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Which Stroller Brands Are Non Toxic?
My toddler wants to go out and spend lots of time outside these days. She loves walking and running at the park or at the mall. However, I can’t quite leave the stroller at home and go out without it because there is still a need for a stroller. She gets tired after while and she wants to be carried. So I have been looking to find an umbrella stroller that is much lighter than the full-sized stroller. (I have an UPPAbaby Cruz which is wonderful. It is a compact stroller but I need something much lighter!) While researching, I have realized that a stroller also can be toxic just like a baby car seat. A stroller can contain toxic flame retardant chemicals! In this post, I share with you how a stroller can be toxic to your baby and also what non toxic strollers without any flame retardant chemicals are available. I have divided strollers into three categories: full-sized stroller, jogging stroller and umbrella stroller.
How Stroller Can Be Toxic
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are chemicals added to materials in order to prevent fire from starting or reduce the spread of fire. Not all flame retardants are dangerous but some of them are very toxic. Flame retardants include brominated, chlorinated and phosphate-based chemicals. Brominated and chlorinated-based chemicals which are also called halogenated are harmful to our health. Brominated or chlorinated flame retardant chemicals can cause cancer, disrupt our hormone and damage developing brain cells. These harmful brominated and chlorinated-based chemicals that are present in baby products are PentaBDE/ Firemater 550, TDCPP, TCPP, TCEP. Let’s take a look what they are.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PentaBDE) / Firemater 550
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) had been used as the primary flame retardant chemical in furniture and baby products between 1975 and 2004 to meet the fire safety standards. Exposure to PBDEs are associated with reduced IQ in children, changes in male hormone levels and reduced sperm count, increased time to become pregnant in women, low birth weight, and impaired childhood development. It was detected in strollers, car seats, rockers, and portable cribs. Due to the danger of this chemicals, they were phased out from market in 2005 and got replaced with Firemaster 550. According to a new study by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, toddlers (ages 2-3) before the phase-out took effect in 2004-2005, had significantly higher levels of BDE-47 (the most frequently detected component of the pentaBDE mixture in humans) in their blood than toddlers who turned 2-3 year old after the phase out period. However, Investigators found PBDEs in every child blood sample even after phase out period. PBDEs continue to be detected in the blood of young children nearly 10 years following their removal from US market. The replacement for PBDEs, Firemaster 550 has been also linked to obesity, heart disease, hormone disruption and cancer.
Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCPP)
Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCPP) and other tris types of phosphates are chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants and they are sometimes all referred to as chlorinated tris. Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCPP) is a chemical that was removed from children’s pajamas in the 1970s because it enters children’s bodies, mutates DNA and may cause cancer. However, it is found in many baby products nowadays. According to tests done by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, sixty of the 101 car seats, changing pads and other products contain chlorinated Tris. One study suspects Tris and other flame retardants also disrupt hormones, damage developing brains and reproductive systems. TDCPP is found in nursing pillows, changing table pads, baby carriers, car seats and high chair pads.
Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)
Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) is classified as a carcinogen by the State of California. It can also impair fertility. It is found in strollers, nursing pillows, baby carriers and portable cribs.
Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP)
Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) commonly used in polyurethane foam. Lab tests show that it may impact nervous system development and thyroid hormone levels. TCPP is very similar to TCEP and TDCPP which cause cancer.
There are growing criticisms that flame retardant chemicals actually do not provide any meaningful benefit in case of a fire, instead it increases the amounts of toxic chemicals in the smoke and also causes negative health effects on our babies and children. In addition, research shows that firefighters have higher chance of getting a cancer due to dangerous fire retardant chemicals. Therefore, firefighters union has been active in pursuing tighter regulations on toxic chemicals.
(Chemical Flame Retardants Lace Baby Products, New Study Finds)
(Childhood exposure to flame retardant chemicals declines following phase-out)
Flame Retardant Chemicals In Baby Strollers
In the past, stroller manufacturers had to pass the flammability test and meet fire safety standards for their products. Flammability test involved 12 second exposure to open flame. In order to pass this open flame test, manufacturers used flame retardant chemicals to withstand open flame. However, starting 2010, strollers, infant carriers and nursing pillows were exempted from the flammability requirement in the state of California under the standard CA TB 117. In 2014, more juvenile products were exempted under the new standard CA TB 117-2013. When products are exempted, manufactures do not have to use flame retardant chemicals to meet the standard. However, this doesn’t mean the use of flame retardants is prohibited. Therefore, there is no guarantee that stroller manufacturers do not use flame retardant chemicals. Strollers manufactured prior to 2010 will most likely contain flame retardant chemicals. Strollers manufactured after 2010, on the other hand, may or may not contain flame retardant chemicals. Although many strollers manufactured after 2010 (especially after 2014 when the standard updated to TB 117-2013) do not contain flame retardant chemicals, some strollers still do.
Where Flame Retardant Chemicals Are Located In Baby Strollers
Strollers can contain flame retardants in following locations.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is used for baby strollers, baby car seats, baby crib mattresses and baby carriers. Typically, it is used to fill stroller tires or found in a stroller seat. Polyurethane foam is made of petroleum-based material that emits volatile organic compounds. It is used in mattresses, building insulation, TV/ Computer equipments or soft furnishings. Polyurethane is made when toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) react together with polyols. Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is toxic by inhalation and is suspected to cause a cancer. It is also a known skin and mucous membranes irritant. Foam is also made with other toxic chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, solvents, perfluorooctyl sulfonate, chlorine, methylene chlorine, flame retardants and volatile organic compounds. Many of these chemicals are known to cause serious negative health effects such as cancer.
When polyurethane foam is on fire, it generates toxic gasses and smoke, which makes it difficult to evacuate and put out a fire. It is known as ‘solid gasoline’ by insurance companies. Properties lost or lives taken due to fire involving polyurethane foam are common. According to the National Association of State Fire Marshal’s George Miller, at least two people each day die in the result of fire from polyurethane foam. Manufacturers often add flame retardant chemicals to the polyurethane foam due to its flammability.
Although most foam containing products have flammability requirements, strollers have been exempted from flammability requirements since Dec. 2010. Therefore, manufactures of strollers do not have to use flame retardants to meet the standard. However, the usage of flame retardant chemicals are not banned so manufacturers can still use them. It is up to the stroller manufacturer to decide if they will use foam that contain flame retardant or not. According to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s report,
Furniture and other foam product manufacturers typically receive cured foam and do not directly handle flame retardant chemicals. Because slabstock is made in very large buns, uses requiring smaller pieces of foam may consist of off-cuts from larger buns. This may be why smaller polyurethane foam products may contain flame retardants, even when they are not required to do so by regulation.
One way to avoid flame retardant chemials would be to avoid using products that contain polyurethane foam. Unfortunately, polyurethane foam is very commonly used in stroller seat paddings and wheels. It is hard to find a stroller without polyurethane foam. The only ones I know for sure which don’t use polyurethane foam are Bumbleride Stroller and Zoe Stroller in my listing. Therefore, for other brands, check with the stroller manufacturers and find out if they use any flame retardants in their stroller. Some stroller manufacturers only allow polyurethane foam that does not contain flame retardants from their suppliers. – You will see my non toxic stroller listing later below. So please read on! (Urethane Foam Health Effects)
Fabric
Most fabrics used for upholstery furniture, car seats, strollers are synthetic or synthetic blend fabrics. Synthetic fabrics are made from crude oil which is also like solid gasoline. Therefore, some synthetics like polyester often have flame retardants built into the fibres or chemically treated with flame retardants during manufacturing stage. In addition, synthetic fabrics go through harsh chemical processing. Often toxic chemicals such as AZO dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates and other harmful chemicals are used on them.
In my research, polyester was the most used material for a stroller. I assume polyester is used due to its durability and also stain & water-resistant property. I have’t seen any stroller fabric made with organic fabrics except in the lining of a bassinet for a new born. The best kind of fabric material for a stroller I could find was an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabric. An Oeko-Tex Standard 100 fabric means the fabric is free of 100 different toxic chemicals. The certification looks at all processing levels of a product from raw materials to finished textiles including accessory materials used. Another eco-friendly material for a stroller is recycled polyester. A couple of stroller brands use this material for their strollers.
Stroller fabrics can be treated with coating such as waterproofing, anti bacterial or stain resistance. However, coating means more toxic chemicals. Therefore, if you want to go for the most non-toxic fabric for a stroller, go for an Oeko-Tex certified fabric or a recycled fabric with no treatments and coatings.
Bumbleride strollers are made with 100% recycled polyester made from post-consumer water bottles (rPET, polyethylene terephthalate). Their fabric is also Oeko-Tex 100 Standard certified. Bugaboo Fox Complete is also made with recycled PET bottles.
PVC materials In The Rain Shield
Many strollers have a rain shield made of toxic material polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is known to cause reproductive, developmental and immune problems and cause cancer. If you want to avoid PVC, purchase a universal rain cover made with non-PVC material separately. Bumbleride strollers has a rain shield made with a non PVC, non chlorine, non phthalate plastic which is compatible with Bumbleride Indie. Jolly Jumper makes a phthalate-free vinyl universal weathershield which fits most strollers.
Non Toxic Strollers Without Flame Retardant Chemicals
Now, let’s take a look at strollers that have no toxic flame retardant chemicals. Strollers can be divided into several categories: full-sized stroller, jogging stroller, lightweight/ umbrella stroller.
Full-sized Strollers – Non Toxic Strollers
Stokke does not use flame retardants, nor do their products contain BPA, PVC, phthalates or lead. Also all Xplory plastic parts are marked for future recycling, re-use and handling. Stokke is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative in Norway. They try to be environmentally responsible and minimize their carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
Stokke Xplory stroller raises baby higher to promote eye contact and connection with her mom. Baby can sit at the restaurant’s table without needing a booster seat.
Materials: The seating padding is made of polyurethane foam as well as the carry cot mattress. The seat textile is made of 100% Polyester.
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: 100% polyester with a PVC window
Bugaboo strives to be environmentally responsible and eco-friendly. They set up global packaging guidelines in order to minimize waste and work towards zero impact packaging. They also focus on minimizing their product waste stream. They are officially committed to setting science-based emission reduction targets, via the Science Based Targets Initiative. They started increasing their use of recycled materials. The fabrics of their stroller, Bugaboo Fox Complete is made with recycled PET bottles. They also do not use flame retardants. However, their handle bar has PVC in it. (rubber blend)
Materials: Frames are aluminum and plastic. The fabrics are of machine washable (gentle cycle/cold water) 100% recycled polyester and uses a polyurethane foam. Wood is used on the bassinet and seat unit. The handlebar foam is a blend of NBR+PVC, it’s a rubber blend developed to resist to environment conditions.
Bugaboo follows the Oeko-Tex standard for the chemicals on fabrics and complete extensive chemical tests for all their fabrics. As their main safety certification is using TuV Sud / GS mark, they use their certification for their complete stroller which includes the chemical testing in line with the Oeko-Tex 100 guidelines.
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: PVC
UPPAbaby also tries to be an eco-friendly company by recycling materials from used strollers and setting up shipping centres on both coasts to reduce emissions and travel by delivery trucks. In 2017, their Mesa Henry car seat was the first model to pass the fire test of car seats without any flame retardant chemicals. UPPAbaby does not use toxic flame retardants, BPA, Phthalates, Lead, Latex, Teflon, or ScotchGuard in any of their products.
The VISTA’s intuitive design allows for multiple configurations, making easy transporting a second and third child all while strolling like a single.
The Toddler Seat outer cover is 100% polyester and the filling is polyester batting. The padding to the seat of the stroller is polyurethane foam. The Bassinet fabric is made of polyester with a cotton/nylon/poly blend liner. The padding is made of 100% polyester batting. The Bassinet mattress cover as well as the bassinet lining contains polyurethane foam.
HENRY (Blue Marl) only: The Toddler Seat and Bassinet outer fabrics are a nylon/polyester blend.
2018 VISTA: 100% full-grain leather handlebar and bumper bar.
The stroller has polyurethane foam in the wheels (plastic wheels filled with foam).
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: pthalate-free PVC
Non Toxic Stroller – Nuna Mixx2 Stroller
Nuna strives to eliminate the use of toxins while complying with standards at the same time. Throughout the entire process from each product’s material content and ingredients to their eco-friendly production equipment and processes. Their ISO 14001 certified factory uses solar powered energy and exhaust treatment. They also have water recycle program, plastic waste and packaging recycle program. Nuna fabric, fiber fill, foam, plastics and metals all abide by European REACH and EN71 standards as well as CPSIA in the USA and CCPSA in Canada.
Materials:
Canopy: 77% Polyester Fiber, 23% Polyurethane Foam
Crotch Pad: 100% Polyurethane Foam
Harness Covers: 100% Polyurethane Foam
Seat Pad: 54% Polyester Fiber, 46% Polyurethane Foam
Wheels: EVA Foam tires, 77% Polyester Fiber, 23% Polyurethane Foam
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: EVA (No PVC)
Baby Jogger Citi Mini GT Stroller
Baby Jogger stopped using flame retardants starting 2013. Their strollers are also free from PVC, BPA, lead, latex, Teflon, Phthalates, formaldehyde, AZO dyes and Scotchguard.
Baby Jogger Citi Mini GT stroller has a quick fold function which makes folding a stroller super easy.
Materials: 47% Nylon/43% Polyester/8% Polyurethane Foam/2% TPU
The foam filler in the seat is a polyurethane foam. The wheels are a foam filled rubber tire.
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: PVC (BPA free)
As of January 1, 2013, Britax required all of its suppliers to eliminate certain chemical flame retardants containing bromine, chlorine or other halogens, from all components used in its car seats and all other products. Britax said that all of its suppliers have confirmed they are compliant with Britax’s strict standards. Britax and BOB strollers are not treated with any chemical flame retardants.
Britax B-Ready has easy one-step folding, even with two seats attached.
Materials:
The stroller body has Polyurethane Foam Pad – 80%, Polyester Fiber Batting – 20% Comfort Pads (2): Polyurethane Foam Pad – 100% Arm Bar Pad: Polyester Fiber Batting – 70%, Polyurethane Foam Pad – 30%.
It also has urethane foam-filled rubber tires.
It is made with Nanotex, a stain-resistant, moisture-resistant and order-resistant fabric with an exclusive nanotechnology.
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via phone)
Jogging Strollers – Non Toxic Strollers
Bumbleride Indie Jogging Stroller
Bumbleride carefully choose products’ textiles, aluminum and plastics. They want to be environmentally responsible and put efforts in sustaining environment. Bumbleride fabrics are made with 100% recycled polyester made from post-consumer water bottles (rPET, polyethylene terephthalate). All of their fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class I certified free from harmful chemicals. Also, their black colorways use an innovative dye process that conserves approximately 25-40 gallons of water per stroller. This dye process reduces water use and pollution created from the dye process. They also stopped using flame retardants starting 2013. Their stroller has no flame retardant, PVC, phthalate and polyurethane foam. Instead of. polyurethane foam, they use Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) in the handlebars. TPR is recyclable and uses less energy to produce. Bumbleride carry active, twin and speed strollers.
Materials: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 fabric which is 100% recycled polyester. This stroller has no polyurethane foam. Thermoplastic rubber is used in the handlebars instead of polyurethane foam.
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: non PVC, non chlorine, non phthalate plastic
BOB revolution FLEX stroller Bundle
BOB Gear is owned by Britax company. As of January 1, 2013, Britax required all of its suppliers to eliminate certain chemical flame retardants containing bromine, chlorine or other halogens, from all components used in its car seats and all other products. Britax said that all of its suppliers have confirmed they are compliant with Britax’s strict standards. Both Britax and BOB strollers are not treated with any flame retardant chemicals.
Seat Material: Poly and dobby weave fabrics with water repellent coating and open-cell foam padding. (Polyester, Polyurethane Foam)
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Mountain Buggy Terrain Jogging Stroller
Mountain Buggy is owned by Phil & Teds. Phil & Teds tests all of their and Mountain Buggy’s products regularly for mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, phthalates, antimony, barium, selenium. Most of the Mountain Buggy Stroller materials used can be recycled. No flame retardant, PVC or BPA are used for their stroller.
Mountain Buggy Terrain Jogging Stroller has convenient storage system: Zip pockets on the sun hood with headphone eyelet, 2 water bottle holders and a new zip-covered gear tray which holds 22lbs of storage.
Materials:
Seats: rip stop nylon, a polyester blend
Seat cushion: polyurethane foam inside the seat liner
Wheels: rubber or EVA foam
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: PVC
Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Jogging Stroller
Baby Jogger stopped using flame retardants starting 2013. Their strollers are also free from PVC, BPA, lead, latex, Teflon, Phthalates, formaldehyde, AZO dyes and Scotchguard.
Baby Jogger Summit X3 Jogging Stroller offers a remote wheel lock on the handlebar that lets you switch between swivel mode and a locked position for the front wheel.
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Umbrella/ Lightweight Strollers- Non Toxic Strollers
Maclaren wants to make things better for future generation by sustaining our environment. All of their cardboard used is made of 10% recycled materials. Their boxes are also FSC certified. (Forest Stewardship Council) In addition, they removed all PVC plastic from their accessory packages which have prevented more than 100 tons of waste from filling landfills around the world. They also encourage parents to recycle their strollers by have them participate in their stroller trade-in program and receive a discount on future purchases at Maclarenbaby.com. In this way, they are encourage families to dispose of strollers in the best way possible. Maclaren strollers have no chemicals such as phthalates, lead, chromium, DMF, Nickel, Azo dyes, NPEO, Tris, TEPA, PBB, Aromatic Amines, Formaldehyde, Banned dyes, Benzene, Animony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Mercury, Selenium, Heavy Metals, BPA and flame retardant chemicals.
Maclaren specializes in making umbrella strollers. You will find umbrella strollers for single and twin.
Materials:
Polyurethane foam
WRPU is used for the waterproofing of their fabrics.
PVC is used in their hood windows where applicable and rain covers.
Flame Retardant Chemicals:
None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: PVC
Mountain Buggy is owned by Phil & Teds. Phil & Teds tests all of their and Mountain Buggy’s products regularly for mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, phthalates, antimony, barium, selenium. Most of the Mountain Buggy Stroller materials used can be recycled. No flame retardant, PVC or BPA are used for their stroller.
Mountain Buggy Nano is equipped with an on-board car seat adapter converting it to a travel system, accommodating most leading car seat brands.
Materials :
Seats: rip stop nylon, a polyester blend
Seat cushion: polyurethane foam inside the seat liner
Wheels: EVA
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
UPPAbaby also tries to be an eco-friendly company by recycling materials from used strollers and setting up shipping centres on both coasts to reduce emissions and travel by delivery trucks. In 2017, their Mesa Henry car seat was the first model to pass the fire test of car seats without any flame retardant chemicals. UPPAbaby does not use toxic flame retardants, BPA, Phthalates, Lead, Latex, Teflon, or ScotchGuard in any of their products.
Materials:
Seat Pad Outer Fabrics: 64% cotton/21% modal/8% nylon/6% polyurethane
Seat Pad Inner Fabrics: 100% Polyester
Padding: 100% Polyurethane foam
From Birth Kit Fabrics:
Mélange: 81% Nylon/19% Polyester
Solid: 100% Polyester
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Baby Jogger Citi Tour Stroller
Non Toxic Stroller – Baby Jogger Citi Tour Stroller
Baby Jogger stopped using flame retardants starting 2013. Their strollers are also free from PVC, BPA, lead, latex, Teflon, Phthalates, formaldehyde, AZO dyes and Scotchguard.
Baby Jogger Citi Tour stroller has a quick fold function which makes folding a stroller super easy.
Materials:
Fabric: Polyester
Seat Padding: Polyurethane Foam
Wheels: EVA wheels
Rain Cover: PVC (BPA free)
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: PVC (BPA free)
Britax B-Agile Lightweight Stroller
As of January 1, 2013, Britax required all of its suppliers to eliminate certain chemical flame retardants containing bromine, chlorine or other halogens, from all components used in its car seats and all other products. Britax said that all of its suppliers have confirmed they are compliant with Britax’s strict standards. Britax and BOB strollers are not treated with any chemical flame retardants.
Britax B-Agile Lightweight stroller is not exactly an umbrella stroller but a lightweight stroller. (18 lbs)
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via phone)
Zoe XL1 Best V2 Umbrella Stroller
Zoe specializes in lightweight, umbrella strollers. They do not use any flame retardant chemicals or polyurethane foam in their strollers.
Zoe XL1 BEST v2 lightweight umbrella stroller is super light at 11lbs. It folds with one-hand, fits in a backpack and even many overhead bins on airplanes. It can be optionally carried as a backpack itself.
They also have a XLC Best v2 model which is more compact for traveling. It fits virtually all airplane overhead bins.
Materials: The fabric is high grade D600 Polyester/Nylon similar to Cordura. The frame is aluminum. The wheels are plastic. The padding is NOT polyurethane. It’s a polyester fiber.
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Rain Cover: Plastic
Peg Perego Pliko Mini Umbrella Stroller
Peg Perego strollers have no flame retardant chemicals.
All Peg Perego baby products are made in Italy from concept to creation, every step in the process.
Matierlas: a weather-resistant outside fabric
Flame Retardant Chemicals: None
(confirmed with the manufacturer via email)
Final Thoughts
Stroller can contain toxic flame retardant chemicals on the fabric or on the foam part of a stroller (seat paddings, bumper bars, or wheels) It can also contain toxic material, PVC on some parts of the stroller or in the rain shield. Most commonly used fabric for a stroller is polyester and foam is polyurethane foam. Rain cover is often made with PVC. Stroller manufacturer may or may not use flame retardant chemicals on polyester fabric or polyurethane foam. Therefore, inquiring directly with a manufacturer will be a good idea. The best type of fabric you can find for a stroller would be an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric. Also, recycled polyester (rPET) can be used as an eco-friendly fabric material.
The strollers I researched all used polyester fabric and polyurethane foam except Bumbleride Indie jogging stroller, Bugaboo Fox Complete and Zoe Strollers. Both Bumbleride Indie jogging stroller and Bugaboo Fox Complete stroller are made with 100% recycled PET. Bumbleride is the only company that uses OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric for their strollers. Bugaboo Fox Complete stroller is TuV Sud / GS mark certified which uses the chemical testing in line with the Oeko-Tex 100 guidelines. Bumbleride and Zoe Strollers are the only companies thatdo not use polyurethane foam in their strollers.
I really like Bumbleride strollers but they only makes three models: Indie, Indie Twin, Speed which are designed for active families. Unfortunately they do not make umbrella strollers, therefore, I had to choose a different brand. For an umbrella stroller, I really like a Zoe XL1 BEST v2 lightweight umbrella stroller. Zoe stroller specializes in umbrella/ light weight strollers and they do not use polyurethane foam in their strollers. Also, Zoe XL1 Best V2 umbrella stroller is super light at 11 lbs. It can be folded with one hand which makes using this stroller super easy. In addition, it has a huge canopy and comes with cool accessories such as a cup holder and a snack cup for a toddler, a cup holder for a parent and a belly bar. It is reasonably priced for many features you get. Importantly, it is one of the most non-toxic strollers available with no polyurethane foam anywhere in the stroller.
If you are interested in the best umbrella stroller, please read my post ‘Best Umbrella Stroller – Which Umbrella Stroller Is The Best?‘.
If you are interested in non-toxic car seats, please read my post ‘Non Toxic Car Seats Without Flame Retardant Chemicals‘.
If you want to find more about Baby Jogger Umbrella Stroller, please read my review in my post, ‘Baby Jogger City Tour Umbrella Stroller Review – Pros and Cons of Baby Jogger City Tour Stroller’.
Omg FTM here and I cannot wait to order the Zoe!!! My husband and I were saving up to buy an Uppa and something just kept nagging me to do more research and I stumbled across this page. Now we don’t have to spend as much money for non toxic. Thank you so much for all your hard work. You are truly amazing.
Thank you so much for your nice message, Myriah! I am happy to hear that my post helped!
Could you please tell me if Phil & Teds strollers are safe to use? I’ve been using a Bob jogger but now I gave two children and I saw one site list a prop 65 warning on phil&teds stroller (the dot I believe) and I am not sure which chemical this is referring to? Could you please help me? I will be replacing my chicco liteway with Zoe in the future but I need an all terrain that will be my main stroller and side by sides aren’t as convenient. Thank you!
Hi Neshama, thank you for your inquiry. I would have to see what chemical is used in what part of the stroller. I made inquiry to Phil & Teds. Once I hear from them, I will let y you know.
Hi Neshama,
Phil & Teds replied to me as follows.
Which stroller model are you speaking about? None of our strollers have any harmful chemicals, this may be an error on a page from a retailer. Would you please send the direct link where you are seeing this listed?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/phil-teds-Voyager-Inline-Stroller/48970578
Im sorry it was the voyager has a prop 65 warning, perhaps it’s the tires? If you scroll down it’s there.
I went ahead ordered the Explorer but I’m not impressed with the wheel/ air tire quality at all.
Anyways, thank you for all your efforts!
I am trying to contact ZOE strollers about the details of their strollers (chemical/materials wise), and they aren’t willing to answer my questions! They keep telling me to go to the JPMA website. Their lack of transparency is very concerning….
Oh really? When I inquired by email, they did reply to me with materials and flame retardant chemicals, which I put them on this post.
Hi Isabelle–
I am researching toxins in strollers and came across your post – thanks for putting it up! I noticed that you said to avoid polyurethane foam. Do you know if the foam used in the Nuna Mixx stroller is considered safe (or safer) for any reason?
Hi Marion,
Most strollers contain polyurethane foam, it is hard to find a stroller without it. Only ones without polyurethane foam I have found through my research were Bumbleride Stroller and Zoe Stroller. Nuna stroller does not have flame retardant chemicals which is often treated in the polyurethane foam or fabric. Nuna company also says they strive for mindful manufacturing with their materials, ingredients, eco-friendly production equipment and processes. I would say they are one of the safer strollers you can find because it possible for a stroller to have flame retardant chemicals in their foam or fabric. Hope this helps! 🙂
Thank you for the great post. I own Uppa Vista. Do you mind elborating which “padding” has polyethylene foam? Is it seat padding or bassinet padding? Or both? 😱
Hi Jude,
According to Uppababy, the Padding to the seat of the stroller is Polyurethane foam, the outer cover is 100% Polyester and the Filling is Polyester batting. The Bassinet mattress cover as well as the Bassinet lining contains Polyurethane Foam. The Padding is made of 100% Polyester batting. Hope this helps!
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
Thank you! actually I do have a donate button. https://gonewmommy.com/donate/
Hi Isabelle,
Thank you so much for your research and for sharing it, I’m so happy I found you! Did you find that Bugaboo Fox Complete Stroller had polyurethane foam?
Thank you!
ig
Hi Irene,
Bugaboo stroller told me they use a polyurethane foam in their stroller. However, all of their materials are Oeko-Tex 100 Certified and their strollers sold in US are free of flame retardant chemicals.
Here is their reply.
Dear Isabelle,
Thank you for contacting Bugaboo.
All our current products adhere to the latest safety standards and regulations and no materials from the REACH list are present. Past models of bugaboo strollers adhered to the safety standards and regulations present at the time they were in market. We use PU impregnation in line with flame resistance regulation that apply to our products.
Bugaboo strollers sold in the United States are Free of chemical and fire retardants, do not contain any phthalates or lead. All materials used in bugaboo strollers are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, which means that textile and fabric products are SAFE for human use. However, our fabrics are not certified organic.
Bugaboo frames are aluminum and plastic. The fabrics are of machine washable (gentle cycle/cold water) 100% polyester and uses a polyurethane foam. Wood is used on the bassinet and seat unit.
Bugaboo strollers sold in the U.S. are not treated with flame retardants. Bugaboo strollers sold in the U.K. are treated with fire retardants. Fire safety is an essential part of the standards that all bugaboo strollers (from the bugaboo gecko now to the newest bugaboo bee3) have to comply with.
All materials used for Bugaboo strollers, have been approved by the relevant standards in the EU: EN 1888, EN 1466 and EN 71-2 safety of toys part 2 flammability, in the UK: BS 7409 and BS5852: Furniture and furnishings fire safety regulations) in Australia AS/NZS 2008:2000, in United States of America ASTM F833-07a, ASTM D1230-1961 and Technical bulletin no 117-2000, in Canada SOR/85-379 and they have also been approved by the German inspection body TÜV.
Bugaboo follows the Oeko-Tex standard for the chemicals on fabrics and complete extensive chemical tests for all our fabrics. As our main safety certification is using TuV Sud / GS mark, we use their certification for our complete stroller which includes the chemical testing in line with the Oeko-Tex 100 guidelines.
The handlebar foam is a blend of NBR+PVC, it’s a rubber blend developed to resist to environment conditions.
In 2017, a limited amount of the chemical substance TDCPP was found in the leather-look carry handle of the Bugaboo Buffalo. The independent testing agency Intertek concluded that the levels of TDCPP found in our leather-look materials are not toxic to a baby or an adult.
The design of the Bugaboo Buffalo and its specifications, including those of the carry handle, do not include the use of a TDCPP substance. It is Bugaboo’s conclusion that materials used for the Bugaboo Buffalo carry handle, were contaminated in the production/assembly process. A robust screening method was set up to ensure that we do not have any TDCPP in our products before they go to market. To account for possible cross contamination of other materials used in our products, we have improved our screening processes.
We explicitly state that our products do not contain any TDCPP, and this statement will apply to any products released in the future.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Thank you! I really appreciate your work!
Thank you! 🙂
Do you know if strollers and other baby equipment from companies outside the United States manufactured prior to 2014, have to comply with US flammability requirements if they are sold in the USA? I have a Valco Baby (an Australian company) stroller from 2007. Specifically it is the Runabout Tri Mode with bassinet and toddler attachments. I called and emailed the company last week, because I was concerned about flame retardants in the older models prior to 2014. The company informed me they do not currently use flame retardants in any of the strollers or products. However, the company representative I spoke and emailed with said she had no knowledge of use in prior models, but assumed there were no flame retardants for older models as well. I am skeptical of her assumption. Here is her email reply:
“Thank You for your email and sending in pictures. At this point because your stroller is a much older stroller and it Is over ten years ,I am unable to get further information. As I said previously our current stroller don’t carry any of these harmful chemicals so I would assume the same would be for the older strollers.”
Hi AB,
Sorry, there is a correction on my post. Strollers were actually exempted from flammability requirements since Dec. 2010 in US. Therefore, strollers manufactured before that time will most likely contain flame retardant chemicals. (some strollers even after 2010) The updated standard TB 117-2013 applies to products manufactured or imported for sale in US. I would assume previous version, TB 117 would apply to the same. Even if it didn’t apply, there are potentials that old strollers may contain flame retardant chemicals. Manufacturer may not have added flame retardant chemicals to their strollers but their suppliers for polyurethane foam or synthetic fabrics such as polyester have already added flame retardant chemicals. I don’t know if Valco Baby company restricted any flame retardants with their suppliers at that time. Since usage of flame retardant chemicals are not banned, there is always a chance that they may have been used. Hope this helps!
Thank you for this blog post, it is very informative. Have you heard of the Silver Cross brand of strollers? If so, do you know what their status is on non-toxic materials?
Thank you again!
Hi Mika,
Silver Cross brand seems to be a luxury brand compared to other strollers. I didn’t see any material information so I inquired at the company. I will get back to you once I hear from them.
Hi Mika,
I got a reply from Silver Cross UK. They said the following.
“Silver Cross products utilize materials and finishing techniques to uphold appearance, compliance, durability, and above all else, safety. Typically, fabrics are manufactured from polyester or natural bamboo. The Wave seat unit [sitting] surface and seat liner are polyester, with the mattress cover and bassinet liner being natural bamboo. Foam and fillings are polyurethane and polyester. No flame retardants or water proofing chemicals are used to treat the fabrics.”
Hi There
Amazing site and thread! We recently tried and really like the feel of Silver Cross products. The material seemed higher quality than many others. Looking into them more I couldn’t find any info on their materials and toxic/ non toxic. Have you come across any info on them? We liked the wave stroller and the jet premium.
Hi Aaron,
I couldn’t find any material information either so I inquired at the company. Once I hear from them, I will get back to you.
Silver Cross UK said the following about their materials.
“Silver Cross products utilize materials and finishing techniques to uphold appearance, compliance, durability, and above all else, safety. Typically, fabrics are manufactured from polyester or natural bamboo. The Wave seat unit [sitting] surface and seat liner are polyester, with the mattress cover and bassinet liner being natural bamboo. Foam and fillings are polyurethane and polyester. No flame retardants or water proofing chemicals are used to treat the fabrics.”
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further write ups thank you once again.|
Thank you!
I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written!|
Thank you!
also looking at the silver cross, anxious to see the reply thank you
Silver Cross UK. said,
Silver Cross products utilize materials and finishing techniques to uphold appearance, compliance, durability, and above all else, safety. Typically, fabrics are manufactured from polyester or natural bamboo. The Wave seat unit [sitting] surface and seat liner are polyester, with the mattress cover and bassinet liner being natural bamboo. Foam and fillings are polyurethane and polyester. No flame retardants or water proofing chemicals are used to treat the fabrics.
Very soon this site will be famous among all blogging people, due to it’s fastidious posts|
Thank you!
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have bookmarked it for later!|
Thank you.
Hello Isabelle,
I wonder if you have any information about valco baby snap 4. Are they safe to use?. I was about to buy it but I need to know about their toxicity before buying It.
And, I would love to know your opinion about Greentom.
Thanks in a million
Hi Celia,
I am not familiar with Valco Baby Snap 4. I have inquired at the Valco Baby company about their materials. Once I hear from them, I will let you know.
For Greentom, it looks like they are an eco-friendly company. Their stroller frames are entirely made of recycled plastic. All materials can be reused or recycled. Their Carrycot mattress is made of organic cotton, wool and flax.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!|
Thank you!
Very good post! We will be linking to this great post on our website. Keep up the good writing.|
Thank you.
Are any of the Britax strollers safe without flame retardants? We just purchased the one Britain click right that doesn’t use flame retardants. I was so upset to find out our Chico used a LOT in the car seat our son had been using since born. I did a ton of research on safety of car seats but never knew to look into the flame retardants. I’m now xo center his Chico stroller is bad too. We unfortunately don’t make a lot of money and can’t afford the expensive brands. That’s why I’m asking if you know anything about the Britax strikers.
Thank you and I was so glad I found your article!!
Hi Lathena,
Britax strollers are not treated with any chemical flame retardants. Hope this helps!
Hi, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this blog post. It was practical. Keep on posting!|
Thank you!
Extremely helpful post, thank you! I’ve been searching high and low for information on the Joie range of strollers, particularly the Versatrax, as it ticks so many boxes on my “stroller must haves” list – but I can’t find any info at all about chemicals and flame retardants. Very frustrating. Do you happen to know if they’re a “clean” brand? I’m guessing not, as they’d probably be shouting about it if they were…?
Hi Wendy,
I don’t think this stroller is distributed in United States. I am not familiar with the brand. I requested information on flame retardants with the Joie company in UK. Once I hear from them, I will let you know. Thank you.
Hi Wendy,
Where are you located? Joie company said the following.
We do not have any distributors in the United States, as our products are not tested to any US safety standards.
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I’m in the uk and have messaged Joie twice but had no response, so I’m guessing it’s not good news… I have found another similar stroller though – with a reversible parent/world facing seat and an easy one handed fold (which for me were the two main selling points of the Joie) which is the Maxi Cosi Adorra…. how does Maxi Cosi compare on the chemicals front? (I have also emailed them, but am yet to receive a response…) The annoying thing seems to be that the UK’s laws are particularly strict despite being badly outdated, so even companies like Bumbleride and Bugaboo use fire retardants on their UK models! Most frustrating… Thanks again for your help – I never imagined choosing a stroller would be so complicated!!
Hi Wendy,
I have contacted Maxi Cosi regarding the Adorra stroller. I will get back to you once I hear from them. Thank you.
Hello! Have you gotten a response yet from Maxi Cosi re: flame retardents?
Hi Valeria,
Yes, they said,
We can confirm that no chemicals are used in the fabrics of our products and the material used is mainly made from polyester and is woven multiple times to provide an effective solution to being fire retardant.
We can also confirm that the wheels are made from rubber, and again have not been treated with any fire retardant chemicals.
No flame retardant chemicals are used. Hope this helps!
Hi Wendy,
I heard back from Joie Baby and they said their products are not treated with flame retardant chemicals.
Wonderful, thank you Isabelle! I eventually heard back from them too, and while they were slightly vague on the details of the materials they do use, they did say they don’t use chlorinated or brominated flame retardants, and I guess those are the main concern. We have gone ahead and ordered the Versatrax stroller and look forward to picking it up in a few weeks, before baby arrives. Thanks again for all your help!
Thank you! Congrats on your baby! 🙂
Thanks so much for this great info! Do you know if the Mockingbird stroller is considered nontoxic? The website is a bit vague and doesn’t mention any specific materials used or what potential chemicals are excluded from their products. Thanks again!
Hi J,
I have inquired material information to Mockingbird stroller company. Once I hear from them, I will get back to you.
Thank you.
Hi J,
Mockingbird stroller company replied as following.
We treat safety with the utmost respect, so love to hear questions like this from customers who obviously feel the same. We meet (and often exceed) the highest governmental regulations set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM International (most recently the ASTM F833-19 standard).
We submit all of our fabrics and materials to testing for harmful substances, so can certify that we test & pass for:
– heavy metals (such as antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, selenium)
– lead
– fire/flame retardant chemicals
– phthalates
– formaldehyde
And to answer your questions directly, we do not use any flame retardants in our products. We do use polyurethane in our wheels, and polyurethane foam pads in the interiors only of our seat and harness pads. We do not have any PVC material in our stroller.
Here is a full rundown of our stroller materials:
– Frame: aluminum
– Wheels: polyurethane
– Handlebar & bumper bar: leatherette
– Seat: nylon
– Storage basket: nylon
– Canopy: majority polyester with spandex water resistant fabric, and majority polyester lining
– Interior of seat and back: polyurethane foam pad
– Harness Pads: interior polyurethane foam pad; exterior majority polyester
– Harness Straps: majority nylon
Flame retardant is not used for this stroller. They do testing for harmful substances. They do have polyurethane foam and synthetic fabric such as nylon. However, most strollers use polyurethane foam and synthetic fabric such as polyester. There is no PVC material in their strollers. I would probably research further what type of testing is done on their fabrics for harmful substances. I asked them and am waiting for a reply. Hope this helps!
Did you ever get a response on this? Thanks!
Hi Mei,
Mockingbird stroller company said that for fabric testing, the testing is done under the JPMA Certification Program that they participate in (which is an additional test they choose to submit to that goes beyond the governmentally set ASTM standards).
Hi J,
Mockingbird stroller company said that for fabric testing, the testing is done under the JPMA Certification Program that they participate in (which is an additional test they choose to submit to that goes beyond the governmentally set ASTM standards).
Hi Isabelle
Thanks so much for this article. I am based in the Uk. I wanted to check, does that mean what companies have said to you above may not be applicable to the items which are sold in the UK?
We are between the Uppababy cruz, Stokke xplory, and a brand called Joolz. Do you know if these brands would be non toxic if bought in the UK?
Kind Regards
Hi Jo,
I believe they are unless flame retardant is required by law in UK. Uppababy UK’s website says their products and their stroller sare not treated with any flame retardants. However, I made an inquiry to Uppababy UK to be sure if their strollers in UK contain flame retardant chemicals and if flame retardants are required by law in UK. I will get back to you once I hear from them.
Thankyou so much for your reply.
I heard back from Uppababy, and they stated their strollers sold in the UK do contain flame retardants. It is so unfortunate.
We are still on the lookout for a brand that sells strollers in the UK without flame retardants.
Hi Jo,
Yes, they also emailed me saying the following.
All UPPAbaby strollers and car seats meet and exceed ASTM & JPMA compliance standards and governmental safety and testing standards. State and federal safety standards require all car seats to meet stringent flame retardancy standards. Many manufacturers meet these requirements by treating their fabrics with toxic brominated and chlorinated chemicals, like PBBs and PBDEs that can be harmful to children. All UPPAbaby products meet all applicable flame retardancy standards without these potentially harmful chemicals. UPPAbaby do not use any melamine, brominated, chlorinated or organophosphate (including: TDCPP, TPP, TCPP) flame retardants in the other colours apart from Henry and Jordan for the MESA.
It looks like UK (state and federal) has flame retardancy standards.
Thankyou so much for your reply.
I heard back from Uppababy, and they stated their strollers sold in the UK do contain flame retardants. It is so unfortunate.
We are still on the lookout for a brand that sells strollers in the UK without flame retardants.
Hi Jo,
Yes, they also emailed me saying the following.
All UPPAbaby strollers and car seats meet and exceed ASTM & JPMA compliance standards and governmental safety and testing standards. State and federal safety standards require all car seats to meet stringent flame retardancy standards. Many manufacturers meet these requirements by treating their fabrics with toxic brominated and chlorinated chemicals, like PBBs and PBDEs that can be harmful to children. All UPPAbaby products meet all applicable flame retardancy standards without these potentially harmful chemicals. UPPAbaby do not use any melamine, brominated, chlorinated or organophosphate (including: TDCPP, TPP, TCPP) flame retardants in the other colours apart from Henry and Jordan for the MESA.
It looks like UK (state and federal) has flame retardancy standards.
Hello,
Do you know if the Babyzen YOYO2 is nontoxic?
Thank you.
Hi Erin,
I made an inquiry to Babyzen about their materials and below is what they told me about the YOYO2.
“The frame is aluminum, removable stainless steel, and high-performance technical plastics.
In response to your inquiry, for the US market, we are not using any flame retardants.
Our products do not contain and are not produced with:
– PVC. We only use PA or PP an as well POM for some very technical parts
– Phthalates, Bisphenol, PAHs, SCCPs, Formaldehyde, Azo colorants, Teflon or Organotin
All our products and fabrics are tested according to international norms such as EN, ASTM, and REACH
I think overall it is fine. Importantly, the Babyzen Yoyo2 does not use flame retardant chemicals and some toxic chemicals listed above.
Hope this helps!
Hello. I have a diabetic pup. I have been looking at fog strollers that dont have the prop 65 stuff in them. That search doesnt come up with any research done on them. I would rather not add to my pups health struggles by using a xancer cause fabric for him to breathe thru whenever we want to take him out. Could uou help with my search for a good stroller. He is a 15lb yorkie. Thank you.
Hi Amy,
Sorry for a late reply. I tried to research and contacted several dog stroller companies. However, none of them got back to me when I inquired them about their stroller fabric materials. Stroller materials are usually made with polyester or fabric-alike due the nature of practicality. However, I notice that some dog strollers have waterproof coatings which can be harmful. I tried to clarify the chemicals with the dog stroller companies but was unsuccessful getting replies. Sorry about that. I will keep an eye on this subject and see if I come across a non toxic dog stroller. I have a dog myself. Although my dog doesn’t need a stroller, I am all for non toxic products for dogs. You may be able to use a baby stroller for infants (bassinet-kind) if you like. However, those strollers are a lot more costly compared to dog strollers so I wasn’t sure if you wanted recommendation. Please let me know if you do. If not, I will keep an eye on dog strollers to see if I come across a non toxic dog stroller.
Thank you for checking for me. I looked and looked and couldnt find anything. My pup has diabetes and it wears his body down. Maybe putting coverings on the stroller will help keep him from direct contact with the chemicals. Thank you for your time 🙃
Hi Amy,
No problem. Yes, that is a good idea. Using organic cotton coverings or blankets may help.