AXKID ECE R44-04 Car Seat Instruction Manual

: June 17, 2024
: AXKID

Table of Contents

AXKID ECE R44-04 Car Seat
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Important information
Parts
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

AXKID ECE R44-04 Car Seat

Specifications

Approved according to ECE R44/04
Weight range : 0-25 kg

Product Information

The Axkid Minikid is a rear-facing child restraint approved according to ECE R44/04, the latest European standards for child safety. It is suitable for use from approximately six months of age, or from when your child can sit up unsupported, up until the age of six. The Minikid child seat is designed with over 30 years of combined experience in child safety and is made to be as safe as possible.
To maximize your child’s safety, it is important to read the instruction manual carefully before installing the Minikid child restraint. If you have any doubts, contact your retailer who can demonstrate a correct installation. An incorrect installation could endanger your child.
Axkid recommends using an infant carrier until the child is steady enough to sit unaided. The Minikid 0-25 kg is not recommended for use from birth, as smaller children need better support and protection in the first couple of months of life.
Never use a child restraint in a seating position where an active airbag is fitted. If you still wish to install the Minikid in this location, the airbag must be disconnected at an authorized service center. Some vehicles may be equipped with a switch that allows you to manually switch the airbag off. Always check if the vehicle’s indicator light shows that the airbag is turned off.
Extensive research has shown that the risk of serious injury or worse is five times greater for a young child when in a forward-facing restraint compared to a rearward-facing restraint.
The Minikid allows your child to travel rearward-facing up to 25 kg, maximizing their safety.
Always use the support leg when installing the Minikid seat. The support leg is a very important safety feature designed to maximize your child’s safety in an accident.
If you have an accident, no matter how small, your child’s restraint should be replaced. It may have damage that is undetectable and could seriously jeopardize your child’s safety. For this reason, Axkid does not recommend purchasing second-hand child restraints.
Never leave your child unattended in the car and ensure any luggage or loose objects are secured in your vehicle as they may cause injuries to passengers in the event of a collision.
Store this instruction manual in the designated pocket (O) on the car seat.

Product Usage Instructions

Installation

Read the instruction manual carefully before installing the Minikid child restraint.
If in doubt, contact your retailer who can demonstrate a correct installation.
Ensure that the vehicle seat belt and tethers are used to secure the child restraint.
Always use the support leg when installing the Minikid seat.
Store this instruction manual in the designated pocket (O) on the car seat for future reference.

Positioning

The Minikid child restraint can ONLY be installed rear-facing.

Do not use it in a forward-facing position.

FAQ

Q: Can I use the Minikid 0-25 kg from birth?
- A : No, Axkid does not recommend using the Minikid 0-25 kg from birth. It is recommended to use an infant carrier until the child is steady enough to sit unaided.
Q: Can I use the Minikid in a seating position with an active airbag?
- A : No, it is not recommended to use a child restraint in a seating position where an active airbag is fitted. If you still wish to install the Minikid in this location, the airbag must be disconnected at an authorized service center.
Q: Can I use a second-hand child restraint?
- A : No, Axkid does not recommend purchasing second-hand child restraints. If you have an accident, no matter how small, your child restraint should be replaced.

Important information

Read this instruction manual before installing the Minikid child restraint in your vehicle. For more information and installation videos visitwww.axkid.com.

Thank you for choosing an Axkid child seat. Our team has over 30 years combined experience within child safety, and we have done our utmost to make the Minikid child seat as safe as possible. The Minikid child restraint is approved according to ECE R44/04, the latest European standards for child safety. To maximise your child’s safety it is important that you keep the following in mind;

Read this instruction manual carefully before installing the Minikid child restraint. If in doubt, contact your retailer who can demonstrate a correct installation. An incorrect installation could endanger your child.
Axkid always recommends using an infant carrier until the child is steady enough to sit unaided. Axkid does not recommend using Minikid 0-25 kg from birth, because smaller children need better support and protection the first couple of months of life.
Do not use a child restraint in a seating position where an active airbag is fitted. If you still wish to install the Minikid in this location the airbag must be disconnected at an authorised service centre. Some vehicles may be equipped with a switch which allows you to manually switch the airbag off. It is important to always check if the vehicle’s indicator light shows that the airbag is turned off.
Extensive research has shown that the risk of serious injury or worse is five times greater for a young child when in a forward facing restraint compared to a rearward-facing restraint. In Minikid your child can travel rearward-facing up to 25kg.
Always use the support leg when installing the Minikid seat. The support leg is a very important safety feature designed to maximise your child’s safety in an accident.
Should you have an accident, no matter how small, your child restraint should be replaced. It may have damage that is undetectable and could seriously jeopardize your child’s safety. For this reason Axkid do not recommend purchasing second hand child restraints.
Never leave your child unattended in the car.
Ensure any luggage or loose objects are secured in your vehicle as they may cause injuries to passengers in the event of a collision.
Store this instruction manual in the designated pocket (O) on the car seat.

Contents
The Minikid child restraint is suitable for use from approximately six months of age, or from when your child can sit up unsupported, up until the age of six. This child restraint can ONLY be installed rear-facing.

Parts /4
Allowed and disallowed positioning of the child car seat /4-5

Rear-facing 0-25kg with vehicle seat belt and tethers /5-8
This assembly can be used for children weighing between 0-25 kg (0-55 lb).
Removing and fitting the covers /8-9
Care and maintenance /9

Warranty/9

Parts

AXKID-ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig1

AXKID-ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig9

Allowed and disallowed positioning of the child’s car seat

The child restraint can be used on any forward-facing passenger seat that has a 3-point seat belt (i), so long as there is no active airbag in place. The child restraint cannot be used with a 2-point lap belt (ii).

IMPORTANT : If you wish to install your Minikid in a location where an airbag is fitted, then the airbag must be disconnected at an authorized service centre. Some vehicles may be equipped with a switch that allows you to manually switch the airbag off. It is important to always check if the vehicle’s indicator light shows that the airbag is turned off.
WARNING : Never use on a seat with an active airbag
WARNING : Never use on rearward or side-facing vehicle seats
WARNING : Airbags are designed for adults and can seriously harm your child in a crash

Allowed and disallowed positioning of the child car seat.

AXKID-ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig10 AXKID-
ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig11

Rear-facing 0-25 kg with seat belt & tethers Positioning the child restraint

2. The easiest way to lift the Minikid into the vehicle is with its back first. Place the child restraint in the vehicle with the back of the restraint facing the front of the vehicle.
3. The heels (J) should be sitting over the edge of the vehicle seat. The indented vertical line (K) on the heel should align vertically with the end of the vehicle’s seat. If installing in a small vehicle, or if your child does not require extra leg room, you can instead place the heel upon the vehicle’s seat this will also achieve a more reclined position.
- Note : When installing Minikid in the front seat it is possible, but not crucial, for the back of the restraint to have contact with the dashboard.
4. To adjust the angle of the child restraint, press the recline adjustment lever (G) to select one of the five reclining positions. Always choose the most upright position as possible, however your child must be able to hold their head up on its own, and there should be enough recline to ensure your child’s head does not fall forward when sleeping. The rule of thumb is that the older the child grows, the more upright the seat can be installed. Please note that once the installation of the Minikid is complete, it will be somewhat more reclined as it sinks into the vehicle’s seat from tightening seat belts and tether straps.

Fastening the vehicle seat belt

AXKID-ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig3

5. Open the belt lock-off clips (N) on both sides of the Minikid child restraint. Fully lengthen the seat belt until the lap section of the belt is at least 70-80cm (27-32 inches) long. Feed the seat belt through the seat belt slot (D), between the seat cover and seat body until the belt comes out through the seat belt slot on the other side. If you prefer, you can instead feed the seat belt through the seat belt slot (D), then over the top of the seat belt cover and then through the seat belt slot on the other side.

6. Insert the seat belt tongue into the vehicle’s seat belt buckle. Pull the seat belt until all slack is removed along the seat belt route. Secure both the lap and shoulder belt in the lock-off closest to the vehicle’s seat belt buckle.
7. In the lock-off on the opposite side, only the lap belt should be secured.

Attaching the tether straps
Some vehicles may already be fitted with anchorage points at the back of the front seat rails, or, if installing in the front passenger seat, in front of that seat.

8. If your vehicle does not have these anchor points, the supplied lower anchor straps must be used.
9. For installation in the back seat, feed the buckle end of the anchor strap through either the rear of the front seat rails, or the hinge of the front seat. The anchoring point needs to be as close to the floor as possible. In doing so you should always insert the buckle of the anchor strap through the closest appropriate slot in the strap to create a slip knot then pull tight. This needs to be repeated on both sides to create two anchor points.

AXKID-ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig4

10. When installing Minikid in the front passenger seat the lower anchor straps must be attached to the front gliding tracks so the anchor points will be located along the front edge of the passenger seat.

11. Pull out the upper tether strap from the belt housing (M) to an appropriate length.
12. Check that the white marking on the strap (i) is visible. If not, you can try crossing the straps over (ii) to give them some extra length to enable the white marking to be visible.

13. Clip the anchor attachments directly onto the vehicle anchorage points (or lower anchor straps if you have used them). Press down hard on the top of one side (i) of the child restraint then repeat on the other side (ii). When you do this it’s important that you really use your full body weight to press down and get the tether straps to really tighten hard. This will give the tether straps their first tightening.

14. Unfold the support leg (P) out to its maximum angle. Press the leg extension button (Q) and extend the support leg until it reaches the floor.
Note : The support leg belt may, but does not need, to be fully tensioned.
15. It is important that you check that the support leg is at an angle over 10° from the back of the seat. You could check this by ensuring that the support leg is further away from the seat than the vertical line.
16. Press down on the child restraint from side to side again (i)(ii), the tether straps will be then be automatically tightened.

If you have installed Minikid in the back seat you can now move the front seat to a comfortable position. Note: The back of the child restraint may, but does not need to be in contact with the back of the front seat.
Using the side impact protection pad

AXKID-ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig6
Although optional we STRONGLY advise using the side impact pad where possible to add extra protection from side collisions.

17. Locate the side impact pad connector (L) on the child seat nearest to the side of the vehicle (i.e. closest to the door).

IMPORTANT : Ensure the two triangular arrows (i) on the side impact pad (I) point in the same direction as the triangular arrow on the side impact pad connector (L).
Place the upper of the two oval openings on the underside of the side impact pad over the side impact pad connector. Push the side impact pad against the side of the car seat and slide the side impact pad upwards onto the side impact pad connector. You will feel a slight click as the side impact pad locks in place.
To remove : push the side impact pad downwards and remove.
Placing your child in the seat

18. Press the harness adjuster button (E) and pull forward on the shoulder straps (not the shoulder pads) to completely loosen the harness.
19. Press the red harness release button on the buckle and unfasten the harness.
20. Place your child in the car seat. Put your child’s arms in between the shoulder straps so that the straps are hanging over the chest and stomach.

21. Pull the shoulder straps together and insert the harness tongues into the crotch buckle.

AXKID-ECE-R44-04-Car-Seat-fig7
22. Pull the harness adjustment strap (F). It’s important that you always pull the harness straight and central when you tighten the adjustment strap. This will tighten the harness and the headrest will automatically slide down to the appropriate height.

Head support brake on the headrest

23. The headrest on your Minikid is equipped with a head support brake. This can be used if you want to keep the headrest in a fixed position. To activate the head support brake, pull the harness adjustment strap until the headrest is at the desired height, you will hear a faint “click” sound from the headrest as it locks into position. Check that the headrest can not be pulled down any further and activate the headrest brake by moving the lever (H) across to the right.
WARNING: Do not pull up the headrest with the parking brake activated.
Removing and fitting the covers
WARNING : Never use the child restraint without its covers. The covers are an integral safety feature.

24. Remove the side impact pad (I) if attached and ensure the headrest brake lever (H) is unlocked by turning it to the left.
25. Press the harness adjuster button (E) and pull forward on the shoulder straps (not the shoulder pads) to completely loosen the harness.
Note : If the headrest does not raise up check the headrest brake lever (H) is unlocked. Having the headrest raised will make removing the headrest cover easier.
26. Locate the elastic loops (i). Working on one loop at a time, place your index finger in the loop and trace the loop back to where it is attached on the headrest via a hook (ii). Carefully remove the elastic loops from each hook (ii).
27. Unzip the two zips on the headrest (one on the underside of the right-hand side of the headrest (i) and one on the back (ii)).

Starting from the right, carefully pull the cover off from the headrest. Once the headrest cover has been removed, lower the headrest again and lock in position. This will help whilst removing the seat cover.

28. Press the red harness release button on the buckle to unfasten the harness and remove the crotch pad.
29. Unzip the three zips on the seat cover (one on each side of the front of the cover (i) and one on the back of the cover (ii). Ensure you fully unzip the zips on each side of the front cover (I).
30. Unfasten all the press studs (i),(ii), (iii) .
31. Release and remove the plastic strip (i) along the front of the child restraint.

IMPORTANT! Ensure you pull the plastic strip and DO NOT pull the fabric. Carefully remove the seat cover from around the harness adjuster housing (ii).

IMPORTANT! Store the plastic strip safely for when you need to fit the seat cover again. If you do lose the plastic strip you will need to contact your retailer for a replacement.

32. Carefully pull out the plastic rod (i) holding the seat-back fabric to the seat. Pull the seat-back fabric forward and feed the crotch strap through the seat-base fabric. You can now, starting from the top of the seat cover, carefully remove the seat cover ensuring you release any Velcro® tabs as you do so.

To fit the cover, reverse the above steps ensuring the harness and shoulder pads are routed correctly.
Care and maintenance

The seat cover can be removed and washed in a washing machine at 30º C on the “Gentle Cycle” program. Do not put the cover in a dryer as this can damage the cover and the padding may separate from the fabric. Visit www.axkid.com to find videos explaining how to remove and attach the cover.
Any plastic parts of Minikid can be cleaned with mild detergent and water. Do not use aggressive chemicals containing solvents etc, as this can cause damage to the plastic and compromise the safety of the child restraint.
All materials used in the Minikid child restraint are recyclable and should be recycled as per your local legislation. Ask your local recycling center for advice when recycling this product.
Do not make any modifications or alterations to the Minikid child restraint other than those described in this instruction manual. Follow the instructions in this manual carefully. Any repairs must be carried out by the manufacturer or agent.
If the seat cover needs replacing ensure only original products from Axkid are used. If other products are used the Minikid’s safety system may be compromised and could lead to severe injury or death in case of an accident.
All materials used have a very high UV-resistance rating. However, UV light is very aggressive and will ultimately lead to fading of the seat cover. This is not covered by our warranty as it is considered normal wear and tear.

Warranty

The Minikid child restraint is covered by a 24-month warranty from the date of purchase. Ensure you save your receipt and bring it to your place of purchase should you have any warranty issues. The warranty does not cover: