Britax Marathon User Manual
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Britax Marathon User Manual

Britax Marathon User Manual

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  • Page 1 Marathon User Guide...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Child Restraint Features .
  • Page 4 • Use only in a rear-facing position when using restraint with an infant weighing less than 20 pounds (9 kg) . The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rear-facing until at least 1 year of age and 20 pounds . • Use only with children who weigh between 5 and 65 pounds (2 .3 and 29 kg) and whose height is 49 inches (124 cm) or less . Rear facing 5–33 pounds (2 .3–15 kg) and forward-facing maximum 65 pounds (29 kg) . • Snugly adjust the belts provided with this child restraint 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 .
  • Page 5 • Discontinue use of a child restraint that is older than six years or has been in a severe crash to prevent injury due to deterioration or hidden damage . • This child restraint must not be used in the home, in boats, or other non-certified applications . • Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that parents select the rear seat as the safest location for a properly installed child restraint . Please study the section on Vehicle Safety Belts in this booklet to ensure the child’s safety . If in doubt about installing the child restraint, consult the vehicle owner’s manual .

  • Page 6: Safety Information

    . • Fill out the registration card and mail it in 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 the restraint's model number and manufacturing date to Britax Child Safety, Inc . 13501 South Ridge Drive Charlotte, NC 28273 or call 1-888-4BRITAX . For recall information, call the U .S . Government's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1- 800-424-9153), or go to http://NHTSA .gov . Visit BritaxUSA .com to register online . WARNING!

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    Safety Information IMPORTANT • Verify that the child restraint is secure and that the harness is properly adjusted around the child each time the child restraint is used . • Adjust the harness to fit the clothes the child is wearing . The fit for a child in winter clothes will differ from a child in summer clothes . • Cover the restraint when the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight . Parts of the child restraint could become hot enough to burn the child . • Store the child restraint in a safe place when it is not being used . Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it . • Do not leave children alone in a vehicle, even for a short time . • Do not, except as described in this booklet, attempt to disassemble any part of the child restraint or change the way its harness or the vehicle restraint belts are used . • Do 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 .

  • Page 8: Child Restraint Features

    Restraint Features 1 Harness Slots 2 Comfort Pads 3 Chest Clip 4 Harness Holder 5 HUGS™ Shoulder Pads 6 Harness 7 Harness Adjuster Lever (under cover) 8 Buckle & Belly 10 Harness Adjuster 12 Recline Handle Strap 13 LATCH Adjuster 9 Perma-Book™ 11 LATCH Connector 14 LATCH Harness (under cover)
  • Page 9 Restraint Features 15 Cover 19 LATCH Connector 22 Rear-Facing Lock-off Pouch (under 16 Versa-Tether 23 Base ® cover) 17 Harness Yoke 20 Belt Guard 18 Forward-Facing 21 LATCH Bar Lock-off...

  • Page 10: Vehicle Safety Belts

    Vehicle Safety Belts NOTE: The information in this section applies only to installation with vehicle belts . Some vehicles have no seating IMPORTANT: positions which are compatible with this child restraint, or any other child restraint . If in doubt, contact the vehicle manufacturer for assistance . The following types of vehicle belts are not compatible with this child restraint: Front vehicle belts with top or bottom anchorage points in the door . Motor driven automatic vehicle belts . Three-point belts that have separate retractors for the shoulder section and the lap section . Non-locking (ELR) two-point vehicle belts . The owner's manual for your vehicle will have information on the types of vehicle belts in your vehicle . If your belt type is listed above, select another seating position or use LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors .

  • Page 11: Vehicle Seating Positions

    Vehicle Seating Positions WARNING: • Forward facing vehicle seats MUST be used with this child restraint . Side facing or rear-facing seats CANNOT be used .

  • Page 12: Rear-Facing Installation

    Installation: Rear-Facing Rear-Facing LATCH Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing LATCH installation. 1 Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors . • If LATCH anchors are not installed, you must use standard vehicle belt installation methods. 2 If stored, remove LATCH connectors from storage pouches under cover .
  • Page 13 Installation: Rear-Facing 8 Push the child restraint firmly into the vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH harness tight (Fig. D) . 9 Verify that all connections are secure and the restraint is stable . NOTE: • The back angle of the child restraint should not exceed 45º when properly installed in the rear-facing position . • Installation can be improved by the use of the Versa-Tether (see pages 23–25) . The recline angle ® can be adjusted by tightening the tether as described on page 24, using anchor point 3 .

  • Page 14: Rear-Facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation

    Installation: Rear-Facing Rear-Facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing lap-shoulder belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in storage pouches sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs. 1 Place the child restraint rear-facing and in full recline position on the vehicle seat . 2 Open rear-facing lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled . 3 Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it through the first rear-facing belt slot (Fig.
  • Page 15 Installation: Rear-Facing 7 Position both sections of vehicle belt through the rear-facing lock-off farthest from vehicle buckle, then close lock-off arm (Fig. E) . • Lock-off is properly closed when a positive click is heard. • To prevent breakage, never bend the lock- off arm up or down.

  • Page 16: Rear-Facing Lap Belt Installation

    Installation: Rear-Facing Rear-Facing Lap Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing lap belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in storage pouches sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs. 1 Place the child restraint rear-facing and in full recline position on the vehicle seat . 2 Open rear-facing lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled . 3 Pull the vehicle belt out, then pass it through the closest rear-facing belt slot (Fig.
  • Page 17 Installation: Rear-Facing 7 Position the vehicle belt through the rear-facing lock-off farthest from the vehicle buckle, then close lock-off arm (Fig. D) . • Lock-off is properly closed when a positive click is heard. • To prevent breakage, never bend the lock- off arm up or down.

  • Page 18: Forward-Facing Installation

    Installation: Forward-Facing Forward-Facing LATCH Installation • Figure A illustrates the forward-facing LATCH harness routing. 1 Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors . • If LATCH anchors are not installed, you must use standard vehicle belt installation methods. 2 If stored, remove LATCH connectors from storage pouches under cover .
  • Page 19 Installation: Forward-Facing 8 Kneel on the child restraint to force it into the vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH harness tight (Fig. D) . 9 Verify that all connections are secure and the restraint is stable . • Installation can be improved by the use of ® the Versa-Tether (see pages 23–25).

  • Page 20: Forward-Facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation

    Installation: Forward-Facing Forward-Facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates the forward-facing lap- shoulder vehicle belt route. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in storage pouches sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs. 1 Place the child restraint forward-facing on the vehicle seat . • Restraint must be in the full upright position when installed in forward-facing mode with children over 33 pounds (15kg).
  • Page 21 Installation: Forward-Facing 4 Rotate lever downward to open forward-facing lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt is buckled . 5 Remove slack from the lap portion of the vehicle belt . 6 Force the child restraint into the vehicle seat while pulling the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt tightly through the lock-off (Fig . D) . 7 Hold the shoulder belt tight, then rotate the lock-off upward until secured (Fig . E) .

  • Page 22: Forward-Facing Lap Belt Installation

    Installation: Forward-Facing Forward-Facing Lap Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates the forward-facing lap belt only vehicle belt route. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in storage pouches sewn in cover above rear-facing lock-offs. 1 Place the child restraint forward-facing on the vehicle seat . • Restraint must be in the full upright position when installed in forward-facing mode with children over 33 pounds (15kg).

  • Page 23: Switching The Latch Connectors

    Switching the LATCH Connectors If the LATCH connector will not properly connect to the LATCH bar in the vehicle, the connectors must be switched from one side to the other . This will ensure that the connectors are correctly aligned . 1 Lift the front of the cover to access the LATCH bar . 2 Slide one connector through both rear- facing belt slots to the opposite side of the restraint, so that both connectors are on the same side of the restraint (Fig. D) . 3 Loosen the loop on one connector (Fig.

  • Page 24: Installation In Aircraft

    Installation in Aircraft This child restraint is certified for aircraft use . Most airlines in the U .S . and Canada will allow the use of a child restraint, if it is labeled as an approved child restraint for airline use and fits properly on the plane . Contact the airline about their policy prior to traveling .

  • Page 25: Versa-Tether

    Versa-Tether ® WARNING: WHEN USING THE RESTRAINT IN FORWARD FACING MODE, ATTACH THE VERSA-TETHER ONLY TO TETHER ANCHORS IDENTIFIED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER AS TETHER ANCHORAGE POINTS . USE OF OTHER LOCATIONS IS NOT APPROVED OR PERMITTED . • Britax recommends that the tether be used at all times . Using ® the tether will improve the stability of the child restraint and reduce the risk of injury . • If the vehicle does not currently have a tether anchor attachment, refer to the vehicle owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for assistance . • If a tether anchorage is not available, DO NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle manufacturer . • D O NOT hook the Versa-Tether to the bottom of a vehicle ®...
  • Page 26 Versa-Tether ® 4 Hook the tether to an anchor point . • See figure A for forward-facing installation . • S ee figure B for rear-facing installation . Rear-racing installation may also require use of the Tether Connector Strap, as described on page 25 . 5 Pull the adjuster strap to remove all slack . 6 Verify that there is tension in the tether strap and that child restraint is properly secured . NOTE: • The rear-facing recline angle of the child restraint should not exceed 45º from vertical . • The rear-facing recline angle can be adjusted by tightening the tether as described in figure B, using anchor point 3 . • It may be necessary to loosen the tether and vehicle seat belt before adjusting the recline position . Using the Rear-Facing Tether Connector Strap IMPORTANT: Only use the tether connector strap (Fig.
  • Page 27 . THE TETHER HAS BEEN WARNING: DESIGNED TO INDICATE WHEN THE CHILD RESTRAINT HAS BEEN IN A SEVERE CRASH AND REPLACEMENT OF THE CHILD RESTRAINT IS NECESSARY . • F igure D shows the tether when the child restraint is acceptable for continued use . The colored stitching will be intact and the webbing will be looped inside the shell . • F igure E shows the tether when the child restraint is unacceptable for continued use . The colored stitching will be broken and the loops will have pulled through the backside of the shell . If this condition occurs, discontinue use of the child restraint and contact Britax Child Safety, Inc . Consumer Services for further instruction .

  • Page 28: Checking Buckle Position

    Checking Buckle Position WARNING: The position of the vehicle belt buckle can affect the stability of the child restraint . In an accident, an improperly positioned buckle could become loose and the child would be unprotected . If the buckle lies near the position marked as wrong ( ) when the vehicle belt is tightened, try fitting the child restraint in another seating position in the vehicle . If it is not possible to achieve the correct position ( ) for the buckle, then another seating position MUST be used .

  • Page 29: Using The Buckle

    Using the Buckle Fastening the Buckle • Hold the buckle with one hand . • Use the 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 . Releasing the Buckle • Brace the rear of the buckle with hand . • Use thumb to press release button until tongues are ejected from buckle . IMPORTANT: Periodically clean the buckle to ensure proper operation . See section, Cleaning the Buckle, on page 35 . Using the Chest Clip Fastening the Chest Clip Fasten the chest clip by pushing the two halves together until a positive click is heard .

  • Page 30: Securing Your Child

    Securing Your Child Once the child restraint has been installed in the vehicle, follow these instructions to secure the child . 1 Loosen the harness by lifting the adjuster lever located in front of the restraint, then pull the shoulder straps forward (Fig. A) . 2 Unfasten the chest clip by squeezing the middle tab (Fig. B) . 3 Unfasten the buckle by pressing down on the release button . 4 Move the harness straps to the side of the restraint . • Use the harness holder located on the straps and side of the cover to aid in hold- ing the straps.
  • Page 31 Securing Your Child 7 Gently pull up on the harness straps to tighten the lap section of the harness, which should fit low on the child's body . 8 Slowly pull the adjuster strap to tighten the harness around the child (Fig. E) . IMPORTANT: Snugly adjust the belts provided with this child restraint 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 .

  • Page 32: Checking Harness Height

    Checking Harness Height To Check Harness Height: Place child in restraint, then secure harness (see pages 28–29) . Observe where the shoulder harness is positioned on the child . • Rear-Facing Strap Height: Harness Rear Facing straps should be located in the nearest slot at or below the child’s shoulder . Strap Height • Forward-Facing Strap Height: Harness straps should be located in the nearest slot at or above the child’s shoulder . If harness height is okay, continue using child restraint without adjustment . If harness height requires adjustment, refer...

  • Page 33: Adjusting Harness Height

    Adjusting Harness Height Harness Height Adjustment Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster lever while pulling the shoulder straps forward as far as possible (Fig. A) . 2 From the rear of the child restraint, unhook the shoulder harness from the yoke (Fig. B) . 3 Pull straps through the shell and cover, to the front of the restraint . Do not remove HUGS pads for NOTE: forward-facing use . Removal of HUGS is optional for rear-facing use only .

  • Page 34: Care And Maintenance

    Care and Maintenance Cover Removal 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 yoke on the rear of child restraint . 3 Remove the belly pad from the buckle . 4 Pull upper harness straps through the shell and cover, to the front of the restraint . 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, chest clip, and buckle through the slots in the cover . WARNING: • Do not take apart or attempt to take apart the harness . It is unnecessary and dangerous to do so . • Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness . They cannot be reattached after removal .

  • Page 35: Cleaning The Cover

    Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Cover HAND WASH, using cold water and mild soap . LINE DRY, to prevent cover from shrinking . NOT: Bleach, machine wash, machine dry, or iron . Cleaning the Shell SPONGE CLEAN, using warm water and mild soap . TOWEL DRY NOT: Use solvents, abrasive cleaners, or disassemble the harness . Cleaning the Harness SPONGE CLEAN, using warm water and mild soap . TOWEL DRY 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, coins, dirt, and other objects . If debris is present, it must be removed to prevent interference with the adjuster mechanism .
  • Page 36 Care and Maintenance Buckle Removal 1 Fully recline the child restraint . 2 Locate the metal buckle strap retainer on bottom of the restraint . 3 Pull retainer away from child restraint to loosen . 4 Turn the retainer so that the short side will go through the slot in the restraint shell (Fig. A) . 5 Push the retainer through slots in the shell and cover, to the front of the restraint .

  • Page 37: Care And Maintenance

    Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Buckle If a child eats and drinks while in the restraint, the buckle may need to be periodically checked and cleaned of any accumulated debris or dried liquids . THOROUGHLY RINSE, using warm water (Fig. B) . SOAK, overnight if possible, using warm water to loosen hardened drinks or food . 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 .

  • Page 38: 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 limi- tations 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 .

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