Diplomat™ User Guide AD S RE E ION S T R EA C DE PL TRU S UN E ER IN R V O ST CO
Table of Contents Safety Information WARNINGS............................................................................ 2 Important Notes..................................................................... 4 Certification............................................................................ 5 Registration............................................................................ 5 Weight Range/Maximum Height............................................ 6 Installation: Aircraft.....................
WARNING! DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur: • Infants should remain in a rear-facing child restraint for as long a possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Britax recommends rear facing until at least 1 year of age and 20 pounds. • Use only with children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds (2.3 and 18 kg.) and whose height is 40 inches (102 cm.) or less. Use rear facing for children 5–35 pounds (2.3–15.9 kg.) and forward facing to a maximum of 40 pounds (18 kg.).
• Based on crash statistics, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that parents select the back seat as the safest location for a properly installed child restraint. Please study the Vehicle Safety Belts section in this booklet to ensure your child’s safety. If in doubt about installing child restraint, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. • Secure this child restraint even when it is not occupied. In a crash, an unsecured child restraint may injure vehicle occupants.
Safety Information Important Notes • Verify child restraint is secure and harness is properly adjusted around child each time child restraint is used. • Adjust harness to fit clothes the child is wearing. Remove bulky coats and/or jackets before putting child in restraint. • Cover restraint when vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Parts of child restraint could become hot enough to burn a child. • Store child restraint in a safe place when it is not being used. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.
Safety Information Certification This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft. Registration 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.
Safety Information Weight Range Rear-Facing Weight 5-35 pounds (2.3-15.9 kg). Forward-Facing Weight 20 pounds (and 1 year) - 40 pounds (9-18 kg.) Maximum Height Rear-Facing The child is too tall when the top of the head is 1 inch from the top of the restraint.
Installation: Aircraft Aircraft Installation This child restraint is certified for aircraft use. Most airlines in the U.S. and Canada will allow use of a child restraint if it is labeled as an approved child restraint for airline use and fits properly on plane. Contact the airline about their policy prior to traveling. • The FAA recommends that a child weighing up to 40 pounds use a certified, harnessed child restraint while traveling on an aircraft.
Features 1 Cover 2 Headrest Adjustment Knob 3 LATCH Adjuster 4 LATCH Release Button 5 LATCH Connector 6 Headrest 7 Harness Slots 8 Comfort Pads 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Infant Body Pillow Chest Clip Harness Harness Buckle Belly Pad Harness Release Button Harness Adjuster Strap Recline Handle
Features 17� Forward-Facing Lock-Off 18� Rear-Facing Lock-Off 19� Base 20� Versa-Tether® Adjuster and Hook (inside pouch) 21� Belt Guard 22� Serial Number and Manufacturing Date (under cover) IMPORTANT: When not in use, this user guide should be stored under the cover. DO NOT discard foam inserts found 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’s owner’s manual for specific information about vehicle safety belts and their use with child restraints. Some vehicles have no seating positions which are compatible with this child restraint or any other child restraint.
Vehicle Compatibility Vehicle Seating Positions WARNING! Forward-facing vehicle seats MUST be used with this child restraint. Side-facing or rear-facing seats CANNOT be used. See diagram below. Vehicle Buckle Position WARNING! The position of vehicle belt buckle can affect stability of the child restraint. In a crash, an improperly positioned buckle could become loose and the child would be unprotected.
Installation: Rear Facing LATCH Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing LATCH installation. • Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt installation methods. NOTE: LATCH connectors must be in an upright position (as shown in figure B) and strap should be tight and not twisted to ensure proper installation. 1� If stored, remove LATCH connectors from storage slots A under cover (see page 28).
Installation: Rear Facing 7� Push child restraint firmly into vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH strap tight (fig. E). 8� Verify all connections are secure and that restraint is stable. The restraint is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at belt path. If restraint is not secure, repeat procedure, or use an alternate seating location or vehicle belt installation method. • Britax recommends use of the Versa-Tether® to improve installation. See pages 23-26.
Installation: Rear Facing Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing, lap/shoulder belt installation. • When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in storage slots. (see page 28). 1� Fully recline restraint then place it rear facing on vehicle seat. 2� Lift cover to open rear-facing lock-off farthest from where vehicle belt will be buckled. 3� Pull vehicle belt out then pass it through farthest rear-facing belt slot from where vehicle belt will be buckled (fig. B).
Installation: Rear Facing 8� Verify all connections are secure and that restraint is stable. The restraint is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at belt path. If the restraint is not secure, repeat procedure or use an alternate seating location. • Britax recommends use of the Versa-Tether® to improve installation. See pages 23-26.
Installation: Rear Facing Lap-Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical rear-facing, lap-belt installation. • When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in storage slots. (See page 28). WARNING! Do not install with non-locking (ELR), 2-point vehicle belt. A 1� Fully recline restraint, then place it rear facing on vehicle seat. 2� Lift cover and open rear-facing lock-off farthest from where vehicle belt will be buckled.
Installation: Rear Facing 8� Verify all connections are secure and that restraint is stable. The restraint is secure when it cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at belt path. If the restraint is not secure, repeat procedure or use an alternate seating location. • Britax recommends use of the Versa-Tether® to improve installation. See pages 23-26.
Installation: Forward Facing LATCH Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing LATCH installation. • Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt installation methods. NOTE: LATCH connectors must be in an upright position (as shown in figure B) and strap should be tight and not twisted to ensure proper installation. 1� If stored, remove LATCH connectors from storage slots A under cover (see page 28).
Installation: Forward Facing 5� Rotate seat into forward-facing position. 6� Verify LATCH strap is not twisted, then attach remaining LATCH connector to adjacent LATCH anchor (fig. D). • A positive click confirms attachment. 7� Push child restraint into vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH strap tight (fig. E). 8� Verify all connections and restraint are secure. The restraint is secure when it cannot be moved front- to-back or side-toside more than 1” (2.5 cm.) at belt path.
Installation: Forward Facing Lap/Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing lap/ shoulder-belt installation. • When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in storage slots. 1� Place child restraint forward facing on vehicle seat. • Restraint can be used in recline position when installed in forward-facing mode with children up to 40 pounds (18 kg.). A • Britax recommends use of Versa-Tether® to improve installation.
Installation: Forward Facing 7� Hold shoulder belt tight, then rotate lockoff upward until secured (fig. E). • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as long as ALR is activated. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine type of retractor your vehicle has, and for proper use of retractor. 8� Verify all connections are secure and restraint is stable.
Installation: Forward Facing Lap-Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing, lap-belt installation. • When not in use, always store LATCH connectors in storage slots. WARNING! Do not install with non-locking (ELR) two-point vehicle belt. • If using Versa-Tether® (pg. 23-26) locate and place up and over seat. A 1� Place child restraint forward facing on vehicle seat.
Installation: Versa-Tether® Safety Information WARNING! When using restraint in forward-facing mode, attach VersaTether® only to tether anchors identified by vehicle manufacturer as tether-anchorage points. Use of other locations is not approved or permitted. If a tether anchorage is not available, DO NOT modify vehicle without advice from vehicle manufacturer. DO NOT hook Versa-Tether to bottom of a vehicle seat adjuster! IMPORTANT: • Britax recommends that tether be used at all times.
Installation: Versa-Tether® Using the Versa-Tether 1� Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for approved tether-anchorage locations. 2� Locate the tether on rear of restraint and place up and over seat back while securing restraint. 3� Secure child restraint by a seat-belt or LATCH system. 4� Lift lock adjuster, then pull to fully extend A tether strap into a "V" shape. 5� Locate hook on strap and loosely attach tether to an approved anchor point. • See figure A for forward-facing installation.
Installation: Versa-Tether® NOTE: • The rear-facing recline angle of the child restraint should be 30º-45º from vertical (not to exceed 45º from vertical) when car is parked on a level surface. • The rear-facing recline angle can be adjusted by placing a rolled towel or pool noodle in the crease of the vehicle seat, and restraint can be stabilized by tightening tether as shown in figure C, using anchor point 3. • It may be necessary to loosen tether and vehicle seat belt before adjusting recline position.
Installation: Versa-Tether® Energy-Absorbing Tether* WARNING! The energy-absorbing tether has been designed to help indicate when child restraint has been in a severe crash and replacement of child restraint is necessary. Figure A shows the tether when child restraint is acceptable for continued use (provided the restraint has not been involved in a crash). The colored stitching will be intact and webbing will be held under a tether label.
Restraint Functions Switching the LATCH Harness The LATCH harness must be switched for proper alignment in rear facing (Fig. D) or forward facing (Fig. E) installations. Complete the following procedure to switch the connectors. NOTE: LATCH connectors must be in an upright position (as shown in figure G) and strap should be tight and not twisted to ensure proper installation. 1 Pull the LATCH harness and connectors out of the current belt path OR from the storage slots (Fig. F).
Restraint Functions Storing the LATCH Connectors When LATCH connectors are not in use, lift cover to access LATCH storage slots (fig. A). Fold LATCH adjuster and connector, then slide each set into the adjacent slot. NOTE: Restraints are shipped from Britax with LATCH connectors in the storage slots. Recline Adjustment Pull recline handle (fig. B) then slide restraint shell into desired position. Release recline handle, then verify the child restraint has locked into position.
Restraint Functions Infant Body Pillow The Infant Body Pillow is designed to provide better fit and comfort for infants using this restraint. For additional side support, fold side flaps, as shown below. (fig. D) NOTE: Remove Infant Body Pillow after child can sit comfortably in restraint without additional support. Chest Clip Fastening the Chest Clip Fasten chest clip by pushing the two halves together until a positive click is heard (fig. E). Releasing the Chest Clip 1� Squeeze middle tabs together.
Restraint Functions Harness Buckle Fastening the Harness Buckle 1� Hold harness buckle with one hand. 2� Use other hand to insert one buckle tongue at a time into harness buckle (fig. A). • Proper connection is confirmed with a positive click after inserting second buckle tongue. Releasing the Harness Buckle 1� Brace rear of harness buckle with one hand. 2� Use thumb to press release button until both tongues are ejected from harness buckle (fig. B).
Securing Your Child Securing Your Child Once child restraint has been installed in the vehicle and adjustments have been made, follow these instructions to secure child. 1� Loosen harness by pushing the adjuster button located in front of the restraint, then pull the shoulder straps forward (fig. A). 2� Release chest clip by squeezing tabs and sliding pieces apart (fig. B). 3� Unfasten harness buckle by pressing release button and sliding tongues out. 4� Move harness straps to the side of restraint.
Securing Your Child IMPORTANT: • Always pull on harness after securing child to make sure harness buckle and harness adjuster are secure. If not, harness buckle or adjuster area may be clogged with food, drink or other objects that need to be removed. See pages 34 – 36 for cleaning instructions. • Adjust the belts provided with this child restraint so they fit snugly around your child. A snug strap should not allow any slack. It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging.
Care and Maintenance Cover Removal 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. 1� Remove infant body pillow. 2� Loosen harness by pressing adjuster release button while pulling shoulder straps forward as far as possible. 3� Unhook shoulder straps from yoke on rear of child restraint.
Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Cover and Pillows • HAND WASH using cold water and mild soap. • LINE or LIE-FLAT DRY to prevent cover from shrinking. • DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or iron. Cleaning the Shell • SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap. • TOWEL DRY • DO NOT use solvents, abrasive cleaners or disassemble the harness. Cleaning the Harness • SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap. • TOWEL DRY • DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or disassemble the harness.
Care and Maintenance Harness 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 the short side will go through the slot in restraint shell. 5� Push the retainer through slots in the shell and cover, to the top of the restraint. Rethreading 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 restraint, the harness buckle may need to be periodically checked and cleaned of any accumulated debris or dried liquids. • REMOVE BUCKLE as described on page 35. • THOROUGHLY RINSE using warm water. • TEST THE HARNESS BUCKLE by fastening and unfastening until a positive click is heard after inserting the second buckle tongue. If click is not heard, repeat cleaning procedure.
Warranty This child restraint was manufactured by Britax Child Safety, Inc. (Britax®). 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.
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