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When it comes to buying a car seat for your little one, you want the safest option available. That gives you peace of mind knowing that your baby would be as safe as possible when you’re on the go. For this reason, choosing a car seat is one of the most important product decisions you will make for your child.
But what if that “best” option is actually kind of toxic?
Unfortunately, this is the reality: most popular car seats out there are pretty toxic. Flame retardant chemicals and PFAS are two common toxins found in infant car seats — and they can be extremely harmful to our children’s health.
The good news is that there are now some great non-toxic car seats on the market.
So choosing the best for our babies and toddlers — ideally means avoiding toxic flame retardant chemicals and PFAS. In this article, we’ll explain why they’re toxic and why you should choose a non-toxic infant car seat instead.
Some of our favorite non-toxic car seats include the Nuna Pipa Lite LX, Nuna Rava, and Britax Advocate. These seats don’t contain these harmful chemicals, and they’re just as safe as car seats that are made with chemical flame retardants.
Our Top Picks for 2022
- Top Overall Infant Car Seat: Nuna Pipa Lite LX at Nordstrom
- Best Infant Seat for Travel: Nuna Pipa Lite RX at Nordstrom
- Most Innovative Infant Car Seat: Maxi Cosi Coral XP in PureCosi at Amazon
- Top Convertible Car Seat: Britax Advocate ClickTight in Otto Safewash at Amazon
- Our Readers’ Most Loved Convertible Seat: Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat at Nordstrom
- Best All-in-One Car Seat: Nuna Exec All-in-One Car Seat at Nordstrom
- Best Convertible Car Seat for Travel: Maxi Cosi Romi in PureCosi at Albee Baby
- Best Harness to Booster Seat: Grow With You ClickTight Plus in SafeWash at Amazon
- Best Traditional Booster Seat: Nuna Aace Booster Car Seat at Nordstrom
How to Choose the Safest Car Seat for Your Baby, Toddler, or Big Kid
A car seat is an essential item for any new parent, so make sure you choose the right one. But, how exactly do you choose the right car seat for your baby and your car?
There are two key aspects to consider when choosing a car seat for your baby or toddler: physical safety and chemical safety.
Physical safety is always the top priority when buying a car seat.
Your child’s physical safety is the #1 thing to consider. Consider how easy it is to install the car seat (in your car, not someone else’s) and what extra safety features it has.
Here are some tips for shopping for a car seat:
- Choose a car seat made by a reliable manufacturer. All car seats in the United States have to pass the same safety standards, and pretty much all car seat manufacturers have had recalls, but some manufacturers might be more reputable than others. They might handle your customer service questions with more care. Some car seats come with extra safety features that *might* be helpful in the event of an accident, for example.
- Check the car seat’s height and weight limits. Make sure the car seat is appropriate for your child’s age, height, and weight by checking the car seat’s specifications. A car seat that’s too big or too small for your child won’t be safe. Know your child’s stats, especially as they grow.
- Find a car seat that is easy to install and use. For a car seat to work properly, it must be easy to install correctly in your car, every time. If you can’t install the car seat correctly, (for example, you find that the base gets loose or it’s hard to pull the straps tight enough), you should not use that car seat. Your car seat has to be easy to install — reliably, every single time. Some car seats have extra features that make it super easy to install your car seat (like Britax ClickTight car seats). Before you buy, you can try installing a friend’s car seat in your car or head to a baby boutique that allows you to do a test install of a car seat in your car.
- Look up NHTSA car seat safety ratings. Car seat safety ratings can be helpful when choosing a car seat for your little one, but it’s important to note that results vary from car to car. So while these are helpful to consider, they shouldn’t be your only deciding factor when buying a car seat. Remember: all US-made car seats pass the same safety standards and testing.
- Rear-face your child as long as possible. Rear-facing is safer for your child in the event of a collision. While each state has its own laws about rear-facing, the AAP recommends keeping your child rear-facing until the age of 2 or until they outgrow the rear-facing height or weight limits. In many parts of Europe, kids are kept rear-facing until the age of 4.
But a car seat’s chemical safety is important, too.
Chemical safety refers to whether the manufacturer uses toxic chemicals such as hazardous flame retardants and fabric treatments. Of course, chemical safety isn’t as important as physical safety — the car seat’s job is to protect your child in the car — you’ll still want to pay attention to the chemicals that a car seat will expose your child to.
These can include:
- Halogenated flame retardants
- Phosphorus-based flame retardants
- Heavy metals
- Perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS)
- PVC (vinyl) plastic
- Antibacterial agents such as triclosan
Exposure to these kinds of chemicals during infancy can have real and lasting effects on a child’s health. Babies and children have developing bodies that are especially susceptible to the dangers of toxic chemicals, especially in their car seat, where they can spend a significant amount of time during infancy.
Since the Ecology Center began studying toxic chemicals in car seats, car seat manufacturers have begun listening to parents who are concerned about the use of toxic flame retardant chemicals and perfluorinated chemicals in car seats. At this time, there are six manufacturers who have introduced car seats without flame retardants.
This means that you have some wonderful non-toxic car seats to choose from when shopping for your baby or child. To help you choose the right non-toxic car seat for your little one, let’s talk a little about why you should be cautious about flame retardant chemicals and PFAS in your child’s car seat.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Child Car Seats
The Ecology Center has tested several car seats for harmful flame retardant chemicals and per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on the car seat fabrics (fabric treatments that make the fabric stain resistant). I love that they are looking at more chemicals that we as parents would want to avoid exposing our kids to.
Thanks to the Ecology Center’s studies on car seat toxicity, we know the following:
- 83% of car seats tested still contain flame retardant chemicals that may be hazardous.
- 50% of the seats tested contain PFASs and the Ecology Center indicates that these chemicals are unnecessary.
- Since their studies began, PBDEs and Chlorinated Tris have been phased out by manufacturers.
- Not enough testing is being done on the chemicals that are used in car seats.
- Three car seat manufacturers (Britax, Maxi Cosi, and Chicco) make seats with removable, washable covers to help avoid the need for PFAS for stain resistance.
Why You Should Be Concerned About Flame Retardants
While car seats are made for children, they are subject to automotive regulations (which were last updated in 1981).
All car seats sold in the United States are required to meet federal motion vehicle flammability regulation FMVSS 302 to reduce injuries in the event of a vehicle fire. In theory, this is a worthy idea.
However, to meet these standards, many manufacturers use low-cost halogenated flame retardant chemicals. There are three major problems with this:
Problem #1: These flame retardant chemicals are associated with numerous health risks.
Exposure to halogenated (brominated or chlorinated) flame retardants have been associated with a wide range of impacts on animals and humans. These include immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, impairment of fetal and child development, interference in thyroid, liver, and neurological function, and cancer.
Because of the way flame retardant chemicals are applied to the foam and fabric of car seats, they break down and can be present in the air and dust inside vehicles. Babies and children can become exposed to these chemicals through ingestion of dust, inhalation, or through physical contact.
While cars themselves aren’t free of flame retardant chemicals, this is concerning considering how much time children spend in their car seats — and how sensitive their systems are. Car seat companies are exposing babies to these chemicals in their car seat — an item kids make regular and direct contact with, often for prolonged periods of time (in and out of the car).
Problem #2: Flame retardant chemicals may not even be necessary in the event of a fire.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) itself can’t justify the use of these flame retardant chemicals. The NHTSA “never evaluated the effectiveness of the federal motor vehicle standard in children’s car seats. The agency also said it was unaware of any records, data or studies that indicate the current flammability standard is relevant or provides any fire safety benefit in a child’s car seat.”
Problem #3: These chemical fire retardants may be ineffective.
There is no evidence that many of the flame retardant chemicals companies are using to meet these flammability standards provide any safety benefit in the event of a fire. In fact, there is widespread concern that these regulations are exposing children to more harm and health hazards. Flame retardants emit carcinogens when they burn. Additionally:
Flame retardants may also contribute to injury when they burn. For example, when foam containing pentaBDE burned, it produced twice as much smoke, seven times as much carbon monoxide, and 70 times as much soot as foam without flame retardants.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. But, this is still the current law, and car seat manufacturers must continue to meet these standards.
There is some good news, though.
Manufacturers can meet automobile flammability standards without using toxic flame retardants. Thanks to consumer demand, companies are making car seats that contain no flame retardant chemicals at all, and there are many more who use phosphate-based chemicals instead of halogenated flame retardants. (Phosphate-based flame retardants are believed to be somewhat safer than chlorinated and brominated chemicals at this time, though further studies are still needed to prove their safety.)
Why Should You Avoid Perfluorinated Chemicals?
PFAS is a family of harmful chemicals that includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These chemicals are used in many products, including food packaging, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant fabrics. They’re also found in some car seats. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to cancer , thyroid problems, reproductive issues, and other health problems.
Additionally, thanks once again to the Ecology Center, there is more transparency regarding the use of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFOAs) in car seats. These chemicals are stain, water, and grease repellant treatments that are used as fabric treatments on many car seats. They’re also used to make non-stick cookware.
These chemicals have been linked to human health hazards and have been shown to have the following effects in animal studies:
- disrupt normal endocrine activity
- reduce immune function
- cause adverse effects on multiple organs, including the liver and pancreas
- and cause developmental problems in rodent offspring exposed in the womb.
Ideally, we would want to avoid exposure to these chemicals whenever possible – especially direct contact.
Manufacturers Are Now Making Car Seats Without Flame Retardants and PFAS
Chemical flame retardants are unnecessary but inexpensive. That’s why most car seat manufacturers use them. But, there’s a better way: by using inherently flame-resistant fabrics such as wool and polyester, manufacturers can still meet flammability standards without the use of chemical flame retardants.
In fact, since the Ecology Center first began studying car seat toxicity, six car seat manufacturers have introduced car seats without flame retardants. This is a huge advancement and I am so happy to see that manufacturers are doing better for our babies.
This list below is a complete list of all car seats without flame retardant chemicals that are available in the United States. Please note that while these car seats do not contain flame retardant chemicals, they still contain polyurethane foam used as padding. At this time to my knowledge, there are no car seat manufacturers using an alternative to polyurethane foam or even Certi-Pur foam.
To be certain that you are buying a car seat without flame retardant chemicals, please note the exact car seat model, fabric, and colors listed below. The links should take you directly to the right model, but please double-check before you order your car seat because links and fabric options change.
The Best Non-Toxic Car Seats Without Flame Retardants
A car seat is an essential item for any new parent, so make sure you choose the right one!
Since 83% of car seats tested were found to contain potentially hazardous flame retardant chemicals, it should be no surprise that the cleanest car seats are the ones that contain no added flame retardant chemicals.
The non-toxic car seats listed here do not contain flame retardant chemicals and I’ve also indicated which do not contain PFAS/PFCs.
Nuna (10 Car Seats)
- All Nuna car seats 2020 and newer are made without flame retardant chemicals
Nuna has completely phased out using flame retardants and perfluorinated chemicals in their car seats. Their car seats are completely free of flame retardant chemicals, making Nuna one of our most trusted baby gear brands.
Their infant, convertible, and booster car seats are made with the highest quality standards. All car seats use Merino wool blends to meet federal flammability standards naturally. Nuna’s car seats are all Greenguard certified, too, which tests for additional chemical emissions.
If you are looking for a truly eco-friendly, non-toxic car seat, Nuna makes some of the best. Their line is also really stylish and comes in a variety of fabric choices. All of their 2020 and newer models are made without flame retardant chemicals, so you can choose any fabric and model that works for you.
Nuna’s Non-Toxic Infant Car Seats
Nuna’s infant car seat is the Pipa, and it comes in lightweight and regular models. All Pipas feature luxurious fabrics and a beautiful leather handle for easy toting. Each Pipa model has a large 50 UPF canopy with a flip-out shade and is compatible with all Nuna strollers using an adapter.
Nuna Pipa car seats are suitable for babies 4-32 lbs. and up to 32 inches. They have two types of bases: the original Pipa series base and the reclining RELX base. All models feature side-impact protection and are easy to install using Nuna’s 5-second TrueLock installation feature.
The “R” models come with the Relx car seat base, which has a lower profile than the original Pipa base and can recline in 4 positions.
Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seats
- Nuna Pipa: The Pipa is Nuna’s original infant car seat and their least expensive model. The fabric on this seat is polyester and the seat weighs 7.9 lbs.
- Nuna Pipa RX: This is the original Pipa car seat, but it comes with Nuna’s low-profile, reclining RELX car seat base. Since it can be installed using the belt path, the Pipa RX is great for travel and taxis.
Nuna Pipa LITE Infant Car Seats
- Nuna Pipa Lite LX: The Lite LX model is made using a Merino wool and Tencel blend, making it super soft and more breathable than other models. This model weighs 5.7 lbs. and also comes with the GOTS-certified organic cotton infant insert. It comes with the original Pipa series base.
- Nuna Pipa Lite: Weighing only 5.3 lbs., this is one of the two lightest car seats on the market. The fabric on this seat is made from polyester. The Pipa Lite also features side-impact protection and uses lightweight foam that is lightweight, resilient, and reduces the force transferred to the baby by absorbing and diffusing energy. It comes with a GOTS-certified organic cotton infant insert (remove when baby weighs 11 lbs.). The only downside to the car seat is that it must be used with the Pipa series base (love the stability leg on this); it can’t be used with a belt-path installation. So, if you plan to use it on an airplane, you will need to travel with the base.
- Nuna Pipa Lite R: The Pipa Lite R infant car seat also weighs only 5.3 lbs. but it comes with Nuna’s RELX base, a low-profile, reclining base. This version of the Pipa must be used with its base. It also comes with an organic cotton infant insert.
- Nuna Pipa Lite RX: The Pipa RX is the perfect model for city living. While other Pipa models don’t offer belt-path installation, the RX can be installed in a cab or airplane using the belt-path or in the family car using the Relx car seat base (included).
Nuna’s Non-Toxic Convertible Car Seats
- Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat: This car seat could win an award for being one of the most popular baby products with my readers. It’s a plush convertible car seat that has side-impact protection, extra legroom for your little one, and a hassle-free installation. What’s also great about the Rava is that it allows for longer rear-facing than most convertible car seats. It can be used rear-facing from 5-50 lbs./49” and forward-facing up to 65 lbs./49” with the seat-belt install. This wonderful, non-toxic car seat will last your child a long time.
- Nuna Revv Convertible Car Seat: One of Nuna’s newer car seats, the Revv is pretty unique — you can install it once and then it spins 360° for easy in/out and to switch between rear and forward-facing. Your child can use this car seat in either position until they reach 40 lbs. or 43”. It comes with many added features, including 10 positions and 5 reclines, as well as a built-in anti-rebound bar. Great car seat with many advantages, but your baby won’t be able to use it as long as the Rava (and it’s more expensive than the Rava).
- Nuna Exec All-in-One Car Seat: The Exec is an all-in-one car seat that starts as a convertible car seat and converts into a forward-facing belt-positioning booster seat. This seat can be used from birth, beginning at 5 lbs., and will last your child well into elementary school. I think the only downside to this seat is that it doesn’t work as a forward-facing harness booster; it only works as a forward-facing convertible seat or belt-positioning booster. So if your 4 or 5 year old wants out of the convertible car seat, but isn’t mature enough to sit still in a booster seat, you may need to keep them in the convertible seat longer than they’d like. Otherwise, this is a great investment and will last you many years (up to 120 lbs./57” in booster seat mode). It’s also great for fitting three across (3 car seats next to each other) in most mid-size vehicles.
Nuna’s Non-Toxic Booster Car Seats
- Nuna Aace Booster Car Seat: The Nuna Aace is a convertible booster seat that starts as a high-back booster and can later be converted into a no-back booster seat. To use this seat, your child must be at least 4 years old and mature enough to sit still in their car seat without a restraint, between 38-60 inches, and weigh between 40-110 lbs.
Where to Buy Nuna Car Seats
Nuna is only available at select retailers. Use the following links to check pricing and availability:
Britax (9 Car Seats)
- Only Britax car seats in SafeWash fabrics are made without chemical flame retardants
Britax has always been a leader in car seat safety, so that’s why it’s exciting that they introduced their SafeWash line of non-toxic car seats. Any of their car seats that come in a SafeWash fabric meet our criteria — they are free of chemical flame retardants, heavy metals, phenols, phthalates, and perfluorinated chemicals.
Britax uses tightly woven fabrics to meet flammability standards naturally, so the seats are not made with wool. The seat fabrics are removable and can be washed (follow manufacturer instructions). Replace the cover after 30 washes.
When shopping for Britax, check to see if the car seat you want is available in any SafeWash fabric. It looks like Britax is adding different colors to the SafeWash line. So far in 2022, we’ve seen Otto, Jet, Twilight, Cobblestone, Greystone, Eclipse, Mod (various), Plum, Cadet, Drift, and Cowmooflage 2.0.
Britax’s Non-Toxic Infant Car Seats
- B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit+ in Jet or Otto SafeWash: The B-Safe Gen2 is a high-quality infant car seat with Britax’s best safety features. It comes standard with an anti-rebound bar, a steel frame, Britax’s safe-cell impact protection technology, and two layers of side impact protection. It also offers a European belt guide for when you need to install it without the base, like on an airplane or in a taxi. Installation is easy and secure with a LATCH or belt path install.
- B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit in Cowmooflage, Twilight, or Jet SafeWash: This Flexfit model is available in Cowmooflage SafeWash but doesn’t come with an anti-rebound bar. If you have the budget, spring for the Flexfit+ instead, for the added safety. Here’s a link to the travel system if you’d like to get the matching stroller at a discount.
- B-Safe Gen2 in Cobblestone, Greystone, or Eclipse SafeWash: This is an affordable non-toxic car seat (around $200). Yay! It doesn’t have the same bells and whistles as the first two models listed here, but it still comes with Britax’s safety features and is available in three SafeWash colors.
At the time of publishing, the B-Safe Ultra and B-Safe 35 car seats are not available in SafeWash.
Britax’s Non-Toxic Convertible Car Seats
- Advocate ClickTight in Otto Safe Wash: The Advocate is Britax’s most premium convertible car seat. It has three layers of side-impact protection, and installs easily every time with Britax’s ClickTight technology. Use it rear-facing until 40 lbs. and forward-facing to 65 lbs. We had this car seat for many years and love it!
- Marathon ClickTight in Cobblestone, Mod Black, Mod Blue, Mod Ivory, or Mod Purple: The Marathon has one layer of side impact protection (compared to three in the Advocate). It’s a lower priced seat than the Advocate, but it’s also a bit less bulky. If you have the room in your car, the Advocate is a better choice in my opinion.
- Emblem 3-Stage in Black/Gray or Slate SafeWash: The Emblem is a convertible car seat that uses LATCH connectors, so it doesn’t have Britax’s amazing ClickTight technology. It does come at a lower price than the ClickTight models, but the upgrade to a Marathon or Advocate is really worth it if it’s within your budget.
- One4Life ClickTight in Plum, Cadet, Drift, or Eclipse SafeWash: The One4Life is a 10-year car seat that can last your child from birth through the booster years. It can be used as a rear-facing or forward-facing harness convertible car seat and can be converted into a high-back and backless booster car seat. And most important of all, it features Britax’s ClickTight technology, which makes for a super easy and safe install — every time. You also have the option to buy the anti-rebound bar with this car seat for rear-facing use, which is definitely a good idea.
Britax’s Non-Toxic Booster Car Seats
Britax makes harness-to-booster seats that give your child the feel of being in a high-back booster, but with the added safety of a 5-point harness. In my opinion, these are some of the very best booster seats on the market because they allow you to keep your child in a 5-point harness for much longer than other high-back boosters that just use the car’s seat belt through a belt positioner. (These do not transition into a backless booster seat, FYI.)
- Grow With You ClickTight Plus in Jet or Otto SafeWash: This is Britax’s top of the line harness-to-booster seat. It only comes in SafeWash fabrics, so choose between Jet or Otto. It has three layers of side-impact protection and installs super easily thanks to the ClickTight feature. And my kids love it because they finally get their own cup holders in their big-boy car seats.
- Grow With You ClickTight in Otto, Cobblestone, Cowmooflage 2.0 SafeWash: This harness-to-booster seat is similar to the Grow With You Plus, but it only has two layers of side-impact protection.
At the time of publishing, the Highpoint and Skyline booster seats were not available in SafeWash.
Where to Buy Britax SafeWash Car Seats
Britax is available at big box stores and most retailers. Use the following links to check pricing and availability:
Clek (7 Car Seats)
- Only Clek car seats in Mammoth or Twilight/Full Moon fabrics are made without chemical flame retardants
Clek is an innovative Canadian car seat manufacturer and was the first to introduce convertible car seats without flame retardant chemicals. Made in North America but designed to meet European standards, Clek’s convertible car seats accommodate extended rear-facing up to an impressive 4 years of age or 50 lbs. The seats offer side-impact protection, an anti-rebound bar for rear-facing installation, and a steel and magnesium structure for added safety.
Any of their seats in “Mammoth” or “Twilight/Full Moon” fabrics are made to be naturally flame resistant and do not use flame retardant chemicals. The Mammoth fabric is an Oeko-Tex certified Merino wool and TENCEL blend while the fabric on Twilight/Full Moon car seats is 100% Merino wool. It may be harder to find seats in Twilight/Full Moon at this time, but some stores do carry them.
Note: All other Clek fabrics do contain flame retardants (though not the halogenated or brominated kind) and possibly perfluorinated chemicals. Only buy Clek car seats in Mammoth or Twilight/Full Moon.
I highly recommend Clek’s wool car seats. They aren’t as easy to install as our Britax ClickTight, but it is a wonderful car seat brand and their FR-free seats are made with the best materials. The only downside to Clek’s non-toxic car seats is that the seat fabric is not removable, so it can only be spot-treated.
Clek also offers a recycling program for its car seats – so cool!
Clek’s Non-Toxic Infant Car Seats
Clek’s infant car seats are a great option, too. They’re also suitable for 3-across and are compatible with several stroller brands including BabyJogger, BabyZen, Bugaboo, Bumbleride, Silver Cross, Stokke, Thule, and UPPAbaby — just make sure to use the Maxi Cosi adapter for your stroller brand. (Clek does not currently make strollers.)
- Clek Liing in Mammoth or Twilight/Full Moon: The Liing infant car seat has a number of nice safety features, including an energy-absorbing metal load leg, advanced side-impact protection, 7 recline options, a 100 SPF sun canopy, and a LATCH install option. And since it can be installed using the belt path, the Liing can be used on an airplane without its base.
- Clek Liingo in Mammoth or Twilight/Full Moon: The Liingo is pretty advanced in its design: it is the only baseless infant car seat on the market. The Liingo’s LATCH adapters are built right into the car seat, meaning you don’t need to use a base unless you want to. (You can still use it with the Clek base if needed.) I think Clek deserves some kudos for this amazing design.
Need some help deciding? It basically comes down to this: do you want an infant seat with or without a base? That’s the main difference between the Liing and Liingo. Liingo can be used with or without a base.
Clek’s Non-Toxic Convertible Car Seats
Both of Clek’s convertible car seats are less than 17 inches in width, making it easy to install three seats side by side (aka “3-across”) in many vehicles.
- Clek Foonf in Mammoth or Twilight/Full Moon: The Foonf is Clek’s flagship convertible car seat, with a few more features than the Fllo. The Foonf can be installed with Clek’s rigid LATCH system or using the belt path, and it comes with an anti-rebound bar and advanced side-impact protection.
- Clek Fllo in Mammoth or Twilight/Full Moon: Clek Fllo is a lighter convertible car seat that is used with the belt path. It comes with an anti-rebound bar and side-impact protection.
What’s the difference between Foonf and Fllo? The Foonf has a rigid LATCH system and three different recline positions, while the Fllo only offers a belt-path installation and only one recline position. The Fllo weighs about 10 lbs. less than the Foonf, and also sits a little lower in the car. (We loved the height on the Foonf, and it allows babies to better see themselves in a car seat safety mirror.)
Clek’s Non-Toxic Booster Car Seats
- Oobr in Mammoth: The Oobr is a high-back booster seat that can be installed with rigid LATCH installation. It’s nice because it offers your child a head rest with deep side wings and has an energy-absorbing foam layer. The Oobr is a great purchase because it can be converted into a backless booster. Oh, and, it comes with a cup holder, which we both is what the little ones care about.
- Olli in Mammoth: The Olli is a portable booster seat for big kids, ages 6-12. It can be installed using LATCH (this is important, in my opinion) but it also has a quick-release system and a carrying strap.
- Ozzi in Mammoth: The Ozzi is another backless booster seat that also installs with a latch. This booster comes at a slightly lower price point than the Olli because it doesn’t have the quick-release feature or the carrying strap. If you aren’t toting your child’s booster from car to car or on a trip, the Ozzi is a great choice. At the time of writing, the Ozzi wasn’t available in Mammoth, but you might find this option once it restocks.
Where to Buy Clek Car Seats
Clek is only available at select retailers. Use the following links to check pricing and availability:
UPPAbaby (2 Car Seats)
- Only UPPAbaby’s car seats in Henry or Jordan fabrics are made without chemical flame retardants
UPPAbaby was the first company to introduce a car seat that does not contain any flame retardant chemicals. They have truly paved the way for car seat manufacturers making non-toxic car seats.
However, not all of their car seats are FR-free (flame retardant free). Only UPPAbaby’s car seats in Henry and Jordan fabrics use a wool/polyester blend that is naturally flame resistant and does not require added chemicals to meet automotive flammability requirements. The standard UPPAbaby fabrics (Bryce, Lucca, Jake, Morgan, and Sasha) are made with polyester fabric and contain phosphate-based flame retardants.
And while 50% of the seats tested by the Ecology Center were found to contain PFAS, the Merino wool UPPAbaby seats did not contain any.
We also love UPPAbaby’s overall style and functionality. The Cruz is really lightweight and the Vista is great if you have two little ones in a stroller at the same time. The company also offers virtual car seat checks with a certified car seat technician, which we found very helpful.
UPPAbaby’s Non-Toxic Infant Car Seats
- Mesa Infant Car Seat in Henry or Jordan: The Mesa is a high-quality infant car seat (speaking from experience using it with both babies). In addition to being made without flame retardant chemicals, this lightweight (10 lb!) car seat features side-impact protection, a no-rethread harness, and UPPAbaby’s Smart Secure system for an easy and safe installation using LATCH or belt-path.
UPPAbaby’s Non-Toxic Infant Car Seats
- Knox Car Seat in Jordan: Not available in Henry, the UPPAbaby Knox convertible car seat does come in one FR-free fabric: Jordan. The Knox uses a SmartSecure installation that secures the seat belt into the seat, and uses a rear-facing tether for added control (this can reduce the risk of injury by up to 45% based on UPPA’s independent studies).
UPPAbaby’s Non-Toxic Booster Car Seats
- None: At the time of publishing, UPPAbaby’s Alta booster car seat was not available in a Merino wool fabric blend.
Where to Buy UPPAbaby Car Seats
UPPAbaby car seats are available at select retailers. Use the following links to check pricing and availability:
Maxi Cosi (8 Car Seats)
- Only MaxiCosi car seats in a PureCosi fabric are non-toxic and flame-retardant free
With the introduction of their PureCosi line of non-toxic car seat fabrics, Maxi Cosi is on a mission to become a more sustainable baby gear brand. The company has always made safe, high-quality car seats (that are also stylish), but now they are joining the list of manufacturers making non-toxic car seats.
By using fabric weaves that are naturally flame-resistant and dyes that are more eco-friendly, PureCosi car seats avoid the use of chemical flame retardants and many other harsh or toxic chemicals. PureCosi fabrics do not contain wool so they are removable and washer/dryer friendly, which is a nice convenience.
Some of MaxiCosi’s car seats are only available in PureCosi fabrics, while others come in non-PureCosi fabrics. Please double check that the name of the fabric includes PureCosi. For example, it would be labeled as “After Dark – PureCosi”.
MaxiCosi Non-Toxic Infant Car Seats
- Mico Max XP in PureCosi: Similar to the Nuna Pipa, the Mico Max XP has a number of added safety features such as side-impact protection and an anti-rotation stability leg. This seat is easy to install and has that Maxi Cosi plush feeling. It does offer belt-path installation so it can be used in a taxi or on an airplane without the accompanying base. The canopy is large and also gets a lot of love from parents.
- Coral XP in PureCosi: The Coral XP is pretty genius in its design. In addition to the typical carrying handle you normally see on infant car seats, it comes with side handles and a removable inner infant carrier. WHAT! So if you get tired of lugging around the entire car seat, you can detach a lightweight inner carrier (that weighs about 5 lbs.) and even wear it cross-body. This is really innovative!
- Mico 30 in PureCosi: The Mico 30 is one of MaxiCosi’s more basic infant car seats. This seat gets mixed reviews, saying things like the straps are hard to tighten or the seat is hard to remove from the base. Meh. Save your money and choose a different car seat.
MaxiCosi Non-Toxic Convertible Car Seats
- Pria Sport in PureCosi: The Pria Sport is designed to take up less space in your car. This is great for smaller cars because it gives your passenger more room to stretch out or recline their seat. It only accommodates babies 14-40 lbs. rear-facing, so this seat cannot be used from birth. It installs easily with LATCH connectors.
- Romi in PureCosi: This is a great non-toxic car seat for travel. Compared to other convertible car seats, the Romi is super lightweight (7.8 lbs. Compared to 25+ lbs. for other car seats). It’s a great, basic and bare-bones non-toxic car seat for travel purposes, and we’re thrilled it comes in a PureCosi fabric.
- Pria All-in-One Car Seat in PureCosi: The Pria All-in-One is designed to be used from birth up until age 10 or when your child reaches 100 lbs. It converts from a rear-facing convertible car seat (so it won’t attach to your stroller system) to a forward-facing car seat to a high-back booster seat with a belt positioner. This car seat will last your little one a very long time.
- Pria Max All-in-One Car Seat in PureCosi: The Max All-in-One is similar to the Pria but it comes with a few extra features. For starters, the chest clip is magnetic, making it a little easier to get your baby in and out of the car seat. It is a little bulky.
MaxiCosi Non-Toxic Booster Car Seats
- RodiFix Booster Seat in PureCosi: The RodiFix is the only MaxiCosi booster seat that comes in PureCosi. Even though it’s “just” a booster seat, the RodiFix includes side-impact protection and a secure rigid LATCH installation.
Where to Buy Maxi Cosi PureCosi Car Seats
Maxi Cosi’s PureCosi line is available at select retailers. Use the following links to check pricing and availability:
Chicco (5 Car Seats)
- Only Chicco’s car seats in a ClearTex fabric are flame-retardant free
As far as making non-toxic car seats goes, Chicco is pretty late to the party. But I’d like to give them credit for finally coming around because they have been making some of the (otherwise) safest and easiest-to-install car seats for over sixty years. So it’s a good thing that Chicco is now finally making car seats without flame retardants.
All of Chicco’s car seats are made using ClearTex fabrics, which are free of added flame retardant chemicals, and are Greenguard Gold certified. Plus they feature the same safety features that Chicco is known and loved for.
Yay for another car seat manufacturer who is now making more non-toxic car seats!
Chicco’s Non-Toxic Infant Car Seats
The KeyFit is one of the most-trusted infant car seats of all time, and two models are now available in ClearTex fabrics. The covers are machine washable, but don’t pop them into the dryer; hang them dry and plan for this to take a few hours.
- Chicco KeyFit 35 in ClearTex: The KeyFit 35 model is designed for babies up to 35 lbs. and up to 32” tall. As far as safety goes, the base comes with an anti-rebound bar for added stability, premium LATCH connectors, and an easy and secure tightening belt. The seat has a no-rethread harness, and can be installed without the base.
- Chicco KeyFit 30 in ClearTex: At a slightly lower price point, the Keyfit 30 model lacks the anti-rebound bar that the KeyFit 35 has (though it does have the same tightening belt). The seat itself is relatively lightweight, at 9.5 lbs. and can be used until baby is 30 lbs. or 30”.
Between the two KeyFit models, we would recommend the KeyFit 35 due to the anti-rebound bar.
Chicco’s Non-Toxic Convertible Car Seats
- NextFit Max Convertible Car Seat in ClearTex: The NextFit is an extended-use convertible car seat that can be used rear-facing until your baby reaches 50 lbs. This is great if you plan to keep your baby rear-facing well past the age of 2, which is recommended. The NextFit has all of Chicco’s safety features, including premium LATCH install, a secure LATCH tightening belt, and side-impact protection.
- OneFit All-in-One Car Seat in ClearTex: OneFit is an all-in-one car seat that goes from convertible rear-facing to forward-facing, and then to a belt-positioning booster seat. The OneFit has a slimmer design, so it’s extra useful for small- and medium-sized cars.
Chicco’s Non-Toxic Booster Car Seats
- KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster in ClearTex: If you have a big kid who’s ready for a belt-positioning booster, the KidFit model in ClearTex is made without flame retardants. This booster has 10 height positions and converts to a backless booster for extended use. The seat installs using Chicco’s premium LATCH connectors, making for a secure seat.
Where to Buy Chicco ClearTex Car Seats
Chicco’s ClearTex line is available at most retailers. Use the following links to check pricing and availability:
The Most Toxic Car Seat Brands
There were several brands that received a poor rating from the Ecology Center’s HealthyStuff’s Car Seat Studies. Some of these brands have since changed their manufacturing methods and introduced non-toxic car seats. The following brands have not:
- Baby Trend
- Diono
- Eddie Bauer
- Evenflo
- Graco
- Joie
It would be best to these brands if possible, since there are safer alternatives listed above.
What if Your Car Seat is on the Toxic List?
Don’t stress if your car seat is on the toxic list. If you own a car seat that was rated of high concern, here’s my advice:
- Don’t keep your baby in the car seat longer than necessary. When removing your baby from the car, hold your baby or switch to a baby carrier or into the stroller seat. Cutting down on your baby’s use and time spent in the car seat will help.
- Wash the fabric regularly. If (and only if) your car seat fabric can be washed, wash it often per the manufacturer’s washing instructions. You can also leave the seat outside in the sun for a couple of days to speed up the off-gassing of chemicals, though flame retardant chemicals are unlikely to be washed out.
- Vacuum your car and car seat regularly. Use a handheld HEPA vacuum to clean the inside of your car regularly. Also, keep a microfiber cloth in your car to wipe down any settled dust because dust is one avenue for exposure to these chemicals.
- Consider replacing the car seat.
- Ask yourself how long you’ll be using it? I would advise you to consider how long you will be using the car seat before deciding to replace it. For example, if it is an infant car seat and you will be moving up to a convertible car seat within a couple of months, you would probably not need to replace the infant car seat. (However, in this situation you might want to switch to the convertible car seat sooner than you would have otherwise.)
- How much would it cost to buy a non-toxic car seat? Keeping your budget in mind, does it make sense to switch to another car seat?
A Final Word About Non-Toxic Car Seats
In the words of Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center: “Manufacturers who continue to produce seats with toxic flame retardants are going to be seen as dinosaurs.”
The future of baby gear is non-toxic.
It might start with organic crib mattresses and non-toxic car seats and avoiding chemicals while you’re pregnant, but the truth is that babies should not be exposed to toxic flame retardants and PFAS and other toxic chemicals.
It’s time for ALL manufacturers to step up.
Yes we have some manufacturers that are starting to respond to parents’ requests to remove harmful chemicals from car seats. And journalists that are exposing the dangers of these chemicals. Lawmakers that are paying attention. But it still requires more.
We as parents don’t want to expose our children to unnecessary chemicals that have an array of health hazards including hormone disruption, cancer risks, mental impairment, or reproductive damage.
So here’s what you can do:
- Buy a healthier car seat. Vote with your wallet. Don’t support the brands that use brominated flame retardants or even PFASs.
- Sign the petition. The Ecology Center’s Toxic-Free Car Seats petition challenges manufacturers to develop safer policies and implement an action plan to eliminate hazardous chemicals in their products.
- Contact car seat companies. Email car seat companies and let them know that you are not buying their products because of the chemicals found in their car seats.
- Contact your representatives. Let your elected representatives know that you support legislation that overturns these well-intentioned but harmful fire safety regulations.
- Spread the word. If you found this article helpful in your search for non-toxic car seats, please share it with other families! Encourage others to follow your lead so that toxic car seat sales decrease.
Other Resources:
- Today: Babies at Risk. Most New Parents Doing Car Seats Wrong
- SafeKids: Car Seat Safety Tips
- SafeRide 4 Kids: Keep Your Child Rear-Facing
- EPA: Flame-Retardant Alternatives
- EPA: Risk Management for Assessing PFAS
- Governor Signs Law Banning Forever Chemicals in Children’s Products
- Science Daily: Toxic Flame Retardants in Children’s Car Seats
- Consumer Reports: Toxic Chemicals Found in Child Car Seats
10 Most Important Chemicals to Avoid During Pregnancy
recently learned that a clothing store I have purchased clothing from for years is now being looked into for using PFA’s and formaldehyde in their clothing (including kids, toddler and infant).
My question is do I throw out any and all clothing from this store and try to find better options?
So hard to say and this is something I struggle with too. If you have the budget, sure, you can go out and replace everything. If not, maybe a more reasonable approach is to wash the items 5+ times in hot water (per a study performed in Sweden) to reduce chemical residues on the clothing.
Might want to do some more research and update the Chicco section. I was super disappointed when I looked today and found this which was posted over the summer :(. I have the keyfit30, guess I will just make sure my baby is out of it ASAP when we get somewhere and that all her skin is covered when using it https://www.classaction.org/blog/class-action-claims-chicco-failed-to-disclose-use-of-flame-retardants-forever-chemicals-in-keyfit-30-car-seat#:~:text=The%20filing%20says%20that%20Chicco's,suggests%20the%20presence%20of%20PFAS.
So this doesn’t change anything that is written here. It’s not talking about the ClearTex line of car seats and strollers. This is claiming that Chicco for years used flame retardants and PFAS without disclosing it to the public, but I’m not sure they didn’t disclose it. I haven’t read beyond the link you provided but this doesn’t change our product recommendations. Ty for posting!
You all are aware that the Chicco car seats, even in the ClearTex, contain polyurethane foam right? Shouldn’t that automatically disqualify it from your list?
Currently, you cannot avoid polyurethane foam in a car seat. Our goal in this article is to help you choose the cleanest option on the market.
Ever thought about writing an update on this? This article looks to be about 5 years old. I am curious if baby jogger infant seats make the clean list! Love all the content here. I was sold on some of the Nuna infant seats, but then I saw the safety ratings, so now I feel like I am going back to the drawing board 🙁
Hi Meagan, we update this article every year (or as new info comes out). The last update was done in March 2022.
Baby Jogger doesn’t make the list. Keep in mind that all car seats have to pass safety standards testing and safety ratings can actually vary based on the car.
You state that the Uppababy Knox can only be rear-facing for up to 25lbs. But they say on their website: “Rear-facing: from 14–45 lbs, and using the included fit inlay from 14–25 lbs”
Could you clarify, please?
Hi Heather,
That was a mistake – thank you for calling that out! The Knox can be used until 45 lbs. rear-facing. Not sure how we missed that.
Yasmine
Hi! Thank you so much for this amazing website! I’ve used it for everything for my baby! Question: We just got the Nuna Rava convertible car seat for my 2 year old daughter, and I am passing down her Nuna Pipa Lite LX to my baby #2 who will be here soon. Do you recommend washing the car seat (probably it’s covers) at all before using them? I washed the Pipa Lite LX on gentle cycle and let it air dry when I bought it 2 years ago, but I wanted to see your take on washing either one of them. I also just bought a new newborn insert for the Pipa Lite LX and wondering if I should wash that too before using it. Thanks so much for your help!
If the cover can be washed and you are in the middle of moving/transitioning car seats, I think that’s a great idea.
Hello,
I currently have the uppababy mesa infant seat in henry. Took me forever to find a non toxic carseat! We love it! We also have the stroller as well. Sadly, I just realized they ONLY make infant seats. Looking for a new seat for baby. I was leaning towards the Britax after a ton of research but was sad to see a few recalls with safety features over the past few years. Surprisingly, I havent seen anyone mention this. I would like the best of both worlds here. The safest AND most non toxic (which really shouldn’t be too much for ask for a baby item!) Any advice would be great!
Uppababy is coming out with a convertible next summer!! I hate to have to wait but am so excited for this! One of their fabrics does not use flame retardants!
Very excited about this!
hi, thank you so much for doing this blog. how often is it updated?
Hi! Every few months. I’ll have an update done within another month or so. What can I help you with?
Hi! I’m always updating the site but it does take a good amount of time. Most of the site is relatively up to date 🙂
Hello, I was wondering if you had any other recommendations for booster seats besides the Clek? I just purchased a maxi cosi for my son but after reading your article I don’t know if it’s safe for him?
Thank you!
Hi! Maxi Cosi has the same material standards for all of their seats and they were rated highly in the last eco center report. I would be happy with this purchase.
Hi! In what color was the Maxi-Cosi 30 infant car seat tested in?
Hello! Only the Pria 70 Convertible Seat was tested. It was “blue base” but Maxi Cosi has confirmed to me in writing that the same manufacturing practices and standards apply to all models and fabric colors in the Maxi Cosi line.
I need help PLEASE!!! I’m so confused I was going for the Chico Key FIt because of the high ratings for everything but now knowing that it’s toxic I don’t know if I can be comfortable my child being in it so I started looking at Britax infant car seats but I keep coming across that the ratings aren’t very good. Who could help compare the 2 or give me some insight.
Hi! Did you see my writeup on the Chicco? And what ratings are you seeing on the Britax that aren’t good? They are excellent car seats. Let me know and I’ll be happy to help!
Thank you! This was so helpful. I also like the comment section so I wanted to share my experience with other mamas. We bought the Nuna Pipa Lite LX for our baby. I was hesitating with the Uppa but my husband didn’t like their strollers. He wanted the City Mini (The Pipa Lite LX works with the City Mini with the cosi adapter). Also, I think it gets a better safety grade than the Uppa baby (because of the bar). But it’s a lil bit more complicated to figure out how to install it so the Uppa has a better grade overall. We were also happy to find the Lite LX in Stone at Nordstroom for $299. Anyway, we’ve been pretty happy with it so far.
The only cons:
– you need the base (but my baby is a preemie so we won’t travel with him until he gets his 3rd shots)
– extra bases could be pricey
– the latch system doesn’t work on some cars. It doesn’t work with my BMW 3S. We use the belt system which is OK. We had a certified nurse (or you can use AAA) installed it for us and showed us how to install it. You can use a certified expert to install your seat for free. It’s recommended for any seat anyway.
thank you for the feedback and great tips! I hope you love your Nuna Pipa Lite LX!
This was sooo helpful! We have a Britax Boulevard for our 11 month old which I bought for physical safety reasons and at the time didn’t even think about chemical safety (which I think about in everything else so no idea why it didn’t occur to me). Needless to say, I’m thrilled that I haphazardly picked well. If all goes well with our next IVF, we will have another one (but possibly two) in May. Since we know we’ll ultimately need at least one more, we were going to order one now to use in my husband’s car. Because you have both Britax and Clek, do you have any idea if you would be able to do the Britax 3 across in an SUV? I was considering getting a Fllo but I’m a little worried for the future that kiddos could be fighting over the car seat if one is more comfy than the other. Any thoughts?
Hi Rebecca, thanks for your comment! I am glad you chose well too 🙂
The Britax seats probably wouldn’t fit three across; they are about 18.5″ wide while the Clek is 17″. The Britax seats seem bulkier to me. I can also tell you that in my Infiniti QX60 three Britax seats would not fit three across. Are you a member of the “car seats for the littles” group on Facebook? That’s a great place to ask questions like this for your specific car.
Good luck with your next cycle and let me know if I can help with anything else!
I’m a little confused about Nuna being on the toxic list. We have a Nuna Pipa (not lite) and I bought it because it was one of the best non toxic infant car seats that I found after doing a lot of research. Is this not accurate? I thought the whole Nuna brand was non toxic!?!?!?!
Hi Amanda, the regular Pipa seat tested poorly in the EcoCenter’s car seat study. Nuna disputes the findings but the results are there. The Pipa Lite seat is made without flame retardants, which is why it is recommended.
This is maddening to me! I spent so much time and money on the Nuna car seat because it was considered non toxic after a lot of research! Luckily we will be moving to a convertible seat, but this pisses me off. Do you know about the clek fllo convertible seat?
I know. I’m sorry ???? Yes I have a Clek. I chose the foonf because my oldest is almost ready to forward-face and I felt this was the seat I would want to use for a longer period of time between both kids. It’s not as easy to install as my Britax, nor is it as comfortable. But it sits much higher and lets my LO see himself better in the mirror (he’s still rear facing). So it’s a great seat – especially the wool Clek version. But not as easy to use as a Britax.
Thank you! My daughter is only 8.5 months old, so she has a while before she is front facing. I was originally thinking to get the Britax clicktight, but then saw the Clek fllo as an option too.
Agree Amanda!! I’m so upset since Nuna Pipa is a pricy infant carseat. I thought they were a clean company but i guess not. How sad to be misleading customers like that. Im now on the hunt for a convertible and was considering Nuna again but clearly will be staying away.
Hello, Thank you for the article. I was wondering what was your thought about the new 100% Merino Wool Collection Clerk Foonf, https://shop.clekinc.com/products/100-merino-wool-collection
Yes! It’s fantastic. I’m actually going to buy one myself.
Thank you for this article. Have you looked into European toddler car seats as an alternative to US ones. I can’t find any information online about chemical flame retardants in European car seats, and my European friends have not heard of this issue. Perhaps European car seats are free from flame retardant chemicals?
I have seen some interesting European car seats (such as Bebe confort) but I haven’t dived into their car seats yet. The regulations are different and unless they are sold in the US, European car seats are hard to get. (Most of my readers are in the US.)
Did you ever get updated info for the Nuna Pipa Lite Infant Car Seat? Also for the Mixx2 stroller and Sena Aire? Thanks!
The Pipa Lite is free of flame retardants. I have some info on the Sena Aire on my play yard article (baby gear > non toxic play yards). I have to look up my notes on their stroller…
Hello. I’m an expecting mom for the first time and your website has become my go-to for all things baby. Thank you for all the information and guidance, it has been so very helpful! At the moment I’m shopping for an infant car seat; which of the non-toxic infant car seat options on your list would you say is the safest (physical) option?
Hi Holly, congratulations on your pregnancy! And thank you for reading The Gentle Nursery. It is a true labor of love! You should join my FB group if you enjoy the site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/483484232002917/
So to answer your question, I think any CPST would say that all car seats have to pass the same safety standards, so the safest car seat is the one that fits your child and that you can correctly install in your car. In my experience, CPSTs don’t put much stock in features like side-impact protection, since all car seats DO have to pass the same federal standards. However, I personally opt for the most side-impact protection I can find in any car seat. That, plus an easy install, are what I look for.
All of the infant car seats on this list have side-impact protection; beyond knowing that it is hard to compare how MUCH protection there is exactly, since this isn’t something that is standardized. You can’t go wrong with any of these seats.
I know this doesn’t help steer you in any one direction, but I hope this was helpful! Is there one seat you have your eye on? Or a particular stroller you have been wanting?
Thank you for your response! I just joined the FB group.. I am leaning toward the UPPA Mesa Henry car seat, although the compatible stroller is rather pricey. The other option I’m considering is the Maxi-cosi. I read somewhere (and now cant find where!) that having that bar at the foot of the seat is an added safety feature so I’m feeling like I need to look into and consider more a seat with that feature as well.. thoughts?
Also, do you know if there are toddler car seats that are compatible with the Vista stroller and/or the Maxi-Cosi stroller for when the infant outgrows the infant car seat?
Only infant car seats attach to strollers. Convertible car seats won’t 🙁
Yes the rebound bar is another added safety feature. I forgot to mention that! Good thinking.
I have heard that graco has eliminated the use of toxins in their car seats. Is this true? Do you know where I would find more information on this?
The response I got from Graco doesn’t indicate they’ve made any commitment to reducing or eliminating flame retardants that are known to be toxic. They indicated they don’t use any banned chemicals. :/
I just bought the Britax Boulevard Clicktight. I know you said the Advicate and Marathon are good choices with no/minimal toxins, but what about the Boulevard Clicktight?
Hi Clarissa! This applies to all Britax car seats.
Ugh. I’m so disappointed to read about nuna. We spent so much time looking at things and spent 450 on the rava just to try to be healthy and so this is hard to read. I’m wondering if I should try to sell it and get one of your other items on list…. do you know any specifics on the rava itself by chance?
I was really surprised to see the test results in on Nuna as well. They only tested the Pipa car seat, so there are no specific ratings for the Rava. Nuna disputes the findings in the Ecology Center tests, but the test results speak for themselves. Can you wash the car seat cover? How much time does your little one spend in the car seat every day? I would factor this in to my decision.
I am so upset too ! All the same reasons. I thought Nuna as a company didnt use toxins and All their fabrics were oeka Tek certified. I love the rava so easy to instal
Ahhhhh
I’m right there with you! I was disappointed by the results and also disappointed by the company’s response to my questions about the results. I love Nuna products too. But they did just recently introduce the Pipa Lite (which contains no flame retardants), which is definitely a good development.
I was wondering if there has been an update in regards to the Rava? I am deciding between the Rava and the Advocate.
No new information is available at this time. I would recommend the Advocate (as long as you have a larger car or SUV).
Thank you for the useful info.
Do you know if the newer Pria™ 85 Max Convertible Car Seat is toxic chemicals- free as well ?
Hello! Yes according to the manufacturer it should be as free of toxic materials as the 70 (which received the highest rating for chemical safety from the Eco Center). Great choice!
Hi there! My husband and I fell in love with the Maxi Cosi Pria 85. The fabric quality is better and it is an upgrade from the 70. Do you have any toxicity information on the Maxi Cosi Pria 85?
Hi Eliza! Maxi-Cosi’s manufacturer has assured me that their manufacturing standards and chemicals policy apply to all of the Maxi-Cosi car seats. From a toxicity standpoint, the 85 should be no different than the 70, which was given the highest recommendation in the EcoCenter’s study on car seats. (But the 85 itself was not tested in the study.) Hope this helps! Please let me know what else I can help you with!
HI there! My husband and I are looking at the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 in Nomad Blue. We like that the weight limit is higher and the fabric is better quality than the Pria 70. Do you have any info on the Pria 85?
The Nuna Pippa Lite car seat is Oke-tex certified and is free of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants; so why is it included the list of toxic car seats?
Hi Sue! I’m just in the process of adding the Nuna Pipa Lite to this list! The company has confirmed it doesn’t contain any chemical flame retardants but they haven’t been more specific with me about any other materials in the car seat.
Nuna told me that the Nuna Pipa Lite car seat uses aeroflex foam and has no chemical flame retardants and is oeka-tex certified (which indicates no harmful chemicals). So, doesn’t that put it in the list of non-toxic car seats?
Yes, I’m adding it to the list! The updates should be up by the weekend hopefully 🙂
Thank you for the clarification that the Nuna Pippa Lite is a non-toxic car seat. I know that you like Nuna products (as do I) so I just wanted to clarify. Similarly, can you confirm that the Nuna MIXX2 stroller is non-toxic? (I placed this question in the non-toxic stroller section.) Thank you!
Yes, definitely a good option! As for the stroller, let me get back to you tomorrow. I’m waiting for a response from Nuna on that. Their products and materials went through a lot of changes and I don’t know the latest. Btw, have you considered UPPAbaby?
I did consider uppababy but they are not Green Guard Certified or Oeka-Tex certified, whereas, almost all of Nuna’s products are Oeka-Tex certified (plus they have other US and European certifications ensuring their products are non-toxic). Why are uppababy products NOT Green Guard Certified or Oeka-Tex certified if they claim to be nontoxic? Doesn’t the fact that almost all of Nuna’s products are Oeka-Tex certified legally ensure non-toxic?
In addition to determining if the Nuna MIXX2 stroller is non-toxic, can you confirm that the Nuna Sena Aire (which is Oeka-Tex certified) is also non-toxic? I know you have high praise for Nuna products so I just need to confirm that non-toxic.Thank you for all of your help and guidance!
I’ve got a reply from Nunababy with a PDF chart that supposed to be the “summary of Ecocenter’s report on Pippa. However, that chart is so different from the EcoCenter’s report I read, http://www.ecocenter.org/healthy-stuff/samples/nuna-pipa-infant-car-seat-base-‑-scarlet.
Nuna’s report said, bromine level was unmeasured on Pippa but the Ecocenter’s tests clearly detected high levels of Bromine everywhere up to 8000 range.
And they told me they only use polyphosphateFR on a seperate email.
I am confused.
Hi Helena, I’m getting the same info from Nuna. I’m in communication with them and will update you and this list shortly once I clear it up with them. Thanks for your question.
According to Nuna, the the Nuna Pippa LITE car seat is Oeka-Tex certified and free of fire retardants and harmful chemicals….please confirm. In your response please distinguish between between Pippa LITE car seat and older Pippa car seat. Please provide same information about Nuna Mixx2 stroller and Nuna Sena Aire.Thank you
OK, here’s the rundown. The Pipa Lite contains no flame retardant chemicals – this is a good option! The original Pipa uses phosphate-based flame retardant chemicals – which are safer than halogenated chemicals – just not in areas that come in contact with your child . This is also good, BUT the conflicting information comes from the EcoCenter’s study, which indicates there are brominated FRs in the seat (including in the upholstery, which obviously makes direct contact with your child). Nuna indicates they have not found the same chemicals in their original Pipa seat through their own independent testing. We are still in communication and I will be updating this article with more info if any becomes available. I do like Nuna products so I am hopeful there will be better news in this year’s EcoCenter study.
You mention that the Nuna Pippa Lite does Not contain flame retardant chemicals – are there any other toxic chemicals in the product? Is it Oeka-Tec certified? thank you
The Pipa Lite does not contain flame retardant chemicals but it is NOT Oeko-Tex certified. I like that the seat is made without FRs and the fact that it is only 5.3 lbs! BUT, please note that if you plan to use it for air travel, you must take the base along (unlike the UPPAbaby Mesa). You cannot use this without a base (i.e. with only the belt path). So it is a great non-toxic car seat but it has some limitations.
I thought Britax Marathon seats had one of the worst toxicity ratings. I recall reading this just after purchasing and the following model year they corrected this. Is this so?
They used to but beginning in 1/2013, they required all of their suppliers to eliminate halogenated flame retardants. They’ve moved to phosphate based chemicals which are considered safer, though further testing is needed. (Their strollers are not treated with any flame retardants.) Are you shopping for an infant or convertible seat?
Do you know if the color matters? I am interested in the maxi cosi seat and just wondered if the other color options were safe as well?
Hi! The car seat’s color *might* matter, but we don’t have enough information to be 100% sure. The Eco Center only tested specific seats in specific colors, so we don’t know whether the findings apply to other fabric colors. But to give you some comfort, companies likely use the same process to apply flame retardant chemicals to their products regardless of color, so I don’t think fabric color would be a factor. However, I’ve emailed Maxi Cosi for their comment; it’s not as reliable as the study itself but it’ll be helpful to have their input. Please ping me back in a day or two if you don’t hear back from me, or add yourself to the Facebook group to stay up to date: https://www.facebook.com/groups/483484232002917/
The response I received from Dorel (who makes Maxi Cosi) is positive: “Dorel has set an internal policy that restricts or prohibits the use of many different FR chemicals in our children’s car seats, regardless of fashion or color. They include: pentaBDE, octaBDE, decaBDE, TCEP, TDBPP, TDCPP, TCPP.”
How is this car seat? Graco 4ever All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Matrix
Hi Karen! This specific car seat was not tested but the other two Graco seats that were tested received the lowest rating due to their use of brominated flame retardants. Are you considering any other seats? The Maxi Cosi is a great choice!
Thank you for replying. I was considering britax advocate clicktight after reading your article. But i just wasnt sure if it requires booster seat later on.
I love my Advocate ClickTight! Just have to warn you it’s bulky. And it would require a separate booster seat later on when your child outgrows the convertible seat.
Thanks. Can you suggest me a humidifier?
Yes, I have some listed on this page here: https://www.gentlenursery.com/natural-baby-registry-guide/babys-medicine-cabinet-checklist/. I use the Honeywell but it’s also on the big side 🙂