USER GUIDE - TO BE STORED IN RECLINE FOOT
An extremely practical long lasting child seat
Birth to 18kg (birth to around 4 years)
Rearward facing for baby up to 13kg or forward facing
for an older child between 9kg and 18kg.
THE MOST TESTED CAR SEAT ON THE ROAD
*WARNING: DO NOT use on passenger seats fitted with a
front airbag unless your vehicle manufacturer confirms it is safe.
UNIVERSAL
Up to 18kg Y
E
11
03.44.166
First Class Si
First Class Si
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Thank you for choosing Britax
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). The First Class Si is designed for children from
birth to approx four years (Birth to 18kg). It is designed to carry children from Birth
to 13kg in rearward facing mode and 9kg to 18kg in forward facing mode.
This manual also contains a section on how to care for your child car seat.
Contents
Vital information – Read now page 02
Frequently asked questions page
03
Crucial parts of your child car seat page
04
Fitting your child in the First Class Si
Adjusting the harness page
05
Checking the height of the shoulder straps page 06
Removing your child from the First Class Si page
08
Changing the height of the shoulder straps page
08
Fitting the seat rearward facing page 11
To remove the First Class Si from the car page 13
Removing the Newborn Insert page 14
Fitting the seat forward facing page 16
Option A - standard routing page 16
Option B - alternative routing page 19
Reclining the seat page 21
Looking after the First Class Si page 22
Removing the cover page 22
Cleaning the cover page 23
Cleaning the harness, chest pads and seat page 23
Refitting the cover page 23
Removing and cleaning the buckle page 24
Important information - read before your first journey page 25
Final Checklist page 26
If in doubt page 26
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Vital Information - READ NOW
DO NOT
under any circumstances use a rearward facing seat on
passenger seats fitted with airbags.
DO NOT use as a forward facing seat on passenger seats fitted
with a front airbag unless your vehicle manufacturer confirms it is safe.
DO NOT Use the First Class Si on side facing vehicle seats.
DO NOT Use the First Class Si on rearward facing vehicle seats.
DO follow these user guide instructions in the order shown and get to know your
First Class Si before installing it in the car.
DO keep this user guide safe for future reference. There is a storage facility for it on
the recline foot.
DO make sure that you adjust the harness to fit the clothes your child is wearing
before each journey - a fitting for winter clothes may be too slack for a child
wearing summer clothes.
DO cover the First Class Si if your car is left in direct sunshine. Metal and plastic
fittings can become hot to touch in sunny weather and the cover may become
faded.
DO always keep the First Class Si secure. Even if it is not being used by your child.
DO make sure the vehicle seat-belt is only used in the seat-belt guides described in
this user guide.
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Frequently asked questions
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. 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 Hampshire Trading Standards Authority 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.
Does the First Class Si 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. Alternatively visit Fit-Finder on our web site at www.britax.co.uk
When do I need to use the newborn insert?
The newborn insert is designed to allow babies to fit the seat comfortably when
used in rearward installation. It is designed for use from newborn to a
maximum of 3 months.
Can I put my child in the First Class Si facing forward before they reach 9kg in
weight? No, the weight range corresponds to the European standard applying to car
seats and the First Class Si has been tested and approved for forward facing
installation from 9kg. In addition to weighing 9kg, your child should be able to sit
unaided with confidence.
When do I adjust the harness to the correct height for my child?
When you first purchase the First Class Si, then periodically as your child
grows. (see ‘Changing the height of the shoulder straps’ on page 8)
Can I buy a spare cover in the same fabric I currently have?
Spare covers are available in SELECTED fabrics only. To find out which fabrics
you can choose please contact our Customer Service Helpline on 01264 386034
What do I do if the harness buckle does not click when I fasten it?
Follow the instructions “Removing and cleaning the harness buckle” on page 24
When should I install the seat facing rearwards?
The First Class Si should be installed rearward facing for all new born babies
and babies up to 13kg in weight.
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IMPORTANT - The First Class Si MUST only be used with a lap and diagonal
seat-belt (approved to UN/ECE regulation No.16 or equivalent standards).
This is a lap-belt
Diagonal
Lap
This is a lap and diagonal seat-belt
OK
NO
Crucial parts of your child car seat
These are the different parts of the First Class Si. You need to know these before
installing the First Class Si in your car.
Types of seat-belt
10. Adjuster strap
11. Diagonal seat-belt guides
12. Seat shell
13. Red seat-belt lock
14. Routing label
15. Alternative routing position
16. Yoke (between shell and base)
17. Base
18. Recline foot for rearward facing use
19. User guide storage (in recline foot)
1. Shoulder strap slots
2. Chest pads
3. Harness
4. Buckle
5. Buckle comfort pad
6. Seat-belt guides (lap belt) for
rearward facing use
7. Newborn insert
8. Harness adjuster button
9. Recline handle
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
10
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Using the First Class Si
Preparing to install the First Class Si in the car
IMPORTANT -
You must adjust the height of shoulder straps of the harness
to the correct position for your child
BEFORE installing the First Class Si in
the car, as they cannot be adjusted once installed in the car.
Adjusting the Harness
Unfasten the buckle by pressing the red
harness buckle button (a) and place your child
in the seat. Fit the harness around your child.
To fasten the buckle (b); first fit the two upper
sections together as shown, then push them
firmly into the lower section until you hear a
positive click.
2
With one hand, press and hold down the
harness release button. Then, with the other
hand below the chest pads, pull the shoulder
straps forwards.
1
Check the harness is not twisted, then gently
pull the harness up to tighten the lap sections
which are designed to fit low down on your
child's body.
3
Pull the adjuster strap forward making sure the
harness is a comfortable but FIRM fit around
your child. Make sure the harness straps are
not twisted.
4
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A
B
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Finally, pull both chest pads down from your
child's shoulders onto the chest.
5
REMEMBER - The chest pads
are an important safety feature
NEVER use the First Class Si
without them.
Now check the height of the shoulder straps as shown below.
Checking the height of the shoulder straps
IMPORTANT – If your baby weighs less than 13kg, refer to ‘The height of the
shoulder straps (rearward facing use)’. If your baby weighs 9-18kg, refer to ‘The
height & shoulder straps (forward facing use)’.
NO - Too high YES - Correct NO - Too high
Undo the harness and go to Changing the Height of the Shoulder Straps on page 8
To fit your child into the First Class Si refer to ‘Fitting the First Class Si (rearward
facing) on page 11
The shoulder straps MUST be threaded through the slots in the cover and shell
nearest the top of your child’s shoulders. If in any doubt use the slot just below the
shoulder rather than above it.
The height of the shoulder straps (rearward facing use)
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Undo the harness and go to Changing the Height of the Shoulder Straps on page 8
To fit your child into the First Class Si refer to ‘Fitting the First Class Si (forward
facing) on page 16
The shoulder straps MUST be threaded through the slots in the cover and shell
nearest the top of your child’s shoulders. If in any doubt always use the slot above
the shoulder rather than below it.
Once you reach the top slots your child may continue to use the seat until their eye
line becomes level with the top of the seat shell or their weight exceeds 18kg.
The height of the shoulder straps (forward facing use)
NO - Too high NO - Too low YES - Correct
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Changing the height of the shoulder straps
IMPORTANT - You must adjust the height of the shoulder straps before
you install your child seat in a car.
Removing your child from the First Class Si
To help prevent the harness from
twisting when you remove your child
from the seat, loosen the harness by
pulling below the chest pads, press the
harness buckle button to undo the
harness and then lay the shoulder straps
on the outside of the seat as shown.
Carefully place the First Class Si on the floor.
With one hand press in and hold the harness
release button. With your other hand below
the chest pads, pull the shoulder straps
forward as far as possible to loosen the
harness.
1
With the First Class Si fully reclined, open the
seat-belt guard at the back of the shell. Pull
the yoke out from behind the seat and unhook
one shoulder strap.
2
Handy Tip
- You will find it
easier to do one shoulder strap
at a time and make sure that the
buckle is fastened.
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4
Pull the cover from the top of the seat so
that you can see the slots in the seat shell.
Pull the shoulder strap and the chest pad
strap forward and towards the centre of the
shell, easing the metal tab and straps
through the slot. Then thread them through
to the front of the cover.
3
Handy Tip
- An alternative
recline position may make
access easier.
Handy Tip - Use your other
hand to help angle the metal
tab into the slot if necessary.
Re-thread the straps through the chosen slots in the cover. Then (A) thread the end of the straps
through the matching slot in the seat shell until the metal tab is against the slot. Then (B) ease
the metal tab through the slot by pushing it towards the back and centre of the seat shell. Make
sure the straps are not twisted.
Shoulder strap
Chest pad strap
AB
IMPORTANT - The metal tab and chest pad strap should always lie
underneath the shoulder strap as shown.
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Hook the shoulder strap back onto the
yoke, making sure that the adjuster
strap is not twisted and that the
thread colours on the shoulder strap
match those on the adjuster strap.
Repeat from step 2 with the other
shoulder strap.
5
Put the cover back. Pull both shoulder straps forward to remove any slack. Make sure the harness
is threaded through the buckle tongues as shown above.
6
IMPORTANT -
The shoulder straps and the chest pad straps MUST be
threaded through the same pair of slots.
✔
✘
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Fitting the First Class Si Rearward Facing
EXTREME HAZARD Do not use on passenger seats equipped with air bags.
... and then pull the seat shell forward as far as
it will go. Let go of the recline handle and
make sure the First Class Si is locked into the
recline position.
2
Before installing the First Class Si rearward
facing it must be fully reclined. First lift the
recline handle up...
1
Locate the recline foot underneath the seat
(see Crucial parts of your child car seat on
page 4). Pull out the recline foot and swing
round until it ‘clicks’ into the base bottom.
3
Place the First Class Si rearward facing on the
car seat. Push it firmly against the back of the
car seat ensuring that the recline foot and seat
frame are resting on your car’s seat and that
the front of the seat shell is resting on the
upright section of your car’s seat.
4
Up to 9kg, and until the baby can sit unaided with confidence, you must ONLY
install the First Class Si rearward facing using a lap-and-diagonal seat-belt.
When your child is newborn, the Newborn Insert should be used at all times. Once
your child reaches a maximum of 3 months the insert should be removed (see
section ‘Removing the Newborn Insert’ on page 14). To see if the shoulder straps
are at the correct height for your child, see the section ‘Checking the Height of the
Shoulder Straps’ on page 6.
CHECK THAT:
YOUR BABY WEIGHS LESS THAN 13KG AND THE SHOULDER
STRAPS ARE THE CORRECT HEIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD.
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Thread the lap section of the seat-belt around
both seat-belt guides underneath the front of
the First Class Si shell. Make sure that the lap
section of the seat-belt is not twisted and
remove all slack from this section of the belt
before continuing.
6
Fasten the seat-belt across the front of the
First Class Si.
DO NOT try to go around the back of the First
Class Si first – it will not work that way. Feed
the lap section down between the car seat and
the First Class Si.
5
Pull the diagonal section of the seat-belt over
the top of First Class Si. If your seat-belt
appears too short, see the blue box on page 13.
7
Then tighten the seat-belt by first pulling
here...
8
Pull
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... and then, while holding the First Class Si in
place, pull here.
10
...Thread the belt around the diagonal seat-
belt guide on the side of the seat...
9
The First Class Si should now be secure (seat
shown in upright position for clarity only).
11
IF YOUR SEAT-BELT APPEARS TOO SHORT
1. Is the First Class Si pushed hard against the back of the car seat?
2. On adjustable seats, make sure that the vehicle seat is adjusted as far back as it
will go (such as for a tall passenger).
3. In cars with a seat-belt height adjuster, make sure that it is in its lowest position.
4. For further advice, contact our Customer Services Helpline.
To remove the First Class Si from your car
Simply unfasten the seat-belt and unthread it from the guides.
To stow the recline foot
To return the recline foot to its stored position, simply swing it back into the
underside of the First Class Si. You should hear a click as it disengages from its
locked-open position, and another as it locks into its stowed position. The recline
foot is only securely stowed once you hear this click.
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Removing the newborn Insert
Remove the buckle comfort pad by pulling it
over the buckle.
2
With one hand press in and hold the harness
release button. With your other hand below
the chest pads, pull the shoulder straps
forward as far as possible to loosen the
harness.
1
4
Pull the buckle through the newborn insert.
4
Un-fasten the studs in each side of the
newborn insert and pull the shoulder straps
clear of the slots in the newborn insert.
3
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6
The newborn insert can now be removed.
5
Ensure that the strap adjuster goes through to
the underside of the seat shell, and ensure that
it rests horizontally so that it can't be pulled
back through the shell. Pull on the buckle to
make sure that it is secure and that the strap
adjuster does not come back through.
7
The crotch strap length will now need
shortening. To do this, rotate the exposed
metal strap adjuster and push it through the
slot in the cover and the seat body. Pull on the
buckle to ensure that the adjuster does not slip
though. The buckle strap is now the correct
length to be used without the insert.
Re-installing the insert
Follow the steps above in reverse order.
IMPORTANT – The crotch strap
MUST now be adjusted.
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Fitting the Seat Forward Facing. Standard Routing ‘A’
Pass the seat-belt between the seat base and seat
shell, as shown.
2
Place the First Class Si forward facing on the car
seat then recline it fully by lifting the recline handle
(under the front of the seat shell) and sliding the
seat shell into the most reclined position.
1
Fasten the seat-belt, making sure that the seat-belt
is not twisted and that it lies in the area of the base
indicated by the red routing label, as shown.
3
Thread the diagonal section of the seat-belt
through the red seat-belt lock. Make sure you pull
the seat-belt in the direction of the arrow.
4
CHECK THAT: YOUR CHILD WEIGHS MORE THAN 9KG.
YOUR CHILD IS ABLE TO SIT UNAIDED.
From 13kg you must ONLY install the First Class Si forward
facing using a lap-and-diagonal seat-belt.
IMPORTANT – Have you adjusted the harness to the correct height for your child? You must
adjust the height of the harness BEFORE installing the First Class Si in your car. It cannot be
adjusted whilst the seat is installed.
IMPORTANT – Ensure that the recline foot is in the stowed position before attempting to install the
First Class Si forward facing. See the section ‘To stow the recline foot’ on page 13
IMPORTANT – The newborn insert MUST NOT be used when the First Class Si is installed forward facing.
Installing with a lap and diagonal seat-belt
IMPORTANT – The First Class Si has two red Seat-belt locks.
ONLY USE the one FURTHEST away from the seat-belt buckle.
IMPORTANT – You must adjust the length of the crotch strap as shown in ‘Removing the newborn
insert’ on page 14
Option
A
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... and then pull here to tighten the diagonal
section of the seat-belt. It is essential to make
sure that the belt is pulled through the red
seat-belt lock at the correct angle, or else the
belt will bunch and come out.
6
Firmly push your First Class Si into the vehicle
seat using your body weight. Again, make sure
that the seat-belt still lies in the area of the
base indicated by the red routing label and
then pull the top section here...
5
Thread the belt around the diagonal seat-belt
guide on the side of the seat.
7
The First Class Si should now be secure. To
check pull forward firmly on the harness. There
should be little or no movement.
.
8
IMPORTANT – after installing the First Class Si you need to
check the position of the seat-belt buckle (see ”Checking the
position of the seat-belt buckle" on page 18).
If in any doubt contact our Customer Service Helpline on
(01264) 386034.
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Checking the position of the seat-belt buckle
If, after following the above instructions, your
seat-belt buckle looks like this the First Class Si
is NOT correctly installed and the seat-belt
may come undone. Try Alternative Routing ‘B’
shown on page 19.
If in doubt contact our Customer Service
Helpline on (01264) 386034.
If, after following the installation instructions,
and having used your body weight to tighten
the belt, your seat-belt buckle looks like this
the First Class Si should now be secure.
To check this try to pull the seat forward by
the harness. It should feel firm, not loose.
If, after following the above instructions, your
seat-belt buckle looks like this the First Class Si
should now be secure.
To check this try to pull the seat forward by
the harness. It should feel firm, not loose.
✔
✘
✔
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Fitting the Seat Forward Facing –Alternative Routing ‘B’
Thread the diagonal section of the seat-belt
through the red seat-belt lock. Make sure you
pull the seat-belt in the direction of the arrow.
10
Undo the buckle of the car seat-belt.
And re-fasten it so that it lies in the area
between the tubular frame and the plastic
moulding as shown on the routing label 'B'.
9
IMPORTANT – The First Class Si has two red seat-belt locks. ONLY USE the one
FURTHEST away from the seat-belt buckle.
Pull here to tighten the diagonal section of the
seat-belt. It is essential to make sure that the
belt is pulled through the red seat-belt lock at
the correct angle, or else the belt will bunch
and come out.
11
Option
Option
B
Thread the belt around the diagonal seat-belt
guide on the side of the seat.
12
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