Best Non Toxic Car Seats without Flame Retardants
The best non-toxic car seats without flame retardants? Wait, are flame retardants bad?
Of course, when something is flame retardant, it means that it does not easily catch fire or slow its spread. This provides more time to escape, which is definitely a good thing.
Flame retardants can be found in just about every flammable household item, from furniture to bedding to electronics.
Recent research, however, has demonstrated that many flame retardants are harmful, leading to their widespread removal from the market.
It has been discovered that they release potentially harmful chemicals.
There isn’t a strong molecular bond between the flame retardants and the cloth or foam in car seats, for example. As a result, they decompose and disperse throughout the automobile, exposing you and your child to potentially harmful substances.
Top Rated Non-Toxic Car Seats
UppaBaby Mesa Infant Car Seat
There is no doubt that the Uppababy brand has established itself quite well as the market leader when it comes to producing strollers and car seats.
Just like its strollers, it considers its car seats an attainable luxury compared to its competitors. This explains why they were the first to introduce the first car seat to pass the federal safety standards even without the use of fire retardants.
This car seat comes in two fabrics; Henry and Jordan. So you can choose the one that meets your desire.
It features a no-thread headrest that can be adjusted and integrated with side impact protection.
You will definitely like the softness it exudes, as this will make your baby cozy and comfortable while in the car seat.
In addition, it has an SPF canopy to shield your baby from the harmful rays of the sun.
Pros
- Attaches easily to Vista and Cruz strollers without adaptors.
- It does not contain any fire retardant chemicals in the foam, padding, or filling.
- It comes with a low-profile base that has a finished bottom; hence, it does not damage vehicle seats.
- The canopy is UPF 25+ for extra sun protection and can be tucked away when not in use.
- It comes with an infant insert for preemies.
- The 5-point harness is adjustable.
- The car seat is very sturdy in the car.
Cons
- You need mesa adapters for pre-2014 Uppababy vista strollers to fit this car seat.
Maxi-Cosi Magellan Max Car Seat
If you are looking for a non-toxic convertible car seat, go for the Max 5-in-1 convertible car seat that is made from a knit cotton-poly blend.
The most important thing is that it does not contain any fire retardant chemicals, which makes it safe for your baby to use.
This car seat is designed to grow with your baby right from birth to about 10 years as it can accommodate children weighing from 5 to 120 lbs.
In addition, it has torso side impact protection that can be adjusted to suit your baby and a 14-position headrest adjustment so you can customize it as your baby grows.
Also, you do not have to worry about the car seat getting dirty because the fabric is machine washable.
This car seat is also very easy to install using the integrated belt lock-offs, which secure the seat in place.
Pros
- No fire retardant chemicals
- The fabric is machine washable.
- Very easy to install and use
- It is very comfortable.
- Has 7-recline positions so you can choose the most comfortable for your child
- It easily converts into a booster seat thanks to the hideaway harness.
Cons
- It only fits in a car with LATCH. If you don’t have this, you can fix the Magellan using the vehicle belts.
Britax Foonf Convertible Car Seat
Britax is also a leading company in the manufacture of car seats.
It is among the first brands to introduce nontoxic convertible car seats that are entirely free of flame retardant chemicals.
Also a leading company in the manufacture of car seats.
It is among the first brands to introduce non-toxic convertible car seats that are entirely free of flame retardant chemicals.
This car seat is made from 100% Merino wool that is 100% free of flame retardants. The wool helps to regulate temperature when the baby is strapped in, so it is great for the hot summer.
It can be used in a forward-facing position thanks to the Rigid-Latch system, which ensures seamless installation.
The Foonf car seat is also designed to adhere to international best practices by allowing rear-facing use for children up to 40 pounds.
To enhance safety, this chemical-free car seat has a React system that uses aluminum honeycomb Crumple Technology to absorb energy in case of a collision. In addition, it has foam layers that help to absorb energy, and the headrest is adjustable to offer adequate protection on impact.
Pros
- Designed with your child’s safety in mind
- Free of all flame retardants
- Meets international practices for extended rear-facing use
- It has advanced side-impact protection.
- It can be recycled through Clek’s car seat recycling program
Cons
- Some users have found it to be a little bulky
Diono Convertible Car Seat
This car seat is only free of halogenated flame retardants.
It has extended rear-facing, which makes it ideal for international travel for children aged up to 4 years.
In addition, the car seat is designed with the safety of your child in mind. It has side impact protection with steel-reinforced substructure as well as outer and inner foam layers that absorb energy.
The headrest is deep and adjustable to accommodate your baby as he grows and to ensure comfort. Moreover, the car seat base is integrated with aluminum honeycomb deformable cores, which absorb energy in case of a collision.
The high-quality fabric is also very easy to clean and protects the seat against moisture, stains, and odor-causing bacteria.
Pros
- Meets international practices of rear-facing
- Free of halogenated flame retardants
- It fits perfectly even in the narrow center back seat of the car
- The headrest is adjustable.
- The cover cleans easily and does not stain.
Cons
- It is not entirely flame retardant-free like the Foonf version. It is however recommended over other car seats that contain flame retardants.
See also: Which are the top 10 stroller shade extenders?
Conclusion
There are many car seat manufacturers in the market, but only a few have taken the time to make the best non-toxic car seats. Nearly all car seats contain flame retardants, which in the manufacturers’ defense, are supposed to protect the seats and the children from a fire.
Nonetheless, research has shown that flame retardant chemicals like chlorine and bromine can build up in the air and be harmful to humans. Therefore, due to the extreme vulnerability of infants, you should stay away from any product that contains such chemicals, and this includes car seats.
Resources:
- https://www.becausehealth.org/non-toxic-infant-and-convertible-car-seats-2645414333.html
- https://www.healthandenvironment.org/docs/JeffGearhartSlides2019-2-6.pdf
- https://www.ecocenter.org/sites/default/files/Copy%20of%20FINAL%20ec-rpt-carseat-2016_V8.pdf
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API