tomato UM-BCS-06-22LIT Booster Car Seat User Manual

: June 3, 2024
: Tomato

Table of Contents

tomato UM-BCS-06-22LIT Booster Car Seat
What is Special Tomato™?
- The Story Behind the Brand
Motor Vehicle Safety Information
Motor Vehicle Installation
5-Point Positioning Harness Adjustment
Aircraft Installation
5-Point Positioning Harness Removal
Consumer Information
Limited Warranty
Care and Cleaning
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

tomato UM-BCS-06-22LIT Booster Car Seat

What is Special Tomato™?

The Story Behind the Brand

Special Tomato™ is Tim Bergeron’s latest product line. He has over 40 years of experience designing, building, and selling adaptive positioning equipment, including founding the Tumble Forms® product line as its original designer. Tim has coupled his design experience with a new manufacturing process that provides soft durable, impermeable cushions for positioning children with special needs.
Now you may be asking, “What’s so Special about Tomatoes?” Tim is pictured here with his youngest daughter, Carrie, a young adult with Down Syndrome. Carrie’s story, “The Special Tomato”, summarizes what Tim believes that most parents feel about their child with special needs.
“Every child is special in their own unique way. It’s a parent’s job to find ways to facilitate their child’s growth in a way that includes them equally within the family and community.” For children with physical disabilities, adaptive equipment can play an important role in helping them reach their highest functioning level.

The “Special Tomato” on the Bergeron Bush

My dad and mom had four children. The first three children were healthy and regular people. Then I came along, a baby with a difference, Down Syndrome. I had a hole in my heart, a rip in my heart valve, jaundice, a big tongue and a wobbly head. As I got older I also realized that I am a slow learner. One day it was bothering me that I was having a hard time doing my school work. I told my dad about this problem and he shared a story about when he was out in his garden picking tomatoes the year I was born. Every year my dad grows a garden and loves to plant tomatoes.

At harvest time there were Beefsteak tomatoes on a bush. When he saw a differently shaped tomato it got his attention. It had a large, smooth, bright red enlarged side that made my dad want to pick it up and study the bump because it was so unique and looked appetizing. At supper, that tomato was just as juicy as the others. Even though I’m different like the tomato as a person with Down Syndrome, my family and friends love me even more and want to help me when I need it. My dad tells me that even though I have more difficulty learning than my brother and sisters, my lovable and outgoing personality and strong character make me just as special as they are. I guess I am the special “tomato” on our family’s bush!
-Carrie Bergeron

Motor Vehicle Safety Information

Failure to follow all written instructions and product labels can result in death or serious injury in a crash. Carefully read and understand this User Manual prior to using this product. If you have any questions visit SpecialTomato.com or contact Bergeron Healthcare. To ensure proper long-term use, store User Manual in the User Manual Pocket located on the back of the Booster Car Seat.
Use SMALL Booster Car Seat, only with children whose height is between 40-inches (102cm) up to a maximum of 56-inches (142cm); and, whose weight is between 51-pounds (23kg) up to a maximum of 90-pounds (41kg).
Use LARGE Booster Car Seat, only with children whose height is between 50-inches (127cm) up to a maximum of 65-inches (165cm); and, whose weight is between 81-pounds (37kg) up to a maximum of 130-pounds (59kg).

WARNING: The 5-point Positioning Harness is NOT a safety harness and is NOT a safety restraint for a child. A child using this Booster Car Seat MUST be properly restrained by the vehicle lap AND shoulder belt per this User Manual.

LATCH is ALWAYS required when using Booster Car Seat in a motor vehicle.
Only use Booster Car Seat in a forward-facing position.
NEVER use Booster Car Seat with only a Vehicle’s Lap Belt to restrain child (Figure 1). This could result in serious injury or death to the child.
ALWAYS use the vehicle’s lap AND shoulder belt system when restraining the child in the Booster Car Seat (Figure 2).
NEVER use the 5-point Positioning Harness without vehicle’s lap AND shoulder belt system to restrain the child. This could result in serious injury or death to the child.
Some vehicles’ lap and shoulder belt systems cannot be used with this Booster Car Seat. Read vehicle’s owner manual and ‘Vehicle Seatbelt Compatibility’ section of this manual.
DO NOT use this Booster Car Seat with any other backrest or cushions.
ALWAYS verify that the Booster Car Seat is properly secured to the vehicle BEFORE placing your child in the Booster Car Seat.
The 5-Point Positioning Harness will need to be adjusted to accommodate different clothing (i.e. winter vs. summer clothing).
To avoid injury due to hidden damage or deterioration, discontinue use of Booster Car Seat after ten years or if it has been in a crash.
Do not disassemble or modify the Booster Car Seat in any manner, except by following the steps described in this User Manual.
Do not let children play with the Booster Car Seat.
Do not place anything between the vehicle seat and the Booster Car Seat to raise the height of the Booster Car Seat. In the event of an accident, the object could slip and disrupt the stability of the Booster Car Seat.
Primary protection for occupants of a vehicle comes from the vehicle itself in the event of an accident. The Booster Car Seat will not completely protect a child in the event of a serious impact. The role of the Booster Car Seat, when properly installed, is to significantly improve the chance for survival in most crashes.
Do NOT carry the Booster Car Seat by the 5-Point Positioning Harness to prevent damage.
Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a short time.

WARNING: DO NOT place a child restraint in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag unless the air bag is turned off. DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur. The back seat is the safest place for children under 12.

Always secure the Booster Car Seat using vehicle lap and shoulder belt system and LATCH anchors even when not occupied. In a crash, an unsecured item may cause injury to other vehicle occupants.
Register the Booster Car Seat with the manufacturer.
Do not leave folding vehicle seats unlatched. In the event of a sudden stop, a loose seat back could prevent the Booster Car Seat from protecting the child as intended.
Follow all instructions on the Booster Car Seat and in this User Manual. To ensure proper long-term use, store User Manual in the User Manual Pocket located on the back of the Booster Car Seat.
According to accident statistics, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents select the rear seat as the safest location to properly install a booster car seat. Please carefully read the section concerning vehicle seatbelt in this guide to ensure the child’s safety. If in doubt about installing the
Booster Car Seat, please consult the vehicle’s owner manual.
If the child will not keep the vehicle lap and shoulder belt properly positioned at all times, DO NOT use the Booster Car Seat.
Maximum Occupant Height: Child is too tall if the top of their ears are above the top of Booster Car Seat back.
Refrain from leaving the Booster Car Seat in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Cover the Booster Car Seat to prevent the seat surface or buckles from becoming too hot for safe use.
When not in use, store the Booster Car Seat in a safe, dry location. Do not place heavy objects on the Booster Car Seat while in storage. Do not store near direct heat source.
Always make sure vehicle seat is locked in its upright position. Reclining the vehicle seat will adversely affect the safety and performance of the Booster Car Seat in an accident.
The Booster Car Seat conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 requirements. This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft.

Vehicle Seatbelt Compatibility

WARNING: ONLY use the Booster Car Seat with a 3-point (lap-and-shoulder) vehicle seatbelt that is NOT motorized or anchored to the vehicle door.

In order to protect the child in an accident, the Booster Car Seat must ONLY be used with a compatible vehicle seatbelt.
The following vehicle seatbelt types are NOT compatible with the Booster Car Seat:
1. Two-point seatbelt of any kind.
2. Three-point seatbelt with separate retractors for lap and shoulder sections.
3. Motor-driven, automatic seatbelt.
4. Seatbelt with anchorage points on the door.

Note : The vehicle’s owner manual will have complete information on the types of seatbelts in the vehicle. If an incompatible seatbelt type is listed, please choose another seating position in the vehicle.

Vehicle Seat Positions

IMPORTANT: Some vehicles do not provide seating positions compatible with booster car seats. If in doubt, please contact the vehicle manufacturer for assistance.
Bergeron Healthcare and the U.S. Department of Transportation warn that children under 12 must ride in the vehicle’s rear seats and away from front airbags. The only exception is if the airbag is turned off. When using the Booster Car Seat in a vehicle with airbags, refer to the vehicle’s owner manual for additional booster seat installation instructions and precautions.

WARNING : ONLY use the Booster Car Seat in forward-facing vehicle seats.

DO NOT use Booster Car Seat in rear-facing seats in any vehicle (Figure 3).
DO NOT use Booster Car Seat in side-facing seats in any vehicle (Figure 4).

Motor Vehicle Installation

Parts & Components

Please fill out the registration card and mail it in today!
A Child Restraint System could be recalled for safety reasons at any time. In case of a recall, we can reach you only if we have your name and address, so please send in the registration card today to be on our recall list.
This Restraint is Certified for Use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft.
Refer to the following Booster Car Seat Occupant Height and Weight Requirements to determine the appropriate size of Booster Car Seat for the occupant:

Booster Car Seat Occupant Height and Weight Requirements

Vehicle LATCH Belt Installation

Verify that your vehicle is equipped with LATCH anchors (Figure 7). Consult your vehicle’s user manual to locate the exact position of the LATCH anchors.
Before installing the Booster Car Seat into a vehicle, verify the 5-Point Positioning Harness is securely installed onto the Booster Car Seat.
Install the Booster Car Seat with the LATCH Strap by snapping both LATCH Strap Buckles into vehicle LATCH anchors until you hear an audible “click” from each Buckle (Figure 8).
Place weight on the Booster Car Sheet by positioning your knee on the seat surface, then pull tightly on the LATCH adjustment strap until slack is removed.
WARNING: Unsecured objects can become flying hazards and can cause serious injury in an accident. Always ensure that the Booster Car Seat remains secured to the vehicle with the LATCH anchor system even when the Booster Car Seat is not in use. LATCH is ALWAYS required when Booster Car Seat is in use.

5-Point Positioning Harness Adjustment

WARNING: The 5-point Positioning Harness is NOT a safety harness and is ONLY used to comfortably position the child in the Booster Car Seat. When using the Booster Car Seat in a motor vehicle, the child MUST ALWAYS be properly restrained by the vehicle’s 3-Point Lap and Shoulder Seatbelt as per this User Manual.

(Figure 9) 5-point Harness Adjustments

Use the shoulder pads to prevent child’s neck and face from rubbing on the plastic buckles.
To ensure proper placement of the Chest Harness, make sure the Chest Strap lays in the middle of the child’s chest.
The Pelvic Harness Waist Strap length can be easily adjusted by depressing the gray adjustment tab and adjusting the strap length to fit snugly (Figure 10).
The Pelvic Harness Buckle has one quick-release button that unlocks both Waist Straps from the Crotch Strap for quick and easy access to child. Both waist strap male clips must be attached together BEFORE they can be inserted into the Pelvic Harness Buckle (Figure 11).
Adjust the length of the Crotch Strap to allow the Pelvic Belt to lay across the pelvis. This will prevent the Pelvic Belt from laying across the lower abdomen.

Securing Child for Transportation in Motor Vehicle

Before securing the child for transportation in Motor Vehicle, read and complete the instructions in the preceding two sections: “Vehicle LATCH Belt Installation” and “5-point Positioning Harness Adjustment.”
Ensure the child is properly positioned in the Booster Car Seat with the 5-point Positioning Harness (Figure 9).
Fasten Vehicle’s 3-Point Lap and Shoulder Seatbelt across the child. The Vehicle’s Lap Belt should rest flat across child’s lap (Figure 12).
Feed the Vehicle’s Shoulder Belt through the Booster Car Seat Shoulder Belt Guide (Red Plastic). Note: Booster Car Seat Shoulder Belt Guide must be used on the OPPOSITE side of the Vehicle Seatbelt Buckle (see Figure 12).
Adjust Booster Car Seat Shoulder Belt Guide level with child’s shoulders (Figure 13). Ensure Vehicle’s Shoulder Belt lies flat across child’s shoulder and does NOT contact child’s neck.
WARNING: If the Vehicle’s 3-Point Seatbelt is not positioned correctly, then the Booster Car Seat is not properly installed:
- The Vehicle’s Seatbelt Shoulder Strap should lay flat across child’s shoulder and must NOT contact child’s neck.
- The Vehicle’s 3-Point Seatbelt Lap Strap position should be forward and as low as possible over child’s pelvis and contacting the upper thigh.
Verify child is secure by ensuring there is no slack in the Vehicle’s Lap and Shoulder Seatbelt System.
Confirm the Vehicle’s Seatbelt Buckle is in the correct position (see section ‘Positioning the Vehicle’s Seatbelt Buckle’).

Positioning the Vehicle’s Seatbelt Buckle:

IMPORTANT: After the Booster Car Seat is installed and the Vehicle’s 3-Point Seatbelt is fastened and secured around child, it is important to confirm correct seatbelt buckle position to ensure secure installation.
CORRECT: If the Vehicle’s Seatbelt Buckle position is adjacent to child’s hip.
INCORRECT: If the child is not secured by the Vehicle’s 3-Point Seatbelt and/or Car Booster Seat as noted above.

Aircraft Installation

Aircraft Installation Instructions

The Booster Car Seat should only be used on forward-facing aircraft seats.
It is recommended that the Booster Car Seat be installed in a window seat in order to avoid blocking access to the aisle.
Please contact the airline that you will be traveling with before your flight to inquire about specific airline policies and aircraft seat dimensions.

5-Point Positioning Harness Removal

Chest Harness & Shoulder Strap Removal

Unclip Chest Harness from both Shoulder Straps. Remove Shoulder Straps through cushion shoulder cutouts
Note: Please remove printed User Manual from the User Manual Pocket before washing Harness. Reinstall User Manual Pocket after washing.
Unclip Chest Harness from both Lower Chest Harness Straps. Remove Chest Harness.
Remove Lower Chest Harness Straps through cushion waist cutouts.

Pelvic Harness Removal

STEP 1

Remove the 3 Velcro pads from the Pelvic Harness.
Depress the red button on the Pelvic Harness Buckle to release the Waist Straps from the Crotch Strap.

STEP 2

Flip the Booster Car Seat over and guide the waist clip through the cushion waist cutout. Next, guide the waist clip through the Crotch Strap loop.

STEP 3

Flip the Booster Car Seat back over and finish guiding the Waist Strap up through the cushion waist cutout.
Remove the Crotch Strap.

Consumer Information

Booster Car Seat Alternate Use: Positioning Seat
The Booster Car Seat is also designed to be installed onto a standard household chair with included Chair Attachment Straps (Figure 14). This allows for proper and comfortable positioning for your child at home and while traveling.

Limited Warranty

Please fill out and mail your warranty card!
Bergeron Healthcare warrants to the original retail purchaser of the Special Tomato™ product, that if any part or component proves defective in material or workmanship within five years of the purchase date, the defective part will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Bergeron Healthcare, free of charge. Warranty service may be performed by an authorized service center or at the discretion of Bergeron Healthcare.
This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, or damage caused by accident or misuse.
To exercise this Limited Warranty, the Customer should first obtain a Return Authorization Number from the dealer where the Special Tomato™ product was purchased. The product must be returned via pre-paid postage (UPS recommended) to the factory or to an authorized service center, together with a copy of the original invoice, the Return Authorization Number and a written description of the problem.

Care and Cleaning

Special Tomato™ Products are impermeable to fluids. Use a mild detergent/cleaner to wipe the chair periodically. Do NOT submerge Booster Car Seat in water or other cleaning fluids.
The Booster Car Seat 5-Point Harness can be removed, washed in cold water, sanitized, and air-dried (refer to “5-Point Positioning Harness” Section for additional information). Do NOT put Harness in dryer.

Customer Service
Contact your dealer directly. Or…

Special Tomato™ Customer Service:

Phone: 315-429-8407
Fax: 315-429-8862
Email: customerservice@specialtomato.com
Website: www.specialtomato.com