How To Install Graco Contender 65 Forward Facing

The Graco Contender 65 convertible auto seat is a popular choice for parents. Why? Because it can be used rear-facing up to 40 pounds and forrad-facing up to 65 pounds, and that means information technology tin can be used for a long time!

In this review, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of this machine seat and come across how information technology compares to other models. We'll also talk about safe features, price, and other things that will help you lot make an informed determination. At that place's a lot to cover, and so permit's go started.

Y'all tin choose a topic from the table of contents below, or scroll downwardly to read the whole review.

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• Overall Ease of apply - ix/x
• Crash Protection - ix/10
• Rear Belt - viii/ten
• Rear LATCH - 8/ten
• Forward Belt - eight/x
• Forward LATCH - 10/10

eight.7/x

Quick Overview

The Contender 65 has an 8-position external harness adjuster, which makes information technology super easy to set a proper fit. It's too less expensive than nigh of its competitors with comparable qualities.

Information technology had remarkable crash-test results, and it scores quite well in both ease-of-use and fit-to-vehicle.

Highlights of the Graco Contender 65

It's easy to come across why this auto seat is and then popular. Bank check out these exceptional features:

• Removable caput-and-body back up system.
• Piece of cake to read level indicator for hassle-free installation.
• Convenient cup holder to go on drinks within easy reach.
• Carrying chapters of v – twoscore pounds rear-facing and 22-65 pounds front-facing.
• two base-recline positions.
• Rubber-Seat engineered,  crash-tested, and side-affect tested.
• Designed with EPS foam to absorb energy in event of an accident.
• Front end-adjust 5-point harness organisation.
• Comfortable auto-washable cushions.
• But-Prophylactic Adjust no re-thread harness.
• Head rest tin can be adjusted to 8 dissimilar positions
• Infant body support organisation with v-point harness.

What Makes the Graco Contender 65 Ameliorate?

Provision for Conversion

One of the biggest benefits is its ability to transform from rear-facing to forrard-facing.

According to one reviewer whose three kids used this motorcar seat over five years, ownership one was like purchasing two seats in ane. And it's however going strong even after three kids!

When a baby weighs between 5 – 40 pounds, it's best to proceed the motorcar seat facing the rear. After that, it tin can exist switched to a forward-facing car seat. Your little one can all the same be in this seat until he reaches 65 pounds.

So what does all this hateful? It means that you can use this car seat from the time your child is a newborn until he'due south ready for a booster seat. It'due south not like an infant carrier that has to be replaced every bit the infant grows older.

(See this page for our overview of car seat types.)

Reliable Support

The seat is designed with a head-and-body support organisation for infants. It'due south easy to remove and to put back in place. This system ensures that your infant volition always be comfortable whether you're running errands or going to visit grandparents who live far way.

If the confined space is starting to go uncomfortable,  it's piece of cake to go far more roomy for your little i. You can just accept out the head-and-body support without having to dismantle and re-thread the harness. Simple!

Smart engineering

The Graco Contender 65 car seat has been carefully engineered and rigorously crash-tested. It doesn't only meet, only it exceeds the US FMVSS 213 minimum safety standards. That'due south impressive!

The energy-absorbing EPS cream gives a high level of protection from bear upon daze, likewise.

You lot'll enjoy peace of mind knowing that your baby is riding in i of the safest machine seats available today.

Easy In & Easy Out

Getting your kid in and out of the automobile seat can be a major hassle. But the Contender 65 has made it a lot easier with its 5-point forepart adaptable harness.

Information technology's not merely near your convenience, though. Adjusting the harness to fit properly keeps your kid condom if you lot're in an blow. Yous don't desire to rush off without making certain that your piffling guy is secure. So it's great that yous can get the job done right even if you're pressed for time.

Adjustable for Right Fit

With this convertible motorcar seat, you'll be able to keep your growing kid in the best position from the time she's a newborn.

You can accommodate the headrest into ane of 8 different positions with just i hand. All you have to do is pull it upwards to a college position every bit your child grows. It couldn't exist any easier!

Conveniently Placed Cup Holder

1 feature that you and your child will dearest is the cup holder. It's built correct into the car seat, so your child tin can catch it himself when he's thirsty. The clever pattern reduces spills, too, which is a big plus.

Easy Installation

It'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to install the Contender 65 using either a LATCH system or a seat belt. When yous're installing information technology in the rear-facing position, the level indicator will help y'all go it in just right.

Simplicity and Safety

Remember, a auto seat tin can only provide adequate protection if it's properly adjusted to fit your child. This product has an integrated Only-Safety Adjust harness system, which makes it easy to find the correct fit.

The harness slides up and down with the headrest, so at that place's no demand to re-thread it. It also means that y'all can suit the harness and headrest superlative with one paw.

That's a huge time saver!

Graco Contender 65 Weight and Elevation Limits

Rear-Facing: five – 40 Pounds

• Infants who weigh less than 20 lbs must exist placed in rear-facing position.
• Children weighing twenty – 40 lbs may be placed in rear-facing position.
• See our guidelines on why the rear-facing position is safest.
• Harness top should exist only at or below the child's arm pits.
• The child'south head should exist 1 inch below the peak of the seat.
• This car seat is certified for use in the rear-facing position for children weighing upwards to 40 lbs.

In some cases, children who are most 40 pounds might not fit in the rear-facing position because they're likewise tall. According to the recommendations of the American Pediatrics' University, children should stay in the rear-facing position as long equally possible until they reach the pinnacle or weight limit of the seat.

Then, for case, if your kid weighs 38 pounds, but his caput is less than an inch from the top of the seat, and so it'southward time to switch to front-facing.

Forward-Facing: twenty – 65 Pounds

In the forward-facing position, this car seat can just be used by kids who fit these criteria:

• Less than 49 inches alpine.
• Weight is 20 – 65 pounds.
• Are able to sit upright without any assistance.
• Harness summit should be simply above or at the child'due south armpits.
• Ears should be below the elevation of the of headrest.

Depression Nascency Weight or Preterm Infants

Depression nascency weight or preterm infants are always at adventure when they're riding in vehicles.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that they may experience difficulty in breathing if they're non properly placed in convertible motorcar seats.

During the installation of any car seat, information technology's important to follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics or other relevant regulatory government.

The Installation Process

Rear-Facing with LATCH

First, make sure that the recline flip foot is in the rear-facing position. The LATCH belt will be routed through the opening marked "rear facing" in bluish.

To get in easier, extend the latch chugalug to its maximum length.

LATCH connectors should be fastened to the motorcar's lower anchors. Make certain the belt doesn't twist and that information technology stays flat. Pull on the connectors a little bit to make sure that they're properly fastened to the ballast points.

It'due south of import to printing down firmly on the center of the machine seat while you're pulling the belt. That volition ensure proper tightening.

You should exercise a little test to make certain that the installation is secure.

We recommend grabbing hold of the seat and pulling it from left to right and front end to dorsum. Make sure that the seat doesn't move more than than 1 inch in whatever direction. Check that the anchor belt stays taut and doesn't slip from its tightened position. If you tin't become it tight enough, and then you should consider changing to a different seating position.

Cheque the level indicator while your child is seated in position and your vehicle is on level ground. The ball must non move from the blue zone. If necessary, you can put rolled towels or a pool noodle under the seat to ensure that the ball stays in the blue zone.

Forward Facing with Latch

Ensure that the recline flip pes is in the forepart-facing position. You also need to be sure that the LATCH belt is routed through the opening marked "forward-facing" in orange.

To make the installation process faster and easier, extend the latch belt to its maximum length.

Adhere the LATCH connectors to the vehicle's lower anchors. The belt shouldn't be twisted and must remain apartment. Just like earlier, ensure that the connectors are secure by pulling on them using moderate strength. Encounter the article by NHTSA for details about LATCH connectors.

Press down firmly on the center of the auto seat to shrink the cushions while simultaneously pulling the LATCH belt's tail.

Once again, it'south a good idea to check to see if the seat is installed securely by grabbing it and trying to motion it in each direction. If it moves more an inch, information technology'due south not tight enough. If you can't get it tight, effort a different position.

Information technology's important to note that manufacturers of certain vehicles have recommended relatively low maximum weight ratings for anchors. So exist sure to read your automobile'due south user manual, or consult with an adept about your machine'southward LATCH anchor limits.

Body Back up Organization

The Graco Contender 65 motorcar seat is peculiarly designed with a torso support system for the smallest children. It's only used for rear-facing and only when the shoulder harness is in the lowest position. When your child gets too big for information technology, y'all but have it out.

Harness Covers and Head Pillow

Harness covers and the head pillow play an important role in preventing caput injuries if you're in a wreck or have to stop all of a sudden. Just make sure that the harness straps aren't twisted and that the covers don't foreclose the breast clip from beingness secured at armpit level.

Tether Hooks

Some vehicles don't take any tether anchors in them. In those cases, you lot tin can secure the car seat using tether hooks.

When they're non being used, y'all can store the tether hooks in the back of the auto seat. The auto seat user manual gives instructions on how to do this.

Ease Of Cleaning and Maintenance

Compared to other seats we've reviewed, the Graco Contender 65, was surprisingly easy to make clean and maintain.

To make clean the head support cover, apply a clammy sponge, absurd h2o, and mild soap. Or, just take it off and toss it in the washing machine. Exist sure to use cold water and let it baste dry out.

The same thing goes for the seat cover. You lot can spot clean it with a damp sponge or machine wash it.

It's also important to make clean the buckle every now and then. If yous let too much clay and gunk build upwards in it, the latch might non close right. The manufacturer recommends using only warm water to clean it. Don't employ soap or detergent on it.

If you demand to clean the harness straps or the LATCH belt, you should just use a clammy material and balmy lather. Don't submerge them in water because it will weaken the fibers, and you don't want that to happen!

Can I Use a Secondhand Graco Contender 65 Auto Seat?

Experts strongly advise against the exercise of using secondhand car seats. If you're interested in getting a skilful convertible car seat like the Graco Contender 65, then you should purchase  a new ane.

It'due south non considering Graco wants more than money, either. Information technology's for your child's prophylactic. Yous never know what a secondhand automobile seat has been through. It could be worn out or broken and y'all wouldn't know it. Don't gamble with your kid'southward safe to salvage a few dollars.

Another advantage of buying new is that y'all'll have a manufacturer's warranty on your machine seat. You won't become that with a secondhand one.

Past the way, if a role does intermission or clothing out, yous can replace it. You can buy spare parts and accessories from some local retailers and from online stores.

Aligning and Operation

Harness Straps

The harness straps are piece of cake to adjust. To tighten, y'all simply pull the harness adjustment strap at the bottom front of the seat. To loosen them, there'south a little lever that you lift while you lot're pulling the straps up.

Chest Clips

These open by pressing the tabs and pulling them apart. Only snap them back together to shut.

You tin confirm that chest clips are properly locked by pulling outward on both halves.

Buckles

Buckle your little one up by inserting both tongues into the buckle. So pull them upward to confirm that they're locked tight.

To unbuckle, you lift the lever at the bottom front end of the seat and pull upwards the shoulder harness straps to loosen them. And so you lot can printing the reddish button and pull out the tongues.

Crotch Strap Adjustment

Your child tin can't be in the seat when you adjust the crotch strap.

Kickoff make sure that the recline flip foot is facing forward.Then you have to go agree of the metal servant on the bottom of the seat, rotate it a little, and push information technology upwards through the slot.

When you lot need to alter the location of the crotch buckle, you have to make sure that the latch belt passes betwixt the 2 latch belt lines.

Adjacent, insert the crotch strap into the desired slot. Last of all, pull up the crotch strap to ensure that it'south secure.

Recline Flip Pes

Use of the recline flip human foot is straightforward. When yous want to have the motorcar seat rear-facing, flip it to the rear-facing position. The ball in the level indicator should be in the blue expanse.

To alter the auto seat to the frontwards-facing, just flip the foot to forward-facing. You don't need to worry about the level indicator when it'due south front-facing.

Level Indicator

If your child is less than 3 months old, ensure that the ball is completely in the calorie-free blue zone.

If your child is slightly more than three months old, the level indicator should be partly in night blue and partly in the calorie-free blueish zone.

If the ball is partly or completely in the cherry-red, it means the convertible motorcar seat isn't level, and you'll demand to adapt the recline position. See the Graco level indicator rubber page for more details.

Should You Buy The Graco Contender 65?

There are plenty of reviews on Amazon and other forums past people who accept bought this car seat. Most of them say that they believe that it was worth every penny and they got a lot of value for their money.

We think y'all should consider the Graco Contender 65 considering information technology has a high weight chapters for both rear-facing and front-facing. You won't demand to worry nearly your baby growing out of it anytime before long.

Even improve, it has the Simply-Safe Adjust harness organization thatmakes adjusting the headrest and harness height a breeze.

Of course, you'll need to know if this automobile seat fits your upkeep. Unremarkably y'all tin can get the best cost at Amazon. Their prices can change at a moment'south notice, though, so we don't quote them in our reviews. But you tin can hands detect the current toll by clicking here:

Style Options

"Glacier" Style

"Blackness" Style

"Sapphire" Style

Summary

About  Graco Contender 65 owners are happiest about these features:

• Removable head-and-body support system for infants.
• Strong LATCH.
• Level indicator that's easy to read and understand.
• Weight range from 5 – 40 lbs rear-facing and 22 – 65 lbs frontward-facing.

Other exceptional features are the loving cup holder, adjustable recline, and easy to adapt headrest and no re-thread harness.

And don't forget those comfortable cushions that you lot can just throw in the washing car.

If you are looking for a car seat under $150 that safely holds kids up to 49 inches tall and weighing upwards to 65 pounds, nosotros recommend the Graco Contender 65.

You tin caput over to Amazon and become ane of these great car seats today past clicking below.

Resources

• Graco Contender 65 Official Site
• Consumer Reports Crash Prophylactic Rating
• American Pediatrics' Academy

Compare Convertible Car Seats

Source: https://happybabyreviews.com/car-seat-reviews/graco-contender-65-convertible-car-seat/

Posted by: tobiasfolisn.blogspot.com

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