car seat testing

Recommendations

Published on April 12, 2022

While we cannot test every car seat for every chemical of concern, our general advice is: buy the safest car seat you can afford and try to use it only for travel, support companies that publicly prioritize healthier, non-toxic products and, most importantly, enjoy your journey through parenthood!

Table of flame retardant free car seats

More tips:

Sign the petition to DOT & NHTSA: bit.ly/carseatdetox

Always use an appropriate car seat for children when traveling.

Limit time in the car seat when not traveling in a vehicle if you are uncertain about the chemical safety of the car seat. Don’t use it as a place to sit or nap.

Limit direct sunlight on the car seat and high temperatures in your car. Flame retardants and other hazardous chemicals may be released at a higher rate when your car becomes hot. When possible, park in the shade or in covered parking. Window coverings in a car also substantially lower the interior temperature on a warm day.

Vacuum the car interior and the nooks and crannies of car seats. Chemicals that migrate out, including flame retardants, can cling to dust particles.

Open the car windows when possible.

Look for companies that have comprehensive chemical policies or a system to prioritize reduction and elimination of toxic chemicals in their products if you’re looking to purchase a car seat. Ask if you can’t find the information easily. Companies that sell children’s products should publicly disclose these policies.