The Graco Comfort Sport 8639GRY is a convertible car seat designed for babies and toddlers up to 40 lbs. According to the car seat's manual, if your baby is less than 20 lbs, you must install the car seat in the rear-facing position. If your baby is 20 to 30 lbs., you may use the seat in the rear- or forward-facing position. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends leaving your baby in the rear-facing position as long as possible for maximum safety. Once your baby is 30 lbs., you must use the seat in the forward-facing position. Read the manual in full before you begin to use your car seat.
Step 1
Adjust the straps of the car seat to fit your child. If you are using the seat in the rear-facing position, the straps should be in the slot at or slightly below your child's shoulders. If the seat will face the front of the car, the straps should be in the slot at or slightly above his shoulders. Be sure the straps are straight and untwisted before you install the car seat in your car.
Step 2
Place the car seat on the vehicle seat in the intended position. Pass the car's seat belt through the appropriate belt path for the position in which you are installing the seat and buckle the seat belt.
Step 3
Pull the seat belt out as far as it will go while keeping it fastened. If you have locking seat belts, you will hear a clicking sound as you allow the belt to retract, and the belt will be locked in place. If you do not hear this sound and you are able to pull the belt out again, you must use a locking clip with your car seat.
Step 4
Remove all of the slack in the belt. Do this by putting your weight into the car seat and pulling on the shoulder portion of the belt, feeding as much as possible back into the side of the car. If you are using a locking clip, unlatch the seat belt while holding the sliding latch plate in place. Slide the locking clip on as described in the owner's manual. Rebuckle the latch plate.
Step 5
Fasten the tether strap to your tether hook if you are using the seat in the forward-facing position. Tighten the slack in the strap by pulling on the loose end.
Step 6
Push and pull the car seat in all directions. If the seat is installed properly, you should not be able to move it more than an inch in any direction. If you can move the seat more than that, repeat the procedure until you have it tightly installed.
Step 7
Place your baby in the seat and fasten the straps snugly. Tighten them if necessary by pulling gently on the strap hanging down in the front of the seat. Slide the harness clip to the center of your baby's chest. You should only be able to place two fingers between the harness strap and your child's collarbone, and there should be no slack in the straps.
Tips and Warnings
- You may find it easier to install the seat with the help of another person. Call your local police or fire department to ask where you can have your car seat inspected by a certified car safety technician. You can also find one as of November 2010 by calling (866) SEATCHECK, suggests CarSafety.org.
- Failure to use your seat properly may result in death or disfigurement for your child. Be sure you understand how to use your car seat before driving anywhere with your child.
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