Britax Hippo User manual

INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
3
Table of Contents
1. Safety Information 4
2. Vehicle Compatability 9
Safety Belts 9
Vehicle Seating Positions 10
Checking Vehicle Buckle Position 10
3. Aircraft Installation 11
4. Features 12
. Recline Adjustment 14
6. Wedge Positioning System 1
7. Vehicle Installation 16
Rear-Facing 16
Forward-Facing 22
8. Versa-Tether
®
27
9. Securing a Child 31
Fastening and Releasing the Buckle 31
HUGS and Comfort Pads 31
Fastening and Releasing the Chest Clip 31
Securing the Harness 32
Checking Harness Height 34
Harness Height Adjustment 3
10. Care and Maintenance 36
11. Warranty Information 40
This product and its components are subject to change without notice.
© 2006 Britax Child Safety, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA.
P287200:R1.0 .07
Safety Information
4
• Infants should remain in a rear-facing child restraint as long as
possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rear-
facing until at least 1 year of age and 20 pounds.
• Use only with children whose weight is between 5 and 65 pounds
(2.3 and 29 kg) and whose height is 49 inches (124 cm) or less. Use
rear facing 5–33 pounds (2.3–15 kg) and forward facing maximum
65 pounds (29 kg). (Upper weight limits refer to casted weight.)
• Snugly adjust the belts provided with this restraint around 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 fl esh or push
the child’s body into an unnatural position.
• Secure the top anchorage strap provided with this child restraint.
• Secure this child restraint with the vehicle’s child restraint anchorage
system if available or with a vehicle belt.
• Follow all instructions on this child restraint and in the written
instructions located on lanyard, under cover in front of seat.
• Register your child restraint with the manufacturer.
• Use vehicle belt (not LATCH hooks) for installations with children
weighing more than 48 pounds* (21 kg). Refer to the vehicle
owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the
maximum weight rating for their LATCH anchors. Unless specifi ed
otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer, assume a 48-pound child is
the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.
• For casted children, caregivers should consult with a medical
professional for proper positioning.
WARNING!
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur:
Safety Information
5
• This child restraint must not be used in the home, in boats, or other
non-certifi ed applications.
• Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffi c Safety
Administration recommends that parents select the rear seat as the
safest location for a properly installed child restraint. Please study
the section on Vehicle Safety Belts in this booklet to ensure the
child’s safety. If in doubt about installing the child restraint, consult
the vehicle owner’s manual.
• Secure this child restraint even when it is not occupied. In a crash,
an unsecured child restraint may injure vehicle occupants.
• When using in vehicle with air bags, refer to the vehicle owner’s
manual for child restraint installation instructions and precautions.
• Restraint must be in the full upright position when installed in
forward-facing mode with children over 40 pounds* (18 kg).
• Never use the adjuster strap to lift or carry this child restraint. Doing
so could cause damage to the harness adjuster and webbing. Always
carry this child restraint by the shell or tether strap.
• The primary protection for occupants of a vehicle in a collision is the
structure of the vehicle itself; a child restraint will not protect a child
when the vehicle is seriously impacted. However, correctly installed,
a child restraint will substantially improve the chances for survival in
most crashes. Make sure that all users fully understand the correct
ways to use this child restraint in a vehicle.
* Casted Weight
Page 1 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Safety Information
6
• This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This restraint is certifi ed for use
in motor vehicles and aircraft.
• 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: Britax Child Safety, Inc., 13501 South Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273 or call 1-888-427-4829 or register
online at www.BritaxUSA.com. For recall information, call the
U.S. Government’s Auto Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236
(TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.
• The Hippo is distributed by Snug Seat, Inc. For customer service call
1-800-336-7684 or write: Snug Seat, Inc., PO Box 1739 Matthews,
NC 28106.
WARNING! Do not place a child
restraint in the front seat of a
vehicle with a passenger air bag.
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can
occur. The back seat is the safest
place for children under 12.
Safety Information
7
Weight Range
Rear-Facing
Weight 5 – 33 pounds (2.3 – 15 kg). (Upper
weight limit refers to casted weight)
Forward-Facing
Weight 20 pounds (and 1 year) – 65 pounds
(9 – 29 kg). (Upper weight limit refers to
casted weight)
Maximum Height
Rear-Facing
The child is too tall when the top of the head
is 1 inch from the top of the restraint
Forward-Facing
Use of the seat should be discontinued when
any one of the following occurs:
The tops of the ears are above the top of
the restraint
The top harness slots fall below the child’s
shoulders
The child exceeds the weight capacity of the seat
•
•
•
Safety Information
8
IMPORTANT:
Verify child restraint is secure and harness is properly adjusted
around child each time child restraint is used.
Adjust harness to fi t clothes the child is wearing. Remove bulky
coats and/or jackets before putting child in restraint.
Cover restraint when vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Parts of
child restraint could become hot enough to burn a child.
Store child restraint in a safe place when it is not being used. Avoid
placing heavy objects on top of it.
To prevent injury due to deterioration or hidden damage,
discontinue use of a child restraint that is older than six years or
has been in a severe crash. See date of manufacture, located on
restraint.
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 restraint or change the way its harness or
vehicle’s restraint belts are used.
Do not leave loose objects, e.g. books, bags, etc., in the back of
a vehicle. In the event of a sudden stop, loose objects will keep
moving, potentially causing serious injuries.
Do not leave folding vehicle seats unlatched. In event of a sudden
stop, a loose seat back could prevent child restraint from protecting
the child as well as it should.
Do not allow children to play with this or any child restraint.
Do not use anything to raise restraint off vehicle seat except as
described in these instructions. In a crash, restraint could slide and
may not protect the child as well as it should.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
NOTE: The information in this section only applies to installation with
vehicle safety belts.
IMPORTANT: Vehicle seats and safety belts differ from vehicle to
vehicle. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specifi c information
about vehicle safety belts and their use with child restraints. Some
vehicles have no seating positions which are compatible with this child
restraint or any other child restraint. If in doubt, contact the vehicle
manufacturer for assistance.
This child restraint can fi t securely in most vehicles using e isting
vehicle belts. However, some vehicle designs prevent a secure fi t of
the child restraint due to position of the vehicle-belt lower anchorage
points.
The owner’s manual for your vehicle will have
information on the types of vehicle belts in your vehicle.
If your belt type is listed below, select another seating
position or use Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH) connectors.
The following types of vehicle belts are not compatible
with this child restraint:
Front vehicle belts with top or bottom anchorage points in
the door. (Fig. A)
Motor-driven, automatic vehicle belts. (Fig. B)
Lap-shoulder belts that have separate retractors for shoulder section and
lap section in which lap-section retractor does not lock.
Non-locking, two-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) vehicle belts.
Lap-shoulder ELR vehicle belts without use of the lock-off.
NOTE: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the kind of
retractors used in your vehicle and how to operate them.
A
A
B
B
Vehicle Compatability
Page 2 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Vehicle Compatability
10
If buckle lies near position marked as wrong
( ) when vehicle belt is tightened, try fi tting
child restraint in another seating position in
vehicle.
If it is not possible to achieve correct position
( ) for buckle, another seating position
MUST be used.
Vehicle Seating Positions
WARNING! Forward-facing vehicle seats MUST be
used with this child restraint. Side-facing or rear-facing
seats CANNOT be used. See diagram below.
WARNING! The position of the vehicle belt buckle can
affect the stability of the child restraint. In a crash, an
improperly positioned buckle could become loose and
the child would be unprotected.
Checking Vehicle Buckle Position
Aircraft Installation
This child restraint is certifi ed for aircraft use. Most
airlines in the U.S. and Canada will allow the use
of a child restraint if it is labeled as an approved
child restraint for airline use and fi ts properly on
the plane. Contact the airline about their policy
prior to traveling.
The FAA recommends that a child weighing up
to 40 pounds use
a certifi ed, harnessed child restraint
while traveling on an aircraft.
Install your child restraint in a window
seat to avoid blocking the aisle.
If the aircraft lap belt is too short,
ask the fl ight attendant for a belt
extender.
Rear-Facing Installation
For rear-facing aircraft installation
(Fig. D), follow Rear-Facing Lap-Belt
Installation instructions on pages 18-21.
Forward-Facing Installation
For forward-facing aircraft installation
(Fig. E), follow Forward-Facing Lap-Belt
Installation instructions on pages 22-26.
•
•
•
D
D
E
E
Aircraft Installation
11
Features
12
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1 Harness Slots
2 Comfort Pads
3 Chest Clip
4 HUGS
Shoulder Pads
5 Harness Straps
6 Harness Adjuster
Lever (Under Flap)
7 Buckle and Belly Pad
8 Perma-Book
®
(Under Cover)
9 Rear-Facing Lock-Offs
10 Recline Handle
11 LATCH Adjuster
12 LATCH Hooks
13 Harness Adjuster Strap
14 LATCH Harness
15 Wedge Positioning
System (optional)
14
1
1
13
Features
13
16
17
19
20
22
23
16 Cover
17 Versa-Tether
®
(in Pouch)
18 Forward-Facing Lock-off
19 Elastic Harness Holder
20 Harness Yoke
21 Pouch for LATCH Hooks
(Under Cover)
22 LATCH Bar
23 Base
24 Serial/Model Number Label
(Lift Cover)
21
18
24
Page 3 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Recline Adjustment
Pull the recline handle, then tilt the restraint
shell into the desired position. Release the
recline handle, then verify that the child
restraint has locked into position.
It will be necessary to loosen the tether and
vehicle seat belt before adjusting the recline position.
Recline Criteria
Britax
®
recommends that the tether always be used forward-facing.
Using the tether will improve the stability of your child restraint and
reduce the risk of injury.
•
WARNING! Always use the Versa-Tether
®
in the
following conditions:
• Forward-facing recline. The restraint can only be
reclined up to 40 pounds (18kg) (casted weight).
• For children weighing more than 40 pounds (18kg)
(casted weight).
Recline Adjustment
14
Restraint
Orientation Position
Casted Child
Weight
Rear-Facing Must be reclined Max. 33 pounds (15 kg)
Forward-Facing Reclined/Upright Max. 40 pounds (18 kg)
Forward-Facing Must be Upright 40–65 pounds (18–29 kg)
Wedge Positioning System
A wedge positioning system has been provided to assist in achieving
a snug fi t. Consult a medical professional for proper use. See
illustrations for profi le view of possible confi gurations.
A
A
B
B
C
C
Wedge Positioning System
15
Vehicle Installation: Rear-Facing
16
Rear-Facing: LATCH Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing
LATCH installation.
1 Verify that your vehicle is equipped with
LATCH anchors.
If LATCH anchors are not installed you
must use standard vehicle belt installation
methods.
2 If stored, remove LATCH hooks from
storage pouches under cover.
3 Press and hold the LATCH adjuster release
button, then pull to lengthen each LATCH
harness to full length.
4 Fully recline the restraint and place it
sideways on the vehicle seat, with the front
facing toward you.
5 Verify that the LATCH harness is not
twisted, then attach the farthest hook to
LATCH anchor (Fig. B).
6 Rotate seat into rear-facing position.
7 Verify that the LATCH harness is not
twisted, then attach the closest hook to
LATCH anchor (Fig. C).
•
•
A
A
B
B
C
C
Vehicle Installation: Rear-Facing
17
8 Push the child restraint fi rmly into the
vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH
harness tight (Fig. D).
9 Verify that the LATCH harness is tight and
the child restraint is secure. A secure restraint
should allow no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm)
of side-to-side or front-to-back movement
at the belt path.
IMPORTANT:
Britax recommends use of the Versa-Tether® to
improve installation. See pages 27-30.
The back angle of the child restraint should
be 30º-45º from vertical (not to exceed 45º
from vertical) when the car is parked on a level
surface (Fig. E).
The proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a rolled towel or
pool noodle in the crease of the vehicle seat to help level the child
restraint’s base.
If there is a problem stabilizing the restraint tighten the tether as
described on page 28 using anchor point 3.
•
•
•
•
E
E
WARNING! Do not raise the base beyond horizontal
or off of the vehicle seat; doing so will reduce the
protection for the child.
Removal
• Disconnect the versa-tether from the tether anchor, if attached.
• Release each LATCH harness from the LATCH anchor by
depressing the hook release and disengaging the hook from
the LATCH anchor.
• When not in use, always store the LATCH hooks in storage
pouches sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs.
D
D
Page 4 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Vehicle Installation: Rear-Facing
18
Rear-Facing: Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing lap-shoulder belt installation.
When not in use always store the LATCH hooks in storage pouches
sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs.
1 Place the child restraint rear-facing and in full recline position on
the vehicle seat.
2
Lift cover to access rear-facing lock-offs (Fig. B). Open rear-facing
lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled.
3 Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it through the fi rst rear-facing
belt slot (Fig. C).
The vehicle belt can be routed over or under the cover.
4 Route vehicle belt behind the buckle, then through the opposite
rear-facing belt slot (Fig. D).
5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, then buckle (Fig. E).
6 Push the restraint fi rmly into the seat while removing slack from
the lap portion of the vehicle belt, then the shoulder portion.
•
•
•
A
A
C
C
D
D
B
B
E
E
Vehicle Installation: Rear-Facing
1
7 Lift cover to access rear-facing lock-off farthest
from vehicle buckle. Position both sections of
vehicle belt through the lock-off, then close
lock-off arm (Fig. F) and replace cover.
Lock-off is properly closed when a positive
click is heard.
To prevent breakage never bend the lock-
off arm beyond its natural open position and
always keep lock-off closed when 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 activated. Check
your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine
the type of retractor your vehicle has.
8 Verify that the vehicle belt is tight and the child restraint is secure.
A secure restraint should allow no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
side-to-side or front-to-back movement at the belt path.
IMPORTANT:
• The back angle of the child restraint should be 30º-45º from vertical
(not to exceed 45º from vertical) when car is parked on a level
surface (Fig. F).
• The rear-facing installation can be improved by use of the Versa-
Tether® (pages 27-30).
• The proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a rolled towel or
pool noodle in crease of vehicle seat to help level child restraint’s base.
• If there is a problem stabilizing restraint tighten tether as described
on page 28 using anchor point 3.
•
•
•
WARNING! Do not raise the base beyond horizontal or
off of the vehicle seat; doing so will reduce the protection
for the child.
F
F
G
G
Removal
Reverse the above directions.
Vehicle Installation: Rear-Facing
20
Rear-Facing: Lap-Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing lap-belt installation.
When not in use always store the LATCH hooks in storage pouches
sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs.
1 Place the child restraint rear-facing and in full-recline position on
the vehicle seat.
2
Lift cover to access rear-facing lock-off (Fig. B). Open rear-facing lock-off
farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled and replace cover.
3 Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it through the closest rear-
facing belt slot (Fig. C).
The vehicle belt can be routed over or under the restraint cover.
4 Route vehicle belt behind the buckle, then through the opposite
rear-facing belt slot (Fig. D).
5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, then buckle (Fig. E).
•
•
•
A
A
C
C
D
D
B
B
E
E
Vehicle Installation: Rear-Facing
21
6 Push the restraint fi rmly into the vehicle seat
while removing slack from the vehicle belt.
7
Lift cover to access remaining rear-facing
lock-off. Position the vehicle belt through the
rear-facing lock-off farthest from the vehicle
buckle, then close lock-off arm (Fig. F) and
replace cover.
Lock-off is properly closed when a positive click is heard.
To prevent breakage never extend the lock-off arm beyond its natural
open position and always keep lock-off closed when not in use.
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR)
use of the lock-offs is not required as long as the ALR is activated.
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the type of retractor
your vehicle has.
8 Verify that the vehicle belt is tight and the child restraint is secure.
A secure restraint should allow no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
side-to-side or front-to-back movement at the belt path.
IMPORTANT:
The back angle of the child restraint should be
30˚-45˚ from vertical (not to exceed 45˚ from
vertical) when car is parked on a level surface
(Fig. G).
The rear-facing installation can be improved
by use of the Versa-Tether® (pages 27-30).
The proper recline angle can be achieved by placing a rolled towel or
pool noodle in crease of vehicle seat to help level child restraint’s base.
If there is a problem stabilizing restraint tighten tether as described on
page 28 using anchor point 3.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
F
F
G
G
WARNING! Do not raise the base beyond horizontal or
off of the vehicle seat; doing so will reduce the protection
for the child.
Removal
Reverse the above directions.
Page 5 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Vehicle Installation: Forward-Facing
22
Forward-Facing: LATCH Installation
Figure A illustrates the forward-facing
LATCH installation.
1 Verify that your vehicle is equipped with
LATCH anchors.
If LATCH anchors are not installed you
must use standard vehicle belt installation
methods.
If using Versa-Tether® remove from pouch
and loosely attach to an approved tether-
anchorage point (page 28).
2 If stored, remove LATCH hooks from
storage pouches under cover and Versa-
Tether
®
from pouch on rear of cover.
3 Press and hold the LATCH adjuster release
button, then pull to lengthen each LATCH
harness to full length.
4 Place the restraint sideways on the vehicle
seat, with the back facing toward you.
Restraint must be in the full upright
position when installed in forward-facing
mode with children over 40 pounds* (18 kg).
5 Verify that LATCH harness is not twisted,
then loosely attach the farthest hook to LATCH anchor (Fig. B).
6 Rotate seat into forward-facing position.
7 Verify that LATCH harness is not twisted, then loosely attach the
closest hook to LATCH anchor (Fig. C).
* Casted Weight
•
•
•
•
B
B
C
C
A
A
Vehicle Installation: Forward-Facing
23
8 Install Versa-Tether
®
as instructed on
page 27-30.
9 Push the restraint fi rmly into vehicle seat
while pulling each LATCH harness tight
(Fig. D).
10 Verify that the LATCH harness is tight and
the child restraint is secure. A secure
restraint should allow no more than 1 inch
(2.5 cm) of side-to-side or front-to-back movement at the
belt path.
Removal
Disconnect the Versa-Tether® from the tether anchor if attached.
Release each LATCH harness from the LATCH anchor by depressing
the hook release and disengaging the hook from the LATCH anchor.
When not in use always store the LATCH hooks in storage pouches
sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs.
•
•
•
D
D
WARNING! Use vehicle belt (not LATCH hooks) for
installations with children whose casted weight is more
than 48 pounds (21 kg). Refer to the vehicle owner’s
manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the maximum
weight rating for their LATCH anchors. Unless specifi ed otherwise
by the vehicle manufacturer, assume a 48-pound (21 kg) casted
child is the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.
WARNING! Always use the Versa-Tether
®
in the
following conditions:
• Forward-facing recline. The restraint can only be
reclined up to 40 pounds (18kg) (casted weight).
• For children weighing more than 40 pounds (18kg)
(casted weight).
Vehicle Installation: Forward-Facing
24
Forward-Facing: Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates the forward-facing
lap-shoulder vehicle belt installation.
When not in use always store the LATCH
hooks in storage pouches sewn in cover
above rear-facing lock-offs.
1 Place the child restraint forward-facing on
the vehicle seat.
If using Versa-Tether® remove from pouch
and loosely attach to an approved tether-
anchorage point (page 28).
2 Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it over
the LATCH bar, through the forward-facing
belt path, then over the LATCH bar on the
other side (Fig. B).
3 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted,
then buckle (Fig. B).
4 Rotate the forward-facing lock-off down
to open.
Only use lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt is buckled.
5 Remove slack from the lap portion of the vehicle belt.
* Casted Weight
•
•
•
•
C
C
A
A
WARNING! If the seat is reclined
or the child’s weight is over 40
pounds* (18 kg), Versa-Tether
®
must be used. Install Versa-Tether
®
as
instructed on pages 27-30.
B
B
Vehicle Installation: Forward-Facing
25
6 Push the restraint fi rmly into the vehicle
seat while pulling the shoulder portion of
the vehicle belt tightly through the lock-off
to remove slack (Fig. D).
7 Hold the shoulder belt tight, then rotate the
lock-off upward until it clicks in place
(Fig. E).
8 Verify that the vehicle belt is tight and the
child restraint is secure. A secure restraint
should allow no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm)
of side-to-side or front-to-back movement
at the belt path.
See Checking Vehicle Buckle Position on
page 28.
Installation can be improved by the use of
the Versa-Tether® (see pages 27-30).
Removal
Reverse the above directions.
•
•
E
E
D
D
WARNING! Always use the Versa-Tether
®
in the
following conditions:
• Forward-facing recline. The restraint can only be
reclined up to 40 pounds (18kg) (casted weight).
• For children weighing more than 40 pounds (18kg)
(casted weight).
Page 6 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Vehicle Installation: Forward-Facing
26
Forward-Facing: Lap-Belt Installation
Figure A illustrates the forward-facing
lap-belt only vehicle belt installation.
When not in use always store the LATCH
hooks in storage pouches sewn in cover
above rear-facing lock-offs.
1 Place the child restraint forward-facing on
the vehicle seat. (See Recline table on
page 14).
Restraint must be in the full upright
position when installed in forward-facing
mode with children over 40 pounds
(18 kg) casted weight.
If using Versa-Tether® remove from pouch
and loosely attach to an approved tether-
anchorage point (page 28).
2 Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it under
(Fig. B) the LATCH bar, through the
forward-facing belt path, then under the
LATCH bar on the other side (Fig. C).
3 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted,
then buckle.
4 Push the restraint fi rmly into the vehicle seat
while removing slack from the vehicle belt.
5 Verify that the vehicle belt is tight and the child restraint is secure.
A secure restraint should allow no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
side-to-side or front-to-back movement at the belt path.
See Checking Vehicle Buckle Position on page 10.
Installation can be improved by the use of the Versa-Tether® (see
pages 27-30).
•
•
•
•
•
•
C
C
A
A
B
B
Versa-Tether®
27
IMPORTANT:
Britax recommends that the tether be used forward-facing. Using the
tether will improve the stability of the child restraint and reduce the
risk of injury.
When using the restraint in forward-facing mode attach the Versa-
Tether only to tether anchors identifi ed by the vehicle manufacturer
as tether anchorage points. Use of other locations is not approved or
permitted.
If the vehicle does not currently have a tether anchor attachment
refer to the vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle
manufacturer for assistance.
If a tether anchorage is not available do not modify the vehicle
without advice from the vehicle manufacturer.
Do not hook the Versa-Tether to the bottom of a vehicle
seat adjuster!
•
•
•
•
•
WARNING! The Versa-Tether
®
must be used in the
following conditions:
• Forward-facing recline. The restraint can only be
reclined up to 40 pounds (18kg) (casted weight).
• For children weighing more than 40 pounds (casted
weight).
WARNING! When using the restraint in forward-
facing mode, attach the Versa-Tether
®
only to tether
anchors identifi ed by the vehicle manufacturer as tether-
anchorage points. Use of other locations is not approved
or permitted.
If a tether anchorage is not available, DO NOT modify the vehicle
without advice from the vehicle manufacturer.
DO NOT hook the Versa-Tether to the bottom of a vehicle seat
adjuster!
Versa-Tether®
28
Using the Versa-Tether
1 Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for
approved tether-anchorage locations.
2 Locate the tether on rear of restraint and place
up and over seat back while securing restraint.
3 Secure the child restraint by a seat-belt or
LATCH system.
4 Press and hold the tilt-lock adjuster, then pull
to fully extend tether strap into a "V" shape.
5 Locate the hook on the strap and loosely attach
the tether to an approved anchor point.
See Fig. A for forward-facing installation.
See Fig. B and C for rear-facing installation.
Rear-facing installation may also require use
of the Tether Connector Strap, as described
on page 29.
6 Pull the Versa-Tether strap to remove all
slack. Roll up excess webbing and store in tether pouch.
7 Verify there is no slack in the Versa-Tether strap and that child
restraint is properly secured. The restraint is secure when it cannot
be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1 inch (2.5 cm.)
at the belt path. If the restraint is not secure, repeat procedure or
use an alternate seating location.
NOTE:
The rear-facing recline angle of the child restraint should be 30º-45º from
vertical (not to exceed 45º from vertical) when the car is parked on a level
surface.
The rear-facing recline angle can be adjusted by placing a rolled towel or pool
noodle in the crease of the vehicle seat and the restraint can be stabilized by
tightening the tether as shown in Figure C using anchor point 3.
It may be necessary to loosen the tether and vehicle seat belt before adjusting
the recline position.
•
•
•
•
•
A
A
B
B
C
C
Versa-Tether®
2
Because every vehicle model is different, some-
times you cannot fi nd a location to properly
anchor the tether or the structural part of the
seat is too large for the hook. Use the rear-
facing tether connector strap (Fig. D) to assist
in creating an anchor point.
1 Find a fi xed vehicle seat belt anchor or vehicle seat leg (that is
bolted to the fl oor) to which the strap can be wrapped around.
2 If you cannot fi nd an acceptable location to create an anchor
point, contact the vehicle manufacturer to identify a suitable
tether connection point.
3 Loop the strap around the metal anchor.
4 Take the metal D-ring and thread it through the webbing loop on
the other end of the strap.
5 Pull the metal D-ring all the way through until the strap is tight
around the metal anchor.
6 Use the D-ring as an attachment point for hook on tether strap.
WARNING! Only use the tether connector strap for
rear-facing tether installation.
Rear-Facing Tether Connector Strap
D
D
Page 7 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Versa-Tether®
30
Energy-Absorbing Tether
Figure A shows the tether when the child
restraint is acceptable for continued use.
The colored stitching will be intact and the
webbing will be held to the sides between
the shell and EPS foam.
Figures B shows examples of when the child
restraint is unacceptable for continued use. If
one or both of the loops have pulled through
the back side of the shell, or if the colored
stitching has ripped, the child restraint is no
longer acceptable for use. Discontinue use
of the child restraint and contact Snug Seat
®
Consumer Services for further instruction.
IMPORTANT: Regardless of whether the tethers have pulled
through the back side of the shell, discontinue use of the restraint if
it has been involved in a moderate to severe crash.
B
B
WARNING! The energy-absorbing tether has been
designed to help indicate when child restraint has been in
a severe crash and replacement of child restraint is necessary.
A
A
Fastening the Buckle
Hold the buckle with one hand.
Use the other hand to insert one
tongue at a time into the buckle.
Proper connection is confi rmed with a
positive click after inserting the second
buckle tongue (Fig. A).
Releasing the Buckle
Brace the rear of the buckle
with hand.
Press release button until tongues
are released from buckle.
IMPORTANT: Periodically clean the buckle to ensure proper
operation. See section, Cleaning the Buckle, on page 39.
HUGS™ and Comfort Pads
IMPORTANT: HUGS (Harness Ultra Guard System) pads must be
installed for forward facing use. Removal of HUGS is optional for
rear-facing use.
Fastening the Chest Clip
Fasten the chest clip by pushing the
two halves together until a positive
click is heard.
IMPORTANT: The correct height for the
chest clip is at the middle of the chest,
level with the armpit.
Releasing the Chest Clip
Release the chest clip by squeezing the middle tabs, then pull the
two pieces apart (Fig. B).
•
•
•
•
A
A
B
B
Securing a Child
31
Securing the Harness
1 Loosen the harness by lifting the adjuster
lever located in front of the restraint, then
pull the shoulder straps forward (Fig. A).
2 Unfasten the chest clip by squeezing the
middle tabs (Fig. B).
3 Unfasten the buckle by pressing the
release button.
4 Move the harness straps to the side of the
restraint.
Use the elastic harness holder located on
sides of the cover to aid in holding the straps.
5 Place child in the restraint.
6 Position the harness straps around the child
and fasten the child restraint buckle (Fig. C)
and chest clip (Fig. D).
Proper connection of the buckle is
confi rmed with a positive click after
inserting the second buckle tongue.
•
•
B
B
C
C
A
A
Securing a Child
32
7 Gently pull up on the harness straps to
tighten the lap section of the harness,
which should fi t low on the child’s body.
8 Slowly pull the adjuster strap to tighten the
harness around the child (Fig. E).
IMPORTANT: Adjust the belts provided with
this child restraint so they fi t snugly 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 fl esh
or push the child’s body into an unnatural
position. For casted children, caregivers should
consult with a medical professional for proper
positioning.
9 Position the chest clip at the middle of
the child’s chest, level with the child’s
armpit (Fig. F).
10 Verify that harness is not twisted and child
is properly secured.
11 See Checking Harness Height on page 34.
IMPORTANT:
Always pull on the harness after securing the
child to make sure the buckle and harness
are locked. If not the buckle or adjuster area
may be clogged with food drink or objects that need to be removed.
See page 39 for cleaning instructions.
Always make sure that the harness is tight before each use or after
any adjustments.
•
•
E
E
F
F
D
D
Securing a Child
33
Page 8 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Checking Harness Height:
1 Place child in restraint, then secure harness
(see pages 32–33).
2 Observe where the shoulder harness is
positioned on the child.
Rear-Facing Strap Height: Harness straps
should be located in the nearest slot at or
below the child’s shoulder.
Forward-Facing Strap Height: Harness straps
should be located in the nearest slot at or
above the child’s shoulder.
3 If harness height is okay, continue using
child restraint without adjustment. If harness
height requires adjustment, refer to Harness
Height Adjustment on page 35.
IMPORTANT:
•
•
Securing a Child
34
Use of the seat should be discontinued when
any one of the following occurs:
The tops of the ears are above the
top of the restraint
The top harness slots fall below the
child’s shoulders
The child exceeds the weight
capacity of the seat
•
•
•
Harness Height Adjustment
1 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness
adjuster lever while pulling the harness
straps forward as far as possible (Fig. A).
2 From the rear of the child restraint, unhook
the shoulder harness from the yoke (Fig. B).
3 Pull straps through the shell and cover, to
the front of the restraint.
NOTE: Do not remove HUGS pads for
forward-facing use. Removal of HUGS is
optional for rear-facing use only.
4 Thread the harness straps through the
appropriate harness height slots (Fig. C).
5 Reattach harness straps to the yoke (Fig. B).
6 Pull harness adjuster strap to tighten
the harness.
7 Verify that both harness straps are threaded
at the same height and are not twisted.
B
B
C
C
A
A
WARNING! Do not take apart or attempt to take apart
the harness. It is unnecessary and dangerous to do so.
Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness.
They cannot be reattached after removal.
Securing a Child
35
Cover Removal
1 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster lever while
pulling the harness straps forward as far as possible.
2 Unhook the shoulder straps from the yoke on the rear of
child restraint.
3 Remove the buckle (see page 38) and remove the belly pad from
the buckle.
4 Pull upper harness straps through the shell and cover to the front
of the restraint.
5 Gently remove the upper portion of the cover. Be careful not to
damage the energy-absorbing foam.
6 Pull the lower harness straps, buckle tongues, chest clip, and
buckle through the slots in the cover.
7 Remove the entire cover from the restraint.
Refi tting the Cover
To refi t the cover, reverse Cover Removal directions. Make sure that
the harness straps are threaded through the chest clip properly and
that the harness is not twisted.
Care and Maintenance
36
Cleaning the Cover
HAND WASH using cold water and mild soap.
LINE DRY to prevent cover from shrinking.
Do not: Bleach machine wash machine dry iron or
disassemble the harness.
Cleaning the Shell and Seat Pan
REMOVE cover according to instructions
on page 36.
REMOVE seat pan by pulling from top
of seat pan to separate hook and loop
attachment (Fig. A).
SPONGE CLEAN using warm water
and mild soap.
TOWEL DRY.
Do not: Use solvents abrasive cleaners or disassemble the harness.
Cleaning the Harness
SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.
TOWEL DRY.
Do not: Bleach machine wash machine dry or disassemble the
harness.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A
A
Care and Maintenance
37
Page 9 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)

Cleaning the Harness Adjuster
Periodically check the adjuster area to be sure it is clean and free of
food, coins, dirt, and other objects. 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 mild soap.
TOWEL DRY.
Do not: Use solvents abrasive cleaners or disassemble the harness.
Buckle Removal
1 Fully recline the child restraint.
2 Locate the metal buckle strap
retainer on bottom of the
restraint.
3 Pull retainer away from child
restraint to loosen.
4 Turn the retainer so that the
short side will go through the slot in the restraint shell (Fig. A).
5 Push the retainer through slots in the shell and cover to the front
of the restraint.
Rethreading the Buckle
1 Locate the buckle slot.
2 Turn the buckle retainer so that the short side will go through the
slot in the cover and restraint shell (Fig. A).
3 Pull buckle away from restraint until tight, then verify that the
strap is not twisted and the release button is facing outward.
•
•
•
•
A
A
Care and Maintenance
38
Cleaning the Buckle
If a child eats and drinks while in the restraint, the buckle may need
to be periodically checked and cleaned of any accumulated debris or
dried liquids.
THOROUGHLY RINSE using
warm water (Fig. B).
SOAK overnight if possible
using warm water to loosen
hardened drinks or food.
TEST THE BUCKLE by fastening
and unfastening until a positive
click is heard after inserting
second buckle tongue
(Fig. C). If click is not heard
repeat cleaning procedure.
TOWEL DRY.
Do not: Lubricate use solvents
abrasive cleaners soap or
household detergents.
•
•
•
•
•
B
B
C
C
Care and Maintenance
3
This restraint was distributed by Snug Seat
®
. Snug Seat warrants this product to
the original 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 Snug Seat will, at its option, provide
repair or replacement components for this product or refund the original
purchase price of the product. Snug Seat reserves the right to discontinue or
change fabrics, parts, models or products, or to make substitutions.
To make a claim under this warranty, contact Snug Seat, Inc. Consumer Services
at 1-800-336-7684 or write to: Snug Seat, Inc., PO Box 1739, Matthews, NC
28106. Proof of purchase is required.
PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL THE OWNER REGISTRATION CARD
WITHIN (30) DAYS OF PURCHASE.
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-Snug Seat covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices
is not approved by Snug Seat. Their use could cause this restraint to fail Federal
Safety Standards or perform worse in a crash. Their use automatically voids the
Snug Seat 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 Snug Seat, 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
fi tness 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 specifi c
legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Neither Snug Seat, nor the seller of this product, authorizes any person to create
for it any other warranty, obligation, or liability in connection with this product.
Warranty Information
40
Page 10 of 10 Britax / Snug Seat Hippo (5/07)