Seat
7. Extend the Lower Anchor Strap
For easier installation, extend the lower
anchor strap to its maximum length by
pressing the grey button and pulling
on the strap.
8. Attach Lower Anchor
Connectors to Vehicle’s Lower
Anchors
Lower anchor strap should not be
twisted.
9. Tighten the Lower Anchor
Strap
Press down firmly in the center of
the car seat while tightening the
lower anchor strap.
10. Attach The Tether
Extend the tether by pressing the
grey button and pulling out on the
strap and attach.
Consult vehicle’s owner manual for
specific location.
CLICK!
53
Important
4 Forward
Facing
9. Tighten the Lower Anchor
Strap
Press down firmly in the center of
the car seat while tightening the
lower anchor strap.
10. Attach The Tether
Extend the tether by pressing the
grey button and pulling out on the
strap and attach.
Consult vehicle’s owner manual for
specific location.
54
4 Forward
Facing
12. Test For Tightness
Grab the sides of the seat where the
lower anchor strap is and slide the car
seat side-to-side and front-to-back.
If the seat moves less than 1” (2.5
cm), it is tight enough.
See section 5-A to secure your child.
11. Tighten Tether Strap
Push the car seat back while
tightening the tether strap to remove
all the slack.
55
Important
4 Forward
Facing
Is Everything Correct?
Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path
Harness Straps at or Just Above the
Child’s Shoulders.
Review section 5
Chest Clip Even With Armpits
Review section 5
Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder
Review section 5
56
4 Forward
Facing
4-C Install Forward-Facing with
Vehicle Seat Belt
1. Store Lower Anchor Strap
Attach lower anchor connectors to the
plastic bars as shown.
2. Adjust the Car Seat
For Children 22-40 lb (10-18 kg)
MUST use recline position 4.
For Children Over 40 lb (18.1 kg)
MUST use recline position 5 or 6.
Orientado hacia atrás
Orientado hacia adelante
57
Important
4 Forward
Facing
3. Unhook Tether Strap From
Storage
Unhook tether and lay it in the seat.
4. Place Car Seat Forward-Facing
in Back Seat of the Vehicle
Place forward-facing in vehicle seat.
The base should sit as flat as possible
on the vehicle seat.
5. Make Sure Base is a minimum
of 80% on Vehicle Seat.
58
4 Forward
Facing
Review your vehicle’s owner manual for vehicle seat belt use
6. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt
Thread vehicle seat belt through the
forward-facing belt path (marked with
a orange label) and out the other side.
Buckle it. The seat belt should lie as
flat as possible and not be twisted.
7. Lock the Vehicle Seat Belt
In most vehicles today, slowly pull
the shoulder belt all the way out and
then let it go back in. You will hear a
clicking sound. Slowly pull out on the
belt and it should be locked. If not,
review your car’s owner manual and
section 8-D.
59
Important
4 Forward
Facing
9. Attach The Tether
Extend the tether by pressing the
grey button and pulling out on the
strap and attach. Consult vehicle’s
owner manual for specific location.
8. Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt
Press down firmly in the center of the
car seat. Pull on the shoulder belt to
tighten while feeding the slack back
in the retractor.
10. Tighten the Tether Strap
Push the car seat back while
tightening the tether strap to remove
all the slack.
60
4 Forward
Facing
11. Test For Tightness
Grab the sides of the seat where the
vehicle seat belt is and slide the car
seat side-to-side and front-to-back.
If the seat moves less than 1” (2.5
cm), it is tight enough.
See section 5-A to secure your child.
61
Important
4 Forward
Facing
Is Everything Correct?
Car Seat Does Not Move More than
1” (2.5 cm) at the Belt Path
Harness Straps at or Just Above the
Child’s Shoulders.
Review section 5
Chest Clip Even With Armpits
Review section 5
Cannot Pinch Harness Straps at the
Shoulder
Review section 5
62
5 Securing
Child
1. Loosen Harness Straps
Push down on the harness release
lever while pulling out on the
harness straps at the chest clip.
5-A
Securing Child 5-point Harness
WARNING! In cold weather, do not put snowsuits or bulky garments
on your child when placing them in the car seat. Bulky clothing can
prevent the harness straps from being tightened properly. To keep child
warm, buckle your child in the car seat and place a blanket around the
child or place the child’s coat on backwards after buckling in.
63
5 Securing
Child
Unbuckle the chest clip and the
crotch buckle. Place harness straps
off to the sides.
On select models, place harness
straps in buckle storage pockets.
64
5 Securing
Child
2. Place Your Child in the Seat
Make sure their back is flat against the
car seat back.
Avoid bulky or heavy clothing. Doing
so will prevent the harness straps
from being tightened properly. Place
a blanket over the child after you have
secured the child.
3. Place Harness Straps
OverChild’s Shoulders and
Buckle
You will hear a “click” when buckle
tongues are securely attached. Pull up
on each buckle tongue to make sure it
is securely attached.
65
5 Securing
Child
2. Place Your Child in the Seat
Make sure their back is flat against the
car seat back.
Avoid bulky or heavy clothing. Doing
so will prevent the harness straps
from being tightened properly. Place
a blanket over the child after you have
secured the child.
4. Be Sure the Harness Straps
Are at the Proper Height
Rear-Facing: Harness straps
should be at or just below the
child’s shoulders. Top of head must
be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest
adjustment lever.
Forward-Facing: Harness straps
should be at or just above the
child’s shoulders. Top of child’s ears
below top of headrest.
Rear-Facing
1” (2.5 cm)1” (2.5 cm)
Forward-Facing
66
5 Securing
Child
5. To Raise or Lower Headrest/
Harness Height
Squeeze the adjustment handle and
move headrest for the proper harness
height.
6. Check the Buckle Position
The correct slot is the one that is
closest to your child without being
underneath them.
The crotch strap must be in the front
most slot when forward facing.
67
5 Securing
Child
7. To Adjust Crotch Strap
Recline the car seat and locate the
metal retainer under the car seat
shell.
8. Rotate Metal Retainer and
Insert It Up Through the Shell
and Pad
From the top of the car seat, pull the
crotch buckle out.
9. Insert Metal Retainer in the
New Crotch Buckle Slot
Reach underneath the car seat and
pull the metal retainer through. The
crotch strap must be in the front-
most slot when forward facing.
68
5 Securing
Child
10. Pull Up on Crotch Strap to Make
Sure it is Secured
11. Buckle the Chest Clip
You will hear a “click” when the chest
clip is securely buckled.
12. Pull All the Slack Out From
Around the Waist
Pull up on the harness strap while
pushing the chest clip down. Do this to
both sides.
69
5 Securing
Child
10. Pull Up on Crotch Strap to Make
Sure it is Secured
11. Buckle the Chest Clip
You will hear a “click” when the chest
clip is securely buckled.
12. Pull All the Slack Out From
Around the Waist
Pull up on the harness strap while
pushing the chest clip down. Do this to
both sides.
13. Tighten the Harness by Pulling
the Harness Adjustment Strap
When you are not able to pinch
any of the harness webbing at your
child’s shoulder, the harness is tight
enough.
A snug harness should not allow any
slack. It lies in a relatively straight
line without sagging. It does not
press on the child’s flesh or push
the child’s body into an unnatural
position.
14. Raise the Chest Clip to Child’s
Armpit Level
70
6 Accessories
6-A Accessories
(on select models)
Harness Covers
Make sure that harness covers do not interfere
with placement of the chest clip at armpit level.
To remove, undo the fastening strips and
remove.
Head Support
Slide head support into opening in headrest
as shown. Curved bottom of head support
allows for head support to be pulled down to fit
smaller infants.
Body Support
Use only in the rear-facing mode.
Body support must be used if shoulders are
below the lowest harness setting.
Never allow body support to bunch or fold
behind child.
71
7 Moving
Lower Anchors
7-A
Moving the Lower Anchor Strap
B
A
1. For Ease of Moving the Lower
Anchor Strap
A. Undo Snaps and fastening strips in
front of child restraint.
B. Pull the lower anchor straps out of
the belt path opening, so that the
lower anchor connectors end up on
the same side of the child restraint.
72
7 Moving
Lower Anchors
2. Slide Entire Lower Anchor Strap
Along Bar to Correct Belt Path
Opening
Rear-Facing: Slide lower anchor strap
down to the blue label.
Forward-Facing: slide the lower
anchor strap up to the orange label.
3. Feed the Lower Anchor Connector with the Adjuster Closest to it Through
the Chosen Belt Path
Rear-Facing: Make sure the lower anchor strap is in front of the buckle strap
when the buckle is in the inner-most position (A), and in behind when in the
outter-most position (B) and that it is flat and is not twisted.
B
A
73
7 Moving
Lower Anchors
4. Replace the Seat Pad Fabric on the
Front of the Child Restraint.
Forward-Facing: Make sure the strap
is flat and not twisted.
74
8 Additional
Information
Lower Anchor Connector
To remove the lower anchor connectors
from the lower anchors, push in on the red
buttons and pull them off.
Tether
To remove, press the grey button and pull
out on the strap to release the tension.
Press in on the hook’s spring. Push tether
hook in, then lift up and pull away from
tether anchor.
8-A How to Unistall Lower Anchor
Connector and Tether
75
8 Additional
Information
8-B
Choosing Vehicle Seat Location
Review your vehicle owner’s manual for seating locations.
The best seating location for this car seat is one that:
• Is recommended by your vehicle owner’s manual, and
• Results in a secure installation of this car seat
In the event there is no available back seat and / or you have no other option than
to place a child in a front passenger seating position (other than rear-facing), the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you
take the following steps:
• Ensure the child is properly restrained according to their age and size
• Move the seat as far back as possible
• Make sure the child is not leaning out of position, such as leaning forward
into the deployment path of the air bag
• Set the air bag ON-OFF switch, if available, to the OFF position
76
8 Additional
Information
8-C
Unsafe Vehicle Seat Locations
Never install this car seat in any of the following vehicle seating locations:
rear-facing or side-facing
vehicle seats
rear-facing with an active
front air bag
77
8 Additional
Information
8-D
Vehicle Seat Belts
This car seat can be installed using a vehicle seat belt. To do this, you will need to change
the seat belt to a locked mode for use with car seats. With some vehicle seat belts, this is
done with the latchplate; with other vehicle seat belts, this is done with the retractor.
Review your vehicle owner’s manual for vehicle seat belt use
Vehicle Seat Belt Terms
Retractor
A device that winds up the unused vehicle seat
belt. It is often hidden inside the panels on the
walls of the vehicle or in the vehicle seatback.
Latch Plate
The male end of the seat belt with the silver
tongue.
Seat Bight
The crease where the vehicle seat back and seat
bottom meet.
78
8 Additional
Information
Identify Your Seat Belt Type
There are two different types of vehicle seat belts that can be used with this car seat:
Lap Belt Only
2 connection points.
Lap/Shoulder Belt
3 connections points. Can be used in all car
seats modes of use.
Some vehicles you may not
get a secure fit. Read both your
vehicle and car seat manuals.
Belts Forward of the
Seat Bight
The following types of vehicle seat belts CANNOT
be used safely with this car seat:
Lap Belt with Motorized
Shoulder Belt
Lap Belt or Shoulder
Belt Mounted on Door
79
8 Additional
Information
Always review your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information
about your vehicle seat belts.
There are three types of retractors: ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor), ALR
(Automatic Locking Retractor) , and Switchable (ELR switch to ALR). To
determine your type of retractor, follow these steps:
1. Slowly pull the belt out about halfway and stop.
2. Let the belt retract back several inches.
3. Try to slowly pull the belt out more. If the belt cannot be
pulled any further, it is ALR. If it can be pulled further,
go to the next step.
4. Slowly pull the belt all the way out, and then allow it to
retract several inches.
5. Try to pull the belt all the way out again. If it cannot be
pulled out, it is Switchable. If it can still be pulled out freely, it is ELR.
Note: Most vehicles manufactured after 1996 will have Switchable retractors in
the back seat. If you have any questions about your retractor type, consult your
vehicle owner’s manual or call Graco for assistance.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation - Rear-Facing/Forward Facing Modes
80
8 Additional
Information
How to Lock Your Lap and Shoulder Vehicle Seat Belt
Sliding Latch Plate and Switchable
Retractor
A latchplate that slides freely on the belt
webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt
snug around a car seat.
When installing the car seat, route the
vehicle seat belt through the proper belt
path and buckle it in. Slowly pull the
shoulder belt all the way out to switch
it to locking mode. Then, as you pull the
vehicle seat belt tight, feed all the slack
back into the retractor.
Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path
and slide the seat side-to-side and front-
to-back. The seat should not move more
than 1” (2.5 cm).
Note: With the vehicle seat belt in this locking mode, all the tension is upwards in
the shoulder belt. This may start to tilt your car seat sideways. If this happens, use a
locking clip instead of this switching the retractor. See Sliding Latch Plate and ELR
Retractor.
81
8 Additional
Information
Locking Latchplate and ELR Retractor
A latchplate that holds the lap belt snug
after it has been adjusted; contains a metal
bar on the underside of the hardware that
“locks” the belt in position.
When installing the car seat, route the
vehicle seat belt through the proper belt
path and buckle it in. Then, pull upwards
on the shoulder belt so that the lap belt
gets tight around the car seat.
Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path
and slide the seat side-to-side and front-
to-back. The seat should not move more
than 1” (2.5 cm).
82
8 Additional
Information
Sliding Latch Plate and ALR Retractor
A latchplate that slides freely on the belt
webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt
snug around a car seat.
Slowly pull the shoulder belt all the
way out. Route the vehicle seat belt
through the proper belt path and buckle
it in. Then, as you pull the vehicle seat
belt tight, feed all the slack back into the
retractor.
Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path
and slide the seat side-to-side and front-to-
back. The seat should not move more than
1 inch (2.5 cm).
83
8 Additional
Information
Sliding Latch Plate and ELR Retractor
A latchplate that slides freely on the belt
webbing and cannot, by itself, hold the belt
snug around a car seat.
With this retractor, you will need to use the
locking clip to lock the vehicle seat belt.
To get a locking clip, call 1-800 345-4109.
Route the vehicle seat belt through the
proper belt path and buckle it in. Pull the
vehicle seat belt tight. While pushing down
on seat, pinch the two straps together
behind the buckle tongue. Unbuckle the
belt without allowing it to slip.
Attach locking clip to lap and shoulder
belts as shown.
Rebuckle belt. Check that lap belt does not
move by pulling hard. If belt loosens or
lengthens, repeat procedure.
1” (2.5 cm)
Locking Clip
84
9 Care &
Cleaning
Lap Belt Installation
Always review your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information about
your vehicle seat belts.
Locking Latch Plate and No Retractor
When installing the car seat, route the
lap seat belt through the proper path and
buckle it in. Then, pull upwards on the tail
of the belt so that the lap belt gets tight
around the car seat.
Sewn On Latch Plate and ALR
Slowly pull the lap belt all the way out.
Route the vehicle seat lap belt through the
proper belt path and buckle it in. Then, pull
the lap belt tight while feeding all the slack
back into the retractor.
Grab the sides of the seat at the
belt path and slide the seat side-
to-side and front-to-back. The seat
should not move more than 1 inch
(2.5 cm).
85
Import
ant
I
mport
an
t
9 Care &
Cleaning
9-A
Cleaning Seat Pad
Clean with a damp sponge using mild soap
and cool water. Refer to seat pad care tag
for washing instructions.
Your model determines how to remove
the seat pad. Follow the instructions that
match your seat.
Seat Pad (on most models)
Raise the headrest all the way up.
Push down on the harness release lever
while pulling out on the harness straps
at the chest clip.
86
9 Care &
Cleaning
Unbuckle the chest clip and the buckle strap.
Face the rear of the seat and remove the belt
straps from splitter plate as shown.
87
Import
ant
I
mport
an
t
9 Care &
Cleaning
Grab hold of the shoulder straps and pull them
out of their slots on the seat pad.
From the back of the seat, undo the elastic
straps.
Undo both elastic straps from the sides of the
seat.
88
9 Care &
Cleaning
Remove pad from shell.
Machine wash pad in cold water on
delicate cycle and drip-dry. DO NOT USE
BLEACH.
To put the seat pad back on, reverse
preceding steps. Make sure that you
rethread the harness straps OVER THE
METAL BAR. The harness straps MUST
not be twisted.
89
Import
ant
I
mport
an
t
9 Care &
Cleaning
Seat Pad (on Rapid Remove
TM
models)
With the Rapid Remove™ seat pad, you do
not need to uninstall the car seat to clean
the seat pad.
Raise headrest all the way up.
From behind the seat undo the fastening
strips.
From the front, undo the two seat snaps.
90
9 Care &
Cleaning
Pull side panel pocket off of side panel.
Undo fastening strips on the front of the
seat
91
Import
ant
I
mport
an
t
9 Care &
Cleaning
Remove pad from shell.
Machine wash pad in cold water on delicate
cycle and drip-dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH.
To put the seat pad back on, reverse
preceding steps.
Rear Pad
You may need to uninstall the car seat to
remove the pad.
Undo elastic loops and remove.
To reattach rear pad:
1. Lower the headrest.
1
92
9 Care &
Cleaning
2. Attach the shorter loop first.
3. Pull the longer loop behind the shorter loop.
4. Wrap the Longer loop around the shorter
loop one time and attach to the hook.
2
3
4
Front Pad
You may need to uninstall the car seat to
remove the pad.
Undo the elastic loops on top of the front pad,
then undo the pins by pulling the pad away
from the seat.
To put the front pad back on, reverse preceding
steps.
93
Import
ant
I
mport
an
t
9 Care &
Cleaning
Head Support Cover
Undo elastic loop underneath head support
cover. Pull tab out from behind head support.
Undo the elastic loops on the sides of the
headrest.
Peel cover off head support.
Machine wash pad in cold water on delicate
cycle and drip-dry. DO NOT USE BLEACH.
To put the head support cover back on, reverse
preceding steps.
94
9 Care &
Cleaning
9-B Cleaning Crotch Buckle
Recline the car seat and locate the metal
retainer. Rotate the metal retainer up through
the shell and pad. From the front, pull the
crotch buckle out.
To clean buckle, place in a cup of warm water
and gently agitate the buckle. Press the red
button several times while in the water.
DO NOT SUBMERGE THE BUCKLE
STRAP. DO NOT USE SOAPS, HOUSEHOLD
DETERGENTS or LUBRICANTS.
Shake out excess water and allow to air dry.
Repeat steps as needed until it fastens with a
click. Re-insert the buckle into the same slot
it was removed. Pull up on crotch buckle to
make sure it is secured.
WARNING! Inspect and clean
buckle from time to time to
remove any objects or debris
that could prevent latching.
95
Import
ant
I
mport
an
t
9 Care &
Cleaning
9-C Cleaning Harness, Lower
Anchor and Tether
Surface wash only with mild soap and damp cloth. DO NOT IMMERSE
THE HARNESS STRAPS or LOWER ANCHOR STRAP IN WATER Doing so
may weaken the straps. If harness straps or lower anchor belt are frayed or
heavily soiled, contact Customer Service at www.gracobaby.com or 1-800-
345-4109.
96
To purchase parts or accessories in the United States, please contact us at the following:
www.gracobaby.com
or
1-800-345-4109
Replacement Parts
Store instruction manual behind the tab with
the instruction book icon as shown.
