Britax ADVOCATE 70 CS User manual

AdvocateTM 70 CS
User Guide
IMPORTANT: Thoroughly read and follow all instructions before installing
this child seat. Store this user guide in the pocket behind the cover (See
features pages for reference).

©2010 Britax Child Safety, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA P407800_R1:06.10
This product and its components are subject to change without notice.
Safety Information .......................................................................................2
Warnings ...............................................................................................................2
Important Notes ....................................................................................................4
Certification ...........................................................................................................5
Registration ...........................................................................................................5
Important Child Seat Usage Information ............................................................6
Vehicle Compatibility ..................................................................................8
Compatible Vehicle Seat Belts ............................................................................8
Incompatible Vehicle Seat Belts ..........................................................................12
Vehicle Seating Positions .....................................................................................13
Child Seat Features .....................................................................................14
Child Seat Functions ...................................................................................16
Click & Safe™ Snug Harness Indicator ..............................................................16
Harness Height Adjustment.................................................................................18
Adjusting Buckle Position ....................................................................................19
Fastening the Buckle ...........................................................................................20
Releasing the Buckle ...........................................................................................20
Using the Chest Clip ...........................................................................................20
Using the Lock-Offs ..............................................................................................21
Infant Body Pillow .................................................................................................21
Recline Positions ..................................................................................................22
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) ..................................24
Using the Lower Connectors ...............................................................................25
Using the Versa-Tether .........................................................................................26
Rear-Facing Tether Connector Strap ..................................................................29
Rear-Facing Installation ..............................................................................30
LATCH Installation ................................................................................................30
Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation ..............................................................................34
Lap Belt Installation ..............................................................................................38
Forward-Facing Installation ........................................................................42
LATCH Installation ................................................................................................42
Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation ..............................................................................46
Lap Belt Installation ..............................................................................................50
Aircraft Installation ......................................................................................54
Securing Your Child ....................................................................................55
Care and Maintenance ................................................................................58
Tips and Troubleshooting ...........................................................................67
Warranty .......................................................................................................68
Table of Contents

2 3
Section Title
Section Title
• 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 70 lbs (2.3 –
31.8 kg) and whose height is 49 in. (124.5 cm) or less. Use rear-
facing for children who weigh between 5 and 40 lbs (2.3 – 18.1 kg).
Use forward-facing for children who weigh between 20 and 70 lbs
(9.1 – 31.8 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 seat.
• Secure this child restraint with the vehicle’s child restraint anchorage
system if available, or with a vehicle seat belt.
• Follow all instructions on this child restraint and in the written
instructions located in the pocket behind the cover.
• Register your child restraint with the manufacturer.
• This child seat must be reclined to position 3 when installed rear facing.
• Use the inner buckle slot when installed rear-facing.
• Use the outer buckle slot when installing the child seat forward-facing
with a child weighing 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and above or if the buckle is
under the child in the inner position.
• When installing in forward-facing mode this child seat must be in
position 1 or position 2.
• HUGS™ chest pads must be used in forward-facing mode. Removal of
HUGS™ is optional only for rear-facing mode.
• To prevent injury due to deterioration or hidden damage, discontinue
use of this child seat if it is older than seven years or has been in
a moderate or severe crash (see page 4). See Serial Number and
Manufactured Date Label on child seat (page 15).
• This child seat must not be used in the home, in boats, or other non-
certified applications.
• Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents select the back
seat as the safest location for a properly installed child seat. Please
study Vehicle Seating Positions on page 13 to ensure your child’s
safety and consult your vehicle owner’s manual.
• Secure this child seat even when it is not occupied. In a crash, an
unsecured child seat may injure vehicle occupants.
• When using in a vehicle with air bags, refer to your vehicle owner’s
manual for child seat installation instructions and precautions.
• Never use the harness adjuster strap to lift or carry this child seat.
Doing so could cause damage to harness adjuster and webbing.
Always carry this child seat by its shell or tether straps.
• The primary protection for occupants of a vehicle in a collision is the
body of the vehicle itself; a child seat will not protect a child when a
vehicle is seriously impacted. However, correctly installed, a child seat
will substantially improve chances for survival in most crashes. Make
sure all users fully understand the correct ways to use this child seat
in a vehicle.
• Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle
manufacturer for the maximum weight rating for their lower anchors.
Use vehicle seat belt (not lower connectors) for installations with
children who weigh more than the vehicle lower anchor limit. Unless
specified otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer, assume a 40 lb
(18.1 kg) child is the vehicle lower anchor limit.
• Prevent the Side Impact Cushions from being punctured. Puncture
damage will cause the cushions not to perform as intended in a crash.
• The use of non-Britax Child Safety, Inc., covers, inserts, toys,
accessories, or tightening devices is not approved by Britax. Their use
could cause this child seat not perform as intended in a crash.
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur:

4 5
Important Notes
• Verify that the child seat is securely installed and the harness is
properly adjusted around the child each time the child seat is used.
• Discontinue use of this child seat if it has been in a moderate or
severe crash. It is not necessary to replace a car seat after a minor
crash defined by NHTSA as:
* The vehicle is driveable from the crash site.
* The vehicle door nearest the child seat was not damaged.
* No vehicle occupants were injured.
* There is no visible damage to the child seat.
* The airbags (if present) did not deploy.
• Adjust the harness to fit the clothes the child is wearing. Remove
bulky coats and/or jackets before putting the child in child seat.
• Cover the child seat when the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight.
Metal parts of child seat could become hot enough to burn a child.
• Store the child seat in a safe place when it is not being used. Avoid
placing heavy objects on top of it.
• Do not leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.
• Do not, except as described in this booklet, attempt to disassemble
any part of the child seat or change the way the harness or vehicle’s
seat belts are used.
• Do not leave loose objects, e.g. books, bags, etc., in the back of
a vehicle. In the event of a sudden stop, loose objects will keep
moving, potentially causing serious injuries.
• Do not leave folding vehicle seats unsecured or unlatched. In the
event of a sudden stop, a loose seat back could cause the child seat
not to perform as intended.
• Do not allow children to play with this child seat.
• Do not use anything to raise the child seat off vehicle seat except as
described in these instructions. In a crash, this could cause the child
seat not to perform as intended.
Certification
This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards. This Restraint is Certified For Use in
Motor Vehicles and Aircraft.
Registration
Child seats can be recalled for safety reasons. You must register
this child seat to be reached in a recall. Send your name, address,
and the child seat’s model number and manufacturing date to
Britax Child Safety, Inc. P.O. Box 91167 Allentown, PA 18109-9925,
or call 1-888-4BRITAX, or register online at www.BritaxUSA.com/
registration. 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.
For your convenience, record all the information about your
child seat below. Refer to the Serial Number & Manufactured
Date Label for all information, see page 15.
Serial Number:___________________________________
Batch Number:___________________________________
Date of Manufacture:______________________________
Discontinue Use After:_____________________________
Safety InformationSafety Information

6 7
WARNING! REAR-FACING use of this child seat is ONLY for
children who meet ALL of the requirements below. If the child cannot
be secured within these requirements because they are too small, use
of the infant positioning insert or selection of a different child seat (such
as an infant car seat) may be required. If the child cannot be secured
within these requirements because the child is too large, review the
forward-facing guidelines on page 7.
WARNING! FORWARD-FACING use of this child seat
is ONLY for children who meet ALL of the requirements below.
If the child cannot be secured within these requirements
because they are too large, another type of child seat (such
as a booster) may be required. If the child cannot be secured
within these requirements because the child is too small,
review the rear-facing information on page 6.
Important Child Seat Usage Information
All infants must ride rear-facing at least until they have reached
1 year of age and weigh 20 lbs (9.1 kg).
Britax advises that parents strongly consider the following when
using this child seat.
• Children should be secured with a harness system until they exceed
the weight or height limits specified.
• Infant positioning insert may be necessary for small infants to achieve a
snug fit of the harness around your child. Infant positioning insert sold
separately.
• Britax recommends that children ride rear-facing to the highest weight
or height specified.
Rear-Facing: 5 – 40 lbs (2.3 – 18.1 kg)
Use rear-facing with children:
• who weigh between 5 – 40 lbs (2.3 –
18.1 kg) and
• when the top of the child’s head is at
least 1 in. (2.5 cm) below the top of the
child seat shell (Fig. A) and
• when the harness straps are at or slightly
below the child’s shoulders (Fig. A).
IMPORTANT: See Harness Height Adjustment on page 18.
Forward-Facing: 20 – 70 lbs (9.1 – 31.8 kg) and at least 1 year of age
Use forward-facing only with children:
• who are at least one year of age and
• who weigh between 20 – 70 lbs (9.1 – 31.8 kg) and
• who are 49 in. (124.5 cm) or less in height and
• when the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the child
seat shell and
• when the harness straps are at or above the child’s shoulders,
parallel to level ground (Fig. B).
IMPORTANT: When using position 2, it may be necessary to adjust
the harness to a higher position than when the seat is in position 1.
See Harness Height Adjustment on page 18.
Safety InformationSafety Information
Shoulder Level
Above Shoulder Level
Below Shoulder Level
Position 1 Position 2
Forward-Facing Harness Height
b
1 inch
2.5 cm
Rear-Facing
A

8 9
Compatible Vehicle Seat Belts
NOTE: The information in this section only applies to installation
with vehicle seat belts.
Vehicle seats and seat belts differ from vehicle to vehicle. Refer to
your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information about your
vehicle seat belts and their use with child seats.
Lap-Shoulder (3-Point) Belt
1. ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) with Sliding Latch Plate
a Has a latch plate that freely
slides along the vehicle seat
belt webbing.
b Has a retractor that stops the
belt from being pulled out
again once the belt webbing
has been pulled out at least
24 in. (61 cm).
c Tightens by feeding the
belt webbing back into the
retractor.
2. ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) with Locking Latch Plate
a Has a latch plate that locks
the vehicle belt.
* This type of latch plate locks
the vehicle belt when the
vehicle belt and latch plate
lie flat. When using this
type of vehicle belt with a
child seat, ensure the latch
plat and vehicle belt lie flat
against the child seat or
the vehicle belt may remain
unlocked.
b Has a retractor that locks
only in an emergency
situation such as sudden
stop or crash.
3. Switchable Retractor in ALR Mode with Sliding Latch Plate
a Has a latch plate that freely
slides along the vehicle seat
belt webbing.
b Has a retractor that can be
switched to function as an
ALR. Pull the belt all the way
out of the retractor to set the
automatic locking function.
* To use a child seat with this
type of vehicle seat belt, you
will need to switch to the
ALR mode or use child seat
lock-offs.
Vehicle CompatibilityVehicle Compatibility
Latch
plate
Latch
plate
Latch
plate

10 11
4. ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) with a Sliding Latch Plate
a Has a latch plate that freely
slides along the vehicle
seat belt webbing.
b Has a retractor that locks
only in an emergency
situation such as sudden
stop or crash.
IMPORTANT: This belt type requires
the use of the lock-offs built into the
seat for rear- and forward-facing
installations. See page 21 for information on using the lock-offs.
Lap Belt
5. ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor)
a Has a latch plate that is
sewn into the webbing.
b Has a retractor that stops the
belt from being pulled out
again once the belt webbing
has been pulled out at least
24 in. (61 cm).
c Tightens by feeding the
belt webbing back into the
retractor.
6. Locking Latch Plate
a Has a latch plate that
prevents the webbing from
becoming loose.
b Tightens by pulling on the
belt webbing.
Vehicle CompatibilityVehicle Compatibility
Latch
plate
Adjuster
Latch
plate

12 13
WARNING!
DO NOT place child seat rear-facing in the
front seat of a vehicle with a passenger
air bag unless deactivated. DEATH or
SERIOUS INJURY can occur. See your
vehicle owner’s manual for child seat
installation instructions. The back seat is
the safest place for children 12 and under.
Some vehicles have no seating positions which are compatible
with this 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
the diagram below.
Incompatible Vehicle Seat Belts Vehicle Seating Positions
WARNING! The following types of vehicle seat belts are NOT
compatible with this child seat. If any of the belt types listed below are
in the chosen seating position, choose another vehicle seating position
or check your vehicle owner’s manual for information on installing a car
seat in your vehicle.
1 Lap-shoulder belts
with top or bottom
anchor points on
the vehicle door.
2 Motorized,
automatic vehicle
seat belts.
3 Lap-shoulder
belts that have a
separate retractor
each for the
lap section and
shoulder section.
4 Inflatable lap-
shoulder belts.
5 Lap belts forward
of the vehicle seat
bight.
6 Lap belts with a
sewn-in latch plate
that have a retractor
that locks only in case
of a sudden stop.
Vehicle CompatibilityVehicle Compatibility

14 15
1 Cover
2 Harness Height Adjuster
3 Head Restraint
4 Comfort Pads
5 Infant Body Pillow
6 Harness Holder
7 Lower Connector Bar
8 Lower Connector Strap
(LATCH component)
9 Lower Connector Adjuster
Release Button (LATCH
component)
10 Lower Connector Adjuster
(LATCH component)
11 Lower Connector Release
Button (LATCH component)
12 Lower Connector (LATCH
component)
13 User Guide Storage (in
pocket behind cover)
14 HUGS™ (Harness Ultra Guard
System) Chest Pads
15 Chest Clip
16 Harness Buckle
17 Belly Pad
18 Harness Adjuster
Lever (under cover)
19 Click & Safe™ Snug Harness
Indicator (under cover)
20 Harness Adjuster Strap
21 Recline Adjustment Handle
22 Serial Number & Manufactured
Date Label
23 Shell
24 Side Impact Cushion
25 Harness Slots
26 Forward-Facing Belt Slot
27 Forward-Facing Lock-Offs (Red
– under cover on front of shell)
28 Rear-Facing Lock-Offs (Blue –
under cover on front of shell)
29 Rear-Facing Belt Slot
30 Base
31 Versa-Tether® (Top Anchorage
Strap - LATCH component)
32 Harness Yoke
33 Harness Straps
34 Lower Connector Storage
35 Versa-Tether® Carry Clip
Child Seat FeaturesChild Seat Features
31
33
32
34
35
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
1 1
23
24
22
26
27
28
25
29
6
30
2
3
5
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

16 17
Click & Safe™ Snug Harness Indicator
2 Check for proper harness height.
3 Remove slack in the harness from around child’s upper thighs.
4 Remove slack in the harness between the HUGS™ chest pads
and buckle.
5 Pull the harness adjuster strap
until a click is heard. The
Click & Safe™ indicator will
click when the harness is
within range of appropriate
snugness.
NOTE: If there is still slack in the harness, return to step 1 then pull
the adjuster strap again until another click indicates a snug harness.
It may be necessary to double check to confirm that the harness is
within range of appropriate snugness. Always confirm a snug fit by
attempting to pinch excess webbing.
Child Seat FunctionsChild Seat Functions
Checklist
9Check that the harness is buckled and secure.
9Check that the harness is snug and you can not pinch excess.
ImpoRtANt: See pages 55 – 57 for detailed instructions on
securing your child.
The Click & Safe™ is an audible indicator to help determine when
the child seat harness is within range of appropriate snugness. The
Click & Safe™ is a secondary feature. Parents should be aware
of what amount of snugness is appropriate in the harness. The
harness should have a comfortable but snug fit around the child. 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.
The Click & Safe™ is designed to sense tension when the adjuster
strap is pulled. Ensure all slack has been removed from the
child’s hips and that the harness straps are correctly positioned
at the child’s shoulders so the Click & Safe™ will provide the most
accurate reading. Follow the steps below to tighten the harness.
To tighten the harness:
1 Remove any bulky clothing from your child before tightening
the harness.
1 inch
2.5 cm
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing

18 19
Harness Height Adjustment
1 Loosen the harness.
a Lift harness adjuster lever
b Pull both harness straps forward
2 Squeeze the harness height
adjuster, slide the harness
into the desired position and
release.
* Ensure the harness has locked
into position.
Adjusting Buckle Position
1 Unbuckle the harness. Remove
the belly pad and push the
buckle through the cover.
2 Turn the buckle webbing
and slide it between buckle
positions.
3 Slide the buckle retainer into
the buckle slot, and ensure the
red release button faces out.
NOTE: In rear-facing mode, always position the harness straps at or
below your child’s shoulders. See page 6.
In forward-facing mode, always position the harness straps at or
above your child’s shoulders. See page 7.
ImpoRtANt:
• ALWAYS position the buckle in the
inner slot for rear-facing use.
• The vehicle belt must pass in front of
the buckle strap for rear-facing use.
• NEVER leave the buckle in the
adjustment slot.
• Use the outer buckle slot when installing the child seat forward-
facing with a child weighing 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and above or if the
buckle is under the child in the inner position.
ADJUSTMENT
SLOT
Child Seat Functions
Child Seat Functions
a
b

20 21
Fastening the Buckle
Insert one tongue at a time into
the buckle.
NOTE: Proper connection is
confirmed with an audible click
after inserting each buckle
tongue.
Releasing the Buckle Using the Lock-Offs
IMPORTANT: Both parts of the lock-off must be opened to secure a
vehicle belt.
Press the release button and
pull the tongues from the
buckle.
NOTE: Periodically clean
the buckle to ensure proper
operation. See Page 64.
Using the Chest Clip
1 Open the chest
clip.
a Press tabs
b Pull apart
2 Push together to fasten.
NOTE: Always position the chest clip at
armpit level.
1 Pull the locking tab up
2 Pull the clamp down
To Open:
1 Push the clamp up
2 Push the locking tab down
until locked
To Close:
Infant Body Pillow
The infant body pillow is
designed to provide better fit
and comfort for infants using
this child seat. Fold the flaps in
for additional side support.
NOTE: Remove the infant body pillow after child can sit comfortably in
the child seat without additional support.
Child Seat FunctionsChild Seat Functions
LOCKING
TAB
CLAMP
1
2
LOCKING
TAB
CLAMP
2
1

22 23
Recline Positions
This child seat has 3 positions. To adjust, pull the recline handle then rotate
the child seat shell into the desired position. Release the recline handle,
then verify the child seat has locked into position.
NOTE: Set the recline position BEFORE installing.
Forward-Facing
IMPORTANT: In forward-facing installations, it is important that the base of
the child seat rests completely flat on the vehicle seat. As illustrated below,
it is permissible to allow up to 20% or 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the base to hang
over the edge of the vehicle seat. Some vehicle seats do not allow enough
of the child seat base to contact the vehicle seat. If this is the case, adjust
the recline angle to a more upright position. Not doing so could cause the
child seat not to perform as intended.
Acceptable overhang Unacceptable overhang
Rear-Facing
When installed in the rear-facing position, the child
seat should be reclined at least 30˚from vertical
for children and up to 45˚ from vertical for infants
unable to maintain head and neck control (not
to exceed 45˚) when the car is parked on a level
surface. When installing the seat in rear-facing
mode, recline the seat to position 3 and use the
guide line on the child seat to help achieve an
acceptable recline angle for rear-facing installations.
Position 1 Position 2 Position 3
Child Seat FunctionsChild Seat Functions
UP TO 3 INCHES
OF OVERHANG
ACCEPTABLE
OVER 3 INCHES
OF OVERHANG
NOT ACCEPTABLE
WARNING: In some cases, the vehicle
head restraint can prevent the child seat head
restraint from being raised high enough to properly
adjust the harness for the fit of your child when using
a forward facing reclined position. DO NOT force
the child seat head restraint past the vehicle head
restraint. Doing so could cause the child seat not to
perform as intended. If the location of the vehicle
head restraint interferes with the child seat head
restraint, raise or remove the vehicle head restraint. If the vehicle head
restraint cannot be removed, move the child seat to the upright position or
try a different seating location.
0°
90°
0°
90°
0
90

24 25
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children or LATCH, is a system
available on this child seat that offers an alternative to vehicle
seat belt installation methods. See pages 14 and 15 for LATCH
components on this child seat.
The figure above shows typical locations for lower anchors and
tether anchors in a vehicle. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to
learn if it is equipped with LATCH, the maximum weight rating for
the lower anchors, and for information on the lower anchor locations
and seating positions available for use with this child seat.
Standard vehicle seat spacing between LATCH anchors is 11 inches
(27.9 cm). This child seat can be used in a seating position with up
to 20 inches (50.8 cm) of space between the LATCH anchors if the
vehicle manufacturer allows.
Using the Lower Connectors
Where to find the Lower Connectors
The lower connectors are located in the back of the base of the
child seat. Store the connectors in the slots when not in use.
To remove the lower connector from the storage slot or lower
anchor:
1 Press and hold the red release
button.
2 Pull the lower connector
from the storage slot or lower
anchor.
To attach the lower connector to
the storage slot or lower anchor:
Firmly push the lower connector
into the slot or lower anchor until a
click is heard.
NOTE: The lower connectors store
top down in the slots.
Child Seat FunctionsChild Seat Functions
Top
LATCH SYSTEM ANCHOR LOCATIONS
Tether
Anchor
Lower LATCH
Anchors

26 27
WARNING:
• Attach the Versa-Tether only to tether anchors identified by your
vehicle manufacturer as tether anchorage points. Only use the
designated tether anchor for each seating position.
• If your vehicle does not currently have a tether anchor attachment,
refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact your vehicle man u-
fac tur er for assistance. DO NOT modify your vehicle without advice
from your vehicle manufacturer.
• Store the Versa-Tether in the pouch on the back of the child seat
when not in use. DO NOT install the child seat with the Versa-Tether
attached to the carry clip.
Using the Versa-Tether
Tether anchor locations vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Check your vehicle owner’s manual and look for
the tether anchor symbol shown in the diagram to
help identify where the top tether anchor points are
located in your vehicle. Britax recommends that the
tether be used at all times when installing the child
seat. Using the tether will improve the stability of
your child seat and reduce the risk of injury. See the
diagrams below for possible rear and forward facing
Versa-Tether installation configurations.
IMPORTANT: The Versa-Tether® carry clip is only for
use when you wish to carry the child seat between
locations. Do not install the child seat with the Versa-
Tether attached to the carry clip. Secure the excess
Versa-Tether webbing in the elastic strap during use.
Store the Versa-Tether in the storage pouch when not in
use. Always ensure any excess webbing is contained
within your vehicle.
To attach the Versa-Tether to the carry clip or tether anchor:
1 Firmly press the hook over
the carry clip or tether
anchor point.
2 Pull the loose end of the
webbing to remove slack from
the Versa-Tether.
NOTE: When using as a carry strap, tighten until the strap is comfortable to carry.
To remove the Versa-Tether from the carry clip:
1 Loosen the Versa-Tether.
a Tilt the lock up
b Pull the tether webbing
2 Remove the Versa-Tether®
hook from the carry clip.
Child Seat FunctionsChild Seat Functions
OR
Rear-Facing Rear-Facing
OR
Forward-Facing
b
a

28 29
The Versa-Tether can indicate when the child seat has been in a
moderate or severe crash (see page 4) and replacement of the
child seat is necessary.
Figure 1 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 hidden behind the black
foam.
Figures 2 and 3 show examples
of when the child seat is
unacceptable for continued use.
If one or both of the loops have
pulled through the back of the
shell and/or any of the colored
stitching has ripped, the child seat
is no longer acceptable for use.
IMPORTANT: Discontinue use of
child seat if it has been involved
in a moderate or severe crash,
regardless of whether the loops
have pulled through the back
side of the shell and the colored
stitching has been ripped.
Rear-Facing Tether Connector Strap
Because every vehicle model is different, a
location to anchor the tether for rear-facing
installations may vary. Use the rear-facing tether
connector strap to assist in creating an anchor
point.
1 Find a fixed location in the vehicle that is
bolted to the floor.
* If you cannot find a location to create an anchor point, contact the
vehicle manufacturer to identify a tether connection point.
2 Route the strap through the anchor point.
3 Thread the metal D-ring through the loop on the end of the
strap.
4 Pull the metal D-ring through until the strap is tight.
5 Use the D-ring as an
attachment point for the tether.
NOTE: Store the tether connector strap in the tether pouch when
not in use.
Child Seat FunctionsChild Seat Functions
TETHER HIDDEN BEHIND
FOAM WHEN UNDAMAGED
FRONT OF SEAT
(COVER REMOVED)
1
2
3

30 31
Before You Begin:
• Check that your vehicle has lower anchors.
* Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle
manufacturer for the maximum weight rating for their lower
anchors. Use vehicle belt (not lower connectors) for installations
with children who weigh more than the vehicle lower anchor limit.
Unless specified otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer, assume a
40 pound (18.1 kg) child is the vehicle lower anchor limit.
• Remove the lower connectors from the storage slots in the
base. Press the adjuster release button and pull the strap to full
length. Repeat for the second strap.
• This child seat must be reclined to position 3 when
installed rear-facing.
* When properly installed in the rear-facing
position, the back angle of the child seat
should be at least 30˚ for children and up
to 45˚ from vertical for infants unable to
maintain head and neck control (not to
exceed 45˚) when the car is parked on a
level surface. Use the blue line as a guide
to achieve the proper recline angle for
rear-facing installations. The blue line will be
parallel to the ground when the child seat angle is at the center
of the angle range (30 – 45˚). If necessary, the proper recline
angle can be achieved by placing a rolled towel or pool noodle
in the vehicle seat bight.
• Britax recommends that the Versa-Tether is 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
tether anchor locations. See page 26 for possible rear-facing
tether configurations.
LATCH Installation
Install with LATCH as shown above.
Rear-Facing InstallationRear-Facing Installation

32 33
1 Place the child seat on the
vehicle seat.
2 Firmly press the lower
connectors onto the adjacent
lower anchors.
• A click confirms attachment.
• Verify that the lower connector
strap is not twisted.
TIP: You may need to turn the front
of the child seat towards you
for easier access to the lower
anchors.
NOTE: If a click is not heard when
connecting either lower connector,
the lower connector strap may be
twisted, or there may be debris in
the lower connector. Correct either
situation before continuing with the
installation process.
3 Push the child seat into the
vehicle seat while pulling
each lower connector strap to
tighten.
4 Rear-facing installations can
be improved by the use of
the Versa-Tether (see pages
26 – 29).
Checklist
9Check that all connections are secure.
9Check that the lower connector straps are not twisted.
9Check that the child seat 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 installation and ensure all slack is removed from the vehicle belt
or use a different seating location.
9Check that the back angle of the child seat is 30º – 45º from vertical (not
to exceed 45º) when the car is parked on a level surface.
* If necessary, the proper recline angle can be achieved by
placing a rolled towel or pool noodle in the vehicle seat bight.
Rear-Facing InstallationRear-Facing Installation
Check lower
connector
attachments
Check that the
child seat is
reclined to position 3
Check that there is
LESS than 1 in. (2.5 cm)
of movement (front to back or
side to side) at the belt path
1
2
3

34 35
Before You Begin:
• Check that your vehicle belt is compatible for use with child
seats. See pages 8-13 for more information.
* If your vehicle seat belt system includes a locking feature,
use of the lock-offs is not required as long as the vehicle seat
belt system is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual
to determine how to lock your vehicle seat belt system when
installing a child restraint.
• This child seat must be reclined to position 3 when
installed rear-facing.
* When properly installed in the rear-facing
position, the back angle of the child seat
should be at least 30˚ for toddlers and up
to 45˚ from vertical for infants and children
unable to maintain head and neck control
(not to exceed 45˚) when the car is parked
on a level surface. Use the blue line as a
guide to achieve the proper recline angle
for rear-facing installations. The blue line will be parallel to the
ground when the child seat angle is at the center of the angle
range (30 – 45˚). If necessary, the proper recline angle can be
achieved by placing a rolled towel or pool noodle in the vehicle
seat bight.
• Britax recommends that the Versa-Tether is 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
tether anchor locations. See page 26 for possible rear-facing
tether configurations.
Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation
Install with lap-shoulder belt as shown above.
ImpoRtANt: The harness buckle strap should lie toward
the back of the child seat during installation.
Rear-Facing InstallationRear-Facing Installation

36 37
Checklist
9Check that the vehicle belt is securely fastened.
9Check that the child seat 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
installation and ensure all slack is removed from the vehicle belt or use a
different seating location.
9Check that the back angle of the child seat is 30º – 45º from vertical (not to
exceed 45º) when the car is parked on a level surface.
* If necessary, the proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a
rolled towel or pool noodle in the vehicle seat bight.
1 Loosen the harness.
a Lift harness adjuster lever
b Pull both harness straps forward
2 Remove the body pillow,
unbuckle the harness, and
remove the belly pad.
3 Pull the head restraint cover up,
then pull the seat cover forward
while pulling the buckle through to
access the rear-facing belt path.
4 Open both lock-offs (blue).
a Pull the locking tab up
b Pull the clamp down
5 Route the vehicle belt through the
rear-facing belt slots, then buckle.
Do NOT pre-tension the top
(shoulder) part of the vehicle belt.
TIP: Ensure the vehicle belt is not twisted.
Remove excess slack from the bottom
(lap) part of the vehicle belt before
closing the lock-offs.
6 Ensure that both parts of the
vehicle belt are routed through
each lock-off, then close the
lock-offs.
a Push the clamp up
b Push the locking tab down until
locked
7 Push the child seat into the vehicle
seat while pulling the top (shoulder)
part of the belt between the lock-
offs (pull away from the buckle) to
remove slack.
TIP: The shoulder part of the vehicle belt
must be on top when removing slack.
8 Pull slack through the lock-off
toward the vehicle belt retractor.
9 Rear-facing installations can be
improved by the use of the Versa-
Tether (see page 26 – 29).
10 Replace the cover and belly pad.
a
b
LOCKING
TAB
CLAMP
a
b
5
7
Check buckle
connection
Check that the
child seat is
reclined to position 3
Check that there is
LESS than 1 in. (2.5 cm)
of movement (front to back or
side to side) at the belt path
Rear-Facing InstallationRear-Facing Installation
8