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Non Toxic High Chairs – Could High Chair Have Harmful Chemicals In Their Materials?
When baby starts eating solid food, it could be a really exciting time. You get a high chair and other feeding stuff ready for your baby. Since baby sits and eats right off the tray of the high chair, the material of the high chair is important. You would want to avoid any harmful chemicals touching the food or your baby. A lot of high chairs in the market are made of plastic or wood. Could they be toxic? A high chair must also be easy to clean since baby feeding can be messy. It should also be safe since baby can fall or get injured. Which high chair is non toxic, easy to clean and safe? In this post, I share with you how high chairs can be toxic, what safe, easy to clean, non toxic high chairs are available.
How High Chairs Can Be Toxic
Plastic Material
Many high chairs are made of plastic. Plastics in general are not environmentally friendly and some plastics can be toxic. Plastics can contain BPA, phthalates and some harmful chemicals. Certain plastics are worse than other type of plastics. You should definitely avoid #3 (PVC), #6 (polystyrene), and #7 (polycarbonate) plastics. #7 (polycarbonate) plastic is derived from BPA Bisphenol-A (BPA).
Some high chairs contain polyurethane foam or PVC (polyvinyl chloride or vinyl) in the seat pad. Almost all trays in the high chair are made of plastic. Since baby’s food comes in contact with a tray directly, the tray shouldn’t contain any harmful chemicals such as BPA or Phthalates. Both BPA and phthalates can be leached from plastic into food or liquid. Baby can also touch some parts of the high chair so check out materials used in the high chair. Let’s take a look at harmful chemicals that can be found in some high chairs.
BPA (bisphenol A)
BPA (bisphenol A) is used to harden certain plastics. We are exposed to BPA mostly from food or beverages stored in canned food, plastic containers or bottles. More than 90% of us have BPA in our bodies. However, BPA is an endocrine disruptor and it may also cause infertility in men and women. Also, BPA exposure during early life may influence birth weight, hormonal development, behavior, and cancer risk in later life. It is also linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Although more research is needed, it is also linked to issues with brain, liver, thyroid, and immune function. With all potential negative effects, you would want to avoid BPA.
Phthalates
Phthalates are often used as plasticizers to increase plastic’s flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are often used soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are called The Everywhere Chemical since we could be exposed to them from so many products. We can be exposed to phthalates by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Phthalates are linked to asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, breast cancer, obesity and type II diabetes, low IQ, neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral issues, autism spectrum disorders, altered reproductive development and male fertility issues. Therefore, they also should be avoided especially for young babies and children.
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride, or Vinyl)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride, or vinyl) is often used in the lining of a high chair (padding cover). PVC material makes cleaning easy. However, PVC is the most toxic plastic. According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, vinyl chloride which is used to make PVC is a known carcinogen. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also classified that vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen. In addition, The International Agency for Research on Cancer and EPA have determined that vinyl chloride is a human carcinogen. Phthalates or dioxins from PVC are also endocrine disruptors. PVC‘s high chlorine contents and phthalates release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air we breathe in. PVC can’t be recycled and it also leaks harmful chemicals when it is burned and buried during use and disposal. It is one of the worst material for our environment. We can be exposed to PVC by ingesting, inhalation and skin contact.
Polyurethane Foam
Foam-padded high chairs may contain polyurethane foam in the cushion. Polyurethane foam is petroleum-based and includes toxic chemicals such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, and other toxins. Polyurethane foam is commonly placed in foam-furnitures such as crib mattresses or chairs. Polyurethane foam contains Isocyanates which is derived from crude oil. Isocyanates include compounds classified as potential human carcinogens and animal carcinogens. Most commonly used diisocyanate compounds (an organic compound that with two isocyanate groups) to produce polyurethane foam are toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). TDI is a possible a human carcinogen. Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) can also have respiratory effects such as a decrease in lung function. Toxic chemicals from polyurethane foam can release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air where we breathe in. Polyurethane exposure can cause cardiac arrhythmias, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, irritation of mucous membranes, headache, coughing, asthma and allergic reaction, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, and reduced pulmonary function according to EPA manufacturer material safety data sheets for polyurethane foam.
In addition to the toxic ingredients, polyurethane foam is also highly flammable so it is often treated with toxic flame retardant chemicals. Some of flame retardants are carcinogenic and they also have harmful health effects such as endocrine disruption, heart disease, infertility and reduced IQ and poor attention span in children. Flame retardant chemicals can escape from products and settle in the air with dust. Children can easily touch the furniture or floor that contain flame retardant chemicals, put their hands in their mouth and ingest them. You can avoid polyurethane foam by choosing a high chair with no foam padding.
Wood Type And Finish
Wood is a great material option for a high chair. It is actually a lot better material than plastic. However, wood material can also be toxic. If wood is not 100% solid wood and it is engineered or manufactured, it will emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the wood especially a toxic chemical called formaldehyde. Engineered wood is typically made with glue that contains formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and serious home air pollutant.
Some wood finishes can also be toxic. Wood finish is applied to wood to protect the wood from scratches or damages. Paint or stain is also a wood finish with pigment or dyes. Traditional wood finish is petroleum solvent-based and contains high VOCs. It can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air we breathe in. One of the most toxic finish is lacquer. Conventional lacquer often contains the solvents. Solvents include a variety of toxic chemicals such as xylene, toluene, benzene, petroleum distillates, gasoline, kerosene, etc. Some of these toxic chemicals are linked to cancer and reproductive harm. Therefore, you would want to choose a wooden high chair with non toxic finish such as linseed oil or tung oil, shellac or low or no voc, water-based wood finish.
Safety Compliance
These are some technical standard for baby and children products you can look for when purchasing a high chair. Although all of these safety compliance do not guarantee safety of a product, a product that is compliant with these standards would be better than the ones without certification.
CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission)
CPSC is a federal agency that tests products to eliminate any dangerous or unsafe products from consumer. They coordinate recalls, develop uniform safety standards and conduct research into product related injury or illness. CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) is a law signed in 2008 to prevent risks and hazards associated with toys and other products intended for use by children. Lead-Free Toys Act was also incorporated into this act later. Lead limit is set for surface coatings or paint at 90 ppm (although there is no safe level of lead according to The World Organization of Health). It also prohibits children’s toys and child care articles containing more than 0.1% of certain phthalates such as DEHP, DBP or BBP.
Some of CPSC’s safety standards are mandatory and some are voluntary. In 2018, CPSC approved a new standard for high chairs. Federal law requires that high chairs comply with the Safety Standard for High Chairs, 16 CFR part 1231 (Effective June 19, 2019), and with additional requirements, including those of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). The new standard is the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F404-18, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for High Chairs). It includes requirements for rearward stability and warning labels and requires that high chairs have a passive crotch restraint and a three-point restraint system. This is to prevent injury from falls when a child attempted to climb into or out of the high chair; when the chair tipped over as a child pushed back or rocked back and forth while seated in the high chair; or when a component (such as the restraint, tray, or lock) of the high chair failed.
JPMA ( (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association)
JPMA tests safety for baby products. JPMA certification seal means that a baby product has been tested and met the guidelines set by standards developer ASTM International. The product also has to meet federal and state laws and some retail requirements in order to meet ASTM International standards. Their certification goes beyond existing requirements set by federal and state governments and adds more standards for safety. JPMA certification is voluntary. Not all babies’ and children’s products are included in the certification program.
ASTM (Formerly Known As American Society for Testing and Materials) International
ATSM International certifies children’s products to ensure they meet safety requirements in ASTM international standards. ASTM standards are also the foundation of the JPMA certification 2.0 program. ASTM F963 is also toy safety standard required by US law. According to ASTM International, over 12,000 ASTM standards are published each year. More than 6,700 ASTM standards have been adopted as the basis of national standards or referenced in regulations in countries outside the United States. ASTM F404 is Standard Consumer Safety Specification for High Chairs.
Easy To Clean
Feeding session can be really messy. Food will be spilled and dropped on the chair all the time. Since you would have to clean the chair every meal time, you would probably want a high chair that is easy to clean. There are high chairs that have a fabric cover on the chair. You could wash the fabric cover in the laundry machine. However, I personally feel washing a high chair cover is another chore to do. I just want to wipe the table and chair clean. It is possible that the fabric may have some chemical treatments such as water-proof, stain resistant, etc. anyway. Think about what you are comfortable with on a daily basis. Check out if a high chair can be easily cleaned and has little nooks that food may get stuck.
Non Toxic High Chairs
When choosing a high chair,
- Wood material would be a much better option than plastic since plastic can have harmful chemicals such as BPA or phthalates. However, there are some high chairs that are made from better plastic such as recycled plastic.
- I would avoid a high chair that contains a PVC material in its seat cover.
- I would also avoid a high chair with foam padding in the seat which can contain polyurethane foam.
- Almost all trays are made with plastic so I would be sure a tray is BPA and phthalates-free.
- Engineered wood and wood finish can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) so I would also check if a high chair uses solid wood and low or zero VOC finish.
- See if a high chair complies with mandatory CPSIA and 16 CFR part 1231 (Effective June 19, 2019) for its safety compliance. If the company took an extra step to become ATSM or JPMA certified, that would be better.
- Choose a high chair that is also easy to wipe clean so it doesn’t create extra work for you.
- See if your baby fits well in the high chair and feels comfortable.
You can check out some non toxic high chairs in the list below.
STOKKE TRIPP TRAPP -Non Toxic High Chair
Material: 100% Solid Beechwood
Wood Finish or Paint: Water-based paint
Tray: Plastic (BPA and phthalates-free)
Made In: Europe
Safety Certification: Stokke Tripp Trapp® as a high chair complies with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) F404-17 and16 CFR part 1231, when used in combination with harness and baby set. JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certified.
Easy To Clean: Yes, just wipe it down with a clean damp cloth
KEEKAROO HEIGHT RIGHT HIGH CHAIR – Non Toxic High Chair
Material: 100% solid Rubber wood
Wood Finish or Paint: Standard plant based lacquer
The finish on their chairs is a standard clear nitrocellulose lacquer with no pigments and no lead. They use a water-based lacquer made from cellulose solids. Water-based lacquers are less toxic and more environmentally friendly compared to petroleum solvent-based lacquers.
Tray: Plastic (BPA and phthalates-free)
The tray is made from the same wood that the chair is from.
The Keekaroo Plastic Tray cover is made from Polypropylene (PP). Polypropylene is food grade plastic. The Plastic tray is BPA, phthalates, PVC and Lead Free. The Recycling symbol on the tray is #5 which is one of the better plastics.
Made In: Taiwan
Safety Certification: JPMA certified to the highest ASTM standards for children up to 3 years
Easy To Clean: Yes, just wipe it down with a clean damp cloth
BABYBJORN HIGH CHAIR -Non Toxic High Chair
Material: Plastic and painted steel
Their materials continuously undergo rigorous testing for Bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous substances. The BabyBjorn High Chair is PVC-free and contains no bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, cadmium, lead, bromine or chlorine. The plastic parts of the chair are recyclable.
Tray: Certified food-safe plastic (BPA and phthalates-free)
Safety Certification: The BABYBJÖRN High Chair complies with the European National Standard organization’s EN14988:2006 (European safety requirements for children’s high chairs, but this one is from 2006) and ASTM F404 safety standards.
Easy To Clean: Yes, just wipe it down with a clean damp cloth
Made In: made and manufactured in Sweden. All of their plastic feeding line is made in Sweden.
Bloom Fresco Chrome High Chair -Non Toxic High Chair
Material: The chair is made with recycled plastics and stainless steel finishes. The tray is made of FDA-food grade plastic. Their chair is free of lead, BPA, phthalates, PVC, formaldehyde and MDF.
Tray: FDA foodgrade plastic
Safety Standard: CPSIA and ASTM compliant
Easy To Clean: Yes, just wipe it down with a clean damp cloth
Made In: designed in Australia and manufactured in China
Final Thoughts
When you pick a high chair, there are a lot of things to consider. Not only its material should be non toxic but also it has to be safe and stable, and very easy to clean. There are also other things to consider. You may want a certain size, color or style high chair that is suitable for your home. Some high chairs may fit your baby better than others. You may find one tray removes faster and easier than other high chairs. You may also want a chair that can grow with your baby. Personally, I really like Stokke Tripp Trapp and Keegaroo high chairs. Whichever high chair you choose, keep in mind that not all high chairs are made of non toxic materials. They can contain and release harmful chemicals which is hazardous to our health. Therefore, you may want to check what materials a high chair is made of before choosing a high chair.
If you are interested in non toxic cribs, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Crib Buying Guide – Buying A Truly Non Toxic Crib‘.
If you are interested in non-toxic car seats, please read my post ‘Non Toxic Car Seats Without Flame Retardant Chemicals‘.
If you are interested in non toxic strollers without flame retardant chemicals, please read my previous post, ‘Non Toxic Strollers Without Flame Retardant Chemicals‘.
If you are interested in non toxic play mats without flame retardant chemicals, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Play Yard Without Flame Retardant Chemicals.’
If you are interested in non toxic toys, please read my post, ‘Best Non Toxic Toys – What Are The Best Non Toxic Toys?‘
Hello, thank you so much for your posts! Do you happen to know anything about the Phil Ted s Poppy high chair in terms of safety and non-toxic-ness?
Hi, I have inquired Phil & Teds about the high chair materials in detail so that I can see if it is non toxic. Once I hear from them, I will get back to you.
Hi. I am also keen to learn about the phil and Ted’s chair. Will you post here when you hear back? Thanks so much.
Hi LeAnn,
Please read comments I made about Phil & Teds in previous inquiry in this blog. Thank you!
Hi, this is what Phil and Teds company replied to me about Poppy high chair.
The aerocore seat is made of EVA, and the material is 100% compliant with all regulatory requirements that is safe and easy to clean. This material is also commonly used to make chopppig boards for those reasons.
Chemical testing of all materials used on phil&teds products is something that is taken seriously by phil&teds to ensure the safety of your child. We test our products to European, Australia, New Zealand, and American standards and legislation, including the relevant European directives. These have strict requirements for chemical testing of children’s products.
EVA is definitely a better material than PVC since it doesn’t contain plasticizers like phthlates. However, EVA foam could contain toxic chemical formaldehyde. Not all EVA foam contain the chemical. However, I would research further to ensure it wasn’t used. I have inquired Phil and Teds about it. I will get back to you once I hear from them.
Phil & Teds said that their EVA material does not contain formaldehyde. Hope this helps. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your informative blog! I wish I had found it earlier! This is an excellent post and so important! Do you know about the Safety First Timba high chair (in the natural wood colour)? I can’t see anything on their website or elsewhere on the lacquer or VOCs in the plywood (?) portion of the chair. http://int.safety1st.com/our-products/home-equipment/highchairs/timba-without-cushion/features.aspx
Also, I haven’t seen them in person, but it seems like most of the wood high chairs (Timba, Keekaroo, Stokke), have a curved back so either it’s bent plywood (so similar to engineered wood) or plastic. So I feel like we have to accept either the VOCs from the plywood or plastic. Am I mistaken?
Hi El,
I have inquired at Safety 1st. However, they told me that The Timba is an European product, and is not available in North
America, so unfortunately they do not have any information on it. I asked where I can get the information and waiting for their reply. Stokke confirmed that Stokke Tripp Trapp high chairs are made of 100% beech solid wood, no engineered wood if you are interested in all solid wood high chair. Their Oak chairs are 100% Oak, and their Ash chairs are made out of 100% Ash. Hope this helps!
Hi El,
Safety 1st UK has told me the following.
We can confirm that the Timba Highchair is made from Birch plywood and has a natural wood lacquer.
Thank you for the High chair info and the listing of the non toxic ones. I also read another article on flame retardants and car seats and convertible car seats. That was very educating as I work in retail where i am the sales person for these items and i had been asked the questions about non toxic materials on them.
Thank you! 🙂
Hi! Do you know anything about the Wee Sprouts High Chair? It’s made off PP and beechwood. They told me that they do test their product through strict guidelines. They did not elaborate on the kind of testing.
Hi Mira,
I have made an inquiry to Wee Sprout. I will get back to you when I hear from them. Thank you.
Hi Mira,
Wee Sprouts send me the testing report for their high chair. Below is the link.
https://weesprout.zendesk.com/attachments/token/8ORFRIQqSfpWFB9TqzTArVK2d/?name=WHC.pdf
Hi! Do you recommend the Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair? They reference ASTM testing, green conscience, and no BPA, phalates, etc. Thank you!
Hi Erik, Abiie Beyond high chair is made of European cultivated beech wood that is recyclable and biodegradable. However, I would need more information about their material or any treatments done in the chair to see if they are non toxic. I have a inquiry to Abiie. Once I hear from them, I will get back to you.
Hi Erik,
Abiie replied to my inquiries as follows.
Is Abii Beyond High Chair made with all solidwood or does it have engineered or manufactured wood parts? Does it have polyurethane foam in the cushion?
The Beyond Junior high chair is made with 100% beechwood, the frame is made with solid wood and the backrest, tray, seat and footrest panels are veneer plywood (only pure beechwood is used). The cushion is not the PU material; it is made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).
Does it have any flame retardants?
NO. The product has not treated with flame retardants.
Is it treated with any coating for water repellent property?
The product is finished with plant-based child-safe lacquer.
It seems that the chair is made of combination of solid wood and engineered wood (plywood). Engineered wood such as plywood veneer can emit formaldehyde. The amount of formaldehyde will depend on the glue that was used. EVA is considered to be a safe alternative to PVC. It doesn’t have phthalates or BPA. However, some EVA foams can contain formaldehyde. In one of Amazon customer question and answers, one of the customer says the label of this chair says it is compliant for formaldehyde phase 1 and 2 (CARB phase 1 & 2: compliant to low formaldehyde emission level). Therefore, it does have some formaldehyde used either in the engineered wood or eva foam. However, CARB 2 is considered eco-friendly. CARB 2 Engineered wood is much better than non compliant engineered wood with low formaldehyde emission level. I think it looks good so far. The final decision will be really up to you. Some people may want all solid whereas some people may not mind solid wood with CARB 2 engineered wood parts. The only thing I am not sure is anti-microbial heat sterilization since I am not familiar with it. I would need research more on that to comment. Hope this helps!
Hi Erik,
Abiie also came back with this reply.
Beyond Junior high chair contains no harmful substances such as BPA, Phthalate, PVC, and Latex. The woods are finished with non-toxic and certified-safe plant-based lacquer. The cushion is EVA foam and there is no chemicals used on heat sterilization when we process the wood.
I’m not following completely, is there formaldehyde in the Abiie high chair? Thank you!
Hi Rebecca,
The chair is mixture of solid wood and composite wood (plywood). Plywood typically emits some formaldehyde.
However, their plywood is CARB Phase 1 and 2 compliant which means the formaldehyde emission level is very low as CARB Phase 2 standard has very low formaldehyde emission limit.
Hi! Thanks for this post! What do you think of the SVAN Signet high chair? I’ve seen it posted as non toxic on different sites. Thanks so much!
Hi Tesse,
I contacted SVAN and inquired if this high chair made of all solid wood and what type of wood finish and paint
are used. I asked if the wood finish and paint used are water-based. However, the company replied as follows.
Thanks for the email. I checked inventory first and we do not have any items
available. I believe we are discontinuing.
Some high chairs use combination of solid wood and engineered wood. I also not sure what kind of wood finish is used. I would have to know the material information first to comment but I wasn’t able to get exact material information from their website or via email.
Hi! Do you recommend any non-toxic booster seats for a toddler to sit at the table?
Hi Vanessa,
Here are some options.
BabyBjörn Booster Seat
OXO Tot Perch Booster Seat with Straps
Hope this helps!