Century STE User manual

Do not use this car seat until you read and
understand these instructions!
Incorrect use can mean serious
injury or death to a child in a
sudden stop or accident! ENGLISH PM-0712AA 3/98

5-Point Series STE

Infant/Toddler
Car Seat
Instruction Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1
Thank you for selecting the Century®5-Point Series
STE™Infant/Toddler Car Seat.
No car seat can guarantee protection from
injury in every situation, but proper use helps
reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
❃Registration Information
Child restraints (car seats) could be recalled for
safety reasons.You must register this restraint to be
reached in a recall. Fill out the registration card
attached to car seat and mail today or send
your name, address, and the restraint's model
number and manufacturing date to:
Century Products Company
9600 Valley View Road
Macedonia, Ohio, 44056-2096
or call [phone]
For recall information, call the Transport Canada Road
Safety Information Centre at 1-800-333-0371.
❃Safety First Check List
✔Read and understand instruction manual and
car seat labels.
✔Infants less than 9 kg (20 lbs.) must use car seat
rear-facing.
✔Do not use car seat rear-facing in a seating
position equipped with air bag.
✔Secure children in back seat whenever possible.
✔Never leave child unattended.
✔Install car seat securely with vehcile lap belt even
when using tether strap.
✔Do not use car seat after date shown on back of
car seat.
✔Do not allow anyone (babysitter, relatives, etc.) to
use car seat without first understanding all of the
instructions.
Save this instruction
manual for future use.
Store on back of car seat.

Page
1Important Information
3Warnings
4Basic Information
❃Use
6Height & Weight Limits
8Rear-facing Infant - Less Than 10 kg (22 lbs.)
13 Forward-facing Toddler - More Than 9 kg (20 lbs)
18 Changing Harness Strap Slots
19 Changing Crotch Strap Slots
20 Vehicle Seat Belts
❃Special Information
23 Aircraft Use
23 Second Hand Car Seats
23 Product Care & Cleaning
24 Inspection
24 Product Label Location
25 Need Help?
26 Installation of Tether Strap Anchor Hardware
27 Replacement Parts
28 Replacement Parts Order Form
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

3
Failure to follow the instructions in this manual
and car seat labels can result in child striking the
vehicle’s interior during a sudden stop or
accident. Secure this child restraint with a
vehicle seat belt as shown in this manual.
Infants less than 9 kg (20 lbs.) must use this
car seat rear-facing. Serious crippling injury or
death can result if infant faces front of vehicle.
DO NOT use rear-facing child restraint in a
vehicle seating position equipped with an air bag.
Child's head and neck may be seriously injured
when an inflating air bag hits back of child
restraint.
Never put a car seat in a front vehicle seat unless
recommended by vehicle owner's manual.
Experts agree that children up to age 12 are safer
in the back seat. For front passenger air bags,
refer to vehicle owner's manual for child restraint
installation.
The vehicle seat belt system MUST hold the 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.
If this car seat is in an accident, it must be
replaced. Do not use it again! An accident can
cause unseen damage and using it again could
cause serious injury or death.
Do not use accessories or parts supplied by other
manufacturers. Their use could alter the function
of the car seat and cause serious injury or death.
Never leave child unattended, even when
sleeping. Sleeping children must be watched
carefully: they may become tangled in car seat's
straps and suffocate.
WARNINGS

BASIC INFORMATION
❃Certification
This car seat meets or exceeds all applicable
requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 and 213.1:
• For use in motor vehicles
• For use in air travel (see "Aircraft Use" section)
❃Government Alert
Transport Canada alerts
vehicle owners that:
• According to accident
statistics, children are
safer when properly
restrained in the back
seat of a vehicle than in
the front seat.
• All children up to age 12 should ride in the back
seat of a vehicle.
❃Unoccupied Car Seat
Always secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt,
even when unoccupied.An unsecured car seat can
injure other passengers in a sudden stop or accident.
❃Dangerous Vehicle Seats
Car seat must be used only on vehicle seats which
face forward. Do not use on rear-facing or side-facing
vehicle seats.
4
Rear-facing
Vehicle Seat Side-facing
Vehicle Seat

BASIC INFORMATION continued
5
❃Useful Life
Do not use car seat after date shown on back of car
seat due to changing requirements and normal wear
and tear.
Example:
❃Vehicle Seat Protection
Continuous use of a car seat on a vehicle seat may
cause damage. To protect vehicle seat, use a car
seat mat, towel or thin blanket under car seat.
❃Warm Weather
Hot parts can burn unprotected skin. Always check
metal and plastic parts before putting child in
car seat.
A car seat’s metal and plastic parts can become
very hot in warm weather even in the shade. Drape
a blanket over the car seat to protect it from direct
sunlight when not in use.
Car Seat Mat, Towel or Blanket
Year
Do not use this car
seat after December

Birth
6
HEIGHT & WEIGHT LIMITS
WARNING
Read this section carefully. Incorrect use can
cause serious injury or death to child.
This car seat can be used two different ways depending
on the weight of child.
Rear-facing (Birth to 10 kg [22 lbs.]):
• Infants from birth to 9 kg (20 lbs.) must be
rear-facing.
• Infants or toddlers 9 to 10 kg (20 to 22 lbs.) may face
rear of vehicle.
Forward-facing (9 to 18 kg [20 to 40 lbs.]):
• Toddlers 9 to 10 kg (20 to 22 lbs.) who are capable
of sitting upright unassisted may be forward-facing.
If unable to sit unassisted, use rear-facing.
• Toddlers 10 to 18 kg (22 to 40 lbs.) and up to
102 cm (40 inches) tall must be forward-facing.
• Top of child's ears MUST be below top of car seat.
Rear-facing
9 kg 10 kg 18 kg
(20 lbs.) (22 lbs.) (40 lbs.)
Forward-facing
❃Outgrowing Car Seat
WARNING
To avoid injuries from whiplash,
top of child's ears must be
below top edge of car seat back.
If top of ears are above car seat
back, child is too large for
car seat.

7
HEIGHT & WEIGHT LIMITS
continued
❃Preterm or Low Birth Weight Infant
A preterm infant or low birth weight infant may be at
special risk in a vehicle or aircraft. According to the
American Academy of Pediatrics, these infants may
suffer breathing difficulties while reclined in a car seat.
Century 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.

8
REAR-FACING INFANT - LESS
THAN 10 KG (22 LBS.)
❃Tether Strap
When using car seat rear-facing, the tether strap
should be rolled up and secured with a rubber band.
A loose tether strap may become deadly in a sudden
stop or accident.
❃Car Seat MUST Be In Reclined Position
• Pull recline stand out (1) .
• Rotate recline stand to
recline position (2) .
• Push recline stand in.
Be sure stand locks into position.
❃Level Car Seat
WARNING
Car seat must be properly leveled.
• Too reclined can result in injury or ejection.
• Too upright can result in breathing difficulties.
This car seat comes with a level indicator to help
properly level car seat on vehicle seat.
NOTE: Your vehicle must be on level ground when
using level indicator.
Level indicator is
NOT for forward-facing use.
1Place car seat rear-facing on vehicle seat.
2If any part of ball falls within
the red zones, place folded
towel under car seat until entire
ball is in green zone.
3Re-check level indicator once
car seat is securely anchored
and infant is positioned in
car seat.
Periodically check level
indicator and make adjustments if necessary.
Level
Indicator
Folded
Towel
(1)
(2)

9
REAR-FACING INFANT - LESS
THAN 10 KG (22 LBS)continued
❃Car Seat Installation
Never put car seat in a front vehicle seat unless
recommended in vehicle owner's manual.
1Place car seat rear-facing
on vehicle seat firmly against
vehicle seat back.
2Thread vehicle seat belt
through openings on
armrests; then buckle
vehicle seat belt.
3Press down firmly in center of
car seat to compress vehicle's
cushion as you tighten vehicle
lap belt.
4Test for secure installation:
• Pull front to back.
• Pull left to right.
If vehicle seat belt does not
hold car seat securely, see
"Vehicle Seat Belts" section
or move car seat to another
seating location and repeat
steps 1 through 4.
WARNING
Infants less than 20 lbs. (9 kg) must use this
car seat rear-facing. Serious crippling injury or
death can result if infant faces front of vehicle.
Belt here
rear-facing

10
REAR-FACING INFANT - LESS
THAN 10 KG (22 LBS.) continued
WARNING
Do not use strap covers
(shown), blankets, thick
cushions, or padding under
harness straps or child. They
interfere with proper fit of
harness straps and child could
be ejected on impact.
1Harness straps must be in the bottom or middle slots
which are at or just below child's shoulders when
using car seat rear-facing.
If harness straps must be moved to bottom or middle
slots, see "Changing Harness Strap Slots" section.
2Loosen harness straps:
• Lift adjuster lever (A) to
release harness straps.
• Pull harness straps (B) .
3Unhook harness tie from
harness strap on child's left.
4Press red button (C) and
remove harness tongues.
❃Placing Child In Car Seat
(A)
(B)
Harness Tie
(C)

5Place child in car seat.
Child's bottom and back
must be firmly against
car seat back.
6Place child's arms through
harness straps and insert
both tongues into buckle.
Make sure harness straps
are not twisted.
7Pull up on tongues to be
sure buckle is locked.
8From back of harness tie,
slide harness strap over
harness tie tab.
9Pull lower belt in front of
car seat to tighten harness
straps.
11
REAR-FACING INFANT - LESS
THAN 10 KG (22 LBS.) continued
Harness Tie Tab
WARNING
Child must be dressed in clothing with arms and
legs that will not interfere with buckling tongues.

12
10 Position harness tie at
mid chest or 8 cm (3 inches)
below child's chin.
IMPORTANT: The
harness tie keeps
the harness straps
close and snug on
child's shoulders to help
prevent ejection.
11 Harness straps must be
snug against child with
just enough room for
you to insert one finger
between each harness
strap and child's chest.
NOTE: Rear-facing - Must
use bottom or middle slots
which are at or just below child's shoulders.
Periodically adjust harness straps as child grows.
12 Be sure crotch strap is in the opening closest to
but not under child. If crotch strap needs to be
moved, see "Changing Crotch Strap Slots" section.
13 If necessary, support child's
head and body with two
rolled towels. Be sure
towels do not interfere with
the harness straps.
REAR-FACING INFANT - LESS
THAN 10 KG (22 LBS.) continued
WARNING
Do not use harness straps that are loose or
unbuckled. Harness straps must be snug and
positioned over shoulders or child could be
seriously injured.
8 cm

13
FORWARD-FACING TODDLER - MORE
THAN 9 KG (20 LBS.)
❃Tether Strap
Tether strap and anchor hardware have been
supplied with car seat.
Tether strap must always be used when car seat is in
the forward-facing position .
Tether strap is not a replacement for vehicle seat
belt. Tether strap is to be used in addition to the
vehicle seat belt to anchor back of child car seat to
the vehicle.
❃Car Seat MUST Be In Upright Position
• Rotate recline stand to
upright position (1) .
• Push recline stand in (2) .
Be sure stand locks into position.
(1)
(2)
WARNING
When locking recline stand into upright position,
make certain straps do not get pinched between
recline stand and bottom of car seat, as this will
prevent adjustment of harness system.
Belt here
forward-facing
❃Car Seat Installation
Never put car seat in a front vehicle seat unless
recommended in vehicle owner's manual.
1Place car seat forward-facing
on vehicle seat firmly against
vehicle seat back.

14
FORWARD-FACING TODDLER - MORE
THAN 9 KG (20 LBS.) continued
2Thread vehicle seat belt
through openings and
behind harness straps as
shown; then buckle vehicle
seat belt.
3Press down firmly in center of
car seat to compress vehicle's
cushion as you tighten vehicle
lap belt.
HINT: Use your knee to press
down in center of car seat.
4Test for secure installation:
• Pull front to back.
• Pull left to right.
If vehicle seat belt does not
hold car seat securely, see
"Vehicle Seat Belts" section or move car seat to
another seating location and repeat steps 1 through 4.
5Attach tether strap hook (A)
to anchor hardware (B) and
tighten strap to remove any
slack.
(A)
(B)

15
FORWARD-FACING TODDLER - MORE
THAN 9 KG (20 LBS.) continued
❃Placing Child In Car Seat
WARNING
Harness straps MUST be in the top slots for
forward-facing use to prevent serious injury or
death.
Do not use strap covers
(shown), blankets, thick
cushions, or padding under
harness straps or child. They
interfere with proper fit of
harness straps and child could
be ejected on impact.
1Harness straps must be in the top slots. If straps
must be moved, see "Changing Harness Strap Slots"
section.
2Loosen harness straps:
• Lift adjuster lever (A) to
release harness straps.
• Pull harness straps (B) .
3Unhook harness tie from
harness strap on child's left.
4Press red button (C) and
remove harness tongues.
(A)
(B)
(C)
Harness Tie

16
FORWARD-FACING TODDLER - MORE
THAN 9 KG (20 LBS.) continued
5Place child in car seat.
Child's bottom and back
must be firmly against the
car seat.
6Place child's arms through
harness srtaps and insert
both tongues into buckle.
Make sure harness straps
are not twisted.
7Pull up on tongues to be
sure buckle is locked.
8From back of harness tie,
slide harness strap over
harness tie tab.
9Pull lower belt in front of
car seat to tighten harness
straps.
Harness Tie Tab

FORWARD-FACING TODDLER - MORE
THAN 9 KG (20 LBS.) continued
10 Position harness tie at
mid chest or 8 cm (3 inches)
below child's chin.
IMPORTANT: The harness
tie keeps the harness straps
close and snug on child's
shoulders to help prevent
ejection.
11 Harness straps must be snug
against child with just enough
room for you to insert one
finger between each harness
strap and child's chest.
NOTE: Forward-facing - Must
use top slots only.
12 Be sure crotch strap is in the opening closest to but
not under child. For children over 13.6 kg (30 lbs.)
move the crotch strap to the forward opening. This
will give a larger child more room and comfort. See
"Changing Crotch Strap Slots" section.
17
WARNING
Do not use harness straps that are loose or
unbuckled. Harness straps must be snug and
positioned over shoulders or child could be
seriously injured.
8 cm

CHANGING HARNESS STRAP SLOTS
❃Use proper harness slots
• Rear-facing - Use bottom or middle slots which are
at or just below child's shoulders.
• Forward-facing - Must use top slots only.
1Loosen harness straps:
• Lift adjuster lever (A) to
release harness straps.
• Pull harness straps (B) .
2Remove harness strap loops
from Splitter Plate.
3Pull harness straps out of
current slots and thread through
desired slots.
NOTE: For ease of threading
harness straps, remove seat pad
from back of car seat.
Make sure harness straps are threaded through
matching slot of seat pad and car seat.
4Re-attach harness strap to
Splitter Plate:
• Slide each harness strap loop
onto Splitter Plate. Straps
must not be twisted.
5Make sure Splitter Plate Strap
passes between recline stand
and car seat shell (see arrow).
NOTE: Splitter Plate Strap must
not be twisted.
6Re-attach seat pad.
18 Splitter Plate Strap
(B)
(A)
Splitter Plate

CHANGING CROTCH STRAP SLOT
19
❃Use proper crotch strap slots
For children under 13.6 kg
(30 lbs.) move crotch strap
and buckle to the opening
closest to but not under child.
For children over 13.6 kg
(30 lbs.) move crotch strap
and buckle to the forward
opening. This will give a
larger child more room and
comfort.
❃To Change Crotch Strap Slot
Bellows not included on some models.
1Remove seat pad from front of car seat and around
bellow.
2Turn car seat upside down.
3Pull crotch strap clip out to
create some slack and
remove clip from crotch strap
loop.
4From top of seat, pull crotch
strap out of slot and thread
through desired slot. Do not
take crotch strap out of
bellows.
5From bottom of seat,
re-attach clip to crotch strap
loop.
CAUTION: Clip must be
attached exactly as shown to
prevent serious injury or death
in a sudden stop or accident.
6Re-attach seat pad to car seat
shell and tuck bellows
under seat pad.
Clip
Clip