Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat Manual
This document provides instructions for the safe use and installation of the Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus infant car seat.
Important Safety Information
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions and warnings. Failure to comply increases the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH in a sudden stop or crash. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE. Store this manual in the pocket on the back of the seat.
If you experience difficulty using this product, please contact customer service at 1-800-328-7363 (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time). Have your model number and date of manufacture ready.
Baby Trend, Inc.
13048 Valley Blvd.
Fontana CA 92335
www.babytrend.com
Product Specifications:
- Model: EZ FLEX-LOC® PLUS
- Child Weight: 4 to 30 lbs (1.82 to 13.6 kg)
- Child Height: 30 inches or less (76.2 cm)
Key Safety Requirements:
- Choose the best vehicle location, avoiding active airbags.
- Adjust harness straps to the appropriate height for your baby.
- Adjust harness length for a snug fit.
- Use only in the rear-facing position.
- Ensure proper vehicle belt use and routing.
- Maintain the correct installation angle.
Product Registration
Register your car seat for recall notifications. Complete and mail the enclosed prepaid registration card. If you need to update your information or have questions about recalls, contact Baby Trend or the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline (1-888-327-4236) or visit NHTSA.gov.
Registration Information:
- Model Number: [Fill in]
- Date of Manufacture: [Fill in]
- Date of Purchase: [Fill in]
Safety Guidelines
About Your Baby
- The seat is designed for comfort within specified weight and height limits. Exceeding these limits increases risk.
- Babies with special needs (e.g., premature) may require consultation with a pediatrician regarding seat recline angle.
- Never leave your baby unattended.
- Avoid bulky clothing that interferes with harness fit.
About Your Vehicle
- Proper installation and securing your child are crucial.
- Consult your vehicle owner's manual for specific instructions on child restraint installation.
- Some vehicles may lack secure locations or suitable belt systems.
- Do not combine this seat or base with other brands.
- Certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
Airbags
WARNING: NEVER place the car seat in a front seat with an active airbag. Airbags deploy with great force and can cause death or serious injury.
Unoccupied Seat
- Never leave the seat or base unsecured in the vehicle; it can become a projectile.
- The seat can become very hot in direct sunlight; check surfaces before placing your child in it.
Seat Lifespan and Care
- Replace the seat after any accident, even minor ones.
- Do not use the seat after six (6) years from the date of manufacture. Dispose of expired seats properly to prevent reuse.
Carrier Safety
- Never leave a child unattended in the carrier.
- Place the carrier on a firm, level surface. Avoid soft surfaces like beds or sofas, which can cause tipping.
- Keep the carrier within arm's reach to prevent falls from high surfaces.
- Strangulation Hazard: Keep cords (from hats, toys, blinds) away from children and the carrier.
Location Selection
Choosing the Best Location
- Rear-facing positions are statistically safer for children.
- The center rear seat is recommended as the safest location.
- If the driver is alone, forward-facing may be used if there are no active airbags and specific requirements are met.
Vehicle Seat Requirements
- WARNING: NEVER place a rear-facing infant seat in a front seat with an airbag. The rear seat is the safest place for children 12 and under.
- Avoid seats with unsecured or folding backs.
- Consult your vehicle manual to determine safe locations.
Vehicle Belt Compatibility
- The seat must install snugly.
- WARNING: Analyze vehicle belt operation carefully. Not all vehicle belt systems are safe for use with car seats.
- Unsafe Systems: Avoid belts with emergency locking retractors, lap belts with separate shoulder belts, or belts attached to doors.
- Safe Systems: Manually adjusting lap belts, non-extending lap belts, and lap/shoulder belt combinations with a locking latch plate are generally safe.
Seat Features and Use
5-Point Harness System
Diagram illustrating the 5-point harness components (e.g., harness straps, buckle, adjuster).
Rear View of Adjustable Backrest Model
Diagram illustrating rear view components (e.g., canopy, harness openings, adjustable backrest).
Base Installation
The base can be installed using the vehicle seat belt or the LATCH system.
Using Seat with Base
Instructions on how to attach and detach the infant seat from the base.
Other Features
Baby Trend offers various car seat styles with different features and ratings. Refer to your specific model's instructions.
Carrier Handle Operation
The carrier handle has four positions: transport, half-storage, full-storage, and no-rock. Follow instructions to adjust the handle. WARNING: Do not attach toys or objects to the handle.
Attaching the Canopy
Instructions for attaching the canopy.
Harness Strap Adjustment
WARNING: Improper harness adjustment increases the risk of injury or death. Ensure straps are snug. Adjust harness height to be at or just below the child's shoulders. The adjustable headrest on some models changes harness height.
Crotch Strap Adjustment
Adjust the crotch strap length to allow a 1/2" to 1" gap between the buckle tongues and the child's thigh. Adjust by winding or unwinding the strap.
Infant Insert Use
WARNING: DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY RISK. Use the infant insert only if the child's shoulders are below the lowest harness slot. Do not use if shoulders are at or above the lowest slot, or if the child weighs more than 3.6 kg (8 lb). Discontinue use as specified. Do not use for infants under 2.25 kg (5 lb) without the insert.
Restraining Your Child
Securing Your Child in the Seat/Carrier
WARNING: Children have been STRANGLED by loose or partially fastened harness straps. Always secure the child completely. Failure to properly secure the child increases the risk of death or serious injury from suffocation or falls.
- Ensure harness straps are installed at the correct height and are snug.
- Dress the child appropriately so straps fit securely.
- Place the child in the seat and pull harness straps down snugly.
5-Point Harness
Instructions on buckling the harness (Type A/B). Ensure straps are securely fastened. Adjust chest clip to be level with the child's armpits. Accessory products must not interfere with harness fit.
Harness Strap Height Adjustment
For adjustable backrest models, the harness height adjusts with the backrest. Ensure straps are at or just below the child's shoulders. WARNING: Harness straps adjusted above the shoulders can lead to improper restraint in a crash.
Installation
Securing the Seat/Base in the Vehicle
WARNING: Failure to install the seat properly increases the risk of death or serious injury. Follow all instructions carefully.
Preparation
- Park on a level surface.
- Select an appropriate location (refer to Section 4.2).
- Check for active airbags.
- Adjust vehicle seat for clearance.
- Ensure the vehicle seat back is vertical and secure.
Installation with Vehicle Belt
Remove toys from the carrier handle. Detach the seat from the base. Place the base/seat rear-facing. Route the vehicle belt through the designated path on the base or seat. Ensure the belt is not twisted. Push down on the seat while pulling the belt to tighten. The belt must be snug. Check for any looseness.
Adjusting Belts
Instructions for adjusting lap-only belts and lap/shoulder belts, including the use of locking clips.
LATCH Installation
Use the LATCH system if your vehicle is equipped. Locate LATCH anchor points. Attach LATCH connectors to anchors. Ensure the LATCH system is snug.
Recline Angle Configuration
Use the Angle Indicator to ensure the correct recline angle for your child's weight. WARNING: Improper recline can cause breathing issues or injury in a crash. Adjust the seat/base as needed. Use a rolled towel or pad if necessary to achieve the correct angle.
Final Safety Checks
After installation and securing your child:
- Verify harness fit according to Section 6.1.
- Perform a wiggle test: Push down and side-to-side on the seat's headrest. The seat should not move more than one inch. If it moves excessively or the belt loosens, re-evaluate the location or installation.
- Remove any toys or objects from the carrier handle.
- Adjust the handle to the storage or no-rock position.
Additional Information
Airplane Use
The seat can be used without the base on an airplane. Check airline policies. Must be used forward-facing.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean hard surfaces with mild soap and water. Do not use bleach. Spot clean harness straps; do not immerse. Refer to fabric labels for specific care instructions. Do not use lubricants on buckles or LATCH system.
Replacement Parts
Contact Baby Trend Customer Service for replacement parts.
Warranty
Baby Trend® offers a limited 180-day warranty against manufacturing defects. Misuse, abuse, or unauthorized alterations void the warranty. Contact Baby Trend for service and repairs. Warranty valid in North America only.
