Baby Trend PROTECT 2-in-1 Folding Booster Seat

Important Safety Warnings

▲ WARNING!

Read all instructions and warnings carefully before use. Failure to properly use this car seat can increase the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH in a sudden stop or crash.

KEEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE. Store this manual in the provided pocket on the back of the car seat headrest, or under the material when in the backless mode.

General Safety Guidelines:

• Always ensure the vehicle's seat belt is properly secured and adjusted for the child.
• Never use this booster seat with only a lap belt; a lap and shoulder belt system is required.
• Do not use this booster seat in vehicles with seat belts mounted to the door.
• Ensure the booster seat can be installed correctly; some child restraint systems may not fit certain vehicle seats.
• Never use this booster seat in a seating position with an active airbag unless recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Refer to page 8 for side airbag information.
• Do not use this booster seat in the rear seat of a compact pickup truck, as it may cause serious head injury or death.
• Ensure the vehicle's seat belt is properly secured around the child at all times, even if no child is present. An unsecured infant restraint can injure someone in a crash.
• Direct sunlight can heat the booster seat surfaces enough to burn your child. Be cautious on hot, sunny days.
• NEVER leave a child unsupervised.
• Do not use the booster seat if it has been in a crash, as it may have hidden damage and must be replaced. Your insurance company may assist with replacement.
• Do not use the booster seat if it is damaged or missing parts.
• Do not continue using this booster seat after 9 years from its manufacture date, indicated on the label at the bottom of the seat.
• Always secure the restraint system with a lap and shoulder belt.
• Do not allow others (babysitters, friends, grandparents, etc.) to use this booster seat unless they read and understand the instructions and labels.
• Use only accessories manufactured by Baby Trend®. Using unauthorized accessories may affect child safety in a crash.
• Do not modify or attach toys or other items to this booster seat. Untested modifications or padding can cause injury in a crash.

Recommendations for Use

Children should use an integrated harness system until they exceed the manufacturer's specified weight or height limits.

High-Back Booster Seat Requirements:

This child restraint system is designed for children who:

• Are 4 years old or older, AND
• Weigh between 40 and 120 lbs (18 and 54 kg), AND
• Measure between 44 and 57 inches (112 and 145 cm).

No-Back Booster Seat Requirements:

This child restraint system is designed for children who:

• Are 4 years old or older, AND
• Weigh between 40 and 120 lbs (18 and 45 kg), AND
• Measure between 44 and 57 inches (112 and 145 cm).

Baby Trend recommends using a car seat with a built-in harness as long as possible before changing to booster mode. The child must be at least 4 years of age.

Booster Seat Usage:

The child MUST meet all these requirements to use the booster seat.

▲ WARNING!

SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH can occur if:

• The top of the child's ears extend above the top of the seat back. This can cause serious head or neck injury if adequate head support is not provided.
• The child's shoulders extend above the shoulder belt guide with the headrest in the highest position (See Figure 6).

Figure 6: Diagram illustrating correct headrest and shoulder belt positioning.

Parts of the Booster Seat

3.1 High-Back Booster Seat:

Diagram showing a high-back booster seat with labels pointing to: Adjustable Headrest, Vehicle Shoulder Belt Guide, Armrests, Lap/Shoulder Belt Guides, Cup Holder, Seat Pad, Headrest Release, Manual Storage Pocket, Back Release.

3.2 No-Back Booster Seat:

Diagram showing a no-back booster seat with labels pointing to: Armrests, Lap/Shoulder Belt Guides, Cup Holder, Shoulder Belt Positioner (stored under soft object).

Choosing a Location for the Seat

5.1 Proper Use:

▲ WARNING!

SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH can occur if:

• The vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system is used only when restraining a child in this booster seat.
• The booster seat is used with only a lap belt.
• The booster seat is used in vehicles with seat belts mounted to the front door.
• The booster seat cannot be installed properly. Some child restraint systems may not fit certain vehicle seat positions.
• The booster seat is used in a seating position with an active airbag, unless recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Refer to page 8 for side airbags.
• The booster seat is used in the rear seat of a compact pickup truck, as it may cause serious head injury or death.

▲ WARNING

Never use this car seat in a vehicle seat with an active front airbag. SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH can occur. Consult the vehicle owner's manual for additional information about active airbags and child seat installation.

5.2 Proper Installation:

1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises that children under 13 are safest in rear seats.
2. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for car seat installation instructions.
3. Always use rear seats when possible. Never place a booster seat in a front seat unless recommended by the vehicle owner's manual.
4. For vehicles with airbags, consult the owner's manual for child restraint installation. If a front seat with an airbag must be used, follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions for child restraint use and position the vehicle seat as far back as possible.

Baby Trend® Policy Statement: Use of the PROTECT 2-in-1 Folding Booster Seat Restraint System with Side Airbags

Consult your vehicle owner's manual to determine side-impact airbag types for individual seating positions. The PROTECT 2-in-1 Folding Booster Seat restraint system can be used in any rear seat position equipped with only side-impact airbags that deploy as a 'curtain' from the roof. For vehicles with other types of side airbags, consult the specific vehicle owner's manual for proper child restraint system use, or contact the vehicle manufacturer.

5.3 Vehicle Seats to Avoid:

Diagrams illustrating seats to avoid: Seats facing sideways [NO], Seats facing rearward [NO], Rear seats of small pickup trucks with extended cabs [NO].

5.4 Vehicle Seat Belt Systems:

Use the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system only when it restrains a child in this booster seat. Vehicle seat belt designs vary. Not all seat belts are compatible with child restraints. Refer to page 14 for information on different vehicle seat belt systems.

5.5 Vehicle Seat Belt Systems to Avoid:

Diagrams illustrating seat belt systems to avoid: Only lap belt [NO], Passive restraints with motorized shoulder belts [NO], Passive restraints with door-mounted lap or shoulder belts [NO].

▲ WARNING

Always secure this booster seat with the vehicle seat belt at all times (even if no child is in the seat). An unsecured child restraint can injure someone in a crash.

Installation and Use

6.1 Proper Use:

▲ WARNING!

SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH can occur if:

• The vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system is used only when restraining a child in this booster seat.
• A lap-only belt is used (See Figure 15a). Always use a lap and shoulder belt (See Figure 15b).

Figure 15a: Diagram showing incorrect lap-only belt usage.

Figure 15b: Diagram showing correct lap and shoulder belt usage.

• Adjust the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt snugly around the child according to the vehicle owner's manual.
• Never use this booster seat in a seating position with an active airbag unless recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Do not allow the child to slide down in the booster seat, as this can cause the vehicle's lap belt to ride up on the child's abdomen and the shoulder belt to rest on the child's neck or face.

6.2 PROTECT 2-in-1 Folding Booster Seat Adjustment Guide:

Read all sections of this instruction manual before use.

Diagram showing numbered steps for adjusting the seat:

1. Centered Shoulder Belt
2. Shoulder Belt Guide at Shoulder Height
3. Lap Belt in Both Lap Belt Guides
4. Shoulder Belt as close as possible to the vehicle buckle in the Lap Belt Guide

6.3 Installing the Booster Seat:

PROTECT 2-in-1 Folding Booster Seat Adjustment Guide

1. Open the booster seat from its folded position (Figure 17a):
• Grasp the backrest and the lower seat portion and pull to unfold the booster seat.
• Continue moving the backrest backward until it reaches the upright position (Figure 17b).
2. Place the booster seat on the selected vehicle seat.
• The location MUST have a lap and shoulder belt (Figure 17b).
• If the vehicle seat back is adjustable, adjust it to the upright position.
• Set the vehicle headrest to the lowest possible position.

Figure 17a: Diagram showing the seat being unfolded.

Figure 17b: Diagram showing the seat placed in the vehicle seat, with a lap and shoulder belt indicated.

6.4 Securing the Child in the Booster Seat:

1. Secure the child in the booster seat.
• The child MUST sit upright with their back against the seat back, not slouching or sliding down (Figure 18a).
2. Adjust the headrest so the top of the shoulder belt guides are at or above the child's shoulders (Figure 18b).
• Push the handles inward to release the headrest and move it down or up to the desired position (Figure 18c).
• Release the headrest handles and ensure they lock into place.
3. Adjust the shoulder belt so the inner edge of the shoulder belt is centered on the child's shoulder (Figure 18b).
• Press the release button to adjust the shoulder belt guide (Figure 18d).

Figure 18a: Child sitting upright in the seat.

Figure 18b: Diagram showing the shoulder belt guide at the child's shoulder level. Text indicates the belt is level with the top of the shoulder.

Figure 18c: Diagram showing how to push handles to adjust the headrest.

Figure 18d: Diagram showing the release button for the shoulder belt guide.

Note: If necessary, the headrest can be readjusted up or down to ensure the seat belt is centered on the child's shoulder.

6.5 Installation and Use of the No-Back Booster Seat:

Diagram showing the child and seat belt routing for a no-back booster.

1. Route the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt around the child and buckle it (Figure 19a).
• Route the lap belt under both lap belt guides (Figure 19b).
• Route the shoulder belt over the child's chest and into the shoulder belt guide and lap belt guide, as close as possible to the vehicle buckle (Figure 19c).

NOTE: The armrest can be raised to make it easier to get the child into the booster seat. Ensure the armrest is lowered once the child is seated.

2. Adjust the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt snugly according to the vehicle owner's manual.
• The preferred location for the shoulder belt is in the lap belt guide, but to aid proper shoulder belt positioning, it can be routed outside the lap belt guide but below the armrest (Figure 19b).
3. Check the vehicle seat belt:
• The lap belt should be snug and low on the hips, contacting the thighs.
• The shoulder belt should touch the chest and be centered on the shoulder. Use the Shoulder Belt Positioner to adjust the vehicle shoulder belt position.
• Do not place the vehicle shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the child.

NOTE: Some children may shift position and move the seat belt. Do not allow the child to slide down, causing the lap belt to move to the stomach or abdomen. Do not allow the child to place the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back.

Figure 19a: Diagram showing the child buckled in.

Figure 19b: Diagram showing lap belt routing under guides.

Figure 19c: Diagram showing shoulder belt routing.

6.5 Installation and Use of the No-Back Booster Seat:

▲ WARNING!

SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH can occur if:

• The child must be at least 4 years old and weigh at least 40 lbs (18 kg) to use the No-Back Booster Seat.
• Use the High-Back mode for as long as possible. The backrest and headrest provide greater protection against frontal and side impact. Removing them prematurely reduces this protection.
• The vehicle's lap/shoulder belt must be correctly positioned on the child. Use the vehicle's shoulder belt positioner to center the belt on the child's shoulder.
• Discontinue use of the No-Back Booster Seat when the top of the child's ears extend above the top of the vehicle seat back or headrest.

Installation and Use (Continued)

To Secure the Car Seat and Child:

1. Remove the seat back support (see 'Assembly and Removal of Back Support' on page 24).
2. The Shoulder Belt Positioner will be attached to the PROTECT 2-in-1 seat and stored under soft objects. Locate the belt positioner; store under soft objects.
3. Place the car seat in a vehicle seat equipped with a lap/shoulder belt, centered between the lap/shoulder belt anchors (refer to 'Choosing a Location for the Seat').

▲ WARNING!

Do not place the No-Back Booster Seat in a vehicle location that only has a lap belt.

4. If the vehicle seat back is adjustable, adjust it to the upright position or as specified in the vehicle owner's manual for car seat use.
5. Place the child in the No-Back Booster Seat with the child's back and buttocks in contact with the seating surfaces.
6. Route the lap and shoulder belt around the child and buckle it. Route the lap belt under both lap belt guides. Route the shoulder belt over the child's chest and into the shoulder belt guide closest to the buckle (Figure 22a).

NOTE: For installations with children weighing over 100 lbs, the shoulder belt MUST be routed outside the guide strap (Figure 22b).

NOTE: The armrest can be lifted to make it easier to get the child into the booster. Ensure the armrest is lowered once the child is seated.

7. Route the vehicle's shoulder belt into the vehicle's Shoulder Belt Positioner and adjust it to the child's shoulder position. Thread the vehicle's shoulder belt through the shoulder strap positioner as shown (Figure 22c). Refer to section 6.13 on page 26 for Use and Adjustment of the Vehicle Shoulder Belt Positioner. Pull up or down on the strap adjuster until the vehicle belt is centered over the child's shoulder.

Figure 22a: Diagram showing belt routing through positioner.

Figure 22b: Diagram showing shoulder belt routed outside the guide for heavier children.

Figure 22c: Diagram showing the shoulder belt positioner being used.

• Verify the vehicle's shoulder belt is correctly positioned over the shoulder and snug against the child.

NOTE: Some vehicle shoulder belts with emergency locking retractors allow the child to pull the belt up and change position. Using the Shoulder Belt Positioner helps maintain the correct shoulder belt position.

8. Verify Vehicle Seat Belts Fit the Child Properly:

• The lap belt should lie low on the hips, contacting the thighs.
• The shoulder belt should touch the chest and be centered on the shoulder. Use the Shoulder Belt Positioner to adjust the vehicle shoulder belt position.
• Do NOT place the vehicle shoulder belt under the child's arm or behind the child.

▲ WARNING!

Discontinue use of the No-Back Booster Seat when the top of the child's ears extend above the top of the vehicle headrest or seat back.

To Remove Your Child from the Seat:

Unbuckle the vehicle seat belt and remove your child.

6.6 Assembly and Removal of Back Support:

To Remove the Backrest: Press the two buttons to release and lift.

To Install: Align the tabs on the booster seat backrest and slide into place. Pull on the backrest to confirm it is secured.

6.7 Booster Seat Backrest Angle:

The PROTECT 2-in-1 Folding Booster Seat has a range of motion that matches the vehicle seat's recline.

6.8 Headrest Adjustment:

Push the handles inward to release the headrest and move the headrest down or up to the desired position.

6.9 Cup Holders:

▲ WARNING

AVOID INJURY! DO NOT place pencils or other pointed objects in the cup holder.

6.10 Shoulder Belt Adjustment:

Press the release button to move the shoulder belt guide to positions 1, 2, or 3 (Figure 25a).

Figure 25a: Diagram showing shoulder belt guide adjustment buttons.

6.11 Shoulder Belt Insertion:

• Press down on the belt guide.
• Insert the Shoulder Belt and release the guide (Figure 25b).

Figure 25b: Diagram showing shoulder belt insertion into the guide.

6.12 Storing the Booster Seat:

To Fold the Booster Seat:

• Fold the seat backrest down towards the seat bottom.
• Push the backrest down until it is in the folded position (Figure 26a).
• Store the booster seat in the box in a cool, dry place.

Figure 26a: Diagram showing the seat being folded.

6.13 Use and Adjustment of the Vehicle Shoulder Belt Positioner:

• Use the shoulder belt guide only if necessary to center the vehicle's shoulder belt on the child's shoulder. The shoulder belt should center on the child's shoulder as shown (Figure 26a). The shoulder belt guide is stored under the seat pad.
• Insert the vehicle's shoulder belt into both sides of the shoulder belt guide (Figure 26b). Pull the free end of the shoulder belt guide strap downward (Figure 26c) to position the shoulder belt correctly for a centered shoulder (Figure 25a).
• Do not overtighten the belt guide, which forces the shoulder belt into an unnatural transition over the child's shoulder (Figure 25d). The shoulder belt should have a smooth transition over the shoulder (Figure 26e).

Figure 26a: Diagram showing correct shoulder belt centering.

Figure 26b: Diagram showing belt insertion into the positioner.

Figure 26c: Diagram showing pulling the positioner strap.

Figure 25d: Diagram illustrating overtightening.

Figure 26e: Diagram showing smooth belt transition.

Safety

7.1 Safety Checklist:

• Did you read and understand these instructions and labels on the Booster Seat? ✔️
• Are the child's weight and height appropriate for the Booster Seat? ✔️
• Is the child secured in the rear seat? ✔️
• Is the child restraint system forward-facing with a lap and shoulder belt? ✔️
• Is the vehicle seat belt properly secured and adjusted? ✔️
  • Lap belt in both lap belt guides?
  • Shoulder belt in the shoulder belt guide and lap belt guide?
  • Shoulder belt guide at or above the child's shoulders?
  • Child sitting upright with the lap belt low on the thighs?
  • Shoulder belt touching the chest and centered on the shoulder?
• Did you check for hot surfaces on hot days? ✔️
• Do not continue using this booster seat after 9 years from its manufacture date printed on the label at the bottom of the seat.

Drive with Caution

7.2 Safe Practices

For assistance with installation or use, contact one of the following:

• Baby Trend®: Phone: 1-800-328-7363. Email: www.babytrend.com
• A certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) in your area. Find one at www.nhtsa.dot.gov (select 'Child Passenger Safety' then 'Technician Contact Locator') or attend a seat check event.
• For seat check event locations and schedules: Visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov (select 'Child Seat Inspections') or www.seatcheck.org.
• Call 1-866-SEAT CHECK (1-866-732-8243).

EVERYONE must buckle up, or the vehicle will NOT start! NO EXCEPTIONS for children or adults!

• If someone unbuckles their belt, the vehicle will BRAKE! Be firm and consistent for fewer discipline issues as children grow. An unbuckled person can be thrown and injure other passengers.
• NEVER try to attend to a crying child while driving. Never remove a child from a restraint to comfort them while the vehicle is moving.
• Do not allow the child to slide down under the lap belt or place the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back.
• Do not allow the child to have lollipops, popsicles, or other foods on sticks. These items can injure your child in a sudden stop or crash.
• Store heavy or sharp objects in the trunk. Loose objects can be fatal in a crash.
• If using a blanket in cold weather, place the child in the restraint and cover both with the blanket.

Additional Information

8.1 Certification:

This restraint system complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for use in motor vehicles. This booster seat is certified for use in motor vehicles.

8.2 Use on Airplanes:

This restraint system is NOT certified for airplane use. Airplanes do not have the required lap and shoulder belt combination needed for this booster seat.

8.3 Vehicle Seat Protection:

Protect your vehicle seat. Use a thin rug, towel, or blanket under and behind the booster seat.

8.4 Storing the Instruction Manual:

Store the instruction manual in the pocket on the back of the booster seat or under soft objects when the backrest is not attached.

8.5 Booster Seat Lifespan:

Do not continue using this booster seat after 9 years from its manufacture date printed on the label at the bottom of the seat. Parts may be missing or damaged, or the booster seat may have been in a crash.

9.0 Registration Information

REGISTER YOUR CAR SEAT

Complete the following information. The model number and date of manufacture can be found on the label on the back of the booster seat.

Model Number: ___________________

Manufactured in: ___________________

Date of Purchase: ___________________

Complete and mail the prepaid registration postcard attached to the harness straps. Child restraint systems can be recalled for safety reasons. Registering your system ensures you can be contacted in case of a recall. Send your name, address, email address (if available), and the restraint system's model number and date of manufacture to: Baby Trend®, Inc, 13048 Valley Blvd. Fontana CA 92335, or call 1-800-328-7363, or register online at: https://babytrend.com/pages/car-seat-product-registration

For recall information, call the U.S. Government's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or visit http://www.NHTSA.gov.

If You Need Assistance

Contact our Customer Service Department with any questions about your restraint system. When contacting us, please have the model and date of manufacture ready. The model number and date of manufacture can be found on the white label located on the back of the booster seat.

Toll-Free in the U.S.: 1-800-328-7363

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PST) Monday through Friday

or visit www.babytrend.com

10.0 Care and Cleaning

10.1 Removing Seat, Backrest, and Headrest Pads:

• Gently unfasten the elastics and/or buckles. Remove the booster seat pads.

10.2 Cleaning Seat, Backrest, and Headrest Pads:

• Hand wash with cold water and mild soap.
• Air dry.

10.3 Cleaning the Cover:

• Wipe with a mild soap and water solution. Avoid wetting labels.
• Rinse with clean water.
• Never use household detergents or solvents.

10.4 Reattaching Seat, Backrest, and Headrest Pads:

• Place the pads on the booster seat, re-securing the elastics and/or buckles.

10.5 Replacement Parts:

If you need assistance or replacement parts, call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-328-7363 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (PST) Monday through Friday, or visit www.babytrend.com.

11.0 Warranty

WARRANTY

DO NOT RETURN YOUR PRODUCT TO THE STORE. PLEASE CONTACT BABY TREND® FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS, SERVICE AND REPAIR.

The Baby Trend® warranty covers manufacturing defects within the first 180 days of purchase. Any product subjected to misuse, abuse, abnormal use, excessive wear and tear, improper assembly, negligence, environmental exposure, alteration, or accident, or whose serial number has been altered or removed, invalidates all claims against the manufacturer. Any damage to property during installation is the sole responsibility of the end user. The Customer Service Department can be contacted at 1 (800) 328-7363, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (PST). Return Authorizations are required prior to returning product(s) to Baby Trend®. Warranty is valid only in North America.