12 Best Non-Toxic Car Seats (Without Flame Retardants)

There is nothing worse than knowing that the seat designed to keep your baby safe contains dangerous chemicals. 

Wouldn’t you rather have your baby in a seat that protects their body AND their skin?

Naturally flame-resistant, non-toxic car seat options are free of halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardants, as well as PFAs.

Our Favorites

Non-Toxic Car Seats

1. Nuna Pipa Lite RX Non-Toxic Infant Car Seat

The Nuna Pipa Lite RX is the best non-toxic car seat for babies because it is naturally flame resistant. 

Nuna complies with federal regulations by carefully selecting materials rather than using chemicals.

There are no chemicals in the upholstery, rigid foam, or shade, making this a non-toxic baby car seat. 

There are two insert options that are flame-retardant-free. One is GOTS organic cotton, and the other is merino wool and plant-based lyocell. 

An improvement from the previous model is the RELX base. 

A con is that the canopy zipper can get stuck, but at least you know the fabric is Greenguard Gold certified and free of harmful chemicals.

What We Liked

• Sky drape attaches with convenient magnets
• Aerospace aluminum makes it strong and safe
• European belt bath allows installation without a base
• Aeroflex foam is shock-absorbing and flexible
• Machine washable cover and inserts

What Can Be Improved

• It doesn’t fit well with other seats in the car
• The shape can make it awkward to carry
• It is tricky to assemble

Type: Rear-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester, GOTS organic cotton infant insert, Merino Wool Infant Insert
Seat Weight: 6.9lbs (3.1 kg)
Dimensions: 23 H x 27.25 W x 17.5 L in
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-32 lbs (2-14.5 kg)

2. Clek Foonf Non-Toxic Convertible Car Seat

This is one of the best non-toxic convertible car seat options. An upgrade from the past version is new colors and fabrics that are free of halogenated flame retardants. 

The C-Zero Performance Collection of fabrics by Crypton is Greenguard Gold certified and contains no brominated and chlorinated flame retardants.

Clek has a selection of fabric choices for this flame retardant free convertible car seat like the naturally flame-resistant merino wool and TENCEL blend that is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. 

Even the foam on the back side is free of flame-retardant chemicals. A drawback is that this seat is only suitable for infants with a separate insert.

What We Liked

• Narrow design for putting 3 seats across
• Rigid LATCH installation is quick and easy
• Steel anti-rebound bar for added safety
• The smooth recline feature keeps your baby comfortable as they grow
• Extended rear-facing

What Can Be Improved

• Doesn’t have a no-rethread harness
• It is high on the base when rear-facing
• Heavy

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester, Merino Wool, TENCEL
Seat Weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
Dimensions: 28 H x 17 W x 16 L in
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124.5cm)
Child Weight: 14-65 lbs (6.4-29.5 kg)

3. Britax Grow With You Clicktight Plus Non-Toxic Booster Seat

This non-toxic booster seat is naturally flame-resistant because of the knit construction of the fabric. 

This Britax flame retardant-free fabric is part of the new SafeWash range. 

To avoid using harmful chemicals, Britax made the cover removable and washable so that no PFAs were necessary to make it stain-resistant and waterproof.

The seat has 3 layers of side impact protection rather than 2, which is an improvement from the prior model. 

A con is the cup holders are not removable. This is a small price to pay for a removable cover that is safe for your baby.

What We Liked

• The quick-pull harness and 2-position buckle make this easy for you to adjust as your child grows
• Perfect for families with toddlers who will transition from harness mode to a booster seat.
• Color-coded belt guides ensure a safe installation
• The cover is easy to remove for cleaning
• Older kids can buckle themselves in easily and safely (always check, though)

What Can Be Improved

• Headrest moves and squeaks
• Recline feature does not have clear indicators
• The straps can sometimes be hard to tighten

Type: Forward-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester
Seat Weight: 27 lbs (12.2 kg)
Dimensions: 21 H x 23 W x 25 L in
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124.5 cm)
Child Weight: 25-120 lbs (11-54.4 kg)

4. UPPAbaby Mesa Max FR-Free Infant Car Seat

The Mesa Max is Greenguard Gold certified, so you know that your baby is not being exposed to harsh chemicals like heavy metals, phthalates, volatile organic compounds, or PFAs. 

The Gregory and Greyson designs are dual knit fabric that contains no fire retardant chemicals on the fabric or foams. 

The Anthony, Jake, and Noa designs are made of naturally fire-retardant wool. 
An upgrade since the earlier model is a load leg, larger canopy, and larger headrest.

What We Liked

• The car seat cover is removable and washable 
• Baseless installation
• The infant insert offers extra cushioning and support
• The larger headrest offers your baby comfort and protection
• Load leg indicator tells you when it is properly secured

What Can Be Improved

• The Merino wool option is more expensive

Type: Rear-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester, Melange/Merino Wool
Seat Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
Dimensions: 23 H x 17 W x 26.4 L in
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)

5. Nuna Exec Flame Retardant Free All-in-One Car Seat

Nuna’s entire range is flame-retardant free making this the best non-toxic booster seat. 

The fabric is made up of two polyester threads that make it highly flame resistant with no added chemicals. 

There are bamboo blend accents and merino wool and TENCEL lyocell, making this a fire retardant free booster seat.

A change since the last version is the leg rest acts as an anti-rebound plate. 

Although it is trickier to keep clean than other models, the GOTS cotton inserts, harness, and crotch covers are safer for your baby. 

A Greenguard Gold certification means that there are no VOCs, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals.

What We Liked

• Easy to install for moms
• Aeroflex foam adds side impact protection inside the shell
• The no-rethread, 5-point harness is easy to adjust
• Quilted leg rest slipcover for easy washing
• Dual flip-open cup holders

What Can Be Improved

• Not travel friendly
• Strap covers when rear-facing come off and can get lost
• Harness is wipe-clean only

Type: Rear-Facing + Front-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester, GOTS organic cotton infant insert, Merino Wool and TENCEL blend
Seat Weight: 26.6 lbs (12.1 kg)
Dimensions: 22.5 L x 18.5 W x 26-33 H in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124 cm)
Child Weight: 5 -120 lbs (2.3-54.4 kg)

6. Nuna Rava Flame Retardant Free Convertible Car Seat

The Rava has 2 inches of extra legroom compared to the previous version, so your baby is safe and comfortable. 

The knit fabric is a polyester/bamboo blend that are naturally flame-resistant. 

Even the EPP foam is naturally flame resistant and free of chemicals.

Nuna is committed to choosing materials that meet safety standards without endangering your baby with harsh chemicals. 

The Greenguard Gold certification means that no nasty surprises are touching your baby’s skin in this non-toxic convertible car seat. 

Although it doesn’t have the Nuna flame-retardant-free GOTS insert, this seat is still a popular non-toxic choice.

What We Liked

• Extended rear-facing up to 50 lbs
• Ventilation panels in the shell
• Dual flip-open cupholders
• The push-style latch connectors are quick and easy to install
• Extended leg room in the rear-facing position and leg support in the forward-facing position

What Can Be Improved

• Doesn’t have a booster option
• The buckle can be stiff
• The seats get hot

Type: Rear-Facing + Front-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester/Bamboo blend
Seat Weight: 27.2 lbs (12.3 kg)
Dimensions: 25.2-31 H x 19 W x 16 L in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124.5 cm)
Child Weight: 5-65 lbs (2.3-29.5 kg)

7. Britax Advocate Clicktight FR-Free Convertible Car Seat

The Advocate is a fire retardant-free car seat that makes use of tightly woven fabric rather than chemicals to meet safety standards. 

The SafeWash non-toxic car seat covers mean it can be washed up to 30 times and doesn’t need harsh chemicals to make them stain-resistant. 

It has external bolsters for maximum side-impact protection, which is an improvement from the previous model. 

The foam is a polyurethane and polyester fiber blend, which is naturally flame-retardant. A con is that the harness might be too easy for older kids to adjust while driving.

What We Liked

• Easy-read level indicators for the best seat angle
• 3 layers of side impact protection 
• SafeCell Impact Protection crumple zone in the base
• 7-position quick-push recline feature
• Easy for moms to install safely and confidently

What Can Be Improved

• Some recalls were made on this model
• Straps don’t fit right in the extended rear-facing position
• Easy click system breaks down quickly

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester
Seat Weight:30.1 lbs (13.7 kg)
Dimensions: 23.5 H x 20.5 W x 23 L in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 49 in (124.5 cm)
Child Weight:5-65 lbs (2.3-29.4 kg)

8. Clek Liing Fire Retardant Free Infant Car Seat

The Clek Liing is the best non-toxic infant car seat because the foam, plastics, and fabrics are all flame-retardant-free. 

The Mammoth fabric is free of all flame-retardant chemicals and PFASs. 

The Liing also comes in other fabrics like the naturally flame-resistant Merino wool/TENCEL blend and the Greenguard Gold certified Crypton range. 

The Essential range is a jersey knit and polyester-spandex blend that is tightly woven and naturally flame-resistant.

Although it doesn’t have a no-rethread harness, the harness is flame-retardant-free. 

The narrow base has 7 recline positions which is an improvement from the previous model. Even the back foam is free of halogenated flame-retardants.

What We Liked

• The machine-washable cover makes cleaning quick and easy
• SPF100 canopy with peek-a-boo window
• 2-stage insert system to keep your baby snug and secure
• Safe and lightweight
• A narrow seat that works with 3 across

What Can Be Improved

• Warning labels are very noticeable
• Canopy doesn’t have a smooth transition
• Only comes in gray and black options

Type: Rear-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester, Merino Wool/TENCEL blend
Seat Weight: 9 lbs (4.1 kg)
Dimensions: 26.8 H x 17 W x 27.7 L in
Expiration Date: 9 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg

9. Maxi Cosi Pria Max All-in-One Chemical Free Convertible Car Seat

Maxi Cosi flame-retardant-free car seats feature the new PureCosi fabric. This is non-toxic and made from fabric weaves that are naturally flame-resistant. 

Maxi Cosi is meeting flammability standards through material choices making this one of the best chemical-free car seat options. 

Maxi Cosi doesn’t use wool or added chemicals which reduces the accumulation of  PBDEs and PFAs. They also have strict standards for their third-party manufacturing partners.

A con is that the seat is hard to tighten, but an upgrade from the past version is the 5-position headrest, body comfort pillow, and G-cell side impact protection.

What We Liked

• Machine washable for easy cleaning
• Removable cupholders
• The seat grows with your baby, and they can use it until 10 years old
• The QuickFit shoulder harness automatically raises the headrest height
• Removable wedge for babies

What Can Be Improved

• The seat is very large
• Difficult to put the cover back on
• Not as durable as it could be

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester
Seat Weight: 22.8 lbs (10.3 kg)
Dimensions: 19.88 H x 24 W x 25.25 L in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 52 in (132.1 cm)
Child Weight: 4-100 lbs (1.8-45.4 kg)

10. Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit Chemical Free Infant Car Seat

This non-toxic infant car seat is made from synthetic fibers that are PFA-free. 

The SafeWash fabric is made to be removed and washed rather than filled with dangerous chemicals to make it water and stain-resistant. 

The knit construction of the polyester is tight and naturally flame-resistant.

This chemical-free car seat has an improved 6-headrest position. 

A con is that the canopy is not really extra-large as advertised, but for a car seat without fire retardant chemicals, it is a small compromise. 

Britax wants to keep your baby safe, from secure car seat installations to safe fabrics.

What We Liked

• No-rethread harness for easy adjusting
• Easy-read level indicators
• European belt path for a baseless installation
• The ergonomic handle also makes the seat easy to carry
• More space in the seat for your baby

What Can Be Improved

• The steel frame makes it heavy
• Limited stroller compatibility
• No peek-a-boo window

Type: Rear-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester
Seat Weight: 11.6 lbs (5.3 kg)
Dimensions: 25.9 H x 17.9 W x 26.6 L in
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)

11. Nuna Aace Flame Retardant Free Booster Seat

This flame-retardant-free booster seat comes with Nuna’s commitment to materials that meet safety standards rather than adding chemicals. 

The bamboo/polyester blend fabric is tightly woven and naturally flame-resistant. This chemical-free car seat is Greenguard Gold certified. 

That means it has undergone rigorous safety tests to ensure it is free from flame-retardants, phthalates, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals. 

Although the height of this booster is not compatible with all vehicles, the flame-resistant and non-toxic EPP foam in the shell makes it a popular booster option. 

Nuna selects fabrics and materials that comply with federal safety standards without putting your baby’s health at risk.

What We Liked

• Offers longevity as your child grows
• The high-back booster can transition to a no-back booster
• Wider booster that offers more space
• The shoulder system adjusts simultaneously with the headrest
• Green tab on connectors to ensure correct installation

What Can Be Improved

• Can’t fit three of these boosters across
• This seat is quite bulky
• Difficult to put the cover back on after washing

Type: Forward-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester
Seat Weight: 15.6 lbs (7.1 kg)
Dimensions: 33 H x 22.5 W x 15 L in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 60 in (152.4 cm
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54.4 kg)

12. Maxi Cosi Rodifix Fire Retardant Free Booster Seat

Non-toxic car seats like the Rodifix are made with fabrics without flame retardants. 

The Maxi Cosi PureCosi range is a fabric weave that is tight and naturally flame-resistant. 

That means no nasty halogenated flame retardants that are dangerous for your baby. 

The PureCosi range also has no PFAs, so your baby is safe from volatile organic compounds, phthalates, heavy metals, and other chemicals.

The seat doesn’t have armrests, but the expanding side wings are comfortable and have AirProtect padding. 
This flame-retardant-free car seat has the Maxi Cosi promise of safety and comfort.

What We Liked

• Multi-height headrest and front-access recline system will grow with your child
• Children can  easily buckle themselves in with the seat belt guide
• The seat height offers your toddler a better view
• Simple to install
• Rigid LATCH offers safety and security

What Can Be Improved

• There is no cup holder
• No back tethering option
• Head wings seem flimsy

Type: Forward-Facing
Free Of: FR-free, PFA-free
Fabrics: Polyester
Seat Weight: 17.25 lbs (8 kg)
Dimensions: 33.75 H x 18.5 W x 18.5 L in
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 57 in (145 cm)
Child Weight: 40-120 lbs (18.1-54.4 kg)

Types of Chemicals Found in Car Seats 

Halogenated flame retardants like bromine and chlorine, as well as perfluorinated chemicals (PFAs), are the most common chemicals in car seats.

Halogenated Flame Retardants 

Bromine, chlorine, iodine, and fluorine are halogenated flame retardants that are used to stop or delay the spread of fire.

These chemicals are dangerous to the environment because they don’t break down. Instead, they accumulate in plants and animals.

These chemicals in car seats can be carcinogenic and cause immune suppression and endocrine disruption.

Phosphate/Nitrogen Flame Retardants 

Phosphate/Nitrogen flame retardants are considered non-halogenated, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t harmful. 

They are thought to be less toxic than halogenated chemicals while still being flame retardants and preventing the spread of fire.

These flame retardants in car seats could possibly harm the nervous, skeletal, and reproductive systems.

PFAs (waterproofing chemicals, PFOAs, PFCs) 

Perfluorooctanesulfanic acid is used to make fabric oil, water, and stain-resistant. These chemicals don’t break down and are bad for the environment.

They have also been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, immune system dysfunction, and high cholesterol.

Potential Health Impacts of Flame Retardants 

Car seats without flame retardants are vital because flame retardants are global contaminants that have been linked to cancer, endocrine, and thyroid disruption and negatively affect child development and neurological function (1).

Children, in particular, are affected because their brains and bodies are still developing, and they have a strong habit of hand-to-mouth behavior (2). 

The problem with these chemicals is they don’t break down but rather accumulate in the body and environment (3). 

Research has shown that polybrominated diphenyl ethers have been linked to lower IQ and behavioral problems in children (4). That is why choosing a flame-retardant-free car seat is so important.

Are Non-Toxic Car Seats Safe in Case of Fire? 

If you buy a car seat without flame retardant chemicals, then it will be made with materials that are naturally flame resistant. Polyester fibers melt and pull away from the flame. 

They burn slowly and often put themselves out, and that is due to the way the fibers are woven.

Wool is naturally fire-resistant because it has high levels of water and nitrogen. 

Wool doesn’t ignite easily and will often put itself out. Wool also doesn’t melt or stick to the skin when burnt rather, it turns into ash residue. 

That’s why using a non-toxic flame-retardant car seat is safer for your baby.

Choosing the Safest Non-Toxic Car Seat

The least toxic car seats are free of halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardant chemicals. They are also free of PFAs and are made from naturally flame-resistant materials.

Chemical Free 

The best fire retardant-free car seat options do not contain:

• Halogenated flame retardants (bromine, chlorine, iodine, fluorine)
• Non-halogenated flame retardants (phosphorous/nitrogen)
• PFAs (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

Installation 

Non-toxic car seats are also easy to use and simple to install. Look for a rigid LATCH system and secure belt lock-offs. Car seats should also have a no-rethread harness and recline indicators so you can be sure you have installed them correctly.

Safety Features 

The safest car seats have an anti-rebound bar and EPP or EPS foam in the shell for side impact protection. They should also have an adjustable headrest, a recline feature, and the option of extended rear-facing. A 5-point harness and naturally flame-resistant fabrics are also important safety features.

Flame Retardant Free Car Seat Brands

Here are the top non-toxic car seat brands:

• Nuna – Pipa Series, Exec, Rava, Aace, Revv 
• Clek – Liing, Liingo, Foonf, Fllo, Oobr, Olli, Ozzi
• Britax – Marathon ClickTight SafeWash, Boulevard ClickTight SafeWash, Advocate ClickTight SafeWash
• Uppababy – Mesa in Jordan/Henry, Knox in Jordan, Mesa Max in Anthony/Noa/Jake/Gregory/Greyson
• Maxi-Cosi – Romi, Mico 30, Mico XP Max, Pria Max, Rodifix, Pria Sport, Coral XP
• Chicco –  KeyFit 30, KeyFit 35 Zip, NextFit Max, OneFit, MyFit, KidFit