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Strollers are a must-have item for getting around and exercising if you have little ones. However, many strollers are made with materials and coatings that can pose health risks to growing children. Fortunately, there are several non-toxic strollers made without flame retardants out there — if you know where to look.
Parents can prioritize the well-being of their little passengers by opting for strollers made with non-toxic, child friendly materials. Here’s a closer look at the specific chemicals to avoid, along with the best non-toxic strollers today based on your stroller needs.
Which Toxins Should You Avoid in Strollers?
There are several concerning toxins to avoid in a new stroller that could pose health risks to your growing baby. Here are some of the more concerning ones to be aware of.
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants, while once considered necessary, should be avoided in baby strollers due to their association with a range of health concerns.
Flame retardants have been linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, cancer risk, neurological damage, and adverse effects on fetal and child brain development.
Brominated flame retardants, like PBDEs, continue to be used in some stroller manufacturing. The safest thing you can do is to choose strollers and car seats without flame retardants for your kids.
Polyurethane Foam
Avoid polyurethane foam, which is frequently used in strollers for cushioning, when you’re shopping for non-toxic baby strollers. Over time, poly foam can break down, releasing toxic dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may cause respiratory and skin irritation, among other health issues.
Durable Water Repellents (DWRs)
DWR coatings are used to make fabrics water-resistant and may contain fluoropolymers (PFAS). PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” pose health risks including increased cholesterol levels, immune disruption, birth weight effects, cancer, and thyroid disruption. Many stroller manufacturers have transitioned to safer waterproofing methods due to widespread concerns about DWR coatings.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC, a common material in some stroller components like rain covers, may contain harmful phthalates, which have been linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.
Leatherette
Leatherette, typically made of vinyl or plastic, is used in some stroller handlebars. Given the potential toxins, including heavy metals like lead, found in both conventional and fake leather, it’s best to be cautious. Several stroller brands offer alternatives to leatherette, some of which are plant-based and non-t0xic.
Materials and Labels To Look For in a Non-Toxic Stroller
When seeking non-toxic strollers and eco-friendly baby carriers for your little one, use the following key factors to guide your choice.
Non-Toxic Stroller Materials
First and foremost, you can find strollers crafted from natural and organic materials such as wool, which is naturally flame resistant, or fabrics treated without PFAS. These materials are free from harmful chemicals and provide a safer, eco-friendly option for your child.
Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 to help ensure the safety of the stroller’s materials.
No Heavy Metals (Lead-Free)
Look for a stroller that explicitly states that it’s free of heavy metals. Heavy metals like lead can be toxic and have been shown to have detrimental effects on children’s health.
Non-Toxic Waterproofing
Steer clear of waterproof coatings that contain fluoropolymers (PFAs), which are linked to health risks. Instead, look for stroller brands that use alternative methods like plant-based waxes or silicon-based finishes. These waterproofing options not only protect your child from harmful chemicals, but are also better for the planet.
11 Best Non-Toxic Strollers Without Flame Retardants
Here are our top picks for non-toxic strollers made from safe, healthy, and non-toxic materials.
1. Zoe Strollers
Zoe’s quality strollers are free from flame retardants, polyurethane foam, BPA, pesticides, PFAS, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing agents. The foam used in these strollers is polyethylene, while the fabrics consist of nylon or polyester, all of which are composed of 100% recycled materials.
Zoe makes many different strollers, including my favorite lightweight umbrella stroller (it’s just 11 pounds!). It’s got an enormous sunshade, is easy to unfold and stroll right out of the trunk of my car, and it’s sooo lightweight. Zoe is one of those great companies that helps make parenting easier. They even fully replaced one of these strollers when the wheel started malfunctioning about six months in.
Zoe’s other lightweight, easily foldable strollers include the Twin (a double stroller), the Trio (for three kids), the Terra (a cross-over stroller for walking and jogging), the Tribe (carries up to four kids and can be converted to a double stroller), and the Traveler (nice and lightweight/compact for traveling). Zoe has great customer service in my experience, and their strollers are high quality, easy to use, and won’t break the bank compared to some other brands.
2. Bumbleride Strollers
Bumbleride’s luxurious strollers are also known for their commitment to using non-toxic materials and avoiding flame retardants in their strollers (except for in Britain, where they are actually required to use flame retardants!). Bumbleride uses child-safe materials in the construction of their popular all-terrain strollers that are free of harmful chemicals, including phthalates, BPA, and formaldehyde. Their water-proofing material is also free of PFAS (which is not the case for many strollers and other waterproofed materials such as camping tents).
Since 2016, 100% of Bumbleride’s fabrics and paddings are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified as free from harmful chemicals, including fire retardants, lead, phthalates, BPA, polyurethane foam, PVC, vinyl, formaldehyde, chlorine, PFAS and other harmful toxins.
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification is a globally recognized textile and fabric certification program that ensures that textile and fabric products, including clothing, textiles used in home furnishings, and other related items, are free from harmful levels of substances that could pose a risk to our health. Note that materials can have some kinds of flame retardants and still qualify as certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100. While the certification is reassuring, it’s not a guarantee that there are zero flame retardants in a product.
The Bumbleride Era reversible stroller has a naturally waterproof and non-toxic cork handlebar and is extra eco-friendly in that it’s made partly from recycled plastic. In fact, all of Bumbleride’s strollers are now made with an eco fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles (65 per stroller!). Bumbleride also makes a non-PVC rain cover for the Era stroller.
Bumbleride additionally makes the Indie All-Terrain and Indie Twin strollers, and the Speed and Ironman jogging strollers for parents looking to exercise with their stroller. I just love that Bumbleride is taking its ecological impact so seriously and offering eco-friendly materials and treatments for its beautiful strollers. It’s a great company to support for this reason.
3. Bombi ($199)
The eco-friendly and non-toxic Bēbee stroller is newer to the stroller scene, priced at a wallet-friendly $199, and combines the advantages of full-sized features (canopy, basket, cup-holder, etc.) with lightweight convenience. This stroller boasts a swift, one-handed, self-standing fold mechanism, an expansive canopy for shielding against UV rays, and a generously sized storage basket beneath the seat.
Weighing just 16 pounds, this non-toxic stroller can support a kiddo up to 50 pounds and even transforms into a travel system through the use of their car seat adapter. Notably, Bombi ensures that their stroller’s fabric is free from flame retardants and water-resistant coatings while incorporating a minimum of 50% recycled plastic bottles.
Each stroller contributes to the recycling of over 56 plastic bottles. In 2021, Bombi upcycled over 20,000 plastic bottles into new fabrics for its strollers! I reached out to Bombi about their stroller materials. Here is what they told me:
“Please know that we follow all the strictest safety guidelines when producing our strollers and do not use harmful chemicals. This includes the numerous chemicals, such as flame retardants, PBDEs, polyurethane foam, or durable water repellents. Our strollers meet and exceed all the strictest safety standards when it comes to this long alarming list.”
4. Nuna
Nuna is known for using high quality natural materials like merino wool for its baby gear. All of their car seats are free of flame retardants as of several years ago, and they also don’t use any flame retardant chemicals in their strollers. Some of their strollers have leatherette handles, but there are also plenty of models that don’t if you’re looking to avoid leatherette.
Nuna has tons of different options for their beautiful high quality strollers, whether you’re searching for a bassinet style for your newborn, a stroller with a car seat adapter, or a cruiser for an older baby. Nuna’s strollers are notably GREENGuard Gold certified to be free of unhealthy toxins and other chemicals that aren’t safe for your baby.
GREENGUARD Gold certification indicates that a product, such as furniture or building materials, has undergone rigorous testing and meets stringent emission standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals. This certification, awarded by UL Environment, ensures that the product contributes to healthier indoor air quality and is suitable for use in environments where individuals, especially children and sensitive individuals, are present for extended periods. It’s a trusted indicator of low chemical emissions and adherence to strict sustainability and safety criteria.
Nuna offers reversible, lightweight, expandable, all-terrain, and travel strollers to meet your family’s needs, along with bassinets that clip into their stroller bases. If it’s a jogging stroller you’re after, you’d be better off looking at Bumbleride, Zoe, or Chicco (below).
5. Britax B-Lively and B Safe “SafeWash” Stroller System ($439)
I loved my Britax stroller when my kids were babies, and I’m glad to see they are finally making a version of this stroller without flame retardant fabrics! Instead, they use a tightly knit naturally flame resistant fabric they have coined the “Safewash” line.
Britax strollers are known for being somewhat more affordable compared to some other high-end strollers (cough-cough-UPPAbaby) that are still very high quality and easy to maneuver. They also make a line of car seats without flame retardants that use the same Safewash material.
This travel system includes the stroller, which works for babies from birth up to 50 pounds, the infant car seat (up to 35 pounds or 32 inches) and the car seat base and adapters. It has a quick one-hand fold.
6. Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller ($349)
Chicco is one of the most trusted brands for high-quality car seats and strollers (I enjoyed using the Chicco Nextfit convertible car seat for years for both of my kids), and luckily they now make the Activ3 Jogging stroller without adding flame retardant chemicals to its fabrics. However, be aware that the peek-a-boo window and the footrest do contain PVC.
This lightweight jogging stroller offers an aluminum frame, three-wheel design, and adjustable rear suspension. Its durable foam-filled tires will never go flat. The stroller features a a hand-operated parking brake for unobstructed foot space, a locking front swivel wheel that can be adjusted as you go, and a four-position handle for easy maneuvering.
The reclining seat on this non-toxic jogging stroller provides multiple positions for your child’s comfort, complete with a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy and two peek-a-boo windows. It also has a spacious storage basket and can transform into a travel system by pairing it with a Chicco infant car seats (sold separately, many without flame retardants!).
7. Bugaboo
Bugaboo has embarked on a sustainability mission in which they’re cutting their CO2 emissions, using recycled fabrics, and incorporating bio-based materials instead of fossil-based plastic. They also no longer use any flame retardants in their non-toxic strollers sold in North America, which I confirmed with the company.
Bugaboo offers lots of different options to suit parents’ needs. My personal favorite is their lightweight travel stroller, the Bugaboo Butterfly, which weighs 16 pounds and folds up super easily and compactly. They also have a super lightweight full size all terrain stroller, the Bugaboo Lynx, which weights just 20 pounds! Their strollers are compatible with Bugaboo, Maxi Cosi, and Nuna car seats.
8. Thule Urban Glide 2
Active parents adore Thule’s strollers, which are great for jogging and easily maneuvering sidewalks and streets. In North America, the fabrics of Thule’s Urban Glide strollers do not get treated with flame retardants. This may not be true in other countries, like the U.K., so please check with the manufacturer if you’re living across the pond and looking at a Thule stroller.
However, please note that in order to meet legal flammability requirements, the foam padding of these strollers does use TCPP, which is a flame retardant. Therefore, this stroller is not truly flame retardant-free, although the fabrics your child are touching do not contain them.
TCPP stands for Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate, which is a chemical compound used as a flame retardant in various products. TCPP is commonly added to materials like polyurethane foam, textiles, and plastics to reduce their flammability and meet fire safety regulations.
9. UPPAbaby Vista V2
UPPAbaby makes beautiful, easy to use, high-end stroller systems that many parents love. They don’t apply flame retardants to their strollers or to many of their car seats, either.
That said, the waterproofing sealant on their stroller fabrics does contain PFAS, so you may want to avoid this stroller if you’re looking to go entirely non-toxic. Alternatively, you could get a stroller seat liner for your little one.
The Vista V2 offers a large storage basket, a one-handed reclining seat, an extendable UPF 50+ sunshade, and compatibility with infant car seats, making it a popular choice for parents seeking both style and functionality in a stroller.
10. Guava Roam Stroller
The Roam Stroller is another great non-toxic jogging stroller made entirely without flame retardants. It stands out with its patented three-dimensional fold, which enables it to collapse into a remarkably compact size without needing to remove any wheels. Its notable features include the convenience of locking or unlocking the front wheel directly from the handlebar, allowing for seamless shifts between walking and running modes.
With airless rubber tires that eliminate concerns about punctures and an independent suspension designed for all-terrain strolling, this stroller has a nice smooth ride, even on rougher surfaces.
I reached out to Guava, and they confirmed that this stroller doesn’t contain any flame retardants, DWRs, PFOA, or PVC. The polyurethane foam in the polyester seat padding is also flame retardant-free. Its sun shade does have two small logos that are made of polyurethane fabric. This stroller’s fabrics are GreenGuard Gold Certified.
11. Joovy
Joovy is another great company that intentionally makes non-toxic strollers without flame retardants to keep them as safe for babies and kids as possible. Their strollers are parent-friendly, easy to use, lightweight, and versatile.
I especially appreciate the Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand, which is perfect for two kids who are roughly two years apart. It has a handy bench for kids who are “too big” for sitting in a full stroller seat anymore, but also are still little enough to want to hitch a ride on the back of their little sib’s stroller.
In addition to the Caboose, Joovy makes a jogging stroller (above), the lightweight Kooper stroller, the Kooper X2 double stroller, and the Big Caboose triple stroller. Its Qool stroller is super customizable and frankly, in my opinion, does more than one can expect any one stroller to do. Please note that the Qool does have a leatherette handle.
Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Strollers
Babies’ developing bodies are especially sensitive to chemicals, so it makes a whole lot of sense to look for a non-toxic stroller along with other often-used items, such as crib mattresses and sheets, to keep them as safe as possible.
For more help with making your baby’s new home as non-toxic and safe as possible, check out my Guide to Building an Eco-Friendly Nursery. I review everything from where to get safe and affordable organic clothing to the best non-toxic bath toys and teethers.
Happy strolling, moms and dads!
