GRACO SLIMFIT (01) PDF MANUAL

Failure to properly use the GRACO SLIMFIT increases the risk of serious injury or death in a sudden stop or crash. Do not install or use this child restraint until you read and understand the instructions in the manual.

Your child’s safety depends on you. No car seat can guarantee protection from injury in every situation, but proper use helps reduce the risk of serious injury or death. Read the instruction manual carefully.

This child restraint meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal motor vehicle safety standard 213 for use in motor vehicles.

Even if this car seat seems easy to figure out on your own, you must follow the detailed instructions in the instruction manual to ensure the steps are performed correctly.

The requirements for the GRACO SLIMFIT are as follows:

Rear-Facing: 5-40 lb (2.2-18 kg), and the child’s height is 49″ (125 cm) or less.

Forward-Facing: 26.5-65 lb (12-30 kg), and the child’s height is 49″ (125 cm) or less.

Booster: 40-100 lb (18.1-45 kg), the child’s height is 43-57″ (110.1-145 cm), and the child is at least 4 years old.

Note: Children less than 26.5 lb (12 kg) MUST use this car seat in rear-facing mode.

The following chart outlines the correct mode of use based on your child’s weight, height, and age.

*Check your state laws and AAP/NHTSA recommendations for car seat usage.

NEVER place this child restraint rear-facing in a vehicle seating location that has an active front air bag. If an air bag inflates, it can hit the child and car seat with great force and cause serious injury or death to your child. Review your vehicle owner’s manual for more information about air bags and car seat use.

Children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions.

Children should ride rear-facing as long as possible, until they reach the maximum rear-facing height or weight rating for their car seat. Then children should ride forward-facing, using the built-in harness system for as long as possible.

Secure the car seat with a vehicle seat belt or lower anchor attachment that is properly routed as shown in the manual.

The vehicle seat belt system MUST hold the car seat securely. Not all vehicle seat belts can be used with a car seat.

Always secure the car seat with a lower anchor attachment or a vehicle seat belt, even when unoccupied. In a crash, an unsecured car seat can injure passengers.

If the car seat is in a crash, it must be replaced. DO NOT use it again. A crash can cause unseen damage.

DO NOT use the car seat if it is damaged or missing parts.

DO NOT use accessories or parts other than those provided by Graco, except for a thin towel or mat or rolled towels/pool noodles to help get your car seat level.

DO NOT remove the LATCH system from the car seat.

Do not use both the vehicle seat belt and lower anchor attachment at the same time when using the car seat with the 5-point harness.

You should STOP using the GRACO SLIMFIT and throw it away 10 years after the date of manufacture. You can find the date of manufacture label on the back of the car seat.

The GRACO SLIMFIT is certified for use in aircraft when using the harness system. It is NOT certified for use as a booster seat because aircraft do not have shoulder belts. Contact the airline for their specific policies.

Follow these steps for aircraft installation:

1. Use the car seat only on forward-facing aircraft seats.

2. When installing, route the aircraft’s lap seat belt through the proper belt path on the car seat (rear-facing or forward-facing path as appropriate) and buckle it in.

3. Pull on the tail of the belt so that the lap belt gets tight around the car seat.

4. Do not use the tether.

5. Test for tightness: Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and move the car seat from side-to-side and front-to-back. If it moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

The GRACO SLIMFIT features include:

A. Headrest/Harness Adjustment Handle

B. Headrest

C. Booster Shoulder Belt Guide

D. Infant Head Support

E. Body Support

F. Harness Covers

G. Harness Straps

H. Chest Clip

I. Buckle

J. Harness Release Lever

K. Harness Adjustment Strap

L. Recline Handle

M. Seat Base

N. Cup Holder

Additional Features:

• Rear-Facing Level Indicator

• Tether

• Forward-Facing Belt Path

• Booster Lap Belt Path

• Rear-Facing Belt Path

• Lower Anchor Strap & Storage

• Tether Storage

• Instruction Manual Storage

1. Check Strap Position: Make sure the Lower Anchor Strap is in the Rear-Facing Belt Path, which is marked with a blue label. If not, move it.

2. Store Tether: Attach the tether hook to the plastic bar on either side of the car seat.

3. Recline Seat: Place the car seat in recline position 1 or 2.

4. Access Connectors: Push in the red buttons on the lower anchor connectors and remove them from their storage position.

5. Extend Strap: For easier installation, press the grey button on the strap and pull to extend it to its maximum length.

6. Position Seat: Place the car seat rear-facing in the back seat of the vehicle, centered between the vehicle’s lower anchors. The base should sit as flat as possible, with at least 80% on the vehicle seat.

7. Check Level: Ensure the vehicle is on level ground. The ball in the level indicator must be completely in the blue zone. If needed, use rolled towels under the car seat at the vehicle seat crease to adjust the angle.

8. Attach Connectors: Attach the lower anchor connectors to the vehicle’s lower anchors. The strap should be flat and not twisted. LATCH can only be used if vehicle anchors are 11 inches (28 cm) apart, center to center.

9. Tighten Strap: Press down firmly in the center of the car seat while tightening the lower anchor strap. You may need to pull the tail of the strap through the belt path for easier tightening.

10. Test for Tightness: Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and try to slide it side-to-side and front-to-back. If it moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

11. Final Level Check: Recheck the level indicator to ensure the ball is still in the blue zone. Adjust if necessary. Recheck the level again after your child is in the seat.

1. Recline Seat: Place the car seat in recline position 1 or 2.

2. Store Straps: Store the tether hook and lower anchor connectors on their designated plastic bars to keep them out of the way.

3. Position Seat: Place the car seat rear-facing in the back seat. Push it back until the front of the car seat touches the vehicle seat back. Ensure at least 80% of the base is on the vehicle seat.

4. Check Level: With the vehicle on level ground, check the level indicator. The ball must be completely in the blue zone. Use rolled towels at the seat crease to adjust the angle if needed.

5. Route Belt: Thread the vehicle seat belt through the rear-facing belt path (marked with a blue label) and buckle it. The belt should be flat and not twisted. Ensure the belt is in front of the buckle strap.

6. Lock Belt: In most vehicles, you lock the seat belt by slowly pulling the shoulder belt all the way out until it stops, then letting it feed back in. You will hear a clicking sound, and the belt will be locked. If this doesn’t work, review your vehicle’s owner manual.

7. Tighten Belt: Press down firmly in the center of the car seat while pulling on the shoulder belt to tighten, feeding any slack back into the retractor.

8. Test for Tightness: Grab the sides of the seat at the belt path and try to move it. If it moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), it is secure.

9. Final Level Check: Recheck the level indicator. Recheck it again after your child is in the seat.

Important: Do not use the LATCH installation method for a child weighing more than 45 lb (20 kg).

1. Check Strap Position: Make sure the Lower Anchor Strap is in the Forward-Facing Belt Path, marked with an orange label.

2. Recline Seat: Place the car seat in recline position 3 or 4.

3. Access Connectors: Remove the lower anchor connectors and the tether from their storage locations.

4. Extend Strap: Extend the lower anchor strap to its maximum length for easier installation.

5. Position Seat: Place the seat forward-facing in the back seat, ensuring the base is flat and at least 80% of it is on the vehicle seat. Center it between the lower anchors.

6. Attach Connectors: Attach the lower anchor connectors to the vehicle’s anchors. Ensure the strap is flat.

7. Tighten Strap: Press down firmly in the center of the car seat while tightening the lower anchor strap.

8. Attach Tether: Extend the tether strap by lifting the tether lock. Attach the hook to your vehicle’s tether anchor point (consult your vehicle manual for location).

9. Tighten Tether: Remove all slack from the tether strap.

10. Test for Tightness: Grab the sides of the car seat at the belt path and try to move it. It should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm).

1. Recline Seat: Place the car seat in recline position 3 or 4.

2. Store Lower Anchors: Attach the lower anchor connectors to their plastic storage bar to keep them out of the way.

3. Position Seat: Place the seat forward-facing in the vehicle’s back seat. Ensure the base is flat and at least 80% of it is on the vehicle seat. Push it back firmly until it touches the vehicle seat back.

4. Access Tether: Unhook the tether strap from its storage location and lay it in the seat.

5. Route Belt: Thread the vehicle seat belt through the forward-facing belt path (marked with an orange label) and buckle it. The belt should be flat and not twisted.

6. Lock Belt: Lock the vehicle seat belt, typically by pulling it all the way out and letting it retract.

7. Tighten Belt: Press down firmly in the center of the car seat while pulling the shoulder belt to tighten, feeding slack back into the retractor.

8. Attach Tether: Extend the top tether and attach it to the vehicle’s tether anchor.

9. Tighten Tether: Remove all the slack from the tether strap.

10. Test for Tightness: Grab the sides of the car seat at the belt path. If it moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

To convert the GRACO SLIMFIT to a highback booster, you must store the 5-point harness:

1. Store the Harness:

– Push down on the harness release lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip to fully loosen them.

– Raise the headrest to the highest position.

– Unbuckle the chest clip and the main buckle.

2. Access Storage:

– Remove the lower seat pad to expose the harness storage door by undoing the 4 snaps.

3. Store Components:

– Move the buckle strap to the rear slot.

– Open the harness storage door and place the harness straps, chest clip, buckle, and buckle tongues inside the storage compartment. Close the door securely.

4. Reassemble:

– Replace the seat pad.

– Move the headrest back to its proper position for your child.

After storing the harness, place the booster seat in the vehicle. Graco allows securing the booster seat with LATCH for added stability, though the child must always be secured with the vehicle’s lap/shoulder belt.

1. Recline the Seat: Place the booster seat in recline position 4.

2. Position in Vehicle: Place the booster forward-facing on a vehicle seat that has a lap/shoulder seat belt. The base should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat.

3. (Optional) Secure with LATCH:

– If using LATCH, ensure the lower anchor connectors do not interfere with vehicle seat belts or buckles.

– Connect the lower anchors to the vehicle anchors and tighten the strap to remove slack.

– Attach and tighten the tether strap.

– If not using LATCH, store the lower anchor and tether straps.

4. Guide the Belt: Once the child is seated, thread the vehicle shoulder belt through the shoulder belt guide on the headrest.

1. Loosen Harness: Push the harness release lever while pulling out the harness straps at the chest clip. Unbuckle the chest clip and buckle. Place straps to the sides.

2. Place Child: Place your child in the seat with their back flat against the car seat back. Avoid bulky clothing.

3. Buckle Up: Place harness straps over the child’s shoulders and buckle the tongues into the buckle. You will hear a “click”. Pull up on each tongue to ensure it is secure.

4. Adjust Harness Height:

– Rear-Facing: Harness straps must be at or just BELOW the child’s shoulders. The top of the child’s head must be at least 1 inch below the headrest adjustment handle.

– Forward-Facing: Harness straps must be at or just ABOVE the child’s shoulders. The top of the child’s ears must be below the top of the headrest.

– Squeeze the headrest adjustment handle and move it up or down to the proper height.

5. Check Buckle Position: Ensure the buckle is in the slot closest to your child without being underneath them. To adjust, remove the lower seat pad and slide the buckle strap to the desired slot.

6. Buckle Chest Clip: Buckle the chest clip. You will hear a “click”.

7. Remove Slack: Pull up on the harness straps at the waist while pushing the chest clip down to remove slack.

8. Tighten Harness: Pull the harness adjustment strap until the harness is snug. A snug harness lies in a relatively straight line without sagging. Perform the “pinch test”: if you are unable to pinch a horizontal fold of webbing at your child’s collarbone, it is tight enough.

9. Position Chest Clip: Raise the chest clip to the child’s armpit level.

10. Check Tightness: Check the harness again and tighten more if needed.

Warning: Use only the vehicle lap and shoulder belt system when restraining the child in the booster seat.

1. Place Child in Seat: Have your child sit in the booster seat with their back flat against the back of the booster.

2. Thread Shoulder Belt: Thread the vehicle’s shoulder belt through the Booster Shoulder Belt Guide located on the side of the headrest.

3. Buckle Belt: Buckle the vehicle’s lap/shoulder seat belt. Be sure the lap portion of the belt goes BEHIND the armrests. Both the lap and shoulder portions must lay in the booster belt path on the buckle side of the seat.

4. Position Belts Correctly:

– The lap portion of the vehicle seat belt must be low across your child’s hips.

– The shoulder portion should be centered between the child’s neck and the edge of their shoulder.

5. Adjust Headrest: Raise or lower the headrest to change the shoulder belt location on the child. Check to make sure the headrest is locked securely by gently pulling up on the head support.

1. Prepare the Seat: For ease of access, push down the harness release lever while pulling out the harness straps to loosen them. Raise the headrest to the highest position. Unbuckle the chest clip and buckle.

2. Expose the Strap: Remove the lower seat pad to expose the lower anchor strap. Undo the snaps on the sides of both armrests and the 4 snaps on the lower seat pad.

3. Access the Connectors: Pull the lower anchor connectors out from the belt path openings so they are in the center of the car seat.

4. Slide the Strap: Slide the entire lower anchor strap assembly along the red bar to the desired belt path openings. The blue label indicates the rear-facing path (front of seat) and the orange label indicates the forward-facing path (top of seat).

5. Reroute the Connectors: Push the lower anchor connectors out through the desired belt path openings on each side of the car seat. Ensure the strap is flat and not twisted.

– Forward-Facing: Make sure the lower anchor strap is routed BEHIND the harness strap.

– Rear-Facing: Make sure the lower anchor strap is routed IN FRONT of the buckle strap.

6. Replace Pad and Adjust: Replace the seat pad and move the headrest to the proper position for your child.

Infant Head Support and Body Support: Can be used ONLY for children weighing less than 20 lb (9 kg). The body support MUST be used if the child’s shoulders are below the lowest harness setting. Never allow the body support to bunch or fold behind the child.

Harness Covers: Make sure that harness covers do not interfere with the placement of the chest clip at armpit level. To remove, undo the fastening strips and remove.

Cup Holder: To use the cup holder, lift the inside cup and rotate it until it locks into place.

Lower Anchor Connectors: To remove the lower anchor connectors from the vehicle’s lower anchors, push in on the red buttons on the connectors and pull them off.

Tether: To remove the tether, first lift up on the tether lock to release the tension in the strap. Then, press in on the hook’s spring, push the tether hook in, then lift up and pull away from the tether anchor.

The GRACO SLIMFIT can be installed using either the vehicle seat belt OR the LATCH system (lower anchors). Both methods are equally safe when used correctly. You must INSTALL USING ONLY ONE METHOD. Do not use the vehicle seat belt and the LATCH system at the same time.

Never install the GRACO SLIMFIT car seat in any of the following vehicle seating locations:

• Rear-facing or side-facing vehicle seats.

• A front passenger seat with an active front air bag when the car seat is installed rear-facing.

• Any seating position with only a vehicle lap belt when using the car seat in booster mode.

Usable Seat Belts:

• Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt (3 connection points): Can be used in all car seat modes of use.

• Lap Only Seat Belt (2 connection points): Can ONLY be used when the car seat is in harness mode (not booster mode).

Seat Belts that CANNOT be used safely:

• Lap Belt with a Motorized Shoulder Belt.

• Lap Belt or Shoulder Belt that is Mounted on the Vehicle Door.

• Belts that are located forward of the seat bight (the crease where the seat back and bottom meet) may not provide a secure fit.

For general cleaning, use a damp sponge with mild soap and cool water. For machine washing, refer to the specific instructions for each pad component. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

Headrest Pad:

1. Pull the plastic tab out of the slots just below the adjustment handle.

2. Remove the elastic straps from the hooks on both sides of the headrest.

3. Pull the pad off of the headrest.

4. Machine wash the cover in cold water on a delicate cycle and drip-dry.

Lower Seat Pad and Side Pad:

Follow the specific removal instructions in the manual, which involve unsnapping pads, removing elastic straps from hooks, and sliding pockets off the shell. Machine wash these covers in cold water on a delicate cycle and drip-dry.

Crotch Buckle:

1. Remove the buckle from the car seat.

2. Place the buckle (metal and plastic parts) in a cup of warm water and gently agitate it. Press the red button several times while it is in the water to clear debris.

3. DO NOT SUBMERGE THE BUCKLE STRAP. Do not use soaps, household detergents, or lubricants.

4. Shake out excess water and allow it to air dry. Re-insert the buckle into the same slot it was removed from and pull up on it to make sure it is secure.

Harness, Lower Anchor, and Tether Straps:

Surface wash these straps only with mild soap and a damp cloth. DO NOT IMMERSE THE HARNESS STRAPS, LOWER ANCHOR STRAP, OR TETHER STRAP IN WATER, as this may weaken the straps.

Store the instruction manual in the designated slot on the back of the car seat, which is marked with an instruction book icon.