Graco 8444 User manual

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READ THIS MANUAL
KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE.
Do not install or use this infant restraint until you
read and understand the instructions in this manual.
FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE THIS INFANT RESTRAINT
INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN
A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH.
© 2002 Graco 448-4-02
Infant Restraint/Carrier
Owner’s Manual Model 8444
4480402

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1.0 Registration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5
1.1 Register Your Infant Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.2 Recall Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.3 If You Need Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.0 Features and Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
2.1 Removing andAttaching Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2.2 Adjusting Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2.3 Attaching Canopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.4 Head Support (on certain models) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3.0 Important Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-15
3.1 Warnings for Use as Infant Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.2 Warning for Use With a Stroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
3.3 Additional Warnings for Use as Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
3.4 Height and Weight Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.0 Infant Restraint Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-20
4.1 Vehicle Seat Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4.2 Vehicle Seat Belt Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.2.1 UNSAFE Vehicle Belt Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
4.2.2 SAFE Vehicle Belt Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
4.3 LATCH Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

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5.0 Using Infant Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-32
5.1 Positioning Harness Straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
5.2 Securing Child in Infant Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
5.3 Installing the Infant Restraint/Base with Vehicle Belt . . . .26
5.4 Using LATCH to Install Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
5.5 Reclining Infant Restraint/Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
6.0 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33-35
6.1 Airplane Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
6.2 Storing LATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
6.3 Cleaning and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-39

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Model Number:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
1.1 Register Your Infant Restraint
Please fill in the above information. The model and serial numbers
can be found on a label underneath your infant restraint. Fill out the
prepaid registration postcard attached to the seat cover and mail
it today.
Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. You must
register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name,
address and model/serial numbers to:
Graco Children’s Products Inc.
P.O. Box 100
Elverson, PA19520-9974
or call 1-888-224-6549
• Call the U.S. Government’sAuto Safety Hotline
at 1-800-424-9393 (202-366-0123 in D.C. area)
• www.nhtsa.dot.gov
• Graco: 1-888-224-6549 or www.gracobaby.com
1.2 Recall Information
1.0 Registration Information

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1.3 If You Need Help
In the U.S.A. or Canada, please contact our Customer Service
Department with any questions you may have concerning parts, use,
or maintenance. When you contact us, please have your product’s
model and serial numbers ready so that we may help you
efficiently. These numbers can be found on a sticker on the
underside of your infant restraint.
USA: 1-888-224-6549 or www.gracobaby.com
Canada: 1-800-667-8184 Montreal: 514-344-3533

2.0 Features and Components
FRONT VIEW
Handle
Harness
slots
Vehicle
belt
hook
Handle
adjustment
button
Harness
clip
Harness
buckle
Harness
buckle tongues
Vehicle belt/LATCH path
Base
Adjustable Foot
LATCH Connector
Adjustment Belt LATCH
Storage
Bars
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REAR VIEW
Canopy
Harness slot
Release handle
Attachment
latch
Level
indicator*
Owner’s manual
pocket
Harness
tightener
Locking clip**
The level indicator is attached to the side of
the infant restraint, and indicates whether or
not the infant restraint is properly reclined.
The locking clip is stored on the bottom of
the infant restraint. You will need to use it
with certain types of vehicle seat belts.
**Locking
Clip
*Level
Indicator

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2.1 Removing and Attaching Base
2.2 Adjusting Handle
To remove infant restraint, squeeze release
handle at back of seat and lift infant
restraint from base as shown .
To put infant restraint in base, push infant
restraint down until it clicks into base.
Pull up on infant restraint to be sure
it is latched firmly into base.

1. Press handle adjustment buttons on
both sides of handle .
2. Rotate handle until it clicks into any
of three positions (for carrying,
reclining, or sitting). BOTH handle
adjustment buttons must pop out
to lock handle in place .
3. Push and pull on the handle to be
sure it is locked firmly in position.


Carrying
Reclining
Sitting

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2.3 Attaching Canopy
1. Infant restraint comes with two
identical canopy support parts.
Thread one canopy support
completely through sewn
tunnel .
2. Slide straight end of a second
support into the straight end of the
first support .
3. The canopy should appear as
shown .
4. Attach canopy in the areas
between the infant restraint
and the handle base .





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2.4 Head Support (on certain models)
Some infants may need extra support
to keep their head and body in a
comfortable position. Unsnap the sides
and resnap them with the harness
straps threaded through the slots in
the cushion .
If your model does not include
a head support, you may want
to use a rolled towel or a
blanket for support .
MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING
INTERFERES WITH THE
HARNESS OR THE BLANKET.
It must still be flat and snug
against your child’s shoulders.



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3.0 Important Information
3.1 Warnings for Use as Infant Restraint
•DO NOT INSTALL OR USE THIS INFANT RESTRAINT
AND BASE UNTIL YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THE
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL AND IN YOUR VEHICLE
OWNER’S MANUAL. DO NOT let others install or use the
infant restraint unless they understand how to use it.
•FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE THIS INFANT RESTRAINT
AND BASE INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH IN A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. Your child can
be injured in a vehicle even if you are not in a crash. Sudden
braking and sharp turns can injure your child if the infant
restraint is not properly installed or if your child is not properly
secured in the infant restraint.
•PLACE THIS INFANT RESTRAINT IN A REAR-FACING
POSITION when using it in the vehicle.
•NEVER PLACE THIS INFANT RESTRAINT IN A VEHICLE
SEATING LOCATION THAT HAS AN AIR BAG. If an air bag
inflates, it can hit the infant restraint with great force and cause
serious injury or death to your child. Refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual for information about air bags and infant
restraint installation.

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•SOME SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN, such as pre-term babies
or those who have tested positive for positional apnea, may be
at increased risk of suffering breathing or other difficulties in an
infant restraint. If your child has special needs, we recommend
that you have your physician or hospital staff evaluate your child
and recommend the proper infant restraint or car bed before
using this product.
• According to accident statistics, CHILDREN ARE SAFER WHEN
PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN REAR VEHICLE SEATING
POSITIONS, RATHER THAN FRONT SEATING POSITIONS.
For a vehicle with a front passenger air bag, refer to your vehicle
owner’s manual as well as these instructions for infant restraint
installation.
•NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED.
•NEVER LEAVE AN INFANT RESTRAINT AND BASE
UNSECURED IN YOUR VEHICLE.An unsecured infant
restraint or base can be thrown around and may injure occupants
in a sharp turn, sudden stop or crash. Remove it or make sure
that it is securely belted in the vehicle. If not using LATCH, make
sure unsecured LATCH connectors are properly stored on base.
•REPLACE THE INFANT RESTRAINT AND BASE AFTER AN
ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND. An accident can cause damage to
the infant restraint that you cannot see.
•STOP USING INFANT RESTRAINT AND BASE AND THROW IT
AWAY after the date molded into the back of the infant restraint.
•DO NOT MODIFY YOUR INFANT RESTRAINT AND BASE or
use any accessories or parts supplied by other manufacturers.

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•NEVER USE INFANT RESTRAINT AND BASE IF IT HAS
DAMAGED OR MISSING PARTS. DO NOT use a cut, frayed
or damaged infant restraint harness or vehicle seat belt or
LATCH belt.
•THE INFANT RESTRAINT CAN BECOME VERY HOT IF LEFT IN
THE SUN. Always touch the surface of any metal or plastic parts
before putting your child in the infant restraint.
•THIS INFANT RESTRAINT CONFORMS to all applicable
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and is certified for
use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
•NEVER GIVE THIS INFANT RESTRAINT AND BASE to
someone else without also giving them this manual.
•NEVER USE A SECOND-HAND INFANT RESTRAINT AND BASE
or an infant restraint whose history you do not know.
•USE ONLY WITH STROLLERS THAT ARE PART OF THE
GRACO TRAVEL SYSTEM. Refer to stroller instruction sheet
for details about how to attach the infant restraint to your stroller.
If you do not have an instruction sheet, please call toll-free,
1-888-224-6549 to obtain one, or visit our website,
www.gracobaby.com.
3.2 Warning for Use With a Stroller

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• FALL HAZARD: Child’s movements can slide carrier.
NEVER place carrier near edges of countertops, tables or other
high surfaces.Always stay within arms reach whenever carrier is
not on floor/ground.
BE SURE handle locks into position before lifting carrier.
NEVER place carrier in the top of a shopping cart.
• SUFFOCATION HAZARD: Infant carrier can roll over on soft
surfaces and suffocate child. Never place carrier on beds, sofas
or other soft surfaces.
• STRANGULATION HAZARD: Child can strangle in loose restraint
straps.Always use harness, never leave child in carrier when
straps are loose or undone.
KEEP STRINGS AND CORDS AWAY FROM CHILD. Strings and
cords can cause strangulation.
DO NOT place carrier near a window where cords from blinds or
drapes can strangle a child.
DO NOT hang strings on or over the carrier.
DO NOT place items with a string around a child’s neck, such
as hood strings, pacifier cords, etc.
DO NOT attach strings to toys.
3.3 Additional Warnings
for Use as Carrier

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3.4 Height and Weight Limits
Your child MUST meet all requirements:
• WEIGHT: 20 lbs. (9 kg) or less
• HEIGHT: 26 inches (66 cm) or less
FAILURE TO USE INFANT RESTRAINT IN A MANNER
APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SIZE MAY INCREASE
THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

4.0 Infant Restraint Location
4.1 Vehicle Seat Requirements
IMPROPER PLACEMENT OF THE INFANT RESTRAINT
INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Some seating positions in your vehicle may not be safe for this infant
restraint. Some vehicles do not have any seating positions that can
be used safely with the infant restraint. If you are not sure where to
place the infant restraint in your vehicle, consult your vehicle owner’s
manual or Graco at 1-888-224-6549.
•Whenever possible, secure the infant
restraint in the center position of the
seat directly behind the front seats .
An adult should ride in the rear seat to
watch the child. If the driver is the only
adult present, a child may need to ride in the front seat. BUT ONLY
if there is no passenger-side air bag and all of the other vehicle
seat and seat belt requirements listed are met.
•NEVER place this infant restraint in a
vehicle seating location that has an
air bag . See “3.1 Warnings for Use
as Infant Restraint”, p.11.


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4.2 Vehicle Seat Belt Requirements
•The VEHICLE seat must face forward.
•DO NOT use infant restraint on vehicle seats with seat backs
that will not lock in an upright position. DO NOT use seats that
can fold down without having to release a lock or latch of some
kind. These seats can fly forward and strike the child in a sudden
stop or crash.
MANY SEAT BELT SYSTEMS ARE NOT SAFE TO USE WITH
THE INFANT RESTRAINT. THE VEHICLE SEAT BELT MUST BE
DESIGNED TO HOLD THE INFANT RESTRAINT TIGHTLY AT
ALL TIMES.
Pay careful attention to these systems; some of the seat belts that
are not safe to use look very much like seat belts that are safe to
use. If you are unsure, consult your vehicle owner’s manual or Graco
at 1-888-224-6549.

LATCH can be used IN PLACE OF the vehicle belt system. Please
refer to vehicle owners manual for LATCH locations.
•Lap Belts with Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
This lap belt stays loose and can move until it locks
in a crash or sudden stop.
• Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt with Retractor
Each strap has a retractor at one end and is
attached to the latch plate at the other end.
• Passive Restraint - Lap Belt with Motorized
Shoulder Belt
• Passive Restraint - Lap or
Shoulder Belt Mounted on Door
DO NOT use vehicle belts that are
attached to the door in any way or
that move along a track to
automatically surround the
passenger when the door is closed.
• Lap Belts Forward of Seat Crease
DO NOT use any of the following systems to secure the infant restraint.
4.2.1 UNSAFE Vehicle Belt Systems
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4.2.2 SAFE Vehicle Belt Systems
THE FOLLOWING BELT SYSTEMS CAN BE USED WITH YOUR
INFANT RESTRAINT, IF the seat location meets all other
requirements of these instructions and those in your vehicle owner's
manual. LATCH can be used in place of the vehicle belt system.Please
refer to vehicle owners manual for LATCH locations.
• Lap Belts - Manually Adjusted
When buckled, the belt is
tightened manually by pulling
on the excess belt while pushing
down hard on the infant restraint.
• Lap Belts with Automatic
Locking Retractor (ALR)
The automatic locking retractor
will not permit the lap belt to
lengthen once it is buckled. Tighten
the belt by feeding the belt back
into the retractor while pushing
down hard on the infant restraint.
• Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt
with Locking Latch Plate
Once it is buckled, this type of
belt has a latchplate that will not
allow the lap portion of the belt to
loosen. Belt is tightened by pulling
hard on the shoulder portion of the
vehicle belt while pushing down
hard on the infant restraint.

• Combination Lap/Shoulder
Belt with Sliding Latch Plate
This belt has a latchplate that
slides freely along the belt.
This belt MUST be converted to prevent
movement of the lap portion of the belt. You
must use the locking clip provided with the
infant restraint, unless your vehicle's seat belt
can be converted in another way as described in
your vehicle owner's manual.
To Install Locking Clip:
1. Tighten the buckled belt by pushing down
hard on the infant restraint and pulling
hard on the shoulder belt.
2. While pushing down on infant restraint,
pinch the two straps together behind the
buckle tongue. Unbuckle the belt without
allowing it to slip.
3. Connect lap and shoulder belts
with locking clip as shown 
and .
4. Rebuckle belt. Check that lap belt
does not move by pulling and
pushing hard on infant restraint.
If belt loosens or lengthens,
repeat procedure.
Locking clip
½
inch

Locking clip goes here,
1/2inch from the buckle

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