Carrot-III Child Restraint System

Product Overview

The Carrot-III Special Needs Restraint is designed to provide extra support for children who have difficulty sitting correctly in conventional seats. Always consult your doctor to ensure this restraint system is suitable for your child, and read all instructions in this manual before use.

This is a universal restrained system for children, approved according to ECE R44/04 by the Kraftfahrtbundesamt (Approval Number: 44R – 04301283). It also holds an EU conformity declaration for medical products according to the adandom II, V, VI and VIII of the EU guideline concerning medical products 93/42/EWG. The Carrot 3 car seat conforms with the equivalent rules of the medical product and the guideline 93/42 EWG. Production is controlled by a quality management system according to ISO 9100.

Sole importer in Europe: RehaNorm Bingen GmbH, Am Ockenheimer Graben 50, D-55411 Bingen. Phone: +49 6721 906-0, Fax: +49 6721 906-66, E-Mail: information@rehanorm.de, Internet: www.rehanorm.de

Table of Contents

• Warnings
• Safety Information
• Important Notes
• Certification
• Features
• Installation (Standard Installation, Installation with ISOFIX)
• Functions (Head Section, Shoulder Section, Chest Section, Backrest Section, Seat Section)
• Securing Your Child
• Care and Maintenance
• Product Dimensions
• Warranty

Warnings

❗ DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur:

• Use only with children weighing between 15 kg and 36 kg (Class II & III). Tested with 10 kg and 49 kg dummies. Some countries allow transport of children under 15 kg or young patients between 36-50 kg with a doctor's note for special needs.
• Use forward-facing position only.
• Do not alter the construction of the Carrot 3 unless authorized in this manual.
• Adjust belts snugly around your child; no slack or twist. Belts should not press on skin or push the body unnaturally.
• Secure the child seat with upper and lower fixing straps and the vehicle's 3-point safety belts.
• Tighten the internal 5-point belt system and the car's 3-point belt system firmly.
• Follow all instructions on the seat and in this manual.
• Use only with vehicles equipped with lap/shoulder (3-point) safety belts approved by ECE regulation No.16 or equivalent standards.
• Ensure rigid items and plastic parts are not trapped by movable seats or doors.
• Discontinue use if the seat has been in a moderate or severe crash.
• The child seat must not be used without the cover.
• Do not replace the child seat cover with anything other than the manufacturer's recommended one.
• Store this manual in the pocket on the back when not in use.
• Do not use in the home, boats, or other non-certified applications.
• The back seat of a vehicle is the safest location. Consult your vehicle owner's manual for safety and installation.
• Secure the child seat even when unoccupied, as an unsecured seat can injure occupants in a crash.
• When using with airbags, refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for precautions.
• Never use the adjuster strap to lift or carry the seat; this can damage the harness adjuster and webbing. Carry by the shell.
• Do not disassemble the harness or straps, or remove buckle tongues. Incorrect reassembly can impair performance.
• The vehicle body is the primary protection; the child seat improves survival chances in a crash. Ensure users understand correct usage.

Safety Information & Important Notes

• Verify the child seat is securely installed with provided straps (or ISOFIX) and the harness is properly adjusted each time.
• Adjust harness to fit the child's clothing; remove bulky coats/jackets before seating.
• Cover the child seat when parked in direct sunlight to prevent overheating.
• Store the child seat safely when not in use, avoiding heavy objects on top.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle.
• Do not disassemble or alter the seat or its belts, except as described in this manual.
• Remove loose objects from the vehicle's back seat, as they can cause injury in a sudden stop.
• Ensure folding vehicle seats are latched to prevent them from interfering with child seat protection.
• Do not use external items to raise the child seat; this can cause sliding and inadequate protection.
• Do not allow children to play with the child seat.
• The child seat is recommended for use in the upright position.

Certification

This child seat system conforms to European Safety Standard, ECE R44/04 (Class II & III).

❗ WARNING: This child seat must be used forward-facing position only.

❗ WARNING: When reclining the backrest, you must release and loosen the harness straps first, then re-tighten the harness after reclining. Reclining without loosening the harness may cause pushing or choking your child.

Features

The Carrot-III features an adjustable Head-Support, Harness Straps, and various optional accessories for enhanced comfort and fit.

Head Section

• Head-Support Adjustment: Adjusts to fit the head shape of individual users for better fitting and protection.
• Forward / Backward Position Adjustment: Head-Support can be adjusted forward and backward by 15mm each. This adjustment requires fixing tools; contact the distributor for assistance.
• Head Pillow Position Adjustment: The Head Pillow can be easily adjusted to the most favorable position for the user.

Diagram Description: A child seat is shown with labels pointing to key components: Head Pillow, Head-Support, Comfort Pads, Body Balance Pads, Seat, Vehicle's Belt Path, Head-Support Fixing Strap, Backrest, Shoulder Strap Hole, Harness Straps, Harness Yoke, Lower Fixing Strap, Harness Adjuster Strap, and Harness Buckle. Another diagram illustrates the "e Formula" for adjusting Backrest Height and Seat Length using optional extensions (50mm/100mm), showing different configurations and measurements.

Shoulder Section

• Harness Strap Adjustment: To tighten, pull the harness adjuster strap. To loosen, press and hold the harness adjuster release lever (in Red) while pulling the shoulder harness strap. Note: Do not pull the comfort pad on the harness strap; it is fixed on the back.
• Comfort Pads: Can be adjusted to a favorable position by moving the Velcro tape attached to the back of the Head-Support.
• Shoulder Protector Wing Set (Optional Accessory): Allows for sideway extension adjustment of up to 100mm (50mm each rightward and leftward, in five positions of 10mm each). Press and hold the shoulder width adjuster button (in Yellow) on the back while pulling the wing outward to the desired position for secure and comfortable fit.

Diagram Description: A child seat is shown with labels pointing to Seat Balance Cushion, Shoulder Protector Wing (Optional Accessory), Backrest, Shoulder Width Adjuster Button, Harness Yoke, Comfort Cushion, Lap Belt Guide, Seat Depth Adjuster Knob, and Instruction Manual (in pocket). Another diagram illustrates further seat length adjustments with optional extensions (150mm, 150+50mm, 150+100mm) and their corresponding measurements.

Chest Section

• ❗ WARNING: The top level of the Chest-Support must be lower than the throat area. Positioning it too high may risk choking the child.
• Adjusting Chest-Support: While pushing down the Chest-Support Height Adjuster lever (in Yellow) on the front of the seat, adjust the height of the Chest-Support to the appropriate position.
• Fastening / Releasing Harness Buckle:
  1. Hold the harness buckle with one hand and insert buckle tongues with the other. A positive click confirms proper connection.
  2. Brace the rear of the harness buckle and press the release button to slide out the tongues.

Diagram Description: Shows the chest support adjustment mechanism (Press & hold Chest-Support Adjuster Release Lever) and the process of fastening (inserting buckle tongues) and releasing (pressing release button) the harness buckle.

Backrest Section

• IMPORTANT: The height of the Shoulder Harness Strap moves with the height of the Backrest. The level of the Shoulder Harness Strap must be at or above the child's shoulders, parallel to the level ground.
• Adjusting Backrest Height: Release the lock by pushing the Backrest Height Adjuster Button on the lower Backrest, then adjust the height while pushing the button.
• Backrest Extensions (50mm/100mm) (Optional Accessory): Provided to fill the space exposed between the backrest and the seat when the backrest is extended.

Diagram Description: Shows the correct positioning of the Shoulder Harness Strap relative to the child's shoulders. Also shows the Backrest Height Adjuster Button and optional Backrest Extensions.

Seat Section

• Adjusting Seat Length: When a child sits with knees bent, adjust the total seat length to be slightly shorter than the length from pelvis to rear knee. Release the lock by pushing the Seat Extension Adjuster Release Lever (in Orange) on the front of the seat, then adjust the position of the Rodded Seat Extension.
• Seat Extensions (50mm/100mm) (Optional Accessory): Provided to fill space around metal rods when extending the Rodded Seat Extension and/or Foot Rest.
• Rodded Seat Extension-Long (Optional Accessory): For legs stretched out, supporting lower limbs.
• Rodded Seat Extension-Short (Optional Accessory): For bent knees, supporting up to femora.
• Adjusting Seat Depth: Seat depth can be adjusted by a maximum of 35mm by changing the position of the Seat Depth Adjuster Knob. Contact the distributor for adjustment and assistance.
• Foot Rest (Long / Medium / Short) (Optional Accessory): Features adjustable length.
• Supporting Table (Optional Accessory): Provided for better security of the child's upper limb.
• Seat Angle Adjuster Mat (Triangle Mat) (Optional Accessory): Used to increase and adjust the height of the front area of the child seat for better security and stability.

Diagram Description: Shows the seat length adjustment mechanism (Press & hold Seat Extension Adjuster Release Lever) and illustrations of Seat Extensions, Rodded Seat Extensions (Long/Short), Foot Rest options, Supporting Table, and Seat Angle Adjuster Mat.

Pads and Cushions / Standard Accessories

The following pads and cushions are provided as standard accessories and can be attached and adjusted with Velcro for comfortable positioning:

• Head Pillow: For a comfortable and secure head position in the Head-Support.
• Body Balance Pads: For stable secure of the child's body balance in the child seat.
• Seat Balance Pads: For stable secure of the child's body balance in the child seat.
• Comfort Cushion: For a comfortable position and to prevent the child's pelvis from slipping forward.

Diagram Description: Shows the child seat with labels pointing to Head Pillow, Body Balance Pads, Seat Balance Pads, and Comfort Cushion.

Installation

Standard Installation (Fixing Strap Installation)

If your vehicle is not equipped with LATCH anchors, use fixing straps:

1. Install using fixing straps provided at the upper and lower parts of the child seat.
2. Secure the Head-Support to the vehicle's headrest using the Head-Support fixing strap, and the child seat main body to the vehicle's seat using the lower fixing strap.
3. Attach the buckles, push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat, and pull adjuster straps tight to remove slack. Verify the seat is secure.
4. Verify all connectors are secure.

• When installing on a passenger seat, move the seat backward as far as possible to avoid potential airbag impact.
• If the fixing strap is too short to fix sideways on a bench seat, use the strap vertically.
• If you have difficulty securing the seat, contact the distributor or retailer.

Diagram Description: Shows a typical installation using fixing straps, illustrating how the straps connect to the vehicle seat and headrest.

Installation with ISOFIX (Latch and Tether Anchor Strap)

ISOFIX Latch-Connector Strap and ISOFIX Top-Tether Strap are optional accessories. Contact the distributor for purchase and attachment.

• When installing with ISOFIX, consult your vehicle owner's manual or the manufacturer for approved tether anchorage locations and assistance.
• Ensure your vehicle's ISOFIX Latch connectors and Top-Tether are compatible. If not, use the standard fixing straps.

Diagram Description: Shows a typical ISOFIX forward-facing installation with labels for the ISOFIX Top Tether Strap and ISOFIX Latch Connector Strap.

❗ WARNING: This child seat must be fixed and secured with provided upper and lower fixing straps (or ISOFIX straps). Securing only with the vehicle's lap shoulder belt is insufficient and risks Death or Serious Injury.

ISOFIX Installation Steps:

1. Press and hold each Latch adjuster release button, then pull each Latch strap to full length.
2. Verify the Latch strap is not twisted and attach the Latch connector to the vehicle seat's Latch anchor. Ensure a positive click sound.
3. After latching both sides, push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while pulling each latch adjuster strap tight.
4. If the vehicle has an approved tether anchor, attach the tether hook to it and remove all slack to secure.
5. Verify all connections are secure.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the ISOFIX installation steps, showing the Latch strap adjustment, attachment to the anchor, securing the seat, and tether hook attachment.

Securing Your Child

Once the child seat is installed and adjusted, follow these steps to secure the child:

• Loosen the harness by pressing the adjuster lever and pulling shoulder straps forward.
• Unfasten the harness buckle by pressing the release button and sliding out the tongues.
• Move harness straps aside, place the child in the seat, position straps around the child, and fasten the buckle. A positive click confirms connection.
• Gently pull up on harness straps to tighten the lap section, ensuring it fits low on the child's body.
• The vehicle's 3-point belt is essential for security. After positioning the child with the 5-point harness, pull out the car's 3-point belt, insert the buckle tongue into the car's buckle, and route the hip belt part through the seat's belt guides (red plastic parts). Tighten the belt in the lower part to hold the hip properly.
• Route the car's shoulder belt through the seat's belt guide on the side of the buckle, then through the guide on the shoulder side. Tighten the belt.
• Ensure the child's neck and face are not harmed by the belt. The car's 3-point belt buckle should be lower than the belt guide in the sitting area to prevent the child from slipping under the hip belt in a crash. If the buckle is higher, consult your dealer.
• The vehicle's 3-point belt must be tightened before the trip and lie closely on the user; ensure it is not twisted.
• The chest support pad should ensure the hip belt is positioned as deep as possible to hold the hip appropriately, and the 5-point belt buckle should not be under the car's belt.
• If unsure about the positioning, consult your dealer.
• Fasten the vehicle's lap shoulder belt over the child seat, routing it through the designated belt paths.
• Verify the vehicle's lap shoulder belt is not twisted or sagging, and the child is securely seated.

❗ WARNING: It is your RESPONSIBILITY to use Vehicle's Safety Belts at the same time. The 5-point harness alone is not enough; using the vehicle's lap shoulder (3-point) safety belt is required by law and essential for the seat to perform as intended and prevent Death or Serious Injury.

Diagram Description: Illustrates the correct routing of the vehicle's lap shoulder (3-point safety) belt over the child seat, showing belt paths.

IMPORTANT: Always pull on the harness after securing the child to ensure buckle tongues are secure. Always park the car safely before making adjustments, including reclining. Adjusting/handling the seat during driving risks DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY. During driving, the child seat should be as upright as possible; excessive recline may impair performance in a collision.

❗ WARNING: When reclining the backrest, release and loosen the harness straps first, then re-tighten after reclining. Reclining without loosening the harness may cause pushing or choking your child.

Diagram Description: Shows two positions: "loosen" and "re-tighten" for reclining the backrest, illustrating the process of loosening harness straps before reclining and re-tightening them afterward.

Care and Maintenance

• Cover Removal: Do not attempt to remove or replace the cover yourself, as it is complicated and requires equipment. Contact the distributor for removal or replacement. Do not disassemble the harness or remove buckle tongues; they cannot be reattached, and incorrect reassembly may impair performance.
• Cleaning the Cover, Pillows and Pads: For the Cover, sponge clean with cold water and mild soap, then towel dry. For Pillows and Pads, hand wash with cold water and mild soap. Line or lie flat dry to prevent shrinking. Do not bleach, machine wash, machine dry, or iron. Regular cleaning is important, but washing may damage fabrics. Replace if damaged. Periodical replacement is recommended.
• A Click Sound of the Harness Buckle: If a child eats or drinks in the seat, the harness buckle's performance may need periodic checking. If a positive click is not heard, replace the harness buckle. Contact the distributor.
• The Harness and The Straps: Do not disassemble the harness or straps. Never remove buckles or buckle tongues; they cannot be reattached, and incorrect reassembly may impair performance.

Product Dimensions

Diagram Description: Shows front, side, and rear views of the child seat with various dimension lines and measurements indicated, including width, depth, height, and angles.

Warranty

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

This product is warranted against defective materials and workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. Proof of purchase is required.

To make a claim, contact the authorized distributor or retailer where the product was purchased. Proof of purchase is required.

WARRANTY LIMITATIONS

This warranty does not cover damages arising from negligence, misuse, or use not in accordance with the product instructions. The use of non-CARROT-III covers, inserts, toys, accessories, or tightening devices is not approved. Such use may cause the child seat to fail safety standards (ECE regulation No.16) or not perform as intended in a crash, automatically voiding this warranty.

LIMITATION OF DAMAGES

The warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, oral or written, express or implied. The manufacturer, distributors, or retailers are not liable for any damages, including incidental or consequential damages, arising from the use or inability to use this product.

(Warranty registration form details are provided on page 27, including fields for Name, Address, Contact Information, Date of Purchase, Distributor, and General Agency.)