Britax CHAPERONE User Manual
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Chaperone™
User Guide

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Britax CHAPERONE

  • Page 1 Chaperone™ User Guide...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Low Birth Weight Infant Foam ..................53 Placing Child in Infant Carrier ..................54 General Usage .....................58 Care and Maintenance ..................60 Troubleshooting ....................71 Warranty .......................72 ©2010 Britax Child Safety, Inc. All rights reserved. P328900_R5.02.10 This product and its components are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 4: General Information

    Send your name, address, e-mail address if available, and the restraint’s model number and manufacturing date to Britax Child Safety, Inc. P .O. Box 91167 Allentown, PA 18109-9925 or call 1-888-4BRITAX or register online at www.BritaxUSA.com/registration.
  • Page 5: Certification (Motor Vehicle And Aircraft)

    General Information Certification (Motor Vehicle and Aircraft) This child seat system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213). This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft. Most airlines in the US and Canada will allow the use of a child seat as long as it is labeled as an approved child seat for airline use and fits properly on the aircraft seat.
  • Page 6: General Warnings

    • NEVER leave child unattended. • The use of aftermarket covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is not approved by Britax. Their use could cause this infant carrier to fail Federal Safety Standards or not perform as intended in a crash.
  • Page 7 A child can strangle in loose infant carrier straps. • NEVER use in or on strollers unless approved by Britax. • ALWAYS lift infant carrier by handle after installation in base to verify that it is secure.
  • Page 8: Child Size: Height And Weight Limitations

    Child Size: Height and Weight Limitations Infant Carrier Capacities and Limitations Rear-Facing Weight 4 – 30 lbs (1.8 – 13.6 kg) Use rear-facing only with children: • who weigh between 4 and 30 lbs (1.8 and 13.6 kg) and • who are 32 inches in height (81.3 cm) or less and •...
  • Page 9: Vehicle Compatibility

    Vehicle Compatibility Using LATCH WARNING! • Use either the LATCH system or the vehicle belt methods to install this child seat. Using both is not approved and may cause the child seat not to perform as intended. • Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt installation methods.
  • Page 10: Connecting The Latch Connectors

    Vehicle Compatibility Only use the LATCH system on this infant carrier in a seating position designated by the vehicle owner’s manual. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the maximum weight rating for their LATCH anchors. This infant carrier was designed to be used with lower LATCH anchors in vehicle designated seating positions.
  • Page 11: Locating And Storing The Latch Connectors

    Vehicle Compatibility To remove the LATCH connectors from the storage slots: Press and hold the red Pull the LATCH connector release button. from the storage slot. To store the LATCH connectors: Push the LATCH connector into the storage slot until a click is heard to store the LATCH connectors.
  • Page 12: Vehicle Seating Positions

    Vehicle Compatibility Vehicle Seating Positions IMPORTANT: The Chaperone infant carrier and base have been tested to and exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213). Base overhang may occur and will vary from one vehicle to another. Overhang WARNING! Based...
  • Page 13: Compatible Vehicle Seat Belts

    Vehicle Compatibility Compatible Vehicle Seat Belts NOTE: The information in this section only applies to installation with vehicle safety belts. Vehicle seat belts compatible with this child seat are: Lap-shoulder belts and Lap only belts equipped with a switchable retractor, or an automatic locking retractor (ALR), or a locking latch plate.
  • Page 14 Vehicle Compatibility ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) with Sliding Latch Plate Has a latch plate that freely slides along the vehicle belt webbing. Has a retractor that stops the belt from being pulled out again once it has been pulled out. * The ALR in some vehicle belts may not activate unless the belt is pulled out at least 24 inches...
  • Page 15 NOTE: The base for this infant Locking Clip carrier is equipped with a lock-off. If installing the carrier without the base, a locking clip must be used with a non-locking lap-shoulder belt. Call Britax Consumer Services at 1.888.427.4829 to obtain a locking clip.
  • Page 16 Vehicle Compatibility Lap Belt ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) Has a latch plate that is sewn onto the webbing. Has a retractor that stops the belt from being pulled out again once it has been pulled out. * The ALR in some vehicle belts may not activate unless the belt is pulled out at least 24 inches (61 cm).
  • Page 17: Incompatible Vehicle Seat Belts

    Vehicle Compatibility Incompatible Vehicle Seat Belts WARNING! The following types of vehicle belts are NOT compatible with this child seat: Vehicle belts with top or Motorized, automatic bottom anchor points on vehicle belts the vehicle door. Lap-shoulder belts that Lap belts forward of the have a separate retractor seat bight each for the lap section...
  • Page 18: Infant Carrier Features

    Infant Carrier Features Canopy 13 Low Birth Weight Infant Foam Head Restraint 14 Handle Harness Slots 15 Recline Angle Level Indicator Comfort Pads 16 Infant Carrier Release Handle Chest Clip 17 Harness Adjuster Harness Straps 18 Serial Number and Date of Manufacture Label Buckle 19 Harness Yoke...
  • Page 19 Infant Carrier Features 25 LATCH Connector Release 30 Lock-off Button 31 Recline Adjustment Knob 26 Recline Adjustment Foot IMPORTANT: This user guide 27 Anti-Rebound Bar should be stored under the cover 28 Carrier Attachment Clips when not in use. 29 Serial Number and Date of Manufacture label (on bottom of base)
  • Page 20: Installing The Base

    Installing the Base LATCH Installation WARNING! • Only raise the base as described in these instructions. Do not use anything to raise the base of the infant carrier off the front edge of the vehicle seat. In a crash, this could cause the infant carrier not to perform as intended. •...
  • Page 21 Installing the Base Press and hold the red Position the base in the release button on the LATCH desired vehicle seating connector while removing the position equipped with LATCH connectors from the LATCH. storage slots. Attach each LATCH connector Pull on the LATCH connectors to the adjacent vehicle LATCH to verify that the connection is anchor by pushing them...
  • Page 22 Installing the Base Push the base firmly into the Route any loose webbing from vehicle seat and then pull the the LATCH adjuster through the LATCH adjuster strap to tighten. lock-off. Close the lock-off plate over Press firmly on the lock-off the webbing.
  • Page 23 Installing the Base Verify that all connections are secure. Check that: 9 The LATCH strap is not twisted. 9 The LATCH connectors are properly aligned. 9 The excess LATCH webbing has been secured in the lock-off. 9 The infant carrier handle is rotated into any locked position. 9 The infant carrier is secure.
  • Page 24 Installing the Base Follow the steps below if adjustment of the recline angle is necessary: Press the LATCH adjuster Press the LATCH connector release button to release tension release button and detach the in the LATCH strap. LATCH connectors from the LATCH anchors.
  • Page 25 Installing the Base If there is a problem achieving the proper recline angle after following the previous steps: Uninstall the base and rotate the recline adjuster on the base to the lowest position. Remove the base from the vehicle seat. Place a rolled towel or pool Place the base on the towel or noodle in the vehicle seat bight.
  • Page 26: Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation

    Installing the Base Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation Before You Begin: 9 Remove the infant carrier before installing the base. 9 Ensure that the LATCH connectors are in the storage slots in the base. 9 Check that your vehicle seat belt is compatible with infant carrier use.
  • Page 27 Installing the Base Push the base firmly into the Pull the shoulder part of the vehicle seat and remove all vehicle belt tight and then slack from the lap part of the route under both belt guides. vehicle belt. Hold the shoulder belt tight Press firmly on the lock-off and close the lock-off plate plate, and then close both...
  • Page 28 Installing the Base Verify that the vehicle belt is tight and that the base is secure. The base is secure when it moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) front-to back or side-to-side at the vehicle belt path. Verify that all connections are secure. Check that: 9 The vehicle belt is not twisted.
  • Page 29 Installing the Base Follow the steps below if adjustment of the recline angle is necessary: Unbuckle the seat belt. Turn the recline adjustment knob to adjust the recline angle. Place the infant carrier in the base and check the recline angle. Repeat the previous steps until a secure installation with proper recline angle is achieved.
  • Page 30: Lap Belt Installation

    Installing the Base Lap Belt Installation Before You Begin: 9 Remove the infant carrier before installing the base, if attached. 9 Ensure that the LATCH connectors are in the storage slots in the base. 9 Check that your vehicle seat belt is compatible with infant carrier use.
  • Page 31 Installing the Base Push the base firmly into the Route any excess webbing vehicle seat while removing from the vehicle belt through all slack from the vehicle belt. the lock-off. Close the lock-off plate over the webbing and close both Place the infant carrier into lock-off tabs while pressing the base and press down until...
  • Page 32 Installing the Base Verify that all connections are secure. Check that: 9 The vehicle belt is not twisted. 9 The vehicle belt is tight and locked. * Check that the vehicle belt retractor is locked or, * Check that the vehicle belt has been properly routed through the lock-off and that the lock-off is closed.
  • Page 33 Installing the Base Follow the steps below if adjustment of the recline angle is necessary: Unbuckle the seat belt. Turn the recline adjustment knob to adjust the recline angle. Place the infant carrier in the base and check the recline angle. Repeat the previous steps until a secure installation with proper recline angle is achieved.
  • Page 34: Attaching Infant Carrier To Base

    Installing the Base Attaching Infant Carrier to Base Align the infant carrier with Set the infant carrier into base the slots in the base, ensuring until an audible click is heard. that the infant carrier faces the rear of the vehicle. Pull up on the infant carrier Rotate the handle to any handle to ensure it is properly...
  • Page 35: Releasing Infant Carrier From Base

    Installing the Base Releasing Infant Carrier from Base If necessary, rotate the handle Locate the release handle at into the carrying position. the rear of the infant carrier. Squeeze and hold the release Lift the infant carrier away handle. from the base.
  • Page 36: Uninstalling The Base

    Uninstalling the Base Removal of Base LATCH Installation: IMPORTANT: Always remove the infant carrier before attempting to remove the base. Press down on the lock off Press the LATCH adjuster plate, then lift the tabs and release button and release lock-off plate to open the tension in the LATCH strap.
  • Page 37 Uninstalling the Base Removal of Base Vehicle Belt Installation: IMPORTANT: Always remove the infant carrier before attempting to remove the base. Lift the tabs and lock-off plate Press the release button on to open the lock-off. the vehicle belt buckle. Pull the vehicle belt from the base belt guides.
  • Page 38: Installing Your Infant Carrier Without Base

    Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Installation without Base Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation Before You Begin: 9 Check that your vehicle seat belt is compatible with infant carrier use. See pages 11 – 15 for more information. 9 Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine how to lock your vehicle belt system.
  • Page 39 IMPORTANT: If you cannot lock your vehicle seat belt you must use a locking clip. See pages 40 – 43. Contact Britax Consumer Services at 1.888.427.4829 to obtain a locking clip.
  • Page 40 Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Adjust the infant carrier handle to any locked position. Verify that all connections are secure. Check that: 9 The vehicle belt is not twisted. 9 The vehicle belt is tight and locked. * Check that the vehicle belt retractor is locked or, * Check that the latch plate is locked or, * Ensure that a locking clip has been properly installed.
  • Page 41 Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Follow the steps below if adjustment of the recline angle is necessary: Unbuckle the seat belt. Place a rolled towel or pool Place the infant carrier on the noodle(s) in the vehicle seat towel or pool noodle(s) to help bight.
  • Page 42: Non-Locking Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation Using A Locking Clip

    Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for instructions on correct use of vehicle belts with child seats. Before You Begin: 9 Ensure you have a locking clip. Contact Britax Consumer Services at 1.888.427.4829 to obtain a locking clip. 9 Secure child in carrier before...
  • Page 43 Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Route the lap part of the vehicle Verify that the vehicle belt is not belt through the second belt guide. twisted and then buckle. * Do not route the shoulder part of the vehicle belt through the belt guides.
  • Page 44 Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Buckle the vehicle belt. Adjust the infant carrier handle to any locked position. * The vehicle belt should be tight around the infant carrier. If it is not tight, unbuckle the belt, remove the locking clip, and repeat steps 2 –...
  • Page 45 Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base The proper recline angle is achieved when the level indicators on the infant carrier are within the level lines. * The vehicle should be parked on a level surface. NOTE: It may be necessary to install the infant carrier more than once to achieve the proper recline angle.
  • Page 46: Lap Belt Installation

    Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Lap Belt Installation Before You Begin 9 Check your vehicle owner’s manual to see if your seat belt is compatible with infant carrier use. See pages 11 – 15 for more information. 9 There are many different types of lap belts.
  • Page 47 Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Adjust the infant carrier handle to any locked position. Verify that all connections are secure. Check that: 9 The vehicle belt is not twisted. 9 The vehicle belt is tight and locked. * There are many different types of lap belts. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for installation instructions with child restraints.
  • Page 48: Removing The Infant Carrier

    Installing Your Infant Carrier without Base Follow the steps below if adjustment of the recline angle is necessary: Unbuckle the seat belt. Place a rolled towel or pool Place the infant carrier on the noodle(s) in the vehicle seat towel or pool noodle(s) to help bight.
  • Page 49: Securing Your Child

    Securing Your Child Securing Your Child in the Infant Carrier WARNING! • Adjust harness to fit clothes the child is wearing. Remove bulky coats and/or jackets before putting child in infant carrier. • Adjust the belts provided with this child seat so they fit snugly around your child.
  • Page 50 Securing Your Child Rear-Facing Strap Height Place the child in the infant Move the harness straps to carrier and check the harness the side of the infant carrier. height. Move the buckle away from * The correct height for the the seating area of the infant harness straps is at or below the carrier.
  • Page 51: Harness Strap Adjustment

    Securing Your Child Harness Strap Adjustment When using the infant carrier for a child 11 lbs (5 kg) or below, the inner harness strap loops must be used. For a child above 11 lbs (5 kg), the end loops of the harness strap must be used. See page 50. Depending on the size of your child, you will need to adjust the shoulder straps on the harness to ensure the harness provides the most snug fit around your...
  • Page 52: Adjusting The Buckle

    Securing Your Child IMPORTANT: Harness straps must hang as shown by above. Do not tuck the straps behind the harness yoke. Pull on the harness straps to ensure the harness strap webbing is secured within the slots of the harness yoke. Adjusting the Buckle IMPORTANT: Your infant carrier has been assembled with the buckle strap in the inner position for infants weighing less than 11 lbs (5 kg).
  • Page 53 Securing Your Child Locate the buckle strap retainer Slide the retainer from the tabs attached to the opposite end of on the bottom of the infant carrier the buckle strap on the bottom of shell, then pull the buckle strap the infant carrier shell.
  • Page 54: Replacing The Buckle

    Securing Your Child Replacing the Buckle Turn the buckle strap retainer Thread the buckle strap so that the short side will go retainer through the desired through the desired slots in slots in the infant carrier shell. the cover, foam and infant carrier shell.
  • Page 55: Low Birth Weight Infant Foam

    Securing Your Child Low Birth Weight Infant Foam Low birth weight foam has been included with this infant carrier for infants weighing 4 to 11 lbs (1.8 to 5 kg). This foam may be necessary for low birth weight infants to achieve a snug fit of the harness around your child. IMPORTANT: Do not use low birth weight foam for infants weighing more than 11 lbs (5 kg).
  • Page 56: Placing Child In Infant Carrier

    Securing Your Child Placing Child in Infant Carrier Press the harness adjuster Press the tab and pull apart lever while pulling both the two halves to release the harness straps forward to chest clip. loosen the harness. Press the red release button Move the harness straps to on the buckle and pull the the sides of the infant carrier.
  • Page 57 Securing Your Child Slouching Sitting Up Place the child in the infant Position the harness straps carrier as shown. around the child. Insert one buckle tongue at a Slide the two halves of the time into the harness buckle chest clip together until a click to buckle the harness.
  • Page 58 Securing Your Child Gently pull up on the harness Slowly pull the adjuster strap straps to tighten the lap section to tighten the harness around of the harness, which should fit the child. low on the child’s body. NOTE: Snugly adjust the belts provided with this child restraint around your child.
  • Page 59 Securing Your Child Position the chest clip at the center of the child’s chest, level with the child’s armpits. Verify that the harness is not twisted and the child is properly secured. Check that the: 9 Buckle is fastened 9 Harness straps are not twisted. 9 Harness is snug 9 Chest clip is at the child’s armpit level.
  • Page 60: General Usage

    General Usage Handle Positions The carrier handle must be adjusted to one of the three locked positions. To adjust, press and hold both handle release levers and rotate the handle into one of the three locked positions. Canopy To raise the canopy, pull the To collapse the canopy, push canopy fabric at the top of the canopy fabric at top of...
  • Page 61 General Usage User Guide Storage Tuck the user guide and lanyard under the cover in the front of the infant carrier to store. Seat Storage Store the infant carrier in a safe, dry place when it will not be used for an extended period of time.
  • Page 62: Care And Maintenance

    Care and Maintenance Cover Removal WARNING! • DO NOT, except as described in this booklet, attempt to disassemble any part of the infant carrier or change the way its harness or the vehicle belts are used. • DO NOT take apart the harness. It is unnecessary and dangerous to do so.
  • Page 63 Care and Maintenance Press the red release button Unhook the harness straps on the buckle and pull the from the harness yoke on the tongues from the buckle to bottom of the infant carrier. unbuckle the harness. Pull the harness straps Remove the head restraint through the shell, cover, and cover.
  • Page 64 Care and Maintenance Locate the buckle strap retainer Slide the buckle strap retainer attached to the opposite end of the from the tabs on the bottom of the infant carrier shell, then pull the buckle strap. buckle strap retainer away from the infant carrier to loosen.
  • Page 65 Care and Maintenance Remove the comfort pads from Remove the top part of the cover. the harness straps. * Be careful not to damage the EPS foam. Pull the harness straps, buckle Remove cover from the infant tongues, and chest clip through carrier.
  • Page 66 Care and Maintenance Refitting the Cover: Route the top part of the Pull the harness straps, chest cover over the infant carrier clips, and buckle tongues shell. through the slots in the cover. * Be careful not to damage the EPS foam.
  • Page 67 Care and Maintenance Thread the buckle strap retainer Slide the buckle strap retainer into the tabs so it lies flat through the desired slots in the against the infant carrier shell. infant carrier shell. Check that the buckle strap Pull the adjuster strap through is not twisted and that the red the slot in the cover.
  • Page 68 Care and Maintenance Fit the plastic flaps under the Replace the comfort pads on edge of the child seat shell. the harness straps. Replace the head restraint Route the harness straps cover. though the head restraint cover, comfort foam, and * Be careful not to damage the infant carrier shell.
  • Page 69 Care and Maintenance Before using the infant carrier, double check that the harness straps are not twisted, and that the comfort pads, chest clip, and buckle tongues appear as shown. Cleaning the Cover • HAND WASH using cold water and mild soap. •...
  • Page 70 Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Harness Adjuster • BRUSH AWAY LOOSE DEBRIS using a soft bristled brush. • SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap. • TOWEL DRY • DO NOT: * Use solvents * Use abrasive cleaners * Disassemble the harness adjuster * Iron NOTE: Periodically check the harness adjuster area to be sure it is clean and free of food, coins, dirt, or other debris.
  • Page 71 Care and Maintenance Slide the retainer from the Turn the buckle strap retainer tabs on the bottom of the so that the short side will go infant carrier shell, then pull through the slot in the infant the buckle strap retainer carrier shell.
  • Page 72 Care and Maintenance Replace the Buckle NOTE: If removed, pull the belly pad over the metal retainer to replace prior to step 1. Turn the buckle strap retainer Thread the buckle strap so that the short side will go retainer through the desired through the desired slots in slots in the infant carrier shell the cover, foam and infant...
  • Page 73: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Troubleshooting the LATCH Connectors If a click is not heard when connecting a LATCH connector: • Check that the LATCH connector strap is not too tight or twisted. • Clean away any debris that may be in the LATCH connector. Troubleshooting the Head Restraint If the head restraint is difficult to adjust or the head restraint does not move when releasing the adjuster handle:...
  • Page 74: Warranty

    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.
  • Page 76 Make sure the chest clip is properly fastened and positioned in the  middle of the child’s chest at armpit level. Britax Child Safety, Inc. Tel. : 1-888-427-4829 13501 South Ridge Drive Charlotte, NC 28273 www.Britax.com...

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