Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat

Product Identification

Product Name: EZ Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat

Child Weight: 2.27 to 9.98 kg (5 to 22 lbs)

Child Height: 72.4 cm or less (28.5 inches)

Model Number and Manufacturing Date: Located on a small sticker on the bottom of the product.

2.0 Registration

How to Register Your Infant Seat

Complete the following information: Model Number, Manufactured in, Purchase Date. Fill out the prepaid registration post card attached to the safety harness and mail it. Registration is crucial for recall notification. Send your name, address, model number, and manufacturing date to Baby Trend, Inc. or call 1-800-328-7363. For recall information, contact Transport Canada's Road Safety Information at 1-888-333-0371 or visit http://www.tc.gc.ca/.

3.0 Safety Information

3.1 About Your Child

• This Infant Seat is designed for a specific range of HEIGHT and WEIGHT. Exceeding these limits increases the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. Refer to the warning label on the seat for specific limits.
• Special needs children, such as pre-term babies, may have difficulties. The recline angle may not be appropriate. Consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider for guidance.
• Never leave your child unattended, even for a moment.
• Do not dress your child in bulky clothing that could prevent the harness from being snug and properly latched.

3.2 About Your Vehicle

• Proper installation and securing of your child are essential for safety. Improper installation or securing can lead to injury during sudden maneuvers or crashes.
• Vehicle seat belt systems vary. This manual provides general guidelines. Always read and understand your vehicle's owner's manual regarding child restraints. Contact your vehicle dealer or manufacturer if your manual does not cover infant seat installation.
• Some vehicles may not have a safe seating position or seat belt systems adequate for this Infant Seat. Refer to this manual and your vehicle's owner's manual for proper installation information.
• Never combine this Infant Seat or Base with any other manufacturer's product. Contact your dealer or Baby Trend for additional bases.
• This Infant Seat is certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft and conforms to applicable Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

3.3 About Active Air Bags

NEVER PLACE THIS INFANT SEAT IN A VEHICLE SEATING LOCATION THAT HAS AN ACTIVE AIR BAG.

An inflating Active Air Bag can cause death or serious injury. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for more information.

3.4 About an Unoccupied Infant Seat

• Never leave the Infant Seat or Base unsecured in your vehicle. An unsecured seat can become a projectile in a crash, causing injury. Remove the seat/base or secure it with the seat belt when not in use.
• The Infant Seat can become very hot in direct sunlight. Always check the seat for hot surfaces before placing your child in it. Cover the seat with a blanket or towel if exposed to direct sunlight while unattended.

3.5 About This Infant Seat

• Do not store heavy objects in the seat. Plastic can deform over time. Do not store the seat in a car trunk with heavy objects or pressure from the trunk lid.
• Replace the Infant Seat and Base after any accident, as undetectable damage may occur. DO NOT use if damaged or broken.
• Discontinue use after six (6) years from the date of manufacture. Disable the seat before discarding to prevent misuse.

3.6 About Use as a Carrier

NEVER leave your child unattended, even when asleep. A child can tip or move the carrier, leading to suffocation or injury.

• Always place the carrier on a firm and level surface. Avoid soft or plush surfaces (beds, sofas) as they increase the risk of tipping.
• Fall Hazard: Do not place the carrier near edges of elevated surfaces like tables or shelves. Stay within arm's reach.
• Strangulation Hazard: Ensure harness straps are snug and properly latched. Never leave a child in the carrier with loose or undone straps.
• Before lifting, ensure the carry handle is firmly locked into position.
• Strangulation Hazard: Keep strings and cords away from the child's neck. Do not suspend strings on or over the carrier, attach them to toys, or place the carrier near windows with cords from blinds or drapes.

Summary of Hazards:

• NEVER leave child unattended.
• SUFFOCATION HAZARD: Infant carrier can roll over on soft surfaces.
• STRANGULATION HAZARD: Loose or partially buckled harness straps can cause strangulation.
• FALL HAZARD: Child's activity can move carrier on elevated surfaces.

4.0 Location

Selecting the Best Location for the Infant Seat

Not all vehicle locations are safe for this Infant Seat. Improper placement increases the risk of death or serious injury.

Follow instructions in this manual and your vehicle's owner's manual. If uncertain, contact your vehicle manufacturer. Baby Trend can also provide assistance.

Vehicle Classes Permitted: Bus, Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicles, Passenger Cars, and Trucks.

Vehicle Classes NOT Permitted in Canada: Motorcycles, Restricted Use Motorcycles, Snow Mobiles, Snow Mobile Cutter, Trailers, Trailer Converter Dollies, Vehicles Imported Temporarily for Special Purposes, and Low Speed Vehicles.

4.1 Overall Considerations in Selecting a Location

• Rear seating positions are statistically safer than front positions.
• The center rear seat is recommended as the safest location. If possible, an adult should ride in the rear to monitor the child.
• If the driver is the only adult and constant monitoring is needed, the front passenger seat may be used only if there is no passenger side Active Air Bag and all other requirements are met.

4.2 Check that the Vehicle Seat Meets the Following Requirements

DO NOT place rear-facing infant seat on front seat with air bag. DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY can occur. The back seat is the safest place for children 12 and under.

• Never place the Infant Seat in a location with an Active Air Bag. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for warnings.
• DO NOT place the Infant Seat in any seat that faces to the rear or to either side of the vehicle. (See Figure 14-1 & 14-2 for visual examples of incorrect seating directions).
• DO NOT use the Infant Seat in a vehicle with a seat back that does not lock into place. A folding seat back must have a locking mechanism to prevent it from moving forward in a crash.
• Review your vehicle owner's manual to determine the best and safest location. Contact the vehicle manufacturer if the manual does not address infant seat installation.

4.3 Check that the Vehicle Seat Belt is Safe to Use

The Infant Seat requires a tightly installed seat belt. Not all vehicle seat belt systems are safe for use with this Infant Seat, even if they appear safe.

Analyze vehicle safety belt operation carefully. The ability to thread the belt is not an indication of safety. Read this section, your vehicle owner's manual, and heed all warning labels. Your vehicle may require a special seat belt or modification.

Seat Belt Systems NOT Safe for Use:

• Lap belts that stay loose after installation and only lock in a crash (e.g., those with Emergency Locking Retractors often paired with motorized shoulder belts). These allow the seat to move excessively.
• Lap/shoulder belt systems where both the lap and shoulder belts have retractors at one end.
• Seat belts connected to the door that automatically surround the occupant.
• Seat belts anchored more than 5cm (2 inches) forward of the seat crease.
• Shoulder belts that move along a track.

If your vehicle has any of these systems, DO NOT use them. Contact your vehicle manufacturer for alternatives.

Seat Belt Systems Adequate for Use:

• Manually adjusted lap belts that remain tight.
• Lap belts that cannot be lengthened once fastened (often with automatic locking retractors).
• Lap/shoulder combination belts with a latch plate that locks the lap belt into position.
• Combination seat belts that do not require a locking clip (Figure 19-1).
• Lap/shoulder combination belts with a sliding latch plate that require a locking clip or have a lockable retractor to prevent loosening (Figure 19-2 & 19-3). Use the provided locking clip as instructed on page 42.

5.0 Features

Infant Seat Features and Their Proper Use

5.1 5-Point Harness

The Infant Seat features a 5-point harness system consisting of shoulder straps, a crotch strap, and a buckle with two buckle tongues and a chest clip.

5.2 Rear View of Adjustable Back Model

Diagram shows harness slots, canopy, seat angle indicator, owner's manual holder, harness adjuster strap, adjuster knob, harness belt, base/stroller hook, and belt adjuster plate.

5.3 Rear View of Fixed Back Model

Diagram shows harness slots, canopy, seat angle indicator, owner's manual holder, harness adjuster strap, harness belt, base/stroller hook, and belt adjuster plate.

5.4 Base

Diagram shows the base with UAS connector storage on the underside, foot adjustment lock button, UAS connectors, and UAS attachment hook.

5.5 Use of the Infant Seat with the Base

• To remove the Infant Seat from the Base, squeeze the Base Release handle located below the foot end of the Infant Seat and lift upward. (See Figure 25-1).
• To attach the Infant Seat to the Base, align them and push down until the Infant Seat latches securely. Lift the handle to check that both sides are attached.

5.6 Other Features

• Harness: Baby Trend offers various Infant Seat styles with different features. Follow instructions specific to your model.
• Crotch Strap: Adjustable for a safe and comfortable fit.
• Seat Angle Indicator: Assists in achieving the proper recline angle. It shows 'CORRECT' or 'INCORRECT' based on the child's weight and recline.
• Locking Clip: Stored under the pad on the right side, used for securing the seat with certain vehicle belts.
• Seat Angle Adjuster: Located on the Base, it raises or lowers the rear of the Base to achieve the proper recline angle.

5.7 Operation of the Carry Handle

The carry handle has four positions: Carry, Mid-Storage, Storage, and Non-Rocking.

• To release the handle, depress the two buttons above the connection to the car seat shell.
• Rotate the handle to the desired position; it will lock automatically.
• Before lifting, ensure the handle is locked in the Carry position on both sides.
• Use the Storage or Non-Rocking position when the car seat is in the vehicle.

5.8 Attaching the Canopy

Slip the canopy stays through the sleeves on the canopy and insert the ends into the fittings on the handle hub.

5.9 Adjustment of the Shoulder Straps

Failure to properly adjust the harness increases the risk of death or serious injury. Check harness fit every time.

• Adjustable Back Infant Seat: Features a sliding back component to adjust harness height. Turn the adjuster knob to raise or lower slots (1.25cm or 1/2" per half turn). Harness straps should be even with or just below the child's shoulders. Knob must remain vertical after adjustment.
• Fixed Back Infant Seat: Has three height adjustments for shoulder straps. Straps must be used in slots positioned even with or just below the child's shoulders.

Detailed Shoulder Strap Adjustment Steps:

1. Remove the Infant Seat from the Base. Rotate the Carry Handle to the back position. Place the child in the seat with their bottom against the back and bottom of the seat.
2. Determine which harness slots are even with or just below the child's shoulders. DO NOT use slots positioned above the shoulders.
3. If adjustment is needed, remove the child. Rotate the handle to the upright carry position.
4. Loosen straps by depressing the Harness Adjuster Button and pulling the straps.
5. Turn the seat over. Locate the Belt Adjuster Plate. Remove Harness Straps from the plate and pull them through the shoulder slots and seat pad from the front.
6. Using the Belt Threading Tool, insert Harness Straps through the selected slots in the seat pad and seat shell.
7. From the rear, pull Harness Straps through slots until enough strap is available to reach the Belt Adjuster Plate.
8. Reassemble straps to the Belt Adjuster Plate (left strap first, then right). Ensure straps are within the plate loop. Use Position A for smaller children, Position B for larger children (loop B on top for Position A).
9. Inspect straps for twists, as twisted straps can prevent proper tightening and adequate restraint.

Crotch Strap Adjustment

Adjust the crotch strap so there is a 1.25cm (1/2") to 2.54cm (1") gap between the buckle ears and the top of the child's thigh, disregarding clothing or diapers (Figure 32-1). Check buckle height frequently.

1. Lift the crotch strap pad to see the anchor clip in its slot. Pull outward on the metal clip while feeding webbing downward to remove it from the slot. DO NOT completely remove the strap. (Figure 32-2).
2. Shorten the strap by wrapping additional material around the metal clip; lengthen by unwrapping. Adjust to the desired length (Figure 33-1).
3. Reinsert the metal clip into the slot, pulling upward on the buckle. Ensure the clip is fully seated. (Figure 33-2).

6.0 Using Infant Seat

6.1 Securing Your Child in the Infant Seat / Carrier

Failure to properly secure your child increases the risk of death or serious injury from suffocation, falls, or crashes.

The Infant Seat provides no protection unless harness straps are properly installed, adjusted, and secured.

1. Ensure Harness Straps are in the correct slots or adjusted to the proper height (see Section 5.9).
2. Dress your child in clothing that allows harness straps to latch securely between the legs and keeps shoulder straps properly positioned.
3. Place the Infant Seat on a firm, level surface. Move the carry handle to the non-rocking position. Loosen harness straps by pulling them while pushing the Harness Adjuster Button. Unfasten the Harness Chest Clip. Unbuckle harness straps and drape them over the seat back or sides (Figure 35-1).
4. Place your child in the seat with their bottom against the back and bottom of the seat (Figure 35-2).
5. Pull harness straps down over the child. Check that straps are not twisted.

6.2 For the 5-Point Harness

• Buckle Tongues: Type A: Overlay left tongue onto right tongue and insert joined tongues into the harness buckle on the crotch strap (Figure 36-1). Type B: Insert each buckle tongue into the harness buckle (Figure 36-2).
• Ensure tongues click and are firmly latched by pulling upward on straps. If not securely buckled, the seat will NOT provide protection. Call Baby Trend if the harness does not buckle securely.
• Tightening: From the front, pull the Harness Adjuster Strap to tighten both straps. Ensure they are flat and tight on the child's shoulders. You should not be able to fit more than one finger between the strap and the child's shoulder.
• Chest Clip: Fasten the Harness Chest Clips together. Position the clip level with the child's armpits by sliding it up or down the harness straps.

7.0 Installation

Accessory products are acceptable if they do not interfere with harness assembly or proper adjustment. Thick, soft materials (over 0.64cm / 1/4") should not be placed behind or under the child, or between the child and harness straps.

Securing the Infant Seat or Base in the Vehicle

Failure to properly install and secure the Infant Seat in a rear-facing position increases the child's risk of death or serious injury. Follow all instructions carefully, including those from your vehicle manufacturer, to ensure proper location, positioning, and tight installation.

7.1 Preparation

1. Park on a level surface. Use the seat's level indicator to check recline angle.
2. Select an acceptable location as per Section 4.0.
3. Check for Active Air Bags. DO NOT use locations with active air bags or adjacent to them. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for air bag warnings.
4. If using a front seat, slide the vehicle seat as far back as possible to prevent the Infant Seat from hitting the dash in a crash. If using a rear seat, slide the vehicle seat forward to prevent the Infant Seat from hitting the seat back.
5. Ensure the vehicle seat back is locked in the upright position and will not fold forward onto the Infant Seat (Figure 39-1).

7.2 Installation of the Infant Seat / Vehicle Belt Installation of Base

1. Remove the Infant Seat from the base by squeezing the base release handle and lifting upward (See Figure 25-1). Store UAS connectors as shown in Figure 44-1.
2. Place the Base in the rear-facing position in a forward-facing vehicle seat (Figure 39-2). If using the Infant Seat without the Base, place it in a rear-facing position in a forward-facing vehicle seat (Figure 40-1). The child must face the rear of the vehicle.
3. Thread the vehicle belt through the Base (Figure 39-2) or the Infant Seat without the Base (Figure 40-1) as shown.
4. Buckle the seat belt, ensuring it is not twisted and is securely latched.
5. Proper installation requires a very tight seat belt. Push down on the Infant Seat/Base while pulling and tightening the belt. Check for any slack. The belt must be tight from end to end (Figures 40-3 & 40-4).
6. To tighten a lap belt only:
• Automatic Retractor: Feed belt back into the retractor while pushing down on the seat/base. Ensure the retractor locks and the belt remains tight (Figure 41-1).
• Manual Adjustment: Pull the free end of the belt while pushing down on the seat/base. If difficult, unbuckle, tighten slightly, and re-buckle. Repeat until very tight (Figure 41-2).
7. To tighten a combination lap/shoulder seat belt:
• With a locking buckle, pull upward on the shoulder portion while pushing down on the seat/base. If difficult, unbuckle, tighten slightly, and re-buckle. Repeat until very tight (Figure 42-1).
• A belt with a sliding buckle may require a locking clip (Figure 42-2). Check your vehicle manual for alternate methods. To install the clip, tighten the buckled belt by pulling the shoulder portion upward while pushing down on the seat/base. Squeeze belt and lap belt together above the buckle, unbuckle carefully, and secure the shoulder belt to the lap belt with the locking clip 1.27cm (1/2") from the buckle (Figure 42-3). Re-buckle and check tightness.
8. If using the Base: Ensure nothing obstructs the Infant Seat latching to the Base. Place the Infant Seat onto the Base and push down until it clicks securely. Pull upward to check latching (Figure 43-1). If it does not latch securely, the seat will NOT provide protection. Call Baby Trend if it does not latch securely.

7.3 Installation of the Base using UAS

Universal Anchorage System (UAS) simplifies installation. Locate UAS seating positions in your vehicle owner's manual. Anchors may be visible or marked with a symbol.

1. Remove the Infant Seat from the base (Figure 25-1).
2. Rotate retainer and press the red release button of the UAS connectors to remove them from storage (Figure 44-1a & 44-1b).
3. Place the Base in the rear-facing position in a forward-facing vehicle seat (Figure 45-1). The child must face the rear.
4. Locate UAS anchors in the vehicle seat (Figure 44-2). Snap the UAS connectors onto the steel rods. Listen for a click and check attachment by pulling outward (Figure 45-2).
5. Ensure UAS webbing is very tight. Push down on the Base while pulling upward on the webbing ends. The webbing will lock. Check for slack and ensure the base is tightly installed (Figures 45-2 & 45-3).
6. Check that nothing obstructs the Infant Seat latching to the Base. Place Infant Seat onto Base and push until it clicks. Pull upward to check latching (Figure 25-1). If it does not latch securely, call Baby Trend.
7. To remove the base, squeeze the webbing release button on the UAS connector to loosen webbing (Figure 46-1a). Press the UAS hook release button to detach from the anchor (Figure 46-1b).

7.4 Setting Proper Recline of the Infant Seat / Base

Improper recline increases risk of death or serious injury. Too upright can cause breathing problems; too reclined can cause excessive force on shoulders/neck in a crash.

1. Infant Seat with Base: Park on level ground. Lock Infant Seat onto Base and check side-to-side levelness (Figure 47-1). Check the Seat Angle Indicator matching your child's weight.
• If indicator shows NO red, recline is proper.
• If indicator shows ANY red, the seat is too upright or reclined. If too upright, extend the base foot one position at a time until no red shows. To extend, pull downward on the hand hold (Figure 47-2). To retract, press the lock button inward and push upward on the foot (Figure 47-3).
• If the seat angle adjuster does not provide proper recline, place a rolled towel or car seat noodle under the base at the foot end (Figure 48-1).
2. Infant Seat without Base: Check side-to-side levelness. Check the level indicator (Figure 46-2).
• If indicator shows NO red, recline is proper.
• If indicator shows ANY red, adjust as shown in Figure 48-2 until NO red shows. If too upright, place a rolled towel or noodle under the foot end until NO red shows (Figure 48-3). Re-tighten the vehicle seat belt.

8.0 Final Checks

Final Safety Checks

1. If your child is in the seat, check that the harness is properly fitted and tight (Section 6.1).
2. Perform a tightness test: Push down and side-to-side on the head end of the seat. The vehicle seat belt should not loosen and should be very tight around the seat/base. If the belt loosens or the seat moves excessively, re-evaluate the location and installation steps. DO NOT use a seating location if the seat does not remain tightly installed.
3. Place the handle in the mid-storage or non-rocking position after installing in the vehicle.

9.0 Additional Information

9.1 Using the Infant Seat in an Airplane

The Infant Seat can be used without the Base on an airplane. Check with the airline for policies. Use only in a forward-facing airplane seat. Ask the flight attendant for assistance. Follow installation and final safety check instructions.

9.2 Using Your Baby Trend Infant Seat with a Baby Trend Stroller

Refer to the stroller owner's manual for compatibility and usage instructions.

9.3 Cleaning and Maintenance

• Hard Surfaces: Clean plastic and metal parts with water and mild soap. DO NOT use bleach. Dry with a clean towel.
• Harness Straps: Spot clean with mild soap and water. DO NOT launder straps, as they may be damaged or weakened. Replace if soiled. Contact Baby Trend customer service for replacement straps.
• DO NOT use lubricants on any components, including the buckle and UAS.
• Seat Pad Washing:
• Remove harness shoulder straps as instructed in Section 5.9.
• For 5-point harness, unthread shoulder straps from harness-tie and buckle tongues. Note threading for reassembly.
• For Adjustable Back seats, remove headrest fabric and adjust back to lowest position. Remove seat fabric. For Fixed Back seats, carefully remove seat fabric. For 5-point harness models, do not unthread lower harness portion.
• DO NOT use the Infant Seat without the Seat Pad.
• Follow fabric tag for specific care.
• Reinstall seat pad when dry, ensuring shoulder straps are reassembled at the correct height. For 5-point harness models, thread straps through pad bottom slots and pull buckle through the flap opening.

9.4 Replacement Parts

For help or replacement parts, call Customer Service at 1-800-328-7363 (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM PST, Monday-Friday) or visit www.babytrend.com.

9.5 Warranty

DO NOT RETURN TO STORE. Contact Baby Trend for replacement parts, service, and repair. The Baby Trend® warranty covers workmanship defects for the first 180 days. Misuse, abuse, abnormal use, excessive wear, improper assembly, negligence, environmental exposure, alteration, accident, or altered serial numbers invalidate the warranty. Damage to property during installation is the end user's responsibility. Contact Customer Service at 1 (800) 328-7363 (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM PST, Monday-Friday). Return Authorizations are required. Warranty valid in North America only.