Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Overview

Welcome to the Maxi-Cosi family! Thank you for choosing this car seat, also known as a child restraint. This guide will help you get started with your child's new car seat. The main tasks include:

• Measuring Your Child
• Adjusting the Car Seat to Fit Your Child
• Installing the Car Seat into Your Vehicle
• Securing Your Child in the Car Seat

Your child's safety is paramount. Please take the time to read and follow these instructions carefully.

Quick Navigation & Modes

This car seat can be used in three modes:

• Rear-Facing: 4-40 lb (1.8-18 kg) and 19-40 in. (48-101.6 cm). Children under 1 year old must ride rear-facing.
• Forward-Facing: 22-65 lb (10.1-29 kg) and 29-49 in. (73.6-125 cm). Children must be at least 1 year old to ride forward-facing.
• Booster Seat: 40-100 lb (18.1-45.4 kg) and 43-52 in. (110.1-132.1 cm).

Refer to the following pages for detailed instructions on each mode and adjustment:

• Rear-Facing Child Fit: PAGE 11
• Forward-Facing Child Fit: PAGE 12
• Adjusting Car Seat: PAGES 13-19
• Installation in Vehicle (Rear-Facing & Forward-Facing): PAGES 20-48
• Booster Seat Mode: PAGES 49-66

Parts of the Car Seat

Key components of the car seat include:

• Headrest/Harness Adjustment Handle
• Adjustable Headrest
• Harness Covers*
• Back Pillow*
• Small Infant Positioning Pillow*
• LATCH: Lower Anchor Belt
• Recline Handle (under pad)
• In and Out Harness Holders
• Removable Cup Holders*
• Harness Release Lever (under flap)
• Harness Adjustment Strap
• Chest Clip
• Buckle
• Buckle Cover*
• Shell (child restraint)
• Rear-Facing Level Line
• Forward-Facing Belt Path
• Base
• LATCH: Lower Anchor Belt Storage
• Tether Strap
• Splitter Plate
• Instruction Labels

(*) Indicates accessory items.

Accessories

Harness Covers

Harness covers provide comfort to the neck. If they interfere with proper chest clip positioning or a snug harness fit for smaller infants, remove them. Store them until your child is large enough to use them while maintaining a proper harness fit. To remove, pull the fastening strips apart.

Head and Back Pillow (For Rear-Facing Mode Only)

The head and back pillows must be used together. To remove the head pillow, pull it out from behind the back pillow. To remove the back pillow, loosen the harness straps and slide the pillow out from behind the harness straps.

Buckle Cover

To remove, slide the ends out of the buckle strap slot in the pad and pull off the buckle. To install, slide the buckle cover over the buckle and tuck the ends into the buckle strap slot in the pad.

Small Infant Positioning Pillow (For Rear-Facing Mode Only)

This pillow helps position your infant for a proper harness fit. It must be used with the back and head pillows. To determine if it's needed: place the headrest in the lowest position, place the infant in the seat without the pillow, and ensure the infant's bottom and back are flat against the seat. Check often for growth and remove the infant pillow when the infant can sit without it and the harness slots are at or below their shoulders, allowing for a snug harness fit.

Removable Cup Holders

The cup holders are top-rack dishwasher safe. To remove, twist counterclockwise and pull out. To install, align tabs with slots and twist clockwise to lock.

Child Fit and Safety Recommendations

Child Fit Guidelines

Rear-Facing Mode:

• Head Position: The top of your child's head must be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top of the car seat's headrest.
• Harness Strap Position: Straps must be at or slightly below the shoulders; never above.
• Buckle Position: Use the 1st or 2nd slot, whichever is closest to the child. The buckle should not be underneath or behind the child.

Forward-Facing Mode:

• Head Position: The tops of your child's ears must be below the top of the car seat's headrest.
• Harness Strap Position: Straps must be at or slightly above the shoulders; never below.
• Max Seated Shoulder Height: 17 inches (43.2 cm). Measure by having the child sit against a wall and measuring from the floor to the top of their shoulder.
• Buckle Position: Any slot can be used, whichever is closest to the child. The buckle should not be underneath or behind the child.

American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations

• Infants and Toddlers: Should ride rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat.
• Toddlers and Preschoolers: Once forward-facing, use a car seat with a harness for as long as possible, until they reach the height and weight limits.
• School-Aged Children: Once they outgrow their forward-facing car seat, use a booster seat until the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt fits properly (typically at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and 8-12 years old).
• Older Children: All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats for optimal protection.

State Laws

Please be certain to follow your state's laws regarding car seat use.

Installation Instructions

General Steps

1. Fully Loosen Harness Straps: Push down on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps.
2. Unbuckle Harness: Press the red button and pull out the buckle tongues.
3. Release Chest Clip: Hold each side of the chest clip, press the release button, and pull apart.
4. Place Harness Straps Out of the Way: Slide the harness straps behind the In and Out Harness Holders.
5. Place Child in Car Seat: Ensure the child's bottom and back are flat against the seat to determine proper harness fit.

Adjusting Car Seat

Changing Headrest/Harness Height

Squeeze the button on the headrest/harness adjustment handle and move the headrest up or down to the proper height. Ensure it is locked securely.

Changing Buckle Position

To change the buckle position for smaller infants or to adjust for fit:

1. Fully loosen harness straps and unbuckle harness.
2. Locate the buckle's metal retainer under the seat.
3. Rotate the metal retainer and push it up through the appropriate buckle slot in the shell and pad.
4. Pull the buckle and buckle cover out from the top of the seat.
5. Insert the buckle's metal retainer into the desired slot (1st or 2nd for rear-facing; any slot for forward-facing). Ensure the buckle faces outward. Tuck ends of buckle cover into the pad slot.
6. Check the buckle by pulling up on it to ensure it is secured and does not pull out.

Reclining the Car Seat

Pull out on the recline handle (located at the front and under the pad) and push the top of the child restraint back to recline. To make it more upright, pull the handle and pull the top of the child restraint forward. The car seat has 3 recline positions.

• Rear-Facing Mode: Position 3 (fully reclined) or Position 2 (semi-reclined) should be used if the level line on the shell is parallel with the ground. For children who can sit up unassisted, Position 2 can be used for a more upright angle.
• Forward-Facing Mode: Position 1 (upright) or Position 2 (semi-reclined). Position 2 is for use only if necessary to install the restraint flush against the vehicle seat back, which must be upright.
• Booster Seat Mode: Position 1 (upright) or Position 2 (semi-reclined) under the same conditions as forward-facing mode.

Installation Methods

LATCH: Lower Anchor Use

This system installs the child restraint without vehicle seat belts. Ensure your vehicle has lower anchor bars in the desired seating position (check owner's manual). Do not use both lower anchor belt and vehicle belt simultaneously.

1. Remove Lower Anchor Belt from Storage: Press the red release button on each connector and detach from storage.
2. Route Lower Anchor Belt: Thread the connector through the appropriate belt path (Rear-Facing or Forward-Facing).
3. Attach Connectors to Vehicle's Lower Anchors: Ensure arrows on connectors face up. Fasten each connector to the vehicle's lower anchor bars.
4. Tighten Belt: Push down on the child restraint while pulling the free end of the belt to tighten.
5. Check Belt Tightness: The restraint should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) side-to-side at the belt path. If it moves excessively, try tightening further, reinstalling, changing seating locations, or switching to vehicle belt installation.

Vehicle Belt Installation

Ensure your vehicle belts and seating positions are compatible with child restraints (refer to vehicle owner's manual). Determine how to lock the vehicle belt (using the retractor or latch plate).

1. Route Vehicle Belt: Thread the vehicle belt through the correct belt path (Rear-Facing or Forward-Facing).
2. Buckle Vehicle Belt.
3. Tighten Belt: Push down on the child restraint while pulling the belt to tighten. Ensure the belt is locked.
4. Check Belt Tightness: The restraint should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) side-to-side at the belt path.

Tether Use (Forward-Facing Only)

Always attach and secure the top tether strap when installing forward-facing with the internal harness. This improves installation and stability and reduces injury risk. Attach the tether hook to the designated tether anchor in your vehicle. WARNING: Using this child restraint without the tether strap anchored as required is a misuse and can result in serious injury or death.

Securing Your Child

1. Place Child in Car Seat: Ensure the child's bottom and back are flat against the seat.
2. Buckle Harness: Push buckle tongues into the buckle until they click. Pull up on harness straps to ensure the buckle is locked.
3. Fasten Chest Clip: Snap the right and left halves together.
4. Tighten Harness: Pull the harness adjustment strap to snugly tighten the harness.
5. Position Chest Clip: Slide the chest clip up the harness straps to mid-chest (even with armpits), away from the child's neck.
6. Check Harness Tightness: Unfasten harness covers. Try to pinch the harness vertically at the shoulders. If your fingers slip off, the harness is tight enough. If you can pinch the strap, tighten more. Fasten harness covers. A snug strap should not allow slack and should lie in a straight line without sagging.

Booster Seat Mode

To convert to Booster Seat Mode:

1. Remove Buckle: Loosen harness straps, unbuckle harness, release chest clip, and unthread harness straps from the splitter plate and buckle. Store the buckle and buckle cover safely.
2. Store Harness System: Adjust the headrest to the highest position. Undo fasteners on the headrest and seat pads. Pull the headrest pad off. Loosen harness straps and unthread them from the slots on the side of the headrest. Pull the chest clip, harness straps, and buckle tongues out from behind the headrest and seat pad. Slide harness straps into the slots in the headrest pad. Pull the headrest pad down around the bottom of the headrest. Lower the headrest to the middle of the car seat.
3. Remove Seat Pad Set for Cleaning: Unbuckle harness, loosen straps, and adjust headrest to highest position. Undo fasteners on the headrest pad and seat pad. Pull fabric tabs from between the headrest and foam, and from slots in the headrest. Gently pull the headrest pad off. Remove the seat pad by undoing fasteners and pulling tabs from the sides and front. Pull buckle strap and harness adjustment strap out of openings. Pull the pad down and off the bottom of the harness holders. Lower headrest to the middle and pull pad off the shell.
4. Install Booster Seat: Place the booster seat forward-facing in the back seat, using Position 1 (upright) or Position 2 (semi-reclined) if needed for a flush fit against an upright vehicle seat back.
5. Position Child and Belts: Have the child sit in the booster seat. Route the lap belt through the booster belt path, ensuring it lies snugly across the child's upper thighs and not on their stomach. Route the shoulder belt under the In and Out Harness Holder, ensuring it lies snugly across the center of the child's shoulder and chest, not on their face or neck. Use the shoulder belt positioning guide in the headrest if necessary.
6. Check Fit: Periodically check that the child has not moved out of position and loosened the shoulder belt.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Pad and Accessories

Machine wash separately with cold water on a gentle cycle. Close harness covers before washing. Do not use bleach. Tumble dry on low heat for 10-12 minutes; remove immediately.

Cleaning Harness Strap

Spot clean using warm, sudsy water and a damp cloth. Do not lubricate buckles or fasteners. WARNING: Do not use the child restraint without the seat pad or with damaged harness straps. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.

Safety Information

Replacement After Crash

Dorel Juvenile Group strongly recommends replacing the car seat even after a minor crash. If the crash was minor (vehicle drivable, no airbag deployment, no visible damage to car seat, etc.), replacement may not be necessary. If unsure, replace the car seat immediately. Replace the car seat after any moderate to severe crash, as damage may not be visible.

Expiration

Do not use this child restraint more than 10 years after the date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is on a label on the side of the restraint.

Child Restraint Use

• Never remove your child from the restraint while the vehicle is moving.
• Never leave a child unattended.
• Do not use with damaged or missing parts.
• Do not use with cut, frayed, or damaged harnesses.
• Do not substitute parts or modify the restraint.
• Do not use any accessories not approved by Dorel Juvenile Group.
• This is not a toy; do not allow children to play with it.
• Do not remove or cover warning labels.
• Use only in forward-facing vehicle seats. Do not use in boats, on motorcycles, or in cargo vans/buses without seat belts or tether anchors.

Vehicle Seating Position

• Never place a child rear-facing in a seating position with an active frontal airbag.
• Always use the child restraint on forward-facing vehicle seats.
• Children are safest in rear seating positions.

For assistance locating a Child Passenger Inspection Station, visit www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/cps/index.htm.

Preventing Burns

Park in the shade, cover the restraint when not in use, and check for hot surfaces before placing your child inside.

Registration and Safety Notices

Complete and mail the postage-paid registration card or register online at www.djgusa.com/registration/carseat/us to be notified of recalls. For recall information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.NHTSA.gov.

Model Number, Line Code, and Manufacture Date are found on a label on the side of the shell.

Warranty

Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) warrants this product against defective materials or workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. An original receipt is required. DJG will, at its option, provide replacement parts or replace the product. Contact Consumer Care at 1-800-951-4113 or text 1-812-652-2525 (M-Th 8am-6pm EST, Fri 8am-4:30pm EST). Proof of purchase and shipping charges are the consumer's responsibility. This warranty does not cover misuse or abuse. Limitations on damages and implied warranties apply; see the full warranty statement for details.

Warranty is valid only when purchased from an authorized Maxi-Cosi retailer. For a list of authorized retailers, visit www.maxi-cosi.com/us-en/shops.aspx.

Troubleshooting

Buckle or Harness Release Lever Sticks / Cannot Tighten Straps

DO NOT LUBRICATE. Check for debris (food, dirt, etc.) around the lever and retractor. Clean with warm water or remove obstructions with tweezers. If the harness cannot be adjusted and tightened securely, do not use the restraint.

Harness Twists

Straighten the harness each time you put your child in the restraint. Ensure the buckle is locked and the harness is tightened for the next use.

Replacement Parts

For parts availability and questions, please call 1-800-951-4113 or text 1-812-652-2525.

We accept Visa or MasterCard. Proper use of a child restraint, combined with careful driving, can lower a child's risk of injury or death in most crashes.