If the child's shoulders are even with or just above the lowest 2 slots.
Use the upper loops on the harness straps. Make sure the harness straps are threaded at or just below the child's shoulders and are completely on the splitter plate.
Child is 3+ months in age. Use corrected age for preemies.
Read the level indicator using the 3+ months range: if the blue indicator is partially in the notched area, the restraint is level for a child 3+ months in age. If any blue appears outside the black lines, adjust the recline position.
Infant is more than 12 lb (5 kg).
Remove the body support by pulling it out from behind the harness straps. Make sure shoulder straps stay threaded through the slots and properly positioned on the shoulders, and never allow the body support to bunch or fold behind the child.
Harness straps MUST BE AT OR JUST BELOW the child's shoulders.
When needed, remove the harness strap loops from the splitter plate, pull the harness straps out from the front of the car seat, and reinsert them into the new location at or just below the child's shoulders. Make sure the straps are not twisted and are at the same height.
The correct buckle slot is the one that is closest to your child without being underneath them.
If another buckle slot is closer without being underneath the child, move the buckle to that slot. Insert the metal clip through the new location, make sure the buckle's red button is facing out, and confirm the metal clip is completely through the pad and shell.
If the child's shoulders are even with or just above the upper 2 slots.
Use the lower loops on the harness straps and make sure the straps are completely on the splitter plate.
When the harness straps are in the upper most 2 slots.
Remove the head support. Undo the fastening strip and pull the strap out of the harness slots. Do not thread the head support and harness straps through the same slot, and do not thread the head support through the upper most slots.
When the child reaches the seat's rear-facing limit. The official sources reviewed agree on 32 in (81 cm) maximum height and head at least 1 in below the top of the car seat, but conflict on the maximum weight for model 2053220: the manual states 35 lb and the current product page states 30 lb.
Stop using this rear-facing-only infant car seat once your child reaches the applicable rear-facing limit listed on your seat documentation, and move to a rear-facing convertible or all-in-one car seat with a higher rear-facing limit. Graco states children should ride rear-facing as long as possible.