Graco 4Ever DLX Slim 4-in-1 Car Seat Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and proper use, installation, and maintenance of your Graco 4Ever DLX Slim 4-in-1 Car Seat. This car seat is designed to adapt to your child's growth, offering four distinct modes of use from infancy through toddlerhood and beyond.

Figure 1: The Graco 4Ever DLX Slim car seat transitions through four modes: rear-facing harness (4-40 lb), forward-facing harness (26.5-65 lb), highback booster (40-100 lb), and backless booster (40-120 lb).

Safety Information

Always read and understand all instructions and warnings before using this car seat. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury or death to your child.

• Child Weight and Height Limits: Adhere strictly to the weight and height limits for each mode of use as specified in the "Specifications" section.
• Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure your vehicle's seating position is suitable for car seat installation. Consult your vehicle owner's manual.
• Harness and Belt Usage: Always secure your child properly in the harness or vehicle seat belt. The harness straps must be snug, and the chest clip positioned at armpit level.
• Product Lifespan: Do not use the car seat beyond its expiration date, typically found on the car seat label.
• Crash Involvement: A car seat involved in a moderate to severe crash should be replaced immediately, even if there is no visible damage.

Figure 2: The Graco 4Ever DLX Slim is Graco ProtectPlus Engineered, meeting rigorous crash testing standards for comprehensive protection.

Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for child safety. This car seat features SnugLock technology and InRight LATCH for simplified installation.

1. Rear-Facing Harness Mode (4-40 lb)

For infants and small children, rear-facing is the safest option. Position the car seat in the rear-facing orientation in your vehicle's back seat.

1. Place the car seat on the vehicle seat with the recline handle fully extended for the rear-facing position.
2. Route the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated rear-facing belt path, or attach the lower anchor connectors (LATCH) to your vehicle's lower anchors.
3. Engage the SnugLock arm to tighten the vehicle belt or LATCH strap, ensuring a secure fit. The car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
4. Adjust the 6-position recline to achieve the correct recline angle for your child, indicated by the level indicator on the side of the car seat.

2. Forward-Facing Harness Mode (26.5-65 lb)

Once your child meets the minimum weight and height requirements for forward-facing, and has outgrown the rear-facing limits, you can transition to this mode.

1. Position the car seat in the forward-facing orientation on the vehicle seat.
2. Route the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated forward-facing belt path, or attach the lower anchor connectors (LATCH) to your vehicle's lower anchors.
3. Attach the top tether strap to the vehicle's top tether anchor point and tighten.
4. Engage the SnugLock arm to tighten the vehicle belt or LATCH strap, ensuring a secure fit.

3. Highback Booster Mode (40-100 lb)

For older children who have outgrown the harness but still require back support and proper belt positioning.

1. Remove the car seat harness system and store it according to the manual.
2. Place the highback booster on the vehicle seat.
3. Guide the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated belt guides on the booster and across your child.

4. Backless Booster Mode (40-120 lb)

For children who are ready for a backless booster, providing proper vehicle seat belt fit.

1. Remove the highback portion of the booster.
2. Place the backless booster on the vehicle seat.
3. Guide the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated belt guides on the booster and across your child.

Figure 3: The SnugLock technology simplifies installation, allowing for a secure fit using either the vehicle seat belt or LATCH system.

Figure 4: The slim design of the 4Ever DLX Slim car seat helps optimize backseat space.

Operating Instructions

Harness Adjustment (No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust)

The No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows for simultaneous adjustment of the headrest and harness height. This ensures a proper fit as your child grows without the need to rethread the harness straps.

1. Locate the harness adjustment handle, typically at the top of the headrest.
2. Squeeze the handle and slide the headrest up or down until the harness straps are at or just below your child's shoulders for rear-facing, or at or just above your child's shoulders for forward-facing.
3. Release the handle to lock the headrest and harness in place.

Child Placement and Securing

1. Place your child in the car seat.
2. Bring the harness straps over your child's shoulders and buckle the crotch buckle.
3. Connect the chest clip at armpit level.
4. Pull the harness tightening strap until the harness is snug against your child's body. You should not be able to pinch any excess webbing at the shoulder.

Figure 5: Fuss-free harness storage keeps straps out of the way when placing or removing your child.

Maintenance

Cleaning Instructions

The Rapid Remove cover is designed for easy cleaning without uninstalling the car seat.

• Seat Pad: Machine wash the seat pad in cold water on a delicate cycle. Drip dry. Do not use bleach.
• Harness Straps: Wipe harness straps with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or immerse in water, as this may weaken the straps.
• Buckle: Clean the buckle with a damp cloth. If the buckle is sticky, rinse it under warm water without detergents.
• Plastic and Metal Parts: Wipe with mild soap and cool water.

Figure 6: The Rapid Remove cover allows for quick and easy cleaning.

Storage

When not in use, store the car seat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure all components, especially the harness and LATCH connectors, are properly stored within the designated compartments to prevent loss or damage.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your car seat, refer to the following common solutions. For more complex problems, consult the full product manual or contact Graco customer support.

• Difficulty Tightening Harness: Ensure the harness straps are not twisted and are routed correctly through the seat back. Check that the chest clip is unbuckled before tightening.
• Loose Installation: Re-check the installation steps for your chosen mode (rear-facing, forward-facing). Ensure the SnugLock arm is fully engaged and the vehicle belt or LATCH strap is pulled taut. Verify the car seat does not move more than one inch at the belt path.
• Recline Adjustment Issues: Ensure the car seat is not under tension from the vehicle seat belt or LATCH system when attempting to adjust the recline.

Specifications

Figure 7: Overview of the Graco 4Ever DLX Slim car seat's main features.

Warranty and Support

Graco provides a limited warranty for its products. For specific warranty details, registration, or to contact customer support, please visit the official Graco website or refer to the warranty card included with your purchase. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Graco Customer Service: For assistance, please visit GracoBaby.com/support or contact their customer service line.