Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat User Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and correct use, installation, and maintenance of your Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat. Please read all instructions and warnings carefully before using this product. Keep this manual for future reference.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat is designed for rear-facing use, accommodating infants weighing 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. It features an extended headrest height and legroom to support growth.

Image 1.1: The Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat and its base.

2. Safety Information

Your child's safety is paramount. The KeyFit 35 ClearTex incorporates several features to ensure maximum protection:

• ClearTex Fabric: All textiles are free from added chemicals, ensuring gentle comfort for your child.
• GREENGUARD Gold Certified: Tested for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier air quality within the vehicle.
• EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam: The carrier shell is lined with EPS foam for enhanced impact protection.
• Integrated Anti-Rebound Bar: Provides increased stability during travel.
• 5-Point Harness System: Securely fastens your child in the seat.

Image 2.1: ClearTex textiles, free from added chemicals, provide comfort for the infant.

Image 2.2: The car seat is GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low chemical emissions.

3. Components

The Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat system includes the following main components:

• Infant Car Seat Carrier: The main seat unit where the child is secured.
• Stay-in-Car Base: Designed for secure installation in your vehicle.
• Infant Head and Body Support: Removable insert for newborns weighing 4-11 lbs.
• Harness System: A 5-point harness with chest clip and buckle.
• Easy-Extend Headrest: Adjustable headrest that raises with the harness.
• Anti-Rebound Bar: Integrated into the base for stability.
• SuperCinch LATCH Tightener: For easy and secure LATCH installation.
• ReclineSure Leveling Foot: Spring-loaded foot for proper base angle.
• RideRight Bubble Level-Indicators: Visual guides for correct installation angle.
• LockSure Steel-Reinforced Belt System: For secure vehicle belt installation.

Image 3.1: The integrated anti-rebound bar provides additional stability.

4. Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for safety. The KeyFit 35 ClearTex offers multiple installation methods:

4.1. Base Installation using LATCH System

1. Place the car seat base on the vehicle seat in a rear-facing position.
2. Locate the lower anchor connectors on the base and attach them to your vehicle's lower anchors.
3. Press down firmly on the base while pulling the SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener strap to remove slack and secure the base.
4. Adjust the ReclineSure spring-loaded leveling foot until the RideRight bubble level-indicators show the correct angle.
5. Verify the base is securely installed by checking for less than one inch of movement side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.

Image 4.1: The SuperCinch LATCH tightener simplifies secure base installation.

4.2. Base Installation using Vehicle Seat Belt

1. Place the car seat base on the vehicle seat in a rear-facing position.
2. Route the vehicle lap and shoulder belt through the LockSure steel-reinforced belt system on the base.
3. Buckle the vehicle seat belt and remove all slack by pulling the shoulder belt.
4. Adjust the ReclineSure spring-loaded leveling foot until the RideRight bubble level-indicators show the correct angle.
5. Verify the base is securely installed by checking for less than one inch of movement side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.

4.3. Attaching the Car Seat Carrier to the Base

1. Align the car seat carrier with the base.
2. Lower the carrier onto the base until it clicks securely into place.
3. Pull up on the carrier to ensure it is firmly attached to the base.

Image 4.2: The car seat carrier attaches effortlessly to the installed base.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Securing Your Child

1. Place your child in the car seat. For infants 4-11 lbs, use the removable head and body support.
2. Bring the harness straps over your child's shoulders and between their legs.
3. Buckle the harness, ensuring the chest clip is at armpit level.
4. Tighten the harness until it is snug against your child's body, with no slack.

5.2. Adjusting the Headrest and Harness

The 5-position Easy-Extend Headrest System allows the headrest to raise with the harness, accommodating your child's growth up to 32 inches tall. To adjust:

• Locate the headrest adjustment lever at the top of the car seat.
• Squeeze the lever and slide the headrest up or down to the desired position. Ensure the harness straps are at or below your child's shoulders when rear-facing.

Image 5.1: The Easy-Extend Headrest System adjusts the harness simultaneously with the headrest.

Image 5.2: The design provides more legroom for extended rear-facing comfort.

5.3. Travel System Compatibility

The KeyFit 35 ClearTex car seat carrier is compatible with Chicco strollers, allowing for a convenient travel system. To attach to a compatible stroller:

1. Ensure the stroller is fully open and locked.
2. Align the car seat carrier with the stroller's attachment points.
3. Lower the carrier until it clicks securely into place.
4. To remove, use the one-hand release mechanism on the car seat carrier.

Image 5.3: The car seat offers travel system mobility with compatible Chicco strollers.

6. Maintenance

• Seat Pad: The seat pad is machine washable. Refer to the care label on the fabric for specific washing instructions.
• Harness Straps: Wipe harness straps with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or submerge in water, as this may weaken the straps.
• Plastic and Metal Parts: Clean plastic and metal parts with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Buckle: Periodically check the buckle for debris. Clean with a damp cloth if necessary.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat, please refer to the following common solutions:

• Difficulty Tightening Harness: Ensure the harness straps are not twisted and are routed correctly through the slots. Check for any obstructions under the seat pad.
• Car Seat Base Feels Loose: Re-check the installation steps for both LATCH and vehicle belt methods. Ensure the SuperCinch tightener is fully engaged or the vehicle belt is pulled taut, and the bubble level-indicators are correct.
• Carrier Not Clicking into Base/Stroller: Ensure the base or stroller attachment points are clear of debris. Verify the carrier is correctly aligned before lowering it.
• Stuck Buckle: Check for food or debris inside the buckle. Clean with a damp cloth.

For further assistance, contact Chicco Customer Service.

8. Specifications

Image 8.1: Key dimensions of the Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Chicco website. For customer support, product registration, or to order replacement parts, please contact Chicco Customer Service through their official channels.

Chicco USA Website: www.chiccousa.com