Diplomat™ AD R RE NS VE SE CTIO CO A E RU ER L E P ST ND R LI ONS IN E U DE TI E UC US OR ÈR STR SOSE ST I PR IN GER US S N O LE RA A H L Canadian User Guide Guide de l’utilisateur Canadien
Table of Contents Safety Information Warnings ......................................................................................................2 Important Notes ...........................................................................................4 Certification ..................................................................................................5 Registration ..................................................................................................
WARNING! DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur if the following are not observed : • Use only with children who weigh between 2.3 – 18.1 kg (5 – 40 lbs) and whose height is between 55.9 – 101.6 cm (22 – 40 in.). • Use rear-facing for children who weigh between 2.3 – 13.6 kg (5 – 30 lbs) and whose height is between 55.9 – 76.2 cm (22 – 30 in.) • Use forward-facing for children who weigh between 9.1 – 18.1 kg (20 – 40 lbs) and whose height is between 68.6 – 101.6 cm (27 – 40 in.).
• Register 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. • 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 child seat (page 9).
Safety Information Important Notes • Verify that the child seat is securely installed and that the harness is properly adjusted around the child each time the child seat is used. • Adjust the harness to fit the clothes the child is wearing. Remove bulky coats and/or jackets before putting the child in child seat. • Cover the child seat when the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Parts of child seat could become hot enough to burn a child. • Store the child seat in a safe place when it is not being used.
Safety Information Certification This child seat system conforms to all applicable Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (213 and 213.1). This child seat is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Registration Child seats can 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, Ltd., P.
Safety Information Important Harness Adjustments 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 9.1 kg (20 lbs). That means that if your infant reaches 9.1 kg (20 lbs) before her first birthday, she should remain rearfacing at least until she turns 1 year old. It is best for children to ride rearfacing to the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer. Rear-Facing 1 2. in 5 ch cm Weight 2.
Safety Information Forward-Facing Weight 9.1 kg (and 1 year) –18.1 kg (20 – 40 lbs) Only use forward-facing with children : • who are at least one year of age and • who weigh between 9.1 – 18.1 kg. (20 – 40 lbs) and • whose height is between 68.6 – 101.6 cm (27 b Forward-Facing – 40 in.) and • when the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the child seat shell and • when the harness straps are at or above the child’s shoulders (Fig. B) IMPORTANT: See How to Adjust Harness Height on page 31.
Child Seat Features 6 7 8 1 2 9 10 3 11 4 12 5 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Head Restraint Head Restraint Adjustment Knob Cover Shell Rear-Facing Lock-Off Comfort Pad Chest Clip 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Harness Straps Harness Buckle Belly Pad Infant Body Pillow Harness Adjuster Release Button Harness Adjuster Strap Recline Handle (Front of Base)
Child Seat Features 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 15 Serial Number and Manufactured Date (under cover) 23 16 Versa-Tether 24 (Top Anchorage Strap)-in pouch 25 17 Forward-Facing Lock-Off 18 Base 26 19 National Safety Mark 20 Harness Yoke 21 Belt Guard 22 LCS Connector Strap 25 26 LCS Adjuster Release Button LCS Adjuster LCS Connector (Stored under cover) LCS Connector Release Button IMPORTANT: When not in use, this user guide should be stored under the cover.
Vehicle Compatibility 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.
Vehicle Compatibility Vehicle Buckle Positions WARNING! The position of the vehicle belt buckle can adversely affect the stability of the child seat. If the buckle lies near the position marked wrong ( ) when the vehicle belt is tightened, try fitting the child seat in another seating position in the vehicle OR consult your vehicle owner’s manual to see if you can lower the vehicle buckle position by twisting the vehicle buckle stalk.
Installation : Rear-facing Lower Universal Anchorage System (LUAS) Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing LUAS installation. • Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LUAS anchors. If LUAS anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt installation methods. 1 If stored, remove the LCS strap and connectors from the storage slots under the cover. See page 29. 2 Press and hold one LCS adjuster release button, then pull to extend LCS strap to full length.
Installation : Rear-facing • The LCS connector is not in an upright position Fig. D). • The LCS strap is twisted. • A positive click is not heard when the LCS connector and LUAS anchor are connected. NOTE: If a positive click is not heard, but the LCS connector is in an upright position, you should not switch the LCS connectors. The strap may be too tight or twisted, or there may be debris in the LCS connector.
Installation : Rear-facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing, lap-shoulder belt installation. • When not in use, always store LCS connectors in storage slots. See page 29. 1 Recline the child seat and place it rear-facing on the vehicle seat. A Rear-Facing WARNING! This child seat must be in the recline position when installed rear-facing. See Recline Adjustment on page 29.
Installation : Rear-facing • To prevent breakage, never extend the lock-off arm beyond its normal open position and always keep the lock-off closed when not in use. • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of the lock-offs is not required as long as the ALR is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine what type of retractor your vehicle has and how to lock the retractor. e 8 Verify that the vehicle belt is tight and that the child seat is secure.
Installation : Rear-facing Lap-Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing, lap-belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LCS connectors in storage slots. See page 29. 1 Recline the child seat and place it rear-facing on the vehicle seat. A WARNING! This child seat must be in the recline position when installed rear-facing. See Recline Adjustment on page 29.
Installation : Rear-facing • To prevent breakage, never extend the lock-off arm beyond its normal open position and always keep the lock-off closed when not in use. • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of the lock-offs is not required as long as the ALR is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine what type of retractor your vehicle has and how to lock the retractor.
Installation : Forward-Facing Lower Universal Anchorage System (LUAS) Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing LUAS installation. • Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LUAS anchors. If LUAS anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt installation methods. WARNING! • This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 9.1 kg (20 lbs).
Installation : Forward-Facing 6 Attach the closest LCS connector to the farthest LUAS anchor (Fig. D). • Check that the LCS connector strap is not twisted, and that the LCS connectors are in an upright position (Fig. E) to ensure proper installation. NOTE: It may be necessary to switch LCS connectors as shown on page 28 if ANY of the following conditions exist : D • The LCS connector is not in an upright position Release Button (Fig. E). • The LCS strap is twisted.
Installation : Forward-Facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing lapshoulder belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LCS connectors in storage slots. See page 29. WARNING! • This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 9.1 kg (20 lbs). • This child seat must be in the upright position when installed forward-facing.
Installation : Forward-Facing 7 Hold the shoulder belt tight and rotate the lockoff until the vehicle belt is secured (Fig. E). • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of the lock-offs is not required as long as the ALR is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine what type of retractor your vehicle has, and how to lock the retractor. e 8 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to the designated tether anchor for the chosen seating position.
Installation : Forward-Facing Lap-Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing, lapbelt installation. • When not in use, always store the LCS connectors in the storage slots. See page 29. WARNING! • This child seat must NOT be used forwardfacing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 9.1 kg (20 lbs). • This child seat must be in the upright position when installed forward-facing. • Always use the Versa-Tether when the child seat is installed forward-facing.
Installation : Forward-Facing 7 Verify that the vehicle belt is tight, locked, and that the child seat is secure. • The child seat is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-toside more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) at the belt path.If the child seat is not secure, repeat the procedure or use an alternate seating location.
Aircraft Installation This child seat is certified for aircraft use. Most airlines in Canada and the U.S. will allow 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. Contact the airline about their policy prior to traveling. Install your child seat in a window seat to avoid blocking the aisle. If the aircraft lap belt is too short, ask the flight attendant for a belt extender.
Installation : Versa-Tether Safety Information WARNING! • When using the child seat in forward-facing mode, attach the VersaTether only to tether anchors designated by the vehicle manufacturer as tether anchorage points. Use of other locations is not approved or permitted. • DO NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle manufacturer if a tether anchorage is not available.
Installation : Versa-Tether Using the Versa-Tether 1 Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for designated tether anchorage locations. 2 Locate the tether on the rear of the child seat and remove the tether from the pouch. 3 Place the tether up and over the child seat back. 4 Install the child seat using the LUAS or the vehicle belts according to the instructions in this manual. 5 Tilt the tether release tab then pull the tether strap to fully extend it into a “V” shape.
Installation : Versa-Tether Tether Connector Strap WARNING! Only use tether connector strap for rearfacing tether installation. Because every vehicle model is different, sometimes you cannot find a location to properly anchor the tether. Use the tether connector strap to assist in creating an anchor point (Fig. D). 1 Find a fixed vehicle anchor point that is bolted to the floor.
Child Seat Functions Switching the Lower Connector System (LCS) The LCS strap may need to be switched to the proper belt path in rear-facing (Fig. A) versus forwardfacing (Fig. B) installations. If a proper connection of the LCS connectors to the LUAS anchors cannot be achieved, complete the following procedure to switch the connectors. 1 Lift the front of the child seat cover to access the LCS connectors. 2 Pass the LCS connector strap through the belt path on the child’s right side (Fig. C).
Child Seat Functions Storing the LCS Connectors When the LCS connectors are not in use, lift the child seat cover to access the LCS storage slots (Fig. E). Fold each end of the LCS adjuster and connector, then slide each set into the adjacent slot. NOTE: Child seats are shipped from Britax with LCS connectors in the storage slots. e Recline Adjustment Pull the recline handle (Fig. F) then slide the child seat shell into the desired position.
Child Seat Functions Chest Clip Fastening the Chest Clip Fasten the chest clip by pushing the two halves together until a positive click is heard (Fig. A). Releasing the Chest Clip 1 Squeeze the middle tabs together. (Fig. B). 2 Pull apart the two pieces. A Adjusting the Chest Clip 1 Slide chest clip up or down on harness so it is positioned at the middle of the child’s chest, level with the child’s armpits (Fig. C). 2 Slide the comfort pads to a comfortable location for the child.
Child Seat Functions How to Adjust Harness Height IMPORTANT: See Important Harness Adjustments on pages 6–7 for instructions on proper harness fit based on your child’s height and weight. 1 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster lever while pulling the harness straps forward as far as possible (Fig. F). 2 Rotate the head restraint adjustment knob on either side of the child seat to raise or lower the head restraint and harness (Fig. G).
Child Seat Functions 5 Place child in the child seat. 6 Position the harness straps around the child and fasten the harness buckle (Fig. A) and chest clip (Fig. B). • Proper connection of the harness buckle is confirmed with a positive click after inserting each buckle tongue. 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. C).
Care and Maintenance Cover Removal 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 Remove the infant body pillow. 2 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster lever while pulling both shoulder straps forward as far as possible. 3 Unhook the shoulder straps from the harness yoke on the rear of the child seat (Fig. E).
Care and Maintenance 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. Cleaning the Cover • HAND WASH using cold water and mild soap. • LINE or LIE-FLAT DRY to prevent the cover from shrinking. • DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or iron. Cleaning the Shell • SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap.
Care and Maintenance Harness Buckle Removal 1 Recline the child seat. 2 Locate the metal buckle strap retainer on the bottom of the child seat. 3 Pull the retainer away from child seat to loosen. 4 Turn the retainer so the short side will go through the slot in child seat shell (Fig. A). 5 Push the retainer through slots in the shell and cover to the top of the child seat. A Re-threading the Harness Buckle 1 Locate slot in cover and shell for harness buckle.
Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Harness Buckle If a child eats and drinks while in the child seat, the harness buckle may need to be periodically checked and cleaned of any food, drink, or other debris. • REMOVE BUCKLE as described on page 35. • THOROUGHLY RINSE using warm water (Fig. A). • TEST THE HARNESS BUCKLE by fastening and unfastening until a positive click is heard after inserting each buckle tongue (Fig. B). If click is not heard, repeat cleaning procedure.
Warranty 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.
IMPORTANT : DOuble CHeCk eveRy TIMe yOu use THIs CAR seAT. IMPORTANT : CONTRe-véRIfIeR CHAque fOIs qu'ON uTIlIse Ce sIèGe D'AuTO. Double Check Car Seat-to-Vehicle Installation : Check that the lower connector or vehicle seat belt connections to the vehicle are tight and secure. Verify the car seat cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 2 cm (1 in.) at the belt path. Double Check Child-to-Car Seat Installation : Tug on the buckle to ensure a proper connection.
