Car Seats Without Flame Retardants
Almost all car seats on the market are manufactured with flame retardant chemicals. These chemicals are added to foams and fabrics in order to meet Federal flammability standards. According to The Ecology Center, these chemicals have historically included “known carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and developmental toxicants.”
In June 2017, the first car seat without any added flame retardant chemicals was unveiled: the UPPAbaby Mesa Henry. Detailed third-party scientific testing has also found that many other brands have stopped using the most toxic flame retardants, in favor of substitutes that are thought to be less harmful.
A Detailed Review of the UPPAbaby Mesa Henry Car Seat
The UPPAbaby Mesa Henry is the best pick for a non toxic car seat in 2017. Instead of nasty chemicals, it uses alternative materials, such as merino wool, to meet flammability standards. It also has a variety of features that make it an excellent car seat in terms of safety, comfort, and ease of use.
- Flame retardant free
- Compatible with UPPAbaby Cruz and Vista strollers without needing an adapter
- A visual indicator that turns from red to green when car seat is properly installed
- Lightweight (10 lb)
- Sutiable for infants from 4lb to 35 lb
- 5 star rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Cons:
- For some, cost may be a major drawback. The Mesa Henry car seat costs around $350.
- Not convertible to a toddler seat. It will only last until your child is around 18 months- 2 years depending on weight and height. (Of course by then you may decide to use the Mesa Henry seat for a second child and buy a separate toddler seat)
Other Less Toxic Car Seat Options
If you need a car seat that will fit an older child, or if budget is a major issue, there are still other good options.
The Best Convertible Car Seat: Britax Marathon ClickTight
In rigorous testing by The Ecology Institute, The Britax Marathon ClickTight was found to have very few flame retardant chemicals, and none of the chemicals considered to be worst offenders.
Pros
- Received the highest rating in the Ecology Institute’s Healthy Stuff Report
- ClickTight installation system makes it very easy to correctly install.
- Accommodates children 5lb to 65 lb
- Does not contain any brominated or chlorinated flame retardant chemicals.
- Does not contain any flame retardants in the seat’s fabric.
Cons
- The car seat itself is quite heavy (28lb)
- It is still relatively expensive (around $250)
See The Full List of Least Toxic Car Seats in 2017:
