BBO-573-00

Point of Sale Information

NOTICE
Rock-a-Tot
1. This is a “Universal” child restraint. It is approved to
USER GUIDE
UNIVERSAL
Regulation No. 44.03 series of amendments, for
general use in vehicles and it will fit most, but not all,
Less than 13kg Y The multi-purpose baby car seat
car seats. and infant carrier
E11
2. A correct fit is likely if the vehicle manufacturer has 03.44.117
declared in the vehicle handbook that the vehicle is
capable of accepting a “Universal” child restraint for
this age group.

3. 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.

4. If in doubt, consult either the child restraint manufacturer or the retailer.

5. 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.

UNIVERSAL
Less than 13kg Y

E11
03.44.117

Birth to 13kg
(birth to around 12-15 months)

Britax Excelsior Limited Switchboard: 01264 333343

1 Churchill Way West Customer Service Helpline:
Andover 01264 386034
Hampshire Sales: 01264 386027
SP10 3UW Fax: 01264 334146
FM 22321
ISO 9001
United Kingdom 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 baby’s 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 rear-
ward-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.

page 16
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 Preparing to install your child seat in the car

Stage 2 Fitting your child in the car seat
Stage 3 Installing your child seat in the car
Stage 4 Looking after your child car seat

Contents

Vital information - Read now Page 2

Frequently asked questions Page 2

Crucial parts of your child car seat Page 3

Stage 1 Preparing to install the Rock-a-Tot in the car

• Handle - Carrying, rocking and stable position Page 4
• Harness adjustment Page 4/5
• Adjusting the crotch strap Page 5

Stage 2 Fitting your child in the Rock-a-Tot

• Everyday use of the harness Page 6/7
• Using the Rock-a-Tot as a low chair Page 7
• Carrying your child in the Rock-a-Tot Page 7

Stage 3 Installing the Rock-a-Tot in the car

• Installing with a lap and diagonal seat-belt Page 8/9
• Removing the Rock-a-Tot from your car Page 9
• Alternative installation Page 10/11

Stage 4 Looking after the Rock-a-Tot

• Removing and cleaning the harness buckle Page 12
• Removing, cleaning and refitting the cover Page 13
• Cleaning the harness and seat Page 13
• Accessories Page 13

Important information - Read before your first journey Page 14

Final checklist Page 15

If in doubt Page 15

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 seat-
belts 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.

page 2
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. Rocking base

12. Shoulder strap slots
5
13. Diagonal belt guides (blue arrows)
14. Locking clip (for Travel System) 4
15. Handle (in rocking position)
16. Harness adjuster strap
17. Harness release button 3
18. Crotch strap
19. Belly pad
10. Harness buckle 2
11. Shoulder pads (covering shoulder straps)
12. Head support
13. Handle (in stable position) 1
14. Lap guides (blue arrows)
15. Slots for Travel System
16. Alternative lap guides (see instructions)

12
8 11
9 10
7

6 3

16

15 14 13

Type of seat-belt

IMPORTANT
The Rock-a-Tot can only
✔ ✘
be used with a lap and
diagonal seat-belt (ap- Diagonal
proved to UN/ECE regu- Section
lation No.16 or equiva-
lent standards) and in- Lap Section
stalled rear facing only.

page 3
Stage 1 - Preparing to install the Rock-a-Tot in the car

Handle - Carrying,rocking and stable position

2 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.

1 2

Carefully place the Rock-a-Tot on the floor. Move Unfasten the harness by pressing the red harness
the handle to the stable position (see “Handle - buckle button. Lay the shoulder straps over the sides of
Carrying, rocking and stable position” above). With the seat.
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 Rock-a-Tot and check that the

shoulder strap slots are level with your child's shoul-
ders.
page 4
 4

To adjust the height of the shoulder straps, first remove Important - the safety harness provided with
your child from the seat. the Rock-a-Tot must be used at all times.

Next, pull one strap through from the front and re-
thread 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 1

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 Carefully place the Rock-a-Tot on the floor. Move the
down on your child’s body. handle to the stable position (see “ Handle - Carrying,
d. DO NOT attempt to remove the crotch strap rocking and stable position" on page 4). With one
from the adjuster. Adjustment is made by hand lift the fabric flap and push the harness adjuster
feeding the crotch strap through the adjuster tab. With your other hand pull the shoulder straps
as in step 3 below. forward as far as possible to loosen the harness.

2 3
Adjuster

Shortening the Lengthening the

crotch strap crotch strap

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

page 5
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.

1 2

Carefully place the Rock-a-Tot on the floor. Move Unfasten the harness by pressing the red harness
the handle to the stable position (see "Handle - buckle button. Lay the shoulder straps over the sides of
Carrying, rocking and stable position”, on page 4). the seat.

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.

3 4

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 baby’s body (if not see “Adjusting the
crotch strap” on page 5).

page 6
 5

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.

C Handy Tip - Laying the shoulder straps over

the side of the seat when removing your child
helps prevent harness twisting.

Everyday
Using as use
a low
of chair
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.
Always check the handle is upright and latched prop-
erly 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.

C 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.

page 7
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.
Installing with a lap and diagonal seat-belt
1 2
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.
3 4
Fasten the seat-belt across the Rock-a-Tot.
5
page 8
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.
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.
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.
C Handy Tip - This symbol means check that
there are no twists in the adult seat-belt when
fitted.
 6 7

Feed the diagonal belt through both diagonal belt Tighten the seat-belt by first pulling here...
guides indicated by the blue arrows at the back of the
seat.

... 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.

page 9
 Alternative routing
Not all car seat-belts meet the latest European recommendations and you may encounter some installation
19

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.
18

Important - This method is not suitable in all cars so you MUST, before use, check the buckle and
anchorage details below.
17

Buckle Position
16

The adult seat-belt buckle must be below and rearwards of the lap guide as indicated below.
15
14
13
12
11

Anchorage
10
9

Using the ruler guide printed on the side of this page,

8

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.
7

If you are in any doubt please contact our Customer

Services Helpline on 01264 386034.
6

1
5
4
3

The lap section of the seat-belt should pass through

2

both belt guides underneath the foot end of the seat.

1

page 10
page 10
 2 3

Pull the diagonal section of the seat-belt around the Feed the diagonal belt through both diagonal belt
back of the Rock-a-Tot. guides indicated by the blue arrows at the back of the
seat.

4 5

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.

Removing the Rock-a-Tot from the car

page 11
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.

1 2

With one hand pulling on the buckle and the other Clean the harness buckle with mild hand soap and
hand under the seat, twist and slip the bracket on the water. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
end of the crotch strap up through the slot in the seat.

3 4

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.

page 12
 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. Don’t 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.

page 13
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.

page 14
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. 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.

2. Have you correctly adjusted the harness to suit your child and the clothes they are wearing?
See page 6, Everyday use of the harness.

3. 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.

4. 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 ......................................................................................................

GUARANTEE
...........................................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................

Age and weight of your child .............................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................

Customer Service Department Customer Service Helpline

Britax Excelsior Limited Telephone: 01264 386034
1 Churchill Way West Email: helpline@customer-services.britax.co.uk
Andover Internet: http://www.britax.co.uk/
Hampshire SP10 3UW
United Kingdom

page 15