Your Guide To The Best Non-Toxic Car Seat Brands For Safe Travel
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Car seats are an essential item for parents with young children—especially since we need them to bring baby home from the hospital.
But, did you know that many traditional car seats contain harmful chemicals and flame retardants that can affect baby’s health long term?
In this blog article, we will discuss the dangers of flame retardants, otherwise known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PDBEs, and explore the benefits of non-toxic car seats that are flame retardant free.
We will also delve into the details of why these car seats are a safer and healthier option for your child, and provide recommendations for some of the best non-toxic car seats on the market!
Why Are Flame Retardants Bad For Babies?
Whether you’re a new or seasoned parent, you’re probably wondering about the health impacts of flame retardants, and I’m more than happy to share some concerning facts with you.
Babies are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of flame retardants because they have a higher exposure to these chemicals through dust, breast milk, pajamas, cribs and other sources—like car seats.
If you thought lead and mercury were dangerous, here are several examples of what flame retardants can do to our little ones’ physical and mental health that a lot of parents may not be familiar with:
- Flame retardants can disrupt brain development, which can lower your child’s IQ—resulting in reading problems, ADHD and hyperactivity.
- Flame retardants contain toxic chemicals that can cause developmental delays, cancer, and other health problems in babies.
- Flame retardants can disrupt the endocrine system in babies, leading to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.
- Most flame retardants are structurally similar to thyroid hormone chemicals and increase the risk for thyroid cancer (National Institutes Of Health).
It’s never too late to make changes and improve your baby’s environment. The important thing is to start taking necessary steps to reduce baby’s exposure to these chemicals and create a safer space for them.
What Are The Benefits Of Non-Toxic Car Seats?
Investing in a non-toxic car seat is a smart choice for parents who want to prioritize their baby’s health and well-being, and they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the numerous benefits mentioned below. Here are some of the advantages of using non-toxic car seats:
- Non-toxic car seats are made without harmful chemicals such as flame retardants, which have been linked to developmental delays and cancer.
- They are made from natural materials such as merino wool which are naturally flame resistant and much safer for babies to be in contact with.
- Non-toxic car seats are also more eco-friendly, as they do not release harmful toxins into the air or contribute to landfill waste.
- In addition to these benefits, non-toxic car seats are also more comfortable for babies to sit in, as they are made with softer and more breathable materials.
Wait, What If There’s An Actual Fire? Won’t Flame Retardants Be Helpful?
Flame retardants in your baby’s car seat wouldn’t be much help in the event of a large car fire because they are designed to slow down the spread of flames, not prevent them entirely.
Additionally, if the fire is already too large, the heat and smoke could still harm your baby before the flame retardants have a chance to take effect.
That’s why it’s best to just go with Merino wool car seats, which are a non-toxic and natural alternative to traditional car seats that rely on flame retardants.
Due to their natural flame resistance, you can rest assured that your child is safe without the need for added chemicals.
What To Look For When Shopping For A Non-Toxic Car Seat
When shopping for a non-toxic car seat, it is important to look for seats that are free of harmful chemicals such as flame retardants, phthalates, and heavy metals.
Look for seats that are certified by third-party organizations such as GreenGuard Gold or Oeko-Tex, which test for harmful substances. Additionally, consider seats made from natural materials such as Merino wool.
Remember to always read the label and do your research before purchasing a car seat.
With that said, here are some of the best non-toxic car seats available on the market today, many of which are GreenGuard Gold Certified!
Best Chemical-Free Car Seat Brands For Safe Travel
BRAND | CHICCO
Top Pick: OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat
✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified
✔️ FAA Approved
In early 2022, CHICCO announced that several of their products have earned GREENGUARD Gold certification. And if you’re a parent who’s used CHICCO products in the past (and love them), then this is very exciting—because they’re affordable!
What I love most about the OneFit ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat is that it has a slim design, and takes up less space in the vehicle without compromising comfort. It also has room to grow, and turns from a rear-facing infant seat into a booster seat that’s able to hold up to 100 pounds.
When it comes to finding a sustainable car seat that is also non-toxic, CHICCO is the best option for those on a budget. Not only is it affordable, but it also meets safety standards and is made with eco-friendly materials.
Top 5 Features
- Weighs 25 Pounds
- Accommodates growth from birth through booster (5-100 lb)
- No fire retardant chemical treatments, PFAS, BPA and phthalates
- 9-Position recline in each mode of use with ReclineSure leveling system
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
BRAND | NUNA
Top Pick: NUNA Pipa Lite R
✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified
✔️ FAA Approved
I am loving the entire Nuna car seat line. Not only is each and every model flame-retardant free, Nuna has some of the most stylish car seats around.
Nuna baby gear is made with GOTS certified organic cotton and Merino wool. The gear is also extensively tested before it leaves the factory, and to ensure compliance with safety standards, the company regularly has every gear tested at accredited, independent labs.
With that said, Nuna car seats are a top choice for parents who prioritize safety for their babies. With their advanced safety features, non-toxic construction and rigorous testing, Nuna car seats provide peace of mind for parents on the road.
Top 5 Features
- Weighs only 5.3 lbs
- Suitable for use from 4 to 32 lbs, and up to 32” height
- Eco-Friendly & Fire Resistant
- Organic jersey insert
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
UPPABABY
Top Pick: Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat
✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified
✔️ FAA Approved
Uppababy is a highly recommended baby gear brand with a great reputation for its quality and safety features. The car seats are easy to install, and parents love the cozy designs.
The MESA V2 is made with fabric that is free from fire retardant chemicals for all fashions and textiles, including the large UPF 25+ hideaway Canopy (this also goes for their models: Knox, and Alta).
This sustainable car seat is also GREENGUARD® GOLD Certified to support healthier air quality and low chemical emissions. It also has a cocoon-like shape that makes babies feel super cozy!
UPPABaby car seats are available on Modern Nursery, The Baby Cubby, And Amazon in both dusty pink, black and light gray.
Top 5 Features
- Weighs 9.9lbs
- Suitable for use from 4-11lbs with the use of an infant insert, and up to 35lbs or 32’’ in height
- Large, UPF 25+ hideaway canopy
- Removable and washable seat fabric
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
CLEK
Top Pick: Liing Infant Car Seat
✅ GREENGUARD Gold Certified
✔️ FAA Approved
The Clek Liing infant car seat is free of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, and can be installed without a base thanks to its unique European path belt design.
I also love that this particular car seat can be recycled! In 2013, Clek became the first and only car seat manufacturer to operate a car seat recycling program.
The Clek Liing is an easy to install, eco-friendly and super comfortable, making it a non-toxic option for parents looking to prioritize their child’s safety, health and comfort.
The Clek Liing infant car seats are available on Modern Nursery, The Baby Cubby, And Amazon in both dusty pink, black and light gray.
Top 5 Features
- Weighs 9lbs
- Made from ethically sourced Merino Wool and Tencel
- Recyclable through the manufacturer’s recycling program
- Does not need a base to be installed in your car
- Fabric is GREENGUARD Gold certified
PEG PEREGO
Top Pick: Primo Viaggio Convertible Kinetic (Merino Wool)
❌ GREENGUARD Gold Certified
✔️ FAA Approved
Though it doesn’t have the GREENGUARD Gold certification, the Peg Perego, which is made in Italy, is 100% chemical-free, and has been certified by the ISO 9001. In other words, they meet or exceed international safety standards.
The Peg Perego non-toxic car seat is really a wise investment. It is made with high-quality materials, and is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring the safety of your child. The car seat is also designed to be comfortable and easy to use, making it a practical choice for parents.
Overall, the Peg Perego non-toxic car seat is a great choice for parents who prioritize safety and comfort for their children. It’s also available on Amazon.
Top 5 Features
- Weighs 24.4lbs
- Made from 100% Merino Wool.
- Can be used rear facing for children 5 to 45 pounds and forward facing for children 22 to 65 pounds.
- Kinetic pods help to move forces away from your baby in case of a side collision.
- The anti-rebound bar protects baby by minimizing forces and reducing rotation in case of a front or rear collision.
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