Britax 55 manual

Roundabout ® 55 User Guide IMPORT ANT : 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).[...]

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©2010 Britax Child Safety , Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA P435400_R1:0910 This product and its components are subject to change without notice. Safety Information ....................................................................................... 2 Warnings ............................................................................[...]

2 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 55 lbs (2.3 – 24.9 kg) and whose height is 46 in. (116.8 cm) or less. Use rear -facing for children who weigh between 5 and 40 lbs (2.3 – 18.1 k[...]

3 Section Title • Based on crash statistics, the National Highway T raffic 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 th[...]

4 Impor tant Notes • V erify 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 cra sh de fine d by t he U.S. National Highway [...]

5 Cer tification This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor V ehicle Safety Standards. This Restraint is Certified For Use in Motor V ehicles and Aircraft. Registration Child restraints could be recalled for safety reasons. Y ou must register this restraint to be reached in a recall. Send your name, address, e-mail address[...]

6 Impor tant 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). An infant positioning insert may be necessary for small infants to achieve a snug fit if the child is under 12 lbs and the lowest harness slots fall above the infants shoulders. The Infant positioning[...]

7 WARNING! FORWARD-FACING use of this child seat is ONL Y 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, [...]

8 Compatible V ehicle Seat Belts NOTE: The information in this section only applies to installation with vehicle seat belts. V ehicle 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 (A[...]

9 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 vehic[...]

10 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. IMPORT ANT : This belt type requires the use of the lock -offs built into the seat for rear - and forward-facing inst[...]

11 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. V ehicle Compatibility Adjuster Latch plate[...]

12 Incompatible Vehicle Seat Belts 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-should[...]

13 WARNING! DO NOT place child seat rear -facing in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag unless deactivated. DEA TH 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 [...]

14 1 Cover 2 Harness Slots 3 Comfort Pads 4 Infant Body Pillow 5 Harness Holder 6 Lower Connector Bar 7 Lower Connector Strap (LA TCH component) 8 Lower Connector Adjuster Release Button (LA TCH component) 9 Lower Connector Adjuster (LA TCH component) 10 Lower Connector Release Button (LA TCH component) 11 Lower Connector (LAT CH component) 12 User[...]

15 15 Harness Buckle 16 Belly Pad 17 Harness Adjuster Lever (under cover) 18 Harness Adjuster Strap 19 Recline Adjustment Handle 20 Shell 21 Serial Number & Manufactured Date Label 22 Forward-Facing Belt Slot 23 Forward-Facing Lock -Offs (Red – under cover on front of shell) 24 Rear-F acing Lock-Offs (Blue – under cover on front of shell) 2[...]

16 Harness Height Adjustment 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. 1 Loosen the harness. a Lift harness adjuster lever b Pull both harness straps forward 2 Unhook bot[...]

17 4 F eed the harness strap through the desired harness sl ot in th e cover and shell to the back of the child seat. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for second harness strap. 5 Nest the harness straps by inserting the right strap loop into the left strap loop. 6 Before reattaching the harness straps to the yoke, hold the harness yoke as shown, and ensure tha[...]

18 Adjusting Buckle P osition IMPORT ANT: • ALW AYS 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 lb[...]

19 1 Unbuckle the harness. Remove the belly pad and push the buckle through the cover . 2 T urn 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. T o adjust the buckle: Child Seat Functions[...]

20 F astening the Buckle Insert one tongue at a time into the buckle. NOTE: Proper connection is confirmed with a click after inserting each buckle tongue. Releasing the Buckle Press the release button and pull the tongues from the buckle. NOTE: Periodically clean the buckle to ensure proper operation. See Page 63. Using the Chest Clip 1 Open the c[...]

21 Using the Lock- Offs IMPORT ANT : Both parts of the lock -off must be opened to secure a vehicle belt. 1 Open the locking tab 2 Open the clamp T o Open: 1 Close the clamp over the vehicle belt 2 Slide your palm or thumb along the locking tab until a click is heard T o Close: Infant Body Pillow The infant body pillow is designed to provide better[...]

22 Recline P ositions This child seat has 3 positions. T o 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. Position 1 Position 2 Position 3 Child Seat Functions 90° 0° 90° [...]

23 Acceptable overhang Unacceptable overhang Rear-F acing 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 i[...]

24 Using Lower Anchors and T ethers for Children (L A TCH) Lower Anchors and T ethers for Children or LA TCH, is a system available on this child seat that offers an alternative to vehicle seat belt installation methods. See pages 14 and 15 for LA TCH components on this child seat. The figure above shows typical locations for lower anchors and teth[...]

25 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. T o 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 slo[...]

26 Using the V ersa- T ether ® T ether 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. [...]

27 Rear-F acing T ether 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 [...]

28 IMPORT ANT : The Versa- T ether ® carry clip is only for use when you wish to carry the child seat between locations. Do not install the child seat with the V ersa- T ether attached to the carry clip. Secure the excess Versa- T ether webbing in the elastic strap during use. Store the Versa- T ether in the storage pouch when not in use. Always e[...]

29 The V ersa- T ether 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 a tether acceptable for continued use (provided the child seat has not been involved in a crash). The colored stitching will be intact but not visible from the back of the seat. [...]

30 Before Y ou 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 otherwis[...]

31 Install with LA TCH as shown above. IMPORT ANT : The buckle should be in the inner slot for rear -facing installation . Rear-F acing Installation[...]

32 1 Firmly press the lower connectors onto the adjacent lower anchors. • A click confirms attachment. • Verify that the lower connector strap is not twisted. TIP: Y ou may need to turn the front of the child seat toward you for easier access to the lower anchors. NOTE: If a click is not heard when connecting either lower connector , the lower [...]

33 Checklist 9 Check that all connections are secure. 9 Check that the lower connector straps are not twisted. 9 Check 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 or use a different seating location. 9 Check that the back angle of t[...]

34 Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation Before Y ou 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 ma[...]

35 Install with lap-shoulder belt as shown above. IMPORT ANT : • The harness buckle strap should lie toward the back of the child seat during installation. • The buckle should be in the inner slot for rear -facing installation. Rear-F acing Installation[...]

36 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 Lift the back cover , then pull it forward while pulling the buckle through to access the rear -facing belt path. IMPORT ANT : Ensure the buckle is in the inner slot and lying away fr[...]

37 Checklist 9 Check that the vehicle belt is securely fastened. 9 Check 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 or use a different seating location. 9 Check that the back angle of the child seat is 30º – 45º from vertical ([...]

38 Lap Belt Installation Before Y ou Begin: • Check that your vehicle belt is compatible for use with child seats. See pages 8 – 13 for more information. • This child seat must be reclined to position 3 and placed rear-facing on the vehicle seat. * When properly installed in the rear - facing position, the back angle of the child seat should [...]

39 Install with lap belt as shown above. IMPORT ANT : • The harness buckle strap should lie toward the back of the child seat during installation. • DO NOT use lock-offs for lap belt installations. • The buckle should be in the inner slot for rear -facing installation. Rear-F acing Installation[...]

40 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 Lift the back cover , then pull it forward while pulling the buckle through to access the rear -facing belt path. 4 Route the vehicle seat belt through the rear -facing belt slots, th[...]

41 Checklist 9 Check that the vehicle belt is securely fastened. 9 Check 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 or use a different seating location. 9 Check that the back angle of the child seat is 30º – 45º from vertical ([...]

42 Before Y ou 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 otherwis[...]

43 Install with LA TCH as shown above. WARNING! • Y our child seat may not perform as intended if the base of the child seat is not flat on the vehicle seat. • This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg). Forward-Facing Installation[...]

44 1 Firmly press the lower connectors onto the adjacent lower anchors. • A click confirms attachment. • Verify that the lower connector strap is not twisted. TIP: Y ou may need to turn the back of the child seat toward you for easier access to the vehicle lower anchors. NOTE: If a click is not heard when connecting either lower connector , the[...]

45 Checklist 9 Check that all connections are secure. 9 Check that the lower connector straps are not twisted. 9 Check that no more than 20% or 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the base hangs over the edge of the vehicle seat. 9 Check 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 [...]

46 Before Y ou 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 y[...]

47 Install with lap-shoulder belt as shown above. WARNING! • Y our child seat may not perform as intended if the base of the child seat is not flat on the vehicle seat. • This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg). Forward-Facing Installation[...]

48 1 Loosen the harness. a Lift harness adjuster lever b Pull both harness straps forward 2 Remove the body pillow and unbuckle the harness. 3 Lift the back cover , then pull it forward to access the forward- facing belt path. 4 Open the red lock-off closest to where the vehicle belt will be buckled. a Open the locking tab b Open the clamp 5 Route [...]

49 Checklist 9 Check that the vehicle belt is securely fastened. 9 Check that no more than 20% or 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the base hangs over the edge of the vehicle seat. 9 Check 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 or use a di[...]

50 Lap Belt Installation Before Y ou Begin: • Check that your vehicle belt is compatible for use with child seats. See pages 8 – 13 for more information. • Remove the Versa- T ether from the pouch and place it up and over the child seat back. * Britax recommends that the V ersa-T ether is used at all times. Using the tether will improve the s[...]

51 Install with lap belt as shown above. WARNING! • DO NOT use lock -offs for lap belt only installations. • Y our child seat may not perform as intended if the base of the child seat is not flat on the vehicle seat. • This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg)[...]

52 1 Loosen the harness. a Lift harness adjuster lever b Pull both harness straps forward 2 Remove the body pillow and unbuckle the harness. 3 Lift the back cover , then pull it forward to access the forward- facing belt path. 5 Push the child seat down while pulling the vehicle belt to remove all slack (see pages 10 – 11). 6 Attach and remove sl[...]

53 Checklist 9 Check that the vehicle belt is securely fastened. 9 Check that no more than 20% or 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the base hangs over the edge of the vehicle seat. 9 Check 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 or use a di[...]

54 This child seat is certified for aircraft use. Most airlines in the U .S. and Canada will allow the use of a child seat as long as it is labeled as an approved child seat for use in aircraft and fits properly on the aircraft seat. Contact the airline about their policy prior to traveling. The F AA recommends that a child weighing up to 40 lbs (1[...]

55 Securing Y our Child WARNING! • Adjust the belts provided with this child seat so they fit snugly around your 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. • Adjust the harness to fit the cl[...]

56 1 Loosen the harness. a Lift harness adjuster lever b Pull both harness straps forward 2 Open the chest clip. a Press tabs b Pull apart 3 Release the buckle and attach the harness straps to the harness holders. 4 Place the child in the child seat. * Ensure the child is positioned upright in the child seat and not slouching. Their bottom must tou[...]

57 5 Position the harness straps around the child. 6 F asten the harness buckle. * Proper connection is confirmed with a click after inserting each buckle tongue. 7 Check for proper harness height, and pull any excess slack up to the child’s shoulder area before tightening. 8 Pull the harness adjuster strap up and away from the child seat to tigh[...]

58 Cover R emoval WARNING! Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness. They cannot be reattached after removal. If reassembled incorrectly , the child seat may not perform as intended. 1 Loosen the harness. a Lift release lever b Pull both harness straps forward 2 Open the chest clip. a Press tabs b Pull apart 3 Unbuckle the harness. 4 Remove[...]

59 6 Unhook both harness straps from the yoke. 8 Detach the plastic hooks from the bottom edge of the child seat. 9 Pull the buckle through the slot in the cover . 7 Pull the harness straps through the shell and cover to the front of the child seat. Care and Maintenance 8[...]

60 10 Remove the cover from the child seat shell. Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Cover • HAND WASH the cover using cold water and mild soap. • LINE DRY to prevent the cover from shrinking. • DO NOT : * Bleach * Machine wash * Machine dry * Iron Cleaning the Harness • SPONGE CLEAN the harness using warm water and mild soap. • TOWEL DRY [...]

61 Care and Maintenance Cover Replacement 1 Fit the child seat cover around the child seat shell. 3 Pull the buckle through the slot in the cover . * Ensure that the buckle is through the correct cover slot for the buckle position. 2 Attach the plastic hooks to the bottom edge of the child seat. 4 F eed each harness strap through the desired harnes[...]

62 5 Nest the harness straps by inserting the right strap loop into the left strap loop. Care and Maintenance 6 Before reattaching the harness straps to the yoke, hold the harness yoke as shown, and ensure that the adjuster strap attached to the yoke is not twisted. 7 Slide nested harness straps completely onto the harness yoke. 8 Replace the belly[...]

63 Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Buckle If your child eats and drinks while in the child seat, you will need to check the buckle periodically and rinse out any accumulated debris. Remove the Buckle 1 Unbuckle the harness. Remove the belly pad and pull the buckle through the cover . 2 T urn the buckle webbing and slide it between buckle position[...]

64 Care and Maintenance Re-thread the Buckle 1 Guide the buckle retainer down through the slot in the child seat shell. 2 Slide the buckle webbing into the slot between buckle positions. 3 Select the appropriate slot for the size of your child and turn the buckle webbing and slide it into the chosen slot. 4 Ensure that the buckle strap is not twist[...]

65 Tips and T roubleshooting T roubleshooting Problem: The harness is hard to adjust. Possible Solution: The yoke may be caught on the V ersa-T ether ® webbing or other component of the child seat. Remove the obstruction and try adjusting the harness again. Always store the V ersa-T ether in the pouch provided when not in use. When the V ersa-T et[...]

66 This child seat was manufactured by Britax Child Safety , Inc. Britax ® warrants this product to the original retail purchaser as follows: LIMITED ONE- YEAR WARRANTY This product is warranted against defective materials or work man ship for one year from the date of original purchase. Proof of purchase is required. Y our exclusive remedy for th[...]

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Britax Child Safety , Inc. 13501 South Ridge Drive Charlotte, NC 28273 USA A Britax Childcare Group Limited company T el. : 1-888-427-4829 www .Britax.com[...]