1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and proper use of your Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat. Please read all instructions carefully before installation and use to ensure the safety and comfort of your child. This car seat is designed for infants weighing 4 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches in height, to be used in a rear-facing orientation only.
Figure 1: Overall view of the Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat.
2. Key Features
The Joie Mint Latch infant car seat is engineered with several features to enhance safety, convenience, and comfort:
- Base-Free Design: Allows for easy and secure installation using either built-in rigid LATCH connectors or the vehicle's seat belt, eliminating the need for a separate base.
- Lightweight and Travel-Friendly: Weighing approximately 9.3 lbs, it is designed for hassle-free transport, ideal for travel or daily use.
- Built-in Rigid LATCH Connectors: Features 3 level options for a simple and secure installation without a base.
- Tested to Newest Safety Standards: Certified with the latest side impact protection standards to absorb and disperse forces during a crash.
- Travel System Compatible: Easily pairs with compatible Joie strollers for seamless transitions between car and stroller.
- UPF 50+ Extendable Canopy: Provides extensive sun protection and includes a mesh window for ventilation.
- Removable Newborn Insert: Offers additional support and comfort for smaller infants.
Figure 2: Overview of the Joie Mint Latch's key features, including the extendable canopy, removable newborn insert, vehicle belt guides, and built-in lower anchor connectors.
3. Installation
The Joie Mint Latch car seat offers two primary installation methods without the need for a separate base. Always ensure the car seat is installed rear-facing.
3.1. Rigid LATCH Installation
This method utilizes the car seat's integrated rigid LATCH connectors for a quick and secure attachment to your vehicle's lower anchors.
- Locate the lower anchor points in your vehicle's back seat. These are typically found in the crease between the seat back and bottom cushion.
- Extend the rigid LATCH connectors from the car seat by pressing the release buttons on the side of the car seat.
- Align the extended LATCH connectors with your vehicle's lower anchors and push firmly until they click securely into place. A green indicator on the connector will confirm correct engagement.
- Ensure the car seat is level with the ground. Adjust the recline angle using the recline mechanism if necessary, referring to the level indicators on the car seat.
- Press down firmly on the car seat to remove any remaining slack and ensure a tight fit. The car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
Figure 3: Detail of the rigid LATCH connectors, showing how they extend for installation.
Figure 4: Demonstrating the base-free LATCH installation into a vehicle.
Video 1: A short demonstration of the quick and easy LATCH installation of the Joie Mint Latch car seat into a vehicle.
3.2. Vehicle Seat Belt Installation
This method is suitable for vehicles without LATCH anchors or for air travel. The car seat is FAA compliant when used with the aircraft lap belt.
- Place the car seat rear-facing on the vehicle seat.
- Route the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated blue belt guides on the car seat.
- Buckle the vehicle seat belt.
- Press down firmly on the car seat while pulling the shoulder belt to remove all slack, ensuring a tight and secure fit. The car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
- Check the recline indicators to ensure the car seat is at the correct angle for your child.
Figure 5: Illustration of installing the car seat using the vehicle's seat belt.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. Securing Your Child
Always ensure your child is properly secured in the 5-point harness for maximum safety.
- Place your child in the car seat, ensuring their back is flat against the seat back.
- Bring the shoulder straps over your child's shoulders. The straps should be at or just below your child's shoulders when rear-facing.
- Connect the buckle tongues into the crotch buckle until you hear a click.
- Pull the harness adjustment strap located at the front of the car seat to tighten the harness until it is snug against your child's body. You should not be able to pinch any slack at the shoulder.
- Position the chest clip at armpit level.
The car seat includes plush cushioning and a removable newborn insert to provide proper fit and comfort for smaller infants. Ensure the infant insert is used correctly according to your child's size.
4.2. Canopy Adjustment
The UPF 50+ extendable canopy provides excellent protection from sun and other elements.
- To extend the canopy, simply pull it forward.
- For maximum coverage, unzip the extension panel on the canopy.
- A mesh window is integrated into the canopy for ventilation and easy viewing of your child without disturbing them.
- To retract, push the canopy back into its original position.
4.3. Carry Handle Positions
The carry handle can be adjusted to multiple positions for carrying, vehicle use, or resting. Always ensure the handle is locked into position before lifting or moving the car seat. Refer to the labels on the car seat for specific handle positions recommended during travel and when the car seat is placed on a surface.
4.4. Travel System Compatibility
The Joie Mint Latch car seat is designed to seamlessly integrate with compatible Joie strollers, creating a convenient travel system.
Figure 6: The Joie Mint Latch car seat attached to a compatible stroller, demonstrating travel system functionality.
Video 2: This short video demonstrates the 'car-to-stroll' feature, showing how the car seat easily attaches to a compatible stroller.
5. Maintenance
5.1. Cleaning Instructions
To keep your Joie Mint Latch car seat clean and hygienic:
- Fabric Covers and Padding: All fabric covers and padding are machine washable. Remove them from the car seat frame. Machine wash in cold water on a delicate cycle with mild detergent. Do not use bleach. Air dry thoroughly before reattaching.
- Harness Straps: Wipe harness straps with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash, bleach, or iron harness straps, as this may weaken them.
- Buckle: Clean the buckle by rinsing it with warm water. Do not use soaps or detergents, as they can leave a residue that may affect buckle performance.
- Plastic and Metal Parts: Wipe plastic and metal parts of the car seat frame with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
6. Safety Information
Your child's safety is paramount. Adhere to the following guidelines:
- Always install the car seat rear-facing for infants.
- Ensure the 5-point harness is snug against your child's body and the chest clip is positioned at armpit level.
- Never leave your child unattended in the car seat.
- This car seat is certified with the newest side impact protection standards to provide enhanced safety.
- The Joie Mint Latch is FAA compliant for aircraft use, making it suitable for air travel when installed with the aircraft lap belt.
- Always refer to the full instruction manual for detailed safety warnings, weight and height limits, and usage guidelines.
Figure 7: The Joie Mint Latch car seat highlighting its compliance with safety standards.
7. Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 27.75"D x 17.75"W x 23.25"H
- Minimum Weight Recommendation: 4 Pounds
- Rear-facing Maximum Child Weight: 30 Pounds
- Maximum Height Recommendation: 30 Inches
- Material Composition: Polypropylene & Polyester
- Harness Type: 5-Point
- Item Weight: 9.3 pounds
- Installation Type: LATCH or vehicle seat belt
- Orientation: Rear Facing
- Number of Reclining Positions: 3
- Color: Dove
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your Joie Mint Latch car seat, consider the following common solutions:
8.1. Car Seat Feels Loose After Installation
- LATCH Installation: Ensure both rigid LATCH connectors are fully engaged and the green indicator is visible. Press down firmly on the car seat while tightening the LATCH system.
- Seat Belt Installation: Verify that the vehicle seat belt is routed correctly through the blue belt guides and pulled tight, removing all slack. Press down firmly on the car seat while tightening the seat belt.
- Recline Angle: Confirm the car seat is at the correct recline angle as indicated by the level indicators. An incorrect recline can affect stability.
8.2. Child's Head Slumps Forward
- Recline Adjustment: Adjust the car seat's recline to a more reclined position, ensuring it is within the acceptable range shown by the level indicators.
- Infant Insert: For newborns and smaller infants, ensure the removable infant insert is correctly positioned to provide adequate head and body support.
8.3. Difficulty Adjusting Harness
- Strap Twists: Check for any twists in the harness straps. Untwist them to allow for smooth adjustment.
- Harness Release Button: Ensure the harness release button is fully pressed when loosening the straps.
For further assistance or issues not covered here, please contact Joie customer support or consult the full instruction manual provided with your product.
9. Warranty and Support
For specific warranty details, including coverage period and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Joie website. Product registration is recommended to receive important safety updates and warranty service.
For customer support, product registration, or to find compatible accessories and replacement parts, please visit the Joie Store on Amazon or the official Joie website. You can also find additional resources and FAQs there.
