If you’re contemplating changing your Graco car seat to a front facing option, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
What You’ll Need
In order to change a Graco car seat to a front facing position, you will need the following:
-A car with a front facing seat
-A Graco car seat
-The appropriate harnesses
-A Phillips head screwdriver
-A flat head screwdriver
-Tape measure
-Plyers
1. Locate the two straps that go across the back of the seat and attach them to either side of the car’s seatback.
2. Unbuckle the shoulder straps and detach them from the adjuster in the back of the car seat.
3. Pull away from both straps on one side of the car seat until it is free form the car’s backrest. Do this on both sides of the car seat.
4. Hold onto one end of each strap as you move it over tothe other side ofthecarseatandattachthemtotheadjustercontrols atthebackoftheseat. Make sure that each strap is attached in such a way that it crosses in frontoftheotherstrap.(Figure 1)
Now we need to reattach those straps so that they hold your child securely in their new position (Figure 2). To do this, line up one end of each strap with an attachment point on either side ofthecarseat, and pull snugly until both straps are tight against your child’s body (Figure 3). You can also use this method to adjust
Tools Required
Tools Required:
-A car seat that converts to a front facing position.
-A Phillips head screwdriver
-A wrench/ratchet set
-Tape measure
-Latch key
Instructions:
1. Locate the latch key on the back of your child’s Graco car seat and insert it into the hole on the side of the seat. Twist it in a counterclockwise direction to unlatch the seat from the base of the car.
2. Remove the old infant carrier from your vehicle. Be sure to remove any buckles, straps, or connectors before discarding them. You will need them for step 3.
3. Install the new infant carrier by first inserting one end into the hole on the side of your child’s Graco car seat and then inserting the other end into one of the three buckle slots on each side of the carrier. Make sure that all straps are tightened before replacing any buckles or connectors.
4. Reattach your Graco car seat to its base by twisting clockwise until it locks into place. Be sure to replace anyPhillips head screw you may have removed in steps 1 and 2
Steps to Take
If your child is less than two years old, you can use a forward-facing car seat until they are taller than 40 inches. Once they reach 40 inches or are 4 years old and above, you can switch them to a rear facing car seat.
To convert your Graco Car Seat to a Front Facing car seat:
Remove the child’s current car seat headrest by pushing down on the cushion and pulling outwards. If your car has a base that telescopes in/out, slide it all the way out before moving on to step 2.
Measure the distance from the center of the child’s shoulder to the back of their head (their nape). If this measurement is greater than 13 inches, purchase a front-facing Graco Car Seat. If this measurement is less than 12 inches, buy a rear-facing Graco Car Seat.
Position the new headrest in its slot and push it into place. Make sure that it reclines fully and that it doesn’t rub against your child’s neck or face. Replace any padding if needed and reattach any straps. Replace the cover if desired and test fit by attaching one strap before replacing all straps.
To convert your Graco Car Seat to a Rear Facing car seat:Remove the child’s current car seat headrest by pushing down on the cushion and pulling outwards. If your car has a base that telescopes in/out, slide it all the way out before moving on to step 2
Conclusion
If you’re looking to change your Graco car seat so that it is front-facing, there are a few things that you’ll need to do. First, make sure that the car seat is compatible with this mode of transportation; if not, you may need to find another one. Second, remove the rear facing latch and buckle (you may need help from a friend), insert the headrest into the vehicle’s head restraint system (usually in the middle or front), and reattach the rear facing latch and buckle. Third, adjust the shoulder straps so they are snug but comfortable. Fourth, test ride your new car seat position by referring to our safety guidelines for children in cars. Fifth, once everything is set up correctly, reinstall your child in their new car seat!