Marathon TM Classic User Guide AD RE NS SE TIO R A C E U DE PL TR UN S E ER IN R V O ST CO
Table of Contents Safety Information Warnings................................................................................................................2 Important Notes.....................................................................................................4 Certification............................................................................................................5 Registration....................................................................................................
WARNING! DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur: • Use only in a rear-facing position when using it with an infant weighing less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg) OR is less than 1 year of age. • Use only with children who weigh between 5 and 65 lbs (2.3 and 29.5 kg) and whose height is 49 inches (124.5 cm) or less. Rearfacing for children who weigh between 5 and 35 lbs (2.3 and 15.9 kg) and forward-facing for children who weigh between 20 and 65 lbs (9.1 - 29.5 kg) and are at least 1 year of age.
back seat as the safest location for a properly installed child seat. Please study the Vehicle Compatibility (pages 10-13) section in this booklet to ensure your child’s safety and consult your vehicle owner’s manual. • Secure this child seat even when it is not occupied. In a crash, an unsecured child seat may injure vehicle occupants. • When using in a vehicle with air bags, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for child seat installation instructions and precautions.
Safety Information Important Notes • Verify child seat is secure and harness is properly adjusted around child each time child seat is used. • Adjust harness to fit clothes the child is wearing. Remove bulky coats and/or jackets before putting child in child seat. • Cover child seat when vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. Parts of child seat could become hot enough to burn a child. • Store child seat in a safe place when it is not being used. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.
Safety Information Certification This child seat system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This Child Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft. Registration Child seats can be recalled for safety reasons. You must register this child seat to be reached in a recall. Send your name, address, and the child seat’s model number and manufacturing date to Britax Child Safety, Inc.
Safety Information Important Harness Adjustments According to the American Academy of Pediatrics: All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds (9.1 kg). That means that if your infant reaches 20 pounds (9.1 kg) before her first birthday, she should remain rear-facing at least until she turns 1 year old. It is best for children to ride rear-facing to the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer. 1 2.
Safety Information Forward-Facing Use forward-facing only with children: • • • • • who are at least one year of age and who weigh between 20 and 65 lbs (9.1 – 29.5 kg) and 49” (124.5 cm) or less in height and the top of the child’s ears are below the top of the child seat and the harness straps are in the nearest slots at or above the child’s shoulders, parallel to level ground (Fig. B).
Child Seat Features 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2 3 4 16 17 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cover LATCH Strap LATCH Adjuster Release Button LATCH Adjuster LATCH Connector Release Button LATCH Connector (stored under cover) 7 Harness Slots 8 Comfort Pads 9 Chest Clip 10 Body Pillow 8 18 11 Harness Holders 12 HUGS™ (Harness Ultra Guard System) Chest Pads 13 Harness Strap 14 Harness Buckle 15 Belly Pad 16 Harness Adjuster Lever (under cover) 17 Harness Adjuster Strap 18 Recline Handle
Child Seat Features 19 20 21 24 22 25 23 26 27 28 29 30 19 Serial Number & Manufactured Date Label (under cover) 20 Versa-Tether® (Top Anchorage Strap) - in pouch 21 Versa-Tether Storage Pouch 22 Harness Yoke 23 Belt Guard 24 Shell 25 26 27 28 29 30 Forward-Facing Lock-off Forward-Facing Belt Path Rear-Facing Belt Path Rear-Facing Lock-off LATCH Bar Base IMPORTANT: When not in use, this user guide should be stored under the cover. DO NOT discard the foam inserts found under the cover.
Vehicle Compatibility Compatible Vehicle Seat Belts NOTE: The information in this section only applies to installation with vehicle safety belts. Vehicle seats and safety belts differ from vehicle to vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle safety belts and their use with child seats. Lap-Shoulder (3-Point) Belt 1. ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) with Sliding Latch Plate a Has a latch plate that freely slides along the vehicle belt webbing.
Vehicle Compatibility 2. ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) with Locking Latch Plate a Has a latch plate that does not allow the lap part of the belt to become loose after it is buckled. Latch Plate b Has a retractor that locks only in an emergency situation such as sudden stop or crash. 3. Switchable Retractor in ALR with Sliding Latch Plate a Has a latch plate that freely slides along the vehicle belt webbing.
Vehicle Compatibility 4. ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) with a Sliding Latch Plate a Has a latch plate that freely slides along the vehicle belt webbing. b Has a retractor that locks only in an emergency situation such as sudden stop or crash. IMPORTANT: This belt type requires the use of the lock-offs built into the seat for rear- and forward-facing installations. Lap Belt 5. ALR (Automatic Locking Retractor) a Has a latch plate that is sewn into the webbing.
Vehicle Compatibility c Tightens by feeding the belt webbing back into the retractor. 6. Locking Latch Plate a Has a latch plate that does not allow the belt to become loose after it is buckled. Latch Plate b Tightens by pulling on the belt webbing.
Vehicle Compatibility Incompatible Vehicle Belts WARNING! The following types of vehicle belts are NOT compatible with this child seat: 1 Vehicle belts with top or bottom anchor points on the vehicle door. 3 Lap-shoulder 2 Motorized, automatic vehicle belts belts that 4 Lap belts forward of the have a separate retractor vehicle seat bight. each for the lap section and shoulder section 5 Lap belts that have a retractor that locks only in case of a sudden stop (emergency locking retractor or ELR).
Vehicle Compatibility Vehicle Buckle Positions WARNING! The position of the vehicle belt buckle can adversely affect the stability of the child seat. If the buckle lies near the incorrect position ( ) when the vehicle belt is tightened, try fitting the child seat in another seating position in the vehicle OR consult your vehicle owner’s manual to see if you can lower the vehicle buckle position by twisting the vehicle buckle stalk.
Installation: Rear-Facing LATCH Installation • Figure A illustrates a rear-facing LATCH installation. • Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you must use the vehicle belt installation methods. 1 If stored, remove the LATCH connectors from the storage slots under the cover (page 33) and pass them through their adjacent belt slots. 2 Press and hold the first LATCH adjuster release button, then pull the LATCH strap to full length.
Installation: Rear-Facing 6 Align each LATCH strap on the LATCH bar with the “LATCH Strap Here Rear-Facing” label on each side of the child seat. (Figs. E and F). 7 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while pulling each LATCH strap tight (Fig. G). IMPORTANT: Ensure the LATCH strap does not fold into the LATCH adjuster while tightening.
Installation: Rear-Facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a rear-facing, lap-shoulder belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 33. 1 Recline the child seat then place it rear-facing on the vehicle seat. This child seat must be in the recline position when installed rear-facing. See Recline Adjustment on page 33. a 2 Lift the cover to open the rear-facing lock-off farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled (Fig.
Installation: Rear-Facing 7 Position the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt through the open lock-off, tighten belt, close the lock-off arm (Fig. F), and replace the cover. • The lock-off is properly closed when a click is heard. • To prevent damage, never extend the lock-off arm beyond its normal open position and always keep the lock-off closed when it is not in use. • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of lock-offs is not required as long as the ALR is locked.
Installation: Rear-Facing Lap-Belt Installation 1 2 3 4 • Figure A illustrates a rear-facing, lap-belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 29. Recline the child seat, then place it rear facing on the vehicle seat. This child seat must be in the recline position when installed rear-facing. See Recline Adjustment on page 33. Lift the cover and open the rear-facing lockoff farthest from where the vehicle belt will be buckled (Fig. B).
Installation: Rear-Facing • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic locking retractor (ALR), use of the lock-offs is not required as long as the ALR is locked. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine the type of retractor your vehicle has, and how to lock the retractor. WARNING! Do not use this seat with a non-locking, two-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) vehicle belt. E 8 Verify that vehicle belt is tight, locked, and that the child seat is secure.
Installation: Forward-Facing LATCH Installation • Figure A illustrates a forward-facing LATCH installation. • Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors. If LATCH anchors are not available, you must use vehicle belt installation methods. a WARNING! • This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg).
Installation: Forward-Facing 6 Attach the remaining LATCH connector to its adjacent vehicle LATCH anchor (Fig. D) in an upright position (Fig, C). • An audible click confirms attachment. • Ensure that the LATCH strap is not twisted. NOTE: If an audible click is not heard when connecting either LATCH connector, the LATCH strap may be twisted, or there may be debris in the LATCH connector. Correct either situation before continuing with the installation process.
Installation: Forward-Facing Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a forward-facing lap-shoulder belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 33. WARNING! • This child seat must not be used forward-facing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs (9.1 kg). • This child seat must be in full upright position when installed forward-facing for children who weigh more than 33 pounds (15.1 kg).
Installation: Forward-Facing 5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted and is routed over the LATCH bars, then buckle (Fig. D). 6 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while removing slack first from the lap portion of the vehicle belt, then the shoulder portion (Fig. E). 7 Hold the shoulder belt tight, then rotate the lockoff until the vehicle belt is secured (Fig. F).
Installation: Forward-Facing Lap Belt Installation • Figure A illustrates a typical forward-facing, lap belt installation. • When not in use, always store the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. See page 33. WARNING! • This child seat must not be used forwardfacing for children less than one year of age OR who weigh less than 20 lbs. • This child seat must be in full upright position when installed forward-facing for children who weight more than 33 lbs (15.1 kg).
Installation: Forward-Facing 5 Verify that the vehicle belt is not twisted, is routed under the LATCH bars, then buckle (Fig. B). 6 Push the child seat firmly into the vehicle seat while removing slack from the vehicle belt (Fig. D). 7 Attach the Versa-Tether® hook to the designated tether anchor (if available according to the vehicle owner’s manual) for the chosen seating position. Remove all slack from the tether to secure. Store excess webbing in the tether pouch. See pages 29 – 32.
Installation: Aircraft This child seat is certified for aircraft use. Most airlines in the U.S. and Canada will allow the use of a child seat as long as it is labeled as an approved child seat for airline use and fits properly on the aircraft seat. Contact the airline about their policy prior to traveling. The FAA recommends that a child weighing up to 40 pounds (18.1 kg) use a certified, harnessed child seat while traveling on an aircraft.
Installation: Versa-Tether® Safety Information WARNING! • When using the child seat in forward-facing mode, attach the VersaTether only to tether anchors designated by the vehicle manufacturer as tether anchorage points. Use of other locations is not approved or permitted. • DO NOT modify the vehicle without advice from the vehicle manufacturer if a tether anchorage is not available. IMPORTANT: • Britax recommends that the tether be used at all times.
Installation: Versa-Tether® Using the Versa-Tether 1 Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for designated tether anchorage locations. 2 Locate the tether on the rear of the child seat and remove the tether from the pouch. 3 Place the tether up and over the child seat back. 4 Install the child seat using the LATCH system or the vehicle belts according to the instructions in this manual. 5 Tilt the tether release tab then pull to fully extend the tether strap into a “V” shape.
Installation: Versa-Tether® Tether Connector Strap WARNING! Only use the tether connector strap for a rearfacing tether installation. Because every vehicle model is different, sometimes you cannot find a location to properly anchor the tether. Use the tether connector strap to assist in creating an anchor point (Fig. D). 1 Find a fixed vehicle anchor point that is bolted to the floor.
Installation: Versa-Tether® Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether® The energy-absorbing Versa-Tether was designed to enhance the performance of the child seat tether. By introducing a staged release of the tether webbing, the forward movement of the child seat is delayed while reducing the amount of energy transferred to the child seat during a crash.
Child Seat Functions Storing the LATCH Connectors When the LATCH connector is not in use, lift the cover to access the LATCH storage slots (Fig. D). Fold the LATCH adjuster and the connector, then slide each set into the adjacent slot. NOTE: Child seats are shipped from Britax with the LATCH connectors in the storage slots. You will have to open the rear-facing lock-offs to remove the LATCH connectors from storage. D Recline Adjustment Pull the recline handle (Fig.
Child Seat Functions Chest Clip Fastening the Chest Clip Fasten the chest clip by pushing the two halves together until a positive click is heard (Fig. A). Releasing the Chest Clip 1 Squeeze the middle tabs together (Fig. B). 2 Pull the two pieces apart. Adjusting the Chest Clip 1 Slide the chest clip up or down (Fig. C) on the harness so it is positioned at the middle of the child’s chest, level with the child’s armpits.
Child Seat Functions Harness Buckle Fastening the Harness Buckle 1 Hold the harness buckle with one hand. 2 Use your other hand to insert one buckle tongue at a time into the harness buckle (Fig. D). • A proper connection is confirmed with a positive click after inserting each buckle tongue. D x2 Releasing the Harness Buckle 1 Brace the rear of the harness buckle with one hand. 2 Use your thumb to press the release button and slide both buckle tongues to remove from the buckle (Fig. E).
Securing Your Child Buckling and Tightening the Harness 1 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster release lever located on the front of the child seat while pulling both shoulder straps forward (Fig. A). 2 Release the chest clip by squeezing the tabs and sliding the pieces apart (Fig. B). 3 Unfasten the harness buckle by pressing the release button and sliding the tongues out. 4 Move the harness straps to the side of the child seat.
Securing Your Child 7 Slide the HUGS™ chest pads down towards the buckle. Important checklist before tightening the harness: 99Check for proper harness height (see pages 6 – 7). 99Remove slack from around the child’s upper thighs. 99Remove slack between the HUGS™ chest pads and the buckle. 8 Slowly pull the adjuster strap until the harness is snug around the child. NOTE: • A snug strap should not allow any slack. It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging.
Care and Maintenance Cover Removal WARNING! Do not take apart the harness. Never remove the buckle tongues from the harness. They cannot be reattached after removal. If reassembled incorrectly, the child seat may not perform as intended. 1 Loosen the harness by lifting the harness adjuster lever while pulling the shoulder straps forward as far as possible. 2 Unhook the shoulder straps from the harness yoke on the rear of the child seat (Fig. A).
Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Cover • HAND WASH using cold water and mild soap. • LINE or LIE-FLAT DRY to prevent the cover from shrinking. • DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or iron. Cleaning the Shell • SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap. • TOWEL DRY • DO NOT use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Cleaning the Harness • SPONGE CLEAN using warm water and mild soap. • TOWEL DRY • DO NOT bleach, machine wash, machine dry or disassemble the harness.
Care and Maintenance Harness Buckle Removal 1 Fully recline the child seat. 2 Locate the metal buckle strap retainer on the bottom of the child seat. 3 Pull the retainer away from the child seat to loosen. 4 Turn the retainer so the short side will fit through A the slot in the child seat shell (Fig. A). 5 Push the retainer through the slots in the shell and cover, to the top of the child seat. Rethreading the Harness Buckle 1 Locate the slot in cover and shell for the harness buckle.
Care and Maintenance Cleaning the Harness Buckle If a child eats and drinks while in the child seat, the harness buckle may need to be periodically checked and cleaned of any food, drink or other debris. • REMOVE BUCKLE as described on page 40. • THOROUGHLY RINSE using warm water (Fig. B). • TEST THE HARNESS BUCKLE by fastening (Fig. C) and unfastening (Fig. D) until a positive click is heard after inserting each buckle tongue. If either click is not heard, repeat cleaning procedure.
Warranty This child seat was manufactured by Britax Child Safety, Inc. Britax® warrants this product to the original retail purchaser as follows: LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY This product is warranted against defective materials or workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. Proof of purchase is required. The exclusive remedy for this warranty is that Britax will, at its option, provide repair or replacement components for this product or replace the product.
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IMPORTANT: DOUBLE CHECK EVERY TIME YOU USE THIS CAR SEAT. Double Check Car Seat-to-Vehicle Installation: Check that the LATCH or vehicle seat belts connections to the vehicle are tight and locked. Verify the car seat cannot be moved front-to-back or side-to-side more than one inch (2.5 cm) at the belt path. Double Check Child-to-Car Seat Installation: Tug on the buckle to ensure proper locking. Confirm harness straps are snug and over both shoulders and hips.
