BBO-573-00

Point of Sale Information NOTICE
1. This is a Universal child restraint. It is approved to Regulation No. 44.03 series of amendments, for general use in vehicles and it will fit most, but not all, car seats. A correct fit is likely if the vehicle manufacturer has declared in the vehicle handbook that the vehicle is capable of accepting a Universal child restraint for this age group.

Rock-a-Tot

USER GUIDE
The multi-purpose baby car seat and infant carrier
UNIVERSAL Less than 13kg Y

03.44.117

This child restraint has been classified as Universal under more stringent conditions than those which applied to earlier designs which do not carry this notice. If in doubt, consult either the child restraint manufacturer or the retailer. Only suitable if the approved vehicles are fitted with 3 point/static/ with retractor safety-belts, approved to UN/ECE Regulation No. 16 or other equivalent standards.
Birth to 13kg (birth to around 12-15 months)

FM 22321 ISO 9001

Britax Excelsior Limited 1 Churchill Way West Andover Hampshire SP10 3UW United Kingdom
Switchboard: Customer Service Helpline: Sales: Fax: http://www.britax.co.uk/
THE MOST TESTED CAR SEAT ON THE ROAD
EXTREME HAZARD: DO NOT use on passenger seats fitted with airbags.
Pagemaker Draft UG - 09/04/1999
Thank you for choosing Britax
The Rock-a-Tot is the perfect choice for bringing your newborn baby home. (More first time parents put their baby - and their trust - in a Britax infant carrier than any other). And once home, the Rock-a-Tot is a babys first chair - even a soothing rocker. The Rock-a-Tot has also been designed as part of the range of Britax Travel Systems which help you transport your baby from birth to approximately three years.
The Rock-a-Tot is designed to clip onto a pushchair frame as a rearward-facing seat so that your baby is not disturbed when being taken out of the car.
There is a choice of pushchairs designed to meet your individual needs. They are suitable for children from birth up to approximately three years.
Luxuriously styled carrycots are also available and can be used on some pushchair frames or on their own as an alternative to a moses basket.
IMPORTANT - The Britax Rock-a-Tot can only be used with a Britax pushchair chassis that is marked as compatible (Note: When used with a compatible Britax chassis the Britax Rock-a-Tot conforms to BS7409). For further information on Rock-a-Tot or the Britax Travel Systems please contact our Customer Service Helpline on 01264 386034.

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Introduction It is important that you read this User Guide BEFORE trying to install your child car seat (surveys have revealed that 7 out of 10 car seats are not installed correctly or being used properly - Source: RAC). This User Guide will take you through each stage of using and caring for your child car seat. There are four stages to follow which will make installing and caring for your child car seat easier. Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Contents
Vital information - Read now Frequently asked questions Crucial parts of your child car seat Stage 1 Preparing to install the Rock-a-Tot in the car Handle - Carrying, rocking and stable position Harness adjustment Adjusting the crotch strap Fitting your child in the Rock-a-Tot Everyday use of the harness Using the Rock-a-Tot as a low chair Carrying your child in the Rock-a-Tot Installing the Rock-a-Tot in the car Installing with a lap and diagonal seat-belt Removing the Rock-a-Tot from your car Alternative installation Looking after the Rock-a-Tot Removing and cleaning the harness buckle Removing, cleaning and refitting the cover Cleaning the harness and seat Accessories Page 2 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 4/5 Page 5 Page 6/7 Page 7 Page 7 Page 8/9 Page 9 Page 10/11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 13 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 15

Preparing to install your child seat in the car Fitting your child in the car seat Installing your child seat in the car Looking after your child car seat

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Important information - Read before your first journey Final checklist If in doubt

page 1

Vital information - Read now
EXTREME HAZARD - DO NOT use the Rock-a-Tot on passenger seats fitted with airbags. In an accident an inflating airbag coming into contact with a rearward-facing child seat could have fatal consequences. DO keep this User Guide in a safe place for future reference. DO use the safety harness provided with the Rock-a-Tot at all times. DO make sure the handle is upright and latched properly before carrying your baby in the Rock-a-Tot. DO NOT use anything, such as a cushion or coat, to raise the Rock-a-Tot off the passenger seat. In an accident the Rock-a-Tot and your car seat-belts would not be able to protect your child as well as they should. DO NOT attempt to dismantle, modify or add to any part of the Rock-a-Tot or change the way your car seatbelts are made or used. DO NOT place the Rock-a-Tot on a table or work-top. DO NOT use the Rock-a-Tot on side facing vehicle seats.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Rock-a-Tot fit all cars? All makes, models and years of car differ from one another and it is not guaranteed that this restraint will fit your car. For advice as to the suitability of this restraint for your car please call our Customer Service Helpline on 01264 386034. Can I install the Rock-a-Tot in the front seat of my car? Yes, unless a passenger seat airbag is fitted. Can I install the Rock-a-Tot using a lap-belt? No, the Rock-a-Tot MUST only be used with a lap and diagonal seat-belt. When do I adjust the harness to the correct height for my child? When you first purchase the Rock-a-Tot, then periodically as your child grows (see "Harness Adjustment" on page 4). What do I do if the harness buckle does not click when I fasten it? If you have just fitted the cover or changed the shoulder strap height, check that you have threaded the harness correctly (see "Harness Adjustment" on page 4). Alternatively, your buckle may need cleaning; see "Removing and Cleaning the Harness Buckle" on page 12. When can my baby move into a forward-facing seat? The Rock-a-Tot is designed for use, rearward-facing only, until your baby reaches 13kg. It is important that your child remains in a rearward-facing seat until he/she is at least 9kg in weight and can sit unaided with confidence. No child seat is escape proof Harness systems cannot be designed to be completely "child proof" and yet comply with the legal requirements of European Standard ECE R44.03. The harness must be fastened and adjusted correctly at all times and children encouraged to remain within the harness system. Second-hand car seats The British Standards Institution and Britax advise that child car seats should not be bought or sold second-hand. Many seats sold through local advertising and car-boot sales have been found to be dangerous. Please dispose of your child car seat safely.

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Crucial parts of your child car seat
You need to know these parts of the car seat before installing the Rock-a-Tot in your car. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Rocking base Shoulder strap slots Diagonal belt guides (blue arrows) Locking clip (for Travel System) Handle (in rocking position) Harness adjuster strap Harness release button Crotch strap Belly pad Harness buckle Shoulder pads (covering shoulder straps) Head support Handle (in stable position) Lap guides (blue arrows) Slots for Travel System Alternative lap guides (see instructions)
Type of seat-belt IMPORTANT The Rock-a-Tot can only be used with a lap and diagonal seat-belt (approved to UN/ECE regulation No.16 or equivalent standards) and installed rear facing only.
Diagonal Section Lap Section

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Stage 1 - Preparing to install the Rock-a-Tot in the car
Handle - Carrying,rocking and stable position
To move the handle, push firmly towards the shell (1) to release lock and then move it to the desired position(2): A) carrying position B) rocking position C) stable position IMPORTANT - Always check the handle is upright and latched properly before carrying. Harness adjustment IMPORTANT - You must adjust the shoulder straps of the harness to the correct position for your child BEFORE installing the Rock-a-Tot as it cannot be adjusted in the car.
Carefully place the Rock-a-Tot on the floor. Move the handle to the stable position (see Handle Carrying, rocking and stable position above). With one hand lift the fabric flap and push the harness adjuster tab. With your other hand pull the shoulder straps forward as far as possible to loosen the harness.
Unfasten the harness by pressing the red harness buckle button. Lay the shoulder straps over the sides of the seat.
Place your child in the Rock-a-Tot and check that the shoulder strap slots are level with your child's shoulders.

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To adjust the height of the shoulder straps, first remove your child from the seat. Next, pull one strap through from the front and rethread it through the correct slot in the shell and cover. Repeat with the other strap making sure the straps are not twisted. Adjusting the crotch strap IMPORTANT - You must adjust the crotch strap to the correct length for your child BEFORE installing the Rock-a-Tot as it cannot be adjusted in the car. IMPORTANT a. The crotch strap should only be extended when normal harness adjustment is not enough, i.e. shoulder straps are at full extension. b. Always return the crotch strap to its original, shorter length when using the seat with a smaller baby. c. The buckle should always be positioned low down on your childs body. d. DO NOT attempt to remove the crotch strap from the adjuster. Adjustment is made by feeding the crotch strap through the adjuster as in step 3 below.

Important - the safety harness provided with the Rock-a-Tot must be used at all times.
Carefully place the Rock-a-Tot on the floor. Move the handle to the stable position (see Handle - Carrying, rocking and stable position" on page 4). With one hand lift the fabric flap and push the harness adjuster tab. With your other hand pull the shoulder straps forward as far as possible to loosen the harness.

Adjuster

Shortening the crotch strap The adjuster at the end of the crotch strap is found under the front edge of the Rock-a-Tot as shown.
Lengthening the crotch strap
To change the length of the crotch strap thread it through the adjuster in the direction of the arrows shown.

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Stage 2 - Fitting your child in the Rock-a-Tot
Everyday use of the harness IMPORTANT - Have you adjusted the harness to the correct position for your child? If not, see Stage 1 on page 4.
Carefully place the Rock-a-Tot on the floor. Move the handle to the stable position (see "Handle Carrying, rocking and stable position, on page 4). With one hand lift the fabric flap and push the harness adjuster tab. With your other hand pull the shoulder straps forward as far as possible to loosen the harness.
Place your child in the infant carrier and fit the harness loosely around them. Re-fasten the harness buckle by fitting the two tongues together and pushing them firmly until you hear a click. Make sure the harness is not twisted.
Tighten the harness by pulling the adjuster strap forward making sure the harness is a comfortable but FIRM fit around your child. IMPORTANT - The buckle should rest low on your babys body (if not see Adjusting the crotch strap on page 5).

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To remove your child from the Rock-a-Tot first loosen the harness by lifting the fabric flap between your baby's legs and press the adjuster button down as you pull the shoulder straps forward. Then release the harness by pressing the red button on the buckle.
Handy Tip - Laying the shoulder straps over the side of the seat when removing your child helps prevent harness twisting.

Everyday use of chair Using as a low the harness
Carrying your child in the Rock-a-Tot
With the handle in the carrying or rocking position, see "Handle - Carrying, rocking and stable position" on page 4, the Rock-a-Tot will rock gently as your baby moves. With the handle in the stable position as shown above, the Rock-a-Tot becomes a steady seat for feeding or sleeping. Handy Tip - When using the Rock-a-Tot to feed your baby, protect the harness buckle with a cloth. A dirty buckle may not close securely. IMPORTANT - The safety harness provided with the Rock-a-Tot MUST be used at all times.
Always check the handle is upright and latched properly before carrying. (Note: The handle is sprung loaded towards the carrying position). IMPORTANT - The safety harness provided with the Rock-a-Tot MUST be used at all times.

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Stage 3 - Installing the Rock-a-Tot in the car
IMPORTANT - Have you adjusted the harness to the correct position for your child? If not, see "Harness adjustment" on page 4. IMPORTANT - The safety harness provided with the Rock-a-Tot must be used at all times. IMPORTANT - The Rock-a-Tot must only be fitted rearward-facing, that is with your baby facing the back of the car, using a lap and diagonal seat-belt and NOT a lap-belt only.
Installing with a lap and diagonal seat-belt
To gain adequate length from your seat-belt it may be necessary to slide the vehicle seat as far back as it will go (as you would for a tall person), and lower the height of the seat-belt at (A) if this is adjustable.
Place the Rock-a-Tot on a car seat with your baby facing the back of the car and move the handle (see "Handle - Carrying, rocking and stable position" on page 4) to the stable position as shown, making sure it is latched properly.
Fasten the seat-belt across the Rock-a-Tot.
Pass the lap section of the seat-belt through the lap guides on both sides as indicated by the blue arrows on the Rock-a-Tot. Pull the diagonal section of the seat-belt around the back of the Rock-a-Tot.

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Handy Tip - This symbol means check that there are no twists in the adult seat-belt when fitted.
Feed the diagonal belt through both diagonal belt guides indicated by the blue arrows at the back of the seat.
Tighten the seat-belt by first pulling here.
. and then here to remove any slack. Check that the Rock-a-Tot feels secure. Now refer to the "Final Checklist" on page 15. IMPORTANT - If your car seat-belt is not long enough, see "Alternative Routing" on page 10.
Removing the Rock-a-Tot from the car First take the seat-belt out of all four guide slots, then undo the seat-belt. Take care to keep the adult seat-belt away from your baby.

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Alternative routing
Not all car seat-belts meet the latest European recommendations and you may encounter some installation problems. The most common will be short seat-belts. The Rock-a-Tot has been designed with this in mind and an alternative routing for the lap section of the seat-belt is provided. Important - This method is not suitable in all cars so you MUST, before use, check the buckle and anchorage details below.

Buckle Position

The adult seat-belt buckle must be below and rearwards of the lap guide as indicated below.

Anchorage

Using the ruler guide printed on the side of this page, check that your lower anchorage is within the white area as shown. If it is in the red area then your vehicle is not suitable for use with the alternative routing. If you are in any doubt please contact our Customer Services Helpline on 01264 386034.
The lap section of the seat-belt should pass through both belt guides underneath the foot end of the seat.

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Pull the diagonal section of the seat-belt around the back of the Rock-a-Tot.
. and then here to remove any slack. Check that the Rock-a-Tot feels secure. Now refer to the "Final Checklist" on page 15.
Removing the Rock-a-Tot from the car

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Stage 4 - Looking after your Rock-a-Tot
Removing and cleaning the harness buckle Food and drink may find their way inside the buckle of the Rock-a-Tot harness. This can stop it from working properly. Follow the instructions below if you DO NOT hear a click when fastening the buckle.
With one hand pulling on the buckle and the other hand under the seat, twist and slip the bracket on the end of the crotch strap up through the slot in the seat.
Clean the harness buckle with mild hand soap and water. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Latch and unlatch the tongues into the harness buckle several times until a strong click is heard. If you still cannot hear a strong click run it under warm water to rinse it again. Shake out excess water and leave to dry at room temperature. IMPORTANT - NEVER lubricate or oil any part of the harness buckle.

To re-fit the harness buckle to your infant carrier hold the end bracket sideways and insert it into the slot in the seat shell. Make sure the red harness buckle button faces away from the seat. If the harness buckle still does not return to its original working order, contact the Britax Customer Services Helpline on 01264 386034.

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Removing the cover First undo the harness by releasing the buckle. Then unfasten the elastics on each side of the cover. Gently pull the cover off from the top of the seat as shown, easing the harness buckle and adjuster strap through the slots in the cover. IMPORTANT - The cover is a safety feature. NEVER use the Rock-a-Tot without it.
Cleaning the Rock-a-Tot cover Please read the labels on the cover for washing instructions. The cover is machine-washable. DO NOT tumble dry the cover drip dry only. Refitting the Rock-a-Tot cover Pull the adjuster strap and buckle through the slots in the cover. Gently pull the cover over the seat. Re-fasten the elastics at each side of the cover, taking care they do not interfere with the handle operation. Ensure the harness is not twisted. Cleaning the harness and seat SPONGE CLEAN ONLY using bathroom soap and warm water. DO NOT take apart, or attempt to take apart, any part of the harness or seat when cleaning. It is unnecessary and dangerous to do so. DO NOT use solvents, detergents or washing-up liquid as these may weaken the harness and the seat. DO NOT lubricate or oil any part of the seat. Accessories The Rock-a-Tot and its cover have been carefully designed, manufactured and tested to high safety standards. IMPORTANT - The cover is a safety feature. NEVER use the Rock-a-Tot without it. Dont put your child's safety at risk by using other makes of replacement cover. It could stop the Rock-a-Tot from protecting your child as well as it should. For information on accessories please contact our Customer Service Helpline on 01264 386034.

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Important Information - Read before your first journey
DO - Keep this user guide in a safe place for future reference. DO - Make sure the handle is latched properly every time you pick up the Rock-a-Tot. DO - Make sure that no part of the Rock-a-Tot becomes trapped by a folding car seat or in the door of your car. DO - Cover the Rock-a-Tot if left standing in direct sunshine. Parts can become hot to touch in sunny weather and the cover fabric may also become faded. DO - Put the lightest passenger on the seat behind the Rock-a-Tot if seat-belts are not available on the rear seats. In an accident a heavy passenger could cause more injuries to your baby than a light one. DO - Watch over your baby when using the rocking feature. At all other times make sure the handle is in the stable position to prevent rocking. DO - Store the Rock-a-Tot in a safe place when it is not being used. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it or storing it near a direct heat source (eg fireplace, radiator etc). DO NOT - Leave loose objects, such as books or luggage, in the back of your car. Always keep them secure. If you have to stop your car suddenly, loose objects will keep moving. They can then cause serious injuries. Large and heavy loose objects are a particular risk. DO NOT - Leave folding passenger seats unlatched. If you have to stop your car suddenly a loose seat back could prevent the Rock-a-Tot from protecting your child as well as it should. DO NOT - Leave children alone in your car, even for a short time. Britax, whilst taking into account child car seat contact with vehicle seats throughout the development of new products, cannot accept responsibility for damage occuring to vehicle seats or seat-belts.

After an accident After an accident, the Rock-a-Tot and your car seat-belts should be replaced. Although they may look undamaged, if you were to have another accident the Rock-a-Tot and your car seat-belts may not be able to protect your child as well as they should.
Guarantee All Britax products are carefully designed, manufactured and tested. However, should this product prove faulty within 12 months of purchase due to a materials or manufacturing fault please return it to the original place of purchase. We will then, at our discretion, either repair it free of charge or replace it with the same or a similar product. For guarantee purposes proof of purchase will be required. We recommend that you retain your receipt and attach it to this User Guide. They should then be kept in a safe place. Britax does not accept liability for damage arising from abuse, misuse or negligence. This guarantee is not transferable and therefore does not apply to second-hand products. Your statutory rights are not affected by this guarantee.

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Final Checklist
However safe a child car seat is, however well built it is, your child's safety depends on you. Read through this final checklist everytime you use the Rock-a-Tot in your vehicle. 1. 2. 3. Have you adjusted the height of the shoulder straps to the correct position for your child? See page 4, Preparing to install the Rock-a-Tot in your car. Have you correctly adjusted the harness to suit your child and the clothes they are wearing? See page 6, Everyday use of the harness. Have you correctly fitted the adult seat-belt around the Rock-a-Tot with the handle in the correct position? See page 8, Installing the Rock-a-Tot in your car. Have you removed all the slack from the adult seat-belt? See page 8, Installing the Rock-a-Tot in your car.

If in doubt

If in doubt contact our Customer Service Helpline. It would help if you have the following information to hand before making any enquiry: Make and model of vehicle............. Year of vehicle..... The position of the child seat in your vehicle.............. Age and weight of your child......... Customer Service Department Britax Excelsior Limited 1 Churchill Way West Andover Hampshire SP10 3UW United Kingdom Customer Service Helpline Telephone: Email: helpline@customer-services.britax.co.uk Internet: http://www.britax.co.uk/