Baby Trend Secure-Lift 35 Infant Car Seat

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING: CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL. FAILURE TO PROPERLY USE THIS CAR SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IN A SUDDEN STOP OR CRASH. KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE.

Store this manual in the pocket provided underneath the Car Seat Cover.

Child Weight: 4 to 30 lb (1.8 to 13.6kg).

Child Height: 29.5" or less (74.9 cm).

How to Register Your Safety Seat

Please complete the following information regarding this Safety Seat:

• Model Number: [Provided on seat label]
• Manufacture Date: [Provided on seat label]
• Purchase Date: [User to fill]

The model number and manufacture date are found on labels on the side and bottom of the seat, respectively.

Please fill out and mail the prepaid registration postcard attached to the safety harness. Registration is crucial for recall notifications.

For recall information:

• U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153)
• Website: http://www.NHTSA.gov

You can also register online at: https://babytrend.com/pages/car-seat-product-registration

Safety Information

3.1 About Your Child

This Safety Seat is designed for a specific range of HEIGHT and WEIGHT. Using it outside these limits increases the risk of death or serious injury in a crash. Refer to the warning label on the seat and the manual cover for specific limits.

Children with special needs, such as pre-term babies, may require consultation with a pediatrician regarding the seat's recline angle and overall suitability.

Never leave your child unattended, even for a moment.

Avoid dressing your child in bulky clothing that could prevent the harness from being snug and properly latched.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends rear-facing car seats until age 3 or the child reaches the seat's height/weight limit.

3.2 About Your Vehicle

Proper installation and securing of your child are essential. Vehicle maneuvers and crashes can injure an improperly secured child.

Vehicle seat belt systems vary. Always read your vehicle's owner's manual for child restraint installation guidelines. If your manual is unclear, contact your vehicle dealer or manufacturer.

Some vehicles may not have a safe location for installation, or their seat belt systems may not adequately hold the seat. Consult your vehicle manual and this manual.

Never combine this seat or base with products from other manufacturers. Contact Baby Trend for additional bases.

This Safety Seat is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft and meets applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

3.3 About Active Air Bags

NEVER place this safety seat in a vehicle seating location with an active air bag. An inflating air bag can cause death or serious injury to your child. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for air bag warnings and proper use with safety seats.

3.4 About an Unoccupied Safety Seat

Never leave the seat or base unsecured in your vehicle. An unsecured seat can become a projectile in a crash, causing injury. When not in use, remove the seat/base or ensure it is securely belted.

The seat can become very hot in direct sunlight. Always check surfaces for heat before placing your child in the seat. Cover the seat with a blanket or towel if exposed to direct sunlight.

3.5 About This Safety Seat

Do not store heavy objects in the seat, as plastic components can deform over time. Avoid storing the seat in a trunk with pressure from other items or the trunk lid.

Replace the seat and base after any accident, even minor ones, as hidden damage can compromise safety. Do not use a damaged seat.

Discontinue use after seven (7) years from the manufacture date. To discard an old seat, disable it by removing the pad and harness 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, potentially leading to suffocation if the carrier tips over.

Hazards to avoid:

• Suffocation Hazard: Never place the carrier on soft surfaces like beds or sofas, as it can roll over and suffocate the child.
• Strangulation Hazard: Ensure harness straps are snug and fully buckled. Children have become strangled in loose or partially buckled straps.
• Fall Hazard: Never place the carrier on elevated surfaces like tables or counters. It can fall from shopping carts.

To prevent suffocation, falls, and other hazards:

• Always place the carrier on a firm, level surface. Avoid soft or plush surfaces.
• Keep the carrier away from edges of high surfaces. Stay within arm's reach.
• Ensure harness straps are snug and properly latched.
• Before lifting, ensure the carry handle is firmly locked.
• Strangulation Warning: Do not place items with strings around a child's neck, suspend strings over the carrier, attach strings to toys, or place the carrier near windows with cords from blinds or drapes.

Selecting the Best Location for the Safety Seat

4.1 Overall Considerations

Rear seating positions are statistically safer for children than front positions.

The center rear seat is recommended as the safest location. If possible, an adult should ride in the rear with the child for monitoring.

If the driver is alone and needs to monitor the child, the forward seating position may be used only if there is no passenger side Active Air Bag and all other requirements for that location are met.

4.2 Check Vehicle Seat Requirements

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

Never place the seat in a location with an Active Air Bag, as deployment can cause severe injury. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for warnings about active air bags and child seat installation.

4.3 Check Vehicle Seat Belt Compatibility

The seat must be installed tightly at all times. Not all vehicle seat belt systems are safe for use with this seat.

Unsafe Seat Belt Systems:

• Lap belts that stay loose and only lock in a crash (often with Emergency Locking Retractors).
• Lap/shoulder belt systems where both belts have retractors at one end.
• Seat belts connected to the door.
• Seat belts anchored more than 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 information on suitable seat belt systems or modifications.

WARNING: Carefully analyze seat belt operation. Threading the belt through the seat does not guarantee safety. Read this section and your vehicle's manual thoroughly.

Safe Seat Belt Systems:

• Manually adjusted lap belts that remain tight.
• Lap belts with automatic locking retractors that must be unbuckled to lengthen.
• Lap/shoulder combination belts with latch plates that lock the lap belt into position.
• Lap/shoulder combination belts with sliding latch plates that require a locking clip (provided with the seat) or a lockable retractor. Refer to page 41 for locking clip instructions.

Contact Baby Trend at 1-800-328-7363 to obtain a locking clip if needed.

Safety Seat Features and Proper Use

5.1 5-Point Harness

The 5-point harness system includes harness straps, a buckle, and a chest clip. Ensure all components are used correctly for secure restraint.

5.2 Rear View of Car Seat

Diagrams illustrate components like the canopy, adjustable back release button, ergonomic carry grip, harness belt, adjustable back harness slots, low birthweight harness slots, base/stroller hook, and metal plate.

5.3 Rear View of Component Locations

Diagrams show the base/stroller release handle, locking clip storage, webbing twist indicator stripe, and push-on connectors.

5.4 Base

The base includes push-on connectors, an angle indicator, an adjustable elevation foot, and an adjustable elevation foot release button.

5.5 Use of the Safety Seat with the Base

To attach: Align the seat with the base and push down until it latches securely. Check both sides.

To remove: Squeeze the base release handle located below the head end of the seat and lift upward.

5.6 Other Features

Baby Trend offers various seat styles with different features, adjustments, and weight/size ratings. Follow instructions specific to your model.

Seat Angle Indicators: Used to ensure proper recline for crash protection. Consult the indicator based on child's weight.

Locking Clip: Stored at the back of the seat, used for specific vehicle belts. Contact Baby Trend for a locking clip.

Seat Angle Adjuster: On the base, this adjuster raises/lowers the front of the base to achieve the correct recline angle.

5.7 Operation of the Carry Handle

WARNING: Toys or objects attached to the carry handle can cause injury in a crash. Never attach them when the seat is in the vehicle.

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

In-Vehicle Handle Use: ONLY use the Rebound handle position in the vehicle.

To adjust handle position: Depress buttons above the connection point, rotate the handle to the desired position, and ensure it locks. Before lifting, check that both sides of the handle are locked in the Carry position.

5.8 Attaching the Canopy

Slip canopy stays through sleeves. Insert plastic stay ends into fittings on the handle hub. Use hook-and-loop fasteners on the rear fabric to attach to the seat frame.

5.9 Ergonomic Side Carry Grip

Rotate the handle to the carry position. Cross your forearm through the handle and place your hand on the grip.

5.10 Inserts Use

Inserts are optional and intended for children weighing 4-18 lbs. They are not included with all models.

5.11 Adjustment of Shoulder Straps

WARNING: Improper harness adjustment increases the risk of death or serious injury. Adjust straps snugly every time.

5.11.1 Car Seat with Adjustable Back Safety Seat

This seat has a sliding adjustable back that changes harness strap height.

1. Harness straps should be at or just below the child's shoulders.
2. Press the blue button behind the seat back to raise or lower the back and straps. Each position adjusts slots by 12.5mm (1/2").
3. Ensure the button remains in the out position after adjustment.
4. DO NOT use the seat with harness straps adjusted above the child's shoulders.
5. If the metal plate interferes with adjustment, move it to the next longest harness loop.

Refer to section 5.13 for Harness Length Adjustment.

5.11.2 Car Seat use of Fixed Back Shoulder Position (Low Birthweight Harness Routing)

Use this position only if the child's shoulders are below the lowest position of the adjustable seat back.

The fixed back seat has one harness strap height adjustment for low birthweight children.

Harness straps must be used in the fixed back position, even with or just below the child's shoulders.

Harness Strap Adjustment Steps:

1. Verify child's shoulders are below the lowest adjustable back position.
2. Remove child from seat.
3. Remove seat from base and rotate carry handle to rebound, carry, or storage position.
4. Loosen harness straps by pressing the adjuster button and pulling straps.
5. Move adjustable seat back to the top position by pressing the blue button and pulling up.
6. Turn seat over. Locate the Metal Adjuster Plate and remove harness straps from it.
7. From the front, pull harness straps through slots in the adjustable back and seat pad.
8. Position strap over the fixed back harness slot. Use the belt threading tool to push straps through slots, seat pad, and shell. Repeat for the other strap.
9. From the rear, pull harness straps through slots until enough strap reaches the adjuster plate.
10. Ensure harness strap ends are hooked onto the metal plate in the same position (e.g., position A) on both sides.
11. Inspect straps for twists. Twisted straps can prevent proper tightening and secure restraint.
12. Pull on straps from the front to ensure they are securely reattached.
13. Fold webbing over the metal plate and secure with hook-and-loop fastener.

5.12 Adjustment of the Crotch Strap Length

The crotch strap is adjustable for a safe and comfortable fit. A gap of 1/2" to 1" should be present between the buckle ears and the top of the child's thigh (disregarding clothing). Always check buckle height.

To shorten webbing: Thread anchor bracket through the slot closest to the in-use position.

To lengthen webbing: Undo anchor bracket from the second slot and pull buckle up.

5.13 Harness Length Adjustment

There are three harness length adjustment positions: Position A for smaller children, Positions B or C for larger children.

1. Loosen harness straps by pressing the adjuster button and pulling straps.
2. Unfasten harness end loops from the metal plate.
3. Fasten harness end loops onto the metal plate.
4. Ensure ends are hooked on the metal plate in the same position on both sides.
5. If using Position A, loops B and C must be on top of the Belt Adjuster Plate.

Using Infant Restraint

6.1 Size and Weight Limitations

WARNING: DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur. Proper use is required.

Child must meet ALL requirements:

• Weight: 4 to 30 lbs (1.8 to 13.6 kg)
• Height: 29.5 inches (74.9 cm) or less
• Harness Straps must be at or just BELOW child's shoulders at the highest adjustment position.

Baby Trend recommends children remain rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the seat's weight/height limit and are at least 2 years old.

6.2 Securing Your Child in the Safety Seat / Carrier

WARNING: Children have STRANGLED in loose or partially buckled harness straps. Fully restrain the child even when the carrier is used outside the vehicle.

Failure to properly secure your child increases the risk of death or serious injury from suffocation, falls, or in the event of a sharp turn, sudden stop, or crash.

The safety seat provides no protection unless harness straps are properly installed and adjusted. Ensure straps are snug and secure every time.

6.3 For the 5-Point Harness

Insert both buckle tongues into the harness buckle on the crotch strap. Pull up to test security. Fasten Harness Chest Clips together. Position the Chest Clip level with the child's armpits. Ensure tongues click into the buckle and are firmly latched by pulling upward on the straps. If not securely buckled, the seat will NOT provide protection. Do not use if harness does not buckle securely.

Accessory products are acceptable if they do not interfere with harness assembly or proper adjustment.

Installation

7.0 Installation - Securing the Safety Seat or Base in the Vehicle

WARNING: Failure to properly install and secure the seat in a rear-facing position increases the risk of death or serious injury. Follow instructions carefully.

Thick, soft, or compressible material exceeding 1/4 inch should not be placed behind or under the child or between the child and harness straps.

WARNING: Toys or other objects attached to the carry handle can cause injury in a crash. Never attach them when in the vehicle. Do not store items like pacifiers, toys, or blankets behind the headrest.

Please read section 4.3, "Check that the Vehicle Seat Belt is Safe to Use," before proceeding. Vehicle seat belt systems vary; combine this manual's guidance with your vehicle manufacturer's information for proper installation.

7.1 Preparation

1. Park on a level surface. Check the seat's level indicator.
2. Select an acceptable location as per section 4.1.
3. Check for Active Air Bags. DO NOT use locations with active air bags or adjacent to them. Consult your vehicle manual.
4. If using a front seat, slide it as far back as possible to prevent the seat from hitting the dash in a crash. If using a rear seat, slide the vehicle seat forward to prevent the seat from hitting the seat back.
5. Ensure the vehicle seat back is locked and will not fold forward.

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

WARNING: Toys or other objects attached to the carry handle can cause injury in a crash.

1. Remove any toys or objects from the carry handle.
2. Remove the Safety Seat from the base by squeezing the release handle and lifting upward. Store LATCH connectors if applicable.
3. Place the Base in the rear-facing position in a forward-facing vehicle seat (Fig. 44-2). The child must face the rear.
4. Thread the vehicle belt through the Base (Fig. 40-2) or the Safety Seat without the Base (Fig. 45-1) as shown.
5. Buckle the seat belt, ensuring it is not twisted and is securely latched.
6. Proper installation requires a very tight seat belt. Push down on the seat/base while pulling and tightening the belt. Check for slack along the entire belt path.
7. Adjust the handle to the correct position (Fig. 45-2). ONLY use the Rebound handle position in the vehicle.
8. To tighten a lap belt only: Use automatic or manual tightening methods, ensuring the retractor locks and the belt remains very tight.
9. To tighten a combination lap/shoulder belt: Pull upward on the shoulder portion while pushing down on the seat/base. Repeat tightening if necessary.
10. For belts with sliding latch plates, a locking clip may be required (Fig. 47-2). Consult your vehicle manual. Install the clip 1/2 inch from the buckle (Fig. 48-1).
11. Re-buckle and check that the belt is very tight.
12. If using the Base, ensure nothing interferes with latching. Place the seat onto the base and push down until it latches securely (hear a click). Pull upward to check. If it does not latch securely, DO NOT use the seat. Call Baby Trend.
13. Adjust carry handle to the correct position (Rebound position for vehicle use).

7.3 Installation of the Base using LATCH

The LATCH system simplifies installation. Ensure child seats are installed using LATCH anchors.

1. Remove any toys or objects from the carry handle.
2. Locate LATCH seating positions per your vehicle manual.
3. Remove the Safety Seat from the base.
4. Remove LATCH Push On Connectors from storage. Place the Base in the rear-facing position (Fig. 51-2).
5. Locate vehicle LATCH anchors. Snap connectors onto the rod. Listen for a click and pull outward to confirm attachment. The indicator window turns Green when attached.
6. Tighten LATCH webbing by pushing down on the base while pulling upward on the webbing ends. The webbing will lock in place. Check for tightness.
7. Ensure nothing interferes with latching. Place seat onto base and push down until it latches securely. Pull upward to check. If it does not latch securely, DO NOT use the seat. Call Baby Trend.

7.4 Setting Proper Recline of the Safety Seat / Base

WARNING: Improper recline increases the risk of death or serious injury. An upright seat can cause breathing problems; a too-reclined seat can exert excessive force on the child.

The Safety Seat has a Seat Angle Indicator on the child's left side to assist with proper recline (Fig. 54-1).

With Base: Ensure the seat is level side-to-side. Check the Seat Angle Indicator for child's weight.

• Bubble centered between lines: Proper recline for 4-22 lb occupants.
• Level line parallel with ground: Proper recline for >22 lb to 30 lb occupants.
• If indicator is not centered or level, extend the elevation foot (Section 7.5) or use elevation aids (Section 7.6). Re-tighten the vehicle belt.

Without Base: Ensure the seat is level side-to-side. Check the Seat Angle Indicator.

• If the line is not level, the seat is too upright or reclined. Adjust as shown in Fig. 56-2 (reclined) or use a rolled towel/pool noodle under the foot end for upright seats (Fig. 56-3). Re-tighten the vehicle belt.

7.5 To Deploy Elevation Foot

Turn base over. Press release buttons on the side. Rotate foot up into the locked position. Gently move foot back and forth to confirm it is locked.

7.5.1 Elevation Foot Height Adjustment

Press blue release button on the front of the base to change height positions. While holding the button, move the foot up or down into the locked position. Position 1 is the store position.

7.5.2 To Lower Elevation Foot

Press release buttons on the side of the base. While holding buttons, rotate foot up into the locked position.

7.6 Pool Noodle / Elevation Aids

If the Seat Angle Indicator is not level, stow the elevation foot, place a rolled towel, folded towel, or pool noodle under the front of the base or at the foot end of carriers to achieve the correct position. A towel or noodle may also be placed at the back of the base for elevation.

7.7 Base Use

When using elevation aids like pool noodles or towels, ensure they extend beyond the base edge by at least 1 inch.

7.8 Pool Noodle and Towel Examples

Illustrations show examples of rolled and folded towels or pool noodles.

Final Checks

8.1 Checking Safety

If child is in the seat, check harness fit and tightness (Section 6.1).

Perform this test every time: Push down and side-to-side on the seat's head end. The vehicle belt should not loosen. If the belt loosens or the seat moves excessively, review location selection and installation steps. DO NOT use a location where the seat does not remain tightly installed.

Remove any toys or other objects attached to the carry handle.

Additional Information

9.1 Using the Safety Seat in an Airplane

The seat can be used with or without the base. Check airline policies in advance. Use only in a forward-facing airplane seat. Ask flight attendants for assistance.

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

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

9.3 Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean hard surfaces (plastic, metal) with mild soap and water. DO NOT use bleach. Dry with a clean towel.

Harness straps may be spot cleaned with mild soap and water. DO NOT launder straps, as they may be damaged. Contact Baby Trend customer service for replacement straps.

DO NOT use lubricants on any seat or base components, including the buckle and LATCH system.

Seat Pad Washing:

1. Remove harness shoulder straps as instructed in "Adjustment of the Shoulder Straps."
2. For 5-point harness models, unthread straps from harness-tie and buckle tongues. Note threading for reassembly.
3. For adjustable back seats, remove headrest fabric and adjust back to lowest position, then remove seat fabric. For fixed back seats, remove seat fabric. For 5-point harness models, do not unthread the lower portion of the harness.
4. DO NOT use the Safety Seat without the Seat Pad.
5. Refer to fabric tag for care and maintenance.
6. Reinstall seat pad when dry, reassembling shoulder straps at the correct height.
7. For 5-point harness models, thread straps through pad bottom slots and pull buckle through the rear flap opening. Thread straps through buckle tongues and harness-tie.

Inspect harness straps for twists. Twisted straps can prevent proper tightening and secure restraint. Pull on straps from the front to ensure they are securely re-attached.

9.4 Replacement Parts

For help or replacement parts, contact Baby Trend Customer Service at 1-800-328-7363 (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST, Mon-Fri) or visit www.babytrend.com.

9.5 Cozy Cover

Installation (not included with all models): Slide cover/boot over the front of the infant seat. Secure by sliding the strap through the belt path or clipping it to the seat frame.

Warranty

DO NOT RETURN YOUR PRODUCT TO THE STORE. Please contact Baby Trend® for replacement parts, service, and repair.

The Baby Trend® warranty covers workmanship defects within 1 year of purchase. The warranty is voided by misuse, abuse, abnormal use, excessive wear and tear, improper assembly, negligence, environmental exposure, alteration, accident, or if the serial number is altered or removed.

Damage to property during installation is the end user's responsibility.

Contact Customer Service at 1 (800) 328-7363 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST). Return Authorizations are required.

Visit http://babytrend.com/pages/limited-warranty for complete warranty details.