©2008 Britax Child Safety, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A P313000 R1:02.08

This product and its components are subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents

Safety Warnings ...................................................................... 2

Safety Information................................................................... 4

Child Seat Features ................................................................. 8

Vehicle Compatability............................................................. 10

Vehicle Safety Belts............................................................... 10

Vehicle Seating Positions...................................................... 11

Installation for Children 22– 40 lbs. ....................................... 12

LATCH – Long Route ........................................................... 12

Lap-Shoulder Belt – Long Route .......................................... 15

Lap-Belt – Long Route ......................................................... 17

Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs. ...................................... 19

LATCH – Short Route........................................................... 19

Lap-Shoulder Belt – Short Route.......................................... 22

Lap-Belt – Short Route......................................................... 24

Versa-Tether®........................................................................... 26

Using the Recline Bar.............................................................. 28

Using Child Seat Features....................................................... 29

Securing Your Child................................................................. 30

Harness Height Adjustment.................................................... 32

Adjusting Buckle Position....................................................... 33

Care and Maintenance............................................................ 34

Warranty.................................................................................. 38
2 3

sUse this child seat forward-facing only. 

sUse only with children who weigh between 22 and 80 pounds 

(10 and 36.3 kg) and whose height is 53 inches (134.6 cm) 

or less.

sAdjust 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.

s Secure the Versa-Tether® provided with this child seat.

s Secure this child seat with vehicle’s Lower Anchors and Tethers 

for CHildren (LATCH) system if available or with a vehicle belt.

s Follow all instructions on this child seat and in the written 

instructions.

sRegister your child seat with the manufacturer, Britax Child 

Safety, Inc. by visiting www.BritaxUSA.com/registration, OR 

complete and return the registration card that was shipped with 

this child seat.

sRefer to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle 

manufacturer for the maximum weight rating for their 

LATCH anchors. Use vehicle belt (not LATCH connectors) for 

installations with children who weigh more than the vehicle 

LATCH anchor limit. Unless specified otherwise by the vehicle 

manufacturer, assume a 40 pound (18.1 kg.) child is the vehicle 

LATCH anchor limit.

sThe HUGSTM chest pads and the recline bar must be used at 

all times.

s This child seat must not be used in the home, in boats, or other 

non-certified applications.

s Secure this child seat even when it is not occupied. In a crash, an 

unsecured child seat may injure vehicle occupants.

sNever use the adjuster strap to lift or carry this child seat. Doing 

so could cause damage to the harness adjuster and webbing. 

Always carry this child seat by the shell or tether straps.

sNever route the vehicle belt over the child.

s Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents select the 

back seat as the safest location for a properly installed child seat. 

Please study Vehicle Compatibility on pages 10-11 to ensure 

your child’s safety and consult your vehicle owner’s manual.

s The primary protection for occupants of a vehicle in a collision is 

the body of the vehicle itself; a child seat will not protect a child 

when a vehicle is seriously impacted. However, correctly installed, 

a child seat will substantially improve chances for survival in most 

crashes. Make sure all users fully understand the correct ways to 

use this child seat in a vehicle.

sWhen using in vehicle with air bags, refer to the vehicle owner’s 

manual for child seat installation instructions and precautions.

s To prevent injury due to deterioration or hidden damage, 

discontinue use of a child seat that is older than six years or has 

been in a moderate or severe crash. See date of manufacture 

located on the child seat.

WARNING!

DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur if the following are not observed:
4 5

IMPORTANT NOTES 

sVerify that the child seat is secure and the harness is properly 

adjusted around the child each time the child seat is used.

sAdjust the harness to fit the clothes the child is wearing. 

Remove bulky coats and/or jackets before putting the child in 

the child seat.

sCover the child seat when the vehicle is parked in direct 

sunlight. Parts of the child seat could become hot enough to 

burn a child.

s Store the child seat in a safe place when it is not being used. 

Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the child seat.

sDo not leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.

sDo not, except as described in this booklet, attempt to disassemble 

any part of the child seat or change the way its harness or the 

vehicle’s seat belts are used.

sDo 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.

sDo not leave folding vehicle seats unlatched. In event of a 

sudden stop, a loose seat back could cause the child seat not to 

perform as intended.

sDo not allow children to play with this or any child seat.

sDo not use anything to raise the child seat off the vehicle seat 

except as described in these instructions. In a crash, this could 

cause the child seat not to perform as intended.

Certification

This child seat system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor 

Vehicle Safety Standards. This child seat is NOT certified for use 

in aircraft.

Registration

Child seats could be recalled for safety reasons. You must register 

this child seat to be reached in a recall. Send your name, address, 

and the child seat’s model number and manufacturing date to Britax 

Child Safety, Inc., 13501 South Ridge Drive, Charlotte, NC 28273, 

or call 1-888-4BRITAX, or register online at www.BritaxUSA.com/

registration. For recall information, call the U.S. Government’s 

Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), 

or go to http://www.NHTSA.gov.

Safety Information Safety Information
6 7

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics: 

All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 

1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. That means that if 

your infant reaches 20 pounds before her first birthday, she should 

remain rear-facing at least until she turns 1 year old. It is best for 

children to ride rear-facing to the highest weight or height allowed 

by the manufacturer. 

Forward-Facing

Weight 22 pounds (and 1 year) – 80 pounds (10 – 36.3 kg.) 

Only use forward-facing with children:

s who are at least one year of age and

s who weigh between 22 and 80 lbs. (10 – 

36.3 kg.) and

s who are 53” (134.6 cm.) or less in height 

and

s when the top of the child’s ears are below 

the top of the child seat shell (Fig. A) and

s when the harness straps are located in 

the nearest slots at or above the child’s 

shoulders.

IMPORTANT: See Harness Height Adjustment on page 32.

WARNING!

Do NOT use the child seat if any of the following apply:

s the child is less than one year of age or

s the child is less than 22 lbs. (10 kg.) in 

weight or

s the child exceeds 80 lbs. (36.3 kg.) in 

weight or

s the child exceeds 53” (134.6 cm.) in 

height or

s the top of the ears are above the top of the 

child seat shell (Fig. A) or

s the harness straps are in slots below the 

child’s shoulders

Safety Information Safety Information

A

B
8 9

1 Cover

2 Harness Slots

3 Harness

4 Harness Retainer

5 Comfort Pads

6 Chest Clip

7 HUGSTM Chest Pads

14 Shell

15 Versa-Tether® (Top Anchorage 

Strap)

16 LATCH Storage Pouches (under 

cover)

17 Harness Yoke

18 LATCH Adjuster Release Buttons

Child Seat Features Child Seat Features

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

12

13

11

14

2

15

16

17

18

19

20

11

21

22

8 Buckle

9 Belly Pad

10 Harness Release Lever (under flap)

11 LATCH Connectors

12 User Guide, Serial Number, and 

Manufacture Date (under cover)

13 Harness Adjuster Strap

19 LATCH Adjusters

20 LATCH Connector Release Button

21 Recline Bar

22 Storage Pouch
10 11

Vehicle Safety Belts

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 owner’s manual for specific information about vehicle 

safety belts and their use with child seats. Some vehicles have no seating 

positions which are compatible with this child seat or any other child seat. 

If in doubt, contact the vehicle manufacturer for assistance.

This child seat can fit securely in most vehicles using existing vehicle 

belts. However, some vehicle designs prevent a secure fit of the 

child seat.

The vehicle owner’s manual 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).

Vehicle Seating Positions

Vehicle Compatibility Vehicle Compatibility

WARNING! The following types of vehicle 

belts are not compatible with this child seat: s Front vehicle belts with top or bottom anchorage 

points in the door. (Fig. A & B)

s Motor-driven, automatic vehicle belts. (Fig. B)

s Lap-shoulder belts that have separate retractors for 

shoulder section and lap section in which lap section 

retractor does not lock.

s Non-locking, two-point Emergency Locking 

Retractor (ELR) vehicle belts without the use of a 

belt shortening clip.

s Lap-shoulder ELR vehicle belts without use of a 

locking clip.

A

B

NOTE: Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the kind of 

retractors used in your vehicle and how to operate them.

WARNING! Forward-facing vehicle seats MUST be 

used with this child seat. Side-facing or rear-facing seats 

CANNOT be used. See diagram below.

DO NOT place a child 

seat rear-facing in the 

front seat of a vehicle 

with a passenger air 

bag unless deactivated. 

DEATH or SERIOUS 

INJURY can occur.

The back seat is the 

safest place for children 

under 12.

WARNING!
12 13

1 The recline bar must be used at all times 

with this seat. Insert the recline bar into 

the holes on the rear of the child seat. Use 

a rubber mallet to tap the recline bar ends 

into the holes. See page 28 for details.

2 Verify the LATCH strap is routed under

the child seat cover in the long route 

configuration. (Fig. A)

NOTE: If you need to re-route the LATCH strap from the short route 

to the long route configuration:

a Uninstall the child seat.

b Loosen the harness and pull the top of the child seat cover away from 

the seat shell.

c Pull each LATCH connector through the closet belt slot to the front 

of the child seat shell (Fig. B).

LATCH – Long Route

s Figure A illustrates a typical Long Route LATCH 

installation. The restraint is shipped with the LATCH 

strap and connectors in the long route configuration.

s If choosing to use LATCH verify that your vehicle is 

equipped with LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors 

are not installed, you must use vehicle belt 

installation methods.

d Press each LATCH adjuster release button and pull 

the webbing to fully extend the LATCH strap.

e Route the child’s left connector around to the 

outside of the seat shell.

f Route the child’s right LATCH connector 

through child’s left belt slot from the front to 

the back of the child seat shell.

g Route the child’s right LATCH connector across 

the back of the child seat shell.

h The LATCH strap must route over the harness 

straps on the rear of the child seat.

i Route the child’s right LATCH connector 

through the child’s right belt slot to the front of 

the child seat.

j Route the child’s right connector around to the 

outside of the child seat shell.

k Refit the child seat cover onto the child seat shell. Verify the LATCH 

strap is routed under the child seat cover.

3 Place the child seat sideways on the vehicle seat with the back of 

the child seat facing toward you.

4 Loosen the Versa-Tether® and place it up and over the child seat back.

5 If stored, remove the LATCH connectors from the LATCH storage 

pouches on the rear of the child seat.

6 Verify that the LATCH strap is not twisted and attach the closest LATCH 

connector to the vehicle seat back to the farthest LATCH anchor (Fig. C)

s The LATCH strap must be routed on the outside of recline bar.

s The LATCH connector MUST be in an upright position (Fig. D).

s A positive click confirms attachment.

NOTE: It may be necessary to switch the LATCH connectors if ANY of 

the following conditions exist:

s The LATCH connector is not in an upright position (Fig. D).

s The LATCH strap is twisted.

s A positive click is NOT heard when the LATCH connector and LATCH 

anchor are connected.

Installation for Children 22 – 40 lbs. Installation for Children 22 – 40 lbs.

A

WARNING! Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or 

contact the vehicle manufacturer for the maximum weight 

rating for their LATCH anchors. Use vehicle belt (not LATCH 

connectors) for installations with children who weigh more than 

the vehicle LATCH anchor limit. Unless specified otherwise by 

the vehicle manufacturer, assume a 40 pound (18.1 kg) child is 

the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.

C

B

D

Release

Button Top
14 15

NOTE: If a positive click is not heard, but the 

LATCH connectors are in an upright position, you 

should not switch the LATCH connector. The strap 

may be too tight or twisted, or there may be debris 

in the LATCH connector.

7 Rotate the child seat into the forward-facing 

position. Ensure the bottom of the child seat 

shell is in full contact with the vehicle seat 

and the recline bar is resting against the 

vehicle seat back.

8 Verify that the LATCH strap is routed under the 

child seat cover and is not twisted. Attach the 

remaining LATCH connector to the adjacent 

LATCH anchor. (Fig. E)

s The LATCH strap must be routed on the outside of 

recline bar.

s The LATCH connector MUST be in an upright position (Fig. F).

s A positive click confirms attachment.

9 Alternately pull each LATCH strap loop while pushing the 

child seat firmly into the vehicle seat to evenly tighten the 

LATCH strap.

10 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to the vehicle’s designated 

tether anchor. Remove all slack from the tether to secure. See 

pages 26 – 27. 

11 Store the excess webbing in a LATCH storage pouch on the 

back of the cover.

12 Verify that all connections are secure, the LATCH strap is tight 

and the child seat is secure.

s The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 inch frontto-back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, 

repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating position.

Lap-Shoulder Belt – Long Route

s Figure A illustrates a typical Long Route lap-shoulder 

belt installation.

IMPORTANT: Britax recommends that the VersaTether® be used at all times. Using the tether will 

improve the stability of the child seat and reduce the 

risk of injury. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for 

approved tether locations.

1 The recline bar must be used at all times 

with this child seat. Insert the recline bar into 

the holes on the rear of the child seat. Use a 

rubber mallet to tap the recline bar ends into 

the holes. See page 28 for details.

2 If the vehicle is equipped with a designated 

tether anchor for the chosen seating position, remove the 

Versa-Tether® from the pouch, loosen and place it up and over 

the child seat back.

3 Place the child seat in the forward-facing position on the vehicle 

seat. Ensure the bottom of the child seat shell is in full contact 

with the vehicle seat and the recline bar is resting against the 

vehicle seat back.

4 Pull the vehicle belt out and route through the belt slot farthest from 

the vehicle buckle from the front to the rear of the child seat.

s The vehicle belt must route over the child seat cover and outside of the 

recline bar.

5 Route the vehicle belt across the back of the child seat continuing 

through the belt slot closest to the vehicle buckle, to the front of 

the child seat shell (Fig. B).

s The vehicle belt must be routed over the harness straps on the rear of the 

child seat.

Installation for Children 22 – 40 lbs. Installation for Children 22 – 40 lbs.

E A

F B

Release

Button Top
16 17

6 Route the vehicle belt around to the outside 

of the child seat near the vehicle buckle, 

routing over the child seat cover (Fig. B 

page 15).

s The vehicle belt must be routed on the outside of 

the recline bar.

7 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted and 

then buckle (Fig. C).

s The shoulder portion of the vehicle belt 

must be routed over the front of the child 

seat (Fig. D).

8 Push the child seat firmly into the 

vehicle seat while removing slack first 

from the lap portion and then the 

shoulder portion of the vehicle belt. 

9 Lock the vehicle belt according to the instructions in your vehicle 

owner’s manual.

10 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to the designated tether anchor 

(if available according to the vehicle owner’s manual) for the 

chosen seating position. Remove all slack from tether to secure. 

Store any excess webbing in a LATCH storage pouch on the 

back of the cover. See pages 26 – 27. 

11 Verify the vehicle belt is routed over the child seat cover.

12 Verify that all connections are secure, the vehicle belt is tight 

and the child seat is stable.

s The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 inch frontto-back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, 

repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating position.

Lap Belt – Long Route

s Figure A illustrates a typical Long Route lap belt 

installation.

IMPORTANT: Britax recommends that the VersaTether® be used at all times. Using the tether will 

improve the stability of the child seat and reduce the 

risk of injury. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for 

approved tether locations.

1 The recline bar must be used at all times 

with this child seat. Insert the recline bar into 

the holes on the rear of the child seat. Use a 

rubber mallet to tap the recline bar ends into 

the holes. See page 28 for details.

2 If the vehicle is equipped with a designated tether anchor for 

the chosen seating position, loosen the Versa-Tether® and place 

it up and over the child seat back.

3 Place the child seat in the forward-facing position on the vehicle 

seat. Ensure the bottom of the child seat shell is in full contact 

with the vehicle seat and the recline bar is resting against the 

vehicle seat back.

4 Pull the vehicle belt out and route under the child seat cover, 

around front of seat shell and through the belt slot furthest from 

the vehicle buckle, from the front to the rear of the child seat 

(Fig. B).

s The vehicle belt must be routed on the outside of the recline bar.

5 Route the vehicle belt across the back of the child seat continuing 

through the belt slot closest to the vehicle buckle, from the rear 

to the front of the child seat shell.

s The vehicle belt must be routed over the harness straps on the rear of the 

child seat.

C A

Installation for Children 22 – 40 lbs. Installation for Children 22 – 40 lbs.

D B
18 19

1 The recline bar must be used at all times 

with this child seat. Insert the recline bar into 

the holes on the rear of the child seat. Use 

a rubber mallet to tap the recline bar ends 

into the holes. See page 28 for details.

2 Verify the LATCH strap is routed under

the child seat cover and the comfort foam 

in the short route configuration (Fig. A ).

NOTE: If you need to re-route the LATCH strap from the long route 

to the short route configuration:

a Uninstall the child seat.

b Loosen the harness and pull the top of the child seat cover away 

from the seat shell.

c Route the child’s right LATCH connector through the child’s right 

belt slot to the rear of the child seat shell continuing through the 

child’s left belt slot to the front of child seat shell (Fig. B).

6 Route the vehicle belt under the child seat 

cover, around to the outside of the seat shell 

near the vehicle buckle (Fig. C).

s The vehicle belt must be routed on the outside of 

the recline bar.

7 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted and 

then buckle (Fig. D).

8 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle 

seat while removing slack from the vehicle 

belt.

9 Lock the vehicle belt according to the 

instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.

10 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to the 

designated tether anchor (if available 

according to the vehicle owner’s manual) for the chosen seating 

position. Remove all slack from tether to secure. Store any 

excess webbing in a LATCH storage pouch on the back of the 

cover. See pages 26 – 27.

11 Verify that all connections are secure, the vehicle belt is tight 

and the child seat is stable.

s The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 inch frontto-back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, 

repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating position.

LATCH – Short Route

s Figure A illustrates a typical Short Route LATCH 

installation. The restraint is shipped with the LATCH 

strap and connectors in the long route configuration.

s If choosing to use LATCH, verify that your vehicle is 

equipped with LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are 

not installed, you must use vehicle belt installation 

methods.

Installation for Children 22 – 40 lbs. Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs.

C A

D

WARNING! The Versa-Tether must be used at all times in this 

mode of installation. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or 

contact the vehicle manufacturer for the maximum weight rating 

for their LATCH anchors. Use vehicle belt (not LATCH connectors) for 

installations with children who weigh more than the vehicle LATCH 

anchor limit. Unless specified otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer, 

assume a 40 pound (18.1 kg) child is the vehicle LATCH anchor limit.

B
20 21

d Route the child’s left LATCH 

connector through the child’s left belt 

slot to the rear of the child seat.

e Route the child’s right LATCH 

connector under the child seat cover, 

between the comfort foam and the 

child seat shell, then through the 

child’s right belt slot to the rear of 

the child seat (Fig. C).

f Refit the child seat cover onto the child 

seat shell.

3 Place the child seat sideways on the vehicle 

seat with the back of the child seat facing you.

4 Loosen the Versa-Tether® and place it up 

and over the child seat back.

5 If stored, remove the LATCH connectors 

from storage pouches on the rear of the 

child seat.

6 Verify that the LATCH strap is not twisted 

and attach the closest LATCH connector to 

the vehicle seat back to the farthest LATCH 

anchor (Fig. D)

s The LATCH strap must be routed inside the recline bar. See page 28.

s The LATCH connector MUST be in an upright position (Fig. E).

s A positive click confirms attachment.

NOTE: It may be necessary to switch the LATCH connectors if ANY of 

the following conditions exist:

s The LATCH connector is not in an upright position (Fig. E).

s The LATCH strap is twisted.

s A positive click is NOT heard when the LATCH connector and LATCH 

anchor are connected.

NOTE: If a positive click is not heard, but the LATCH connectors are in an 

upright position, you should not switch the LATCH 

connector. The strap may be too tight or twisted, or 

there may be debris in the LATCH connector.

7 Rotate the child seat into the forward-facing 

position. Ensure the bottom of the child seat 

shell is in full contact with the vehicle seat 

and the recline bar is resting against the 

vehicle seat back.

8 Verify that the LATCH strap is routed under 

the child seat cover and comfort foam and 

is not twisted. Attach the remaining LATCH 

connector to the adjacent LATCH anchor. 

(Fig. F)

s The LATCH strap must be routed inside the recline 

bar. See page 28.

s The LATCH connector MUST be in an upright position (Fig. E).

s A positive click confirms attachment.

9 Reach through the belt slots to access the loop ends of the 

LATCH connector strap (Fig. G).

10 Alternately pull each LATCH strap loop while pushing the child seat 

firmly into the vehicle seat to evenly tighten the LATCH strap.

11 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to the vehicle’s designated 

tether anchor. Remove all slack from the tether to secure. See 

pages 26 – 27.

12 Store the excess webbing in a LATCH storage pouch on the 

back of the cover.

13 Verify that all connections are secure, the LATCH strap is tight 

and the child seat is stable.

s The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 inch frontto-back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, 

repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating position.

Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs. Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs.

F

D

C

G

E

Release

Button Top
22 23

1 The recline bar must be used at all times 

with this child seat. Insert the recline bar into 

the holes on the rear of the child seat. Use a 

rubber mallet to tap the recline bar ends into 

the holes. See page 28 for details.

2 Loosen the Versa-Tether® and place it up 

and over the child seat back.

3 Place the child seat in the forward-facing position on the vehicle 

seat. Ensure the bottom of the child seat shell is in full contact 

with the vehicle seat and the recline bar is resting against the 

vehicle seat back.

4 Pull the vehicle belt out and route through the belt slot furthest 

from the vehicle buckle, from the rear to the front of the child 

seat (Fig. B).

s The vehicle belt must be routed on the outside of the recline bar.

Lap-Shoulder Belt – Short Route

s Figure A illustrates a typical Short Route lapshoulder belt installation. 

5 Route the vehicle belt under the child seat 

cover, between the comfort foam and the 

child seat shell, and through the belt slot 

closest to the vehicle buckle from front to 

rear of the child seat (Fig. C).

s The vehicle belt must be routed on the outside of 

the recline bar.

6 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted 

and then buckle (Fig D).

7 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle 

seat while removing slack first from the lap 

portion and then the shoulder portion of the 

vehicle belt.

8 Lock the vehicle belt according to the 

instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.

9 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to a tether anchor designated 

by the vehicle owner’s manual for the chosen seating position. 

Remove all slack from tether to secure. Store any excess 

webbing in a LATCH storage pouch on the back of the cover. 

See pages 26 – 27.

10 Verify that all connections are secure, the vehicle belt is tight 

and the child seat is secure.

s The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 inch frontto-back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, 

repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating position.

Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs. Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs.

A C

WARNING! The Versa-Tether must be used 

at all times in this mode of installation. Check 

your vehicle owner’s manual for designated tether 

anchor locations.

B D
24 25

Lap Belt – Short Route

s Figure A illustrates a typical Short Route lap belt 

installation.

6 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted and 

then buckle (Fig. D).

7 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat 

while removing slack from the vehicle belt.

8 Lock the vehicle belt according to the 

instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.

9 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to a tether 

anchor designated by the vehicle owner’s 

manual for the chosen seating position. 

Remove all slack from tether to secure. Store 

any excess webbing in a LATCH storage 

pouch on the back of the cover. See pages 

26 – 27. 

10 Verify that all connections are secure, the 

vehicle belt is tight and the child seat is secure.

s The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved more than 1 inch frontto-back or side-to-side at the belt path. If the child seat is not secure, 

repeat this procedure or use an alternate seating position.

Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs. Installation for Children 40 – 80 lbs.

A C

B D

WARNING! Although Britax recommends 

that the Versa-Tether® be used at all times, 

the Versa-Tether must be used 50 – 80 lbs. in this 

mode of installation. Check your vehicle owner’s 

manual for approved tether anchor locations.

1 The recline bar must be used at all times 

with this child seat. Insert the recline bar into 

the holes on the rear of the child seat. Use a 

rubber mallet to tap the recline bar ends into 

the holes. See page 28 for details.

2 Loosen the Versa-Tether® and place it up and over the child 

seat back.

3 Place the child seat in the forward-facing position on the vehicle 

seat. Ensure the bottom of the child seat shell is in full contact 

with the vehicle seat and the recline bar is resting against the 

vehicle seat back.

4 Pull the vehicle belt out and route through the belt slot furthest 

from the vehicle buckle, from the rear to the front of the child 

seat (Fig. B).

s Vehicle belt must route on the inside of the recline bar.

5 Route the vehicle belt under the child seat cover, between 

comfort foam and the child seat shell, then through the belt 

slot closest to the vehicle buckle from front to rear of the child 

seat (Fig. C).

s Vehicle belt must route on the inside of the recline bar.
26 27

Using the Versa-Tether

1 Consult your vehicle owner’s 

manual for approved tether 

anchorage locations.

2 Locate the tether on the back 

of the child seat. Place the 

tether components up and over the child seat back.

3 Install the child seat using the LATCH system or the vehicle seat 

belts according to the instructions in this manual.

4 Lift the tether adjuster tab to release the tether straps, then pull 

to fully extend the tether into a “V” shape. 

5 Locate the hook on the strap. 

6 Hook the tether to the vehicle’s designated anchor point (Fig. 

A). 

7 Pull the tether adjuster belt to remove all slack. 

8 Verify that there is tension in the tether strap and that the child 

seat is properly secured.

s The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-toside more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the belt path.

Versa-Tether® Versa-Tether®

WARNING!

s Attach the Versa-Tether only to tether anchors designated by your 

vehicle manufacturer as tether anchorage points. Use of other locations 

is not approved or permitted.

s Do NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle 

manufacturer if a tether anchor is not available.

s Do NOT hook the Versa-Tether to the bottom of a vehicle seat 

adjuster.

s Always use the Versa-Tether for children weighing more than 50 

pounds (22.7 Kg).

s Always use the Versa-Tether when installed in the lap-shoulder shortroute mode of installation.

s Britax® recommends that the tether be used at all times. Using the 

tether will improve the stability of your child seat and reduce the risk 

of injury.

s If your vehicle does not currently have a tether anchor attachment, refer 

to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer 

for assistance.

OR

1

2 A
28 29

s The recline bar must be installed before using this 

restraint.

1 Insert the recline bar into the holes in lower 

rear of child seat prior to installation in vehicle 

(Fig. A).

2 Use a rubber mallet to tap the recline bar 

ends into holes (Fig. A).

s Do not strike the center of the recline bar near the 

label as this may bend the recline bar.

3 Ensure that the bottom of the child seat shell 

is in full contact with the vehicle seat and the 

recline bar is resting against the vehicle seat 

back (Fig. B).

Belt Routing with the Recline Bar

The recline bar is provided to improve stability 

of the child seat. Proper installation is key to 

ensuring the best performance of the child seat.

Long Route Installation

When using the long route installation, the 

LATCH strap or vehicle belt strap must pass 

outside of the recline bar. (Fig. C)

Short Route Installation

When using the short route installation, the 

LATCH strap or vehicle belt strap must pass 

through the inside of the recline bar. (Fig. D) 

EXCEPTION: When using the lap-shoulder belt 

however, the strap must pass on the outside of the recline bar.

Using the Chest Clip 

Open the chest clip by squeezing the middle 

tabs, while pulling the two pieces apart (Fig. A).

IMPORTANT: The correct height for the chest clip 

is at the middle of the chest, level with the armpit.

Using the Buckle 

Fastening the Buckle

1 Hold the buckle with one hand.

2 Use your other hand to insert one tongue at 

a time into the buckle. Proper connection is 

confirmed with a positive click, after inserting 

the second buckle tongue (Fig. B).

Releasing the Buckle

1 Hold the buckle with one hand.

2 Use thumb to press release button to eject the tongues from 

buckle (Fig. B).

NOTE: Periodically clean the buckle to ensure proper operation. See 

page 37.

Using the Recline Bar

A A

B

C

D

Using Child Seat Features

B
30 31

Once the child seat has been installed in the 

vehicle, follow these instructions to secure your 

child in the child seat.

IMPORTANT: Before securing your child in the 

child seat, always check the adjuster area for debris 

(e.g., food, coins, toys, etc.). If debris is present, it 

must be removed to prevent interference with the 

adjuster mechanism. 

1 Loosen the harness by lifting the adjuster 

lever located in front of the child seat, then 

pull the shoulder straps forward (Fig. A).

2 Open the chest clip by squeezing the middle 

tabs, while pulling the two pieces apart (Fig. B).

3 Unfasten the buckle by pressing down on 

the middle button.

4 Move the harness straps to the side of the 

child seat. To aid in holding the straps, insert 

the pieces of the chest clip into the harness 

retainers on the cover.

5 Place the child in the child seat.

6 Position the harness straps around the 

child and fasten the child seat buckle (Fig. 

C). Proper connection is confirmed with 

a positive click after inserting the second 

buckle tongue.

7 Gently pull up on the harness straps to 

tighten the lap section of the harness, which 

should fit low on your child’s body.

8 Fasten the chest clip by connecting the two halves together 

(Fig. D).

9 Slowly pull the adjuster strap to tighten the 

harness around the child (Fig. E). 

s The correct height for the chest clip is at the middle 

of the chest, level with the child’s armpit (Fig. F). 

s The HUGS pads may be placed in any position that 

is comfortable for the child, within the range of the 

correctly placed chest clip.

10 Verify that harness is not twisted and child is 

properly secured.

See Safety Information on pages 6 – 7.

Securing Your Child Securing Your Child

A E

B F

C

D

WARNING! HUGSTM chest pads must 

be used at all times

IMPORTANT:

s Always pull on the harness after securing the child to ensure the buckle 

tongues are secure in the harness buckle. If the buckle will not fasten with 

a positive click after insertion of each buckle tongue, the harness buckle 

or adjuster area may be clogged with debris that needs to be removed. See 

page 37 for cleaning instructions.

s Adjust the belts provided with the 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.
32 33

1 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness 

release lever while pulling the shoulder straps 

forward as far as possible (Fig. A).

2 From the rear of the child seat, unhook 

the shoulder harness straps from the yoke 

(Fig. B).

3 Pull the harness straps through the shell, foam 

and cover to the front of the child seat.

4 Thread the harness straps through the 

appropriate harness slots in the cover, foam 

and seat shell. (Fig. C).

5 Reattach harness straps to the harness yoke.

The buckle has two positions and 

should be adjusted to fit your child 

(Fig. A). Select the slot closest to, but not under, 

the child.

Harness Height Adjustment Adjusting Buckle Position

A A

B

C

WARNING! HUGSTM chest pads must be 

used at all times.

6 Pull harness adjuster strap to tighten the 

harness.

7 Verify that all straps are threaded at the 

same height and are not twisted.

WARNING! Do not use position two (2) 

until child exceeds 50 pounds (22.7 kg).

Remove the buckle, then rethread in appropriate position. See 

page 36 for buckle removal and rethreading instructions. 
34 35

Cover Removal Cleaning the Cover

sHAND WASH using cold water and mild soap.

s LINE or LIE-FLAT DRY to prevent the cover from shrinking.

sDO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or iron.

Cleaning the Shell

s SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.

s TOWEL DRY

sDO NOT use solvents, abrasive cleaners or disassemble the 

harness.

Cleaning the Harness

s SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.

s TOWEL DRY

sDO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or disassemble 

the harness.

Cleaning the Harness Adjuster

Periodically check the adjuster area to be sure it is clean and free of 

food, drink or other debris. If debris is present, it must be removed 

to prevent interference with the adjuster mechanism.

s BRUSH AWAY LOOSE DEBRIS using a soft-bristled brush.

s SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and a mild soap.

s TOWEL DRY

sDO NOT use solvents, abrasive cleaners or disassemble the 

harness.

Care and Maintenance Care and Maintenance

WARNING! Do not take apart the harness. 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 by lifting the harness 

adjuster lever while pulling the shoulder 

straps forward as far as possible.

2 Unhook the shoulder straps from the harness 

yoke on the rear of the child seat (Fig. A).

3 Pull the upper harness straps through the 

shell and cover to the front of the child seat. 

4 Remove the buckle and belly pad. See page 36.

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, HUGSTM chest 

pads, and chest clip through the lower slots in cover.

7 Remove the entire cover from the child seat.

For additional demonstration please visit www.BritaxUSA.com.

Refitting the Cover

To refit the cover, reverse the above directions. Make sure that the 

shoulder straps are not twisted, and are threaded properly through 

the chest clips, cover, foam, and shell.

A
36 37

Buckle Removal 

1 Locate the metal buckle strap 

retainer on the bottom of the child 

seat.

2 Pull retainer away from child seat 

to loosen.

3 Turn the retainer so that the short 

side will go through the slot in the child seat shell (Fig. A).

4 Push the retainer through slots in the shell and cover, to the 

front of the child seat.

Rethreading the Buckle

1 Locate the necessary buckle slot.

2 Turn the buckle retainer so that the short side will fit through 

the slot in the cover and child seat shell (Fig. A).

3 Push the retainer through the slots in the cover and shell to the 

bottom of the child seat.

4 Pull buckle away from the child seat until tight, then verify that 

the strap is not twisted and the release button is facing out.

5 Verify that the buckle retainer lies flat against the the child seat 

shell.

Cleaning the Buckle

If your child eats and drinks while in the child 

seat, you may need to check the buckle 

periodically and wash out any accumulated 

debris or dried liquids.

s THOROUGHLY RINSE, using warm 

water (Fig. B).

s SOAK, overnight if possible, using warm 

water to loosen hardened drinks or food.

s TEST THE BUCKLE, by fastening and 

unfastening until a positive click is 

heard after inserting the second buckle 

tongue (Fig. C). If click is not heard, 

repeat cleaning procedure.

s TOWEL DRY

DO NOT:

s Lubricate

sUse solvents

sUse soap or household detergents

Care and Maintenance Care and Maintenance

A

B

C
38 39

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 workmanship for one year from 

the date of original purchase. Proof of purchase is required. The exclusive remedy for 

this warranty is that Britax will, at its option, provide repair or replacement components 

for this product or refund the original purchase price of the product. Britax reserves 

the right to discontinue or change fabrics, parts, models or products, or to make 

substitutions.

To make a claim under this warranty, contact Britax Consumer Services at 

1-888-427-4829 or write to us using the address on the back cover of this booklet. 

Proof of purchase is required.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL THE OWNER REGISTRATION CARD WITHIN (30) 

DAYS OF PURCHASE OR VISIT WWW.BRITAXUSA.COM/REGISTRATION.

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-Britax Child Safety, Inc. covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening 

devices is not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this child seat to fail Federal 

Safety Standards or not perform as intended in a crash. Their use automatically voids 

the Britax 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 Britax, 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 fitness 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 specific legal rights, and you may 

have other rights, which vary from state to state. Neither Britax, nor the retailer selling 

this product, authorizes any person to create for it any other warranty, obligation, or 

liability in connection with this product.

Warranty