What Are Flame Retardants in Car Seats? (And Do You Need FR-Free?)

Car seats are a crucial component of keeping our little ones safe while cruising down the road. They are, hands down, the most important piece of safety gear you will buy. But you may not have realized that some car seats contain flame retardants—chemicals that are added to car seat components that slow down or prevent the spread of fire during collisions. While flame retardants may seem like a good thing, there are concerns about their safety. Frankly, the whole topic is confusing. Aren't they required? Are they toxic? Why are we forced to choose? We’ll explore what flame retardants are, why they are used in car seats, and what you need to know to make informed decisions about the safety of your child’s car seat. Our best advice? Read on and don’t panic. What Are Flame Retardants? Flame retardants (FRs) are chemicals added to a wide range of products—including strollers, mattresses, swings, and furniture—to slow down or prevent the start of a fire. There are two FR varieties: Additive and reactive. Additive FRs are blended into the product’s material or added as a coating but are not chemically bonded to the product. Because they aren’t bound to the material, they can migrate (break free) and may transfer to dust, clothing, and skin. This "migration" is the main problem. The chemicals don't stay put. They mix with dust in the car, which kids then breathe in or get on their hands and put in their mouths. Reactive FRs are chemically bound to the product and less likely to migrate. FRs are often categorized according to their chemical structure and properties. The most common flame retardants include: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Chlorinated flame retardants (CFRs). Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs). Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPAs). Beyond these, you also hear a lot about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). While PFAS are usually used for stain resistance (those "performance fabrics" that wipe clean), they are often found alongside FRs and carry their own list of significant health concerns. Many "FR-Free" seats are also marketed as "PFAS-Free." Some flame retardants, like BFRs and CFRs, are associated with adverse health effects, including endocrine disruption and cancer, and have been phased out of manufacturing processes. But here's the problem: manufacturers often just swap one known bad chemical for a slightly different, untested chemical (called a "regrettable substitute") to meet the fire standard. This is why many parents look for seats that pass the test without any added chemicals at all. Why Are Flame Retardants Used in Car Seats? This is the core of the conflict. In 1991, car seat manufacturers began adding fire retardants to the padding of car seats to meet the new safety standard. Federal law requires that car seats be fire-resistant and comply with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) FMVSS 302 standard for motor vehicle flammability. What does this regulation mean for car seats? They must meet the same flammability standards as the interior of your car. This rule was written decades ago and was intended for the components of the car interior (like the dashboard and seat cushions), not necessarily for a child safety device. The test itself involves hitting the material with an open flame. Chemical FRs are the cheapest and easiest way to pass that test. Are There Flame Retardants in All Car Seats? Thankfully, no. In response to the health and environmental concerns (and a lot of pressure from parents), there is a movement towards finding safer alternatives. These include using inherently flame-resistant materials, like wool, which naturally self-extinguishes and doesn't need chemicals to pass FMVSS 302. Brands are also developing new flame-retardant technologies and proprietary fabric weaves that are less harmful. That’s a long way of saying yes, there are FR-free car seat options, including ones that won’t break the bank (FR-free options are traditionally cost-prohibitive). Brands with flame retardant free car seats include: All Nuna car seats. (They were pioneers in this and use a wool-blend fabric.) All Britax SafeWash car seats. (Look for the "SafeWash" name specifically.) All Chicco ClearTex car seats. (Again, you must look for the "ClearTex" label) All Maxi-Cosi Pure Cosi car seats. All Clek car seats in Winter Mammoth, Mammoth, or Railroad fashions. (These use 100% Merino wool.) All UPPAbaby car seats in Alice, Gregory, Greyson, Henry, Jake, Jordan, and Stella. (These specific "fashions" use their merino wool blend.) All Orbit Baby car seats in merino wool. All Peg Perego car seats in Merino Wool. When shopping, look for certifications. A car seat labeled "Greenguard Gold Certified" has been tested for thousands of chemical emissions, offering much greater peace of mind. "Oeko-Tex Standard 100" is another label that certifies the fabric is free from a long list of harmful substances. How Big a Concern Are Flame Retardants in Car Seats? Any parent wants the best for their children, and prioritizing eco-friendly nontoxic products is a worthwhile (and understandable) endeavor. There are known adverse health effects associated with some flame retardants. But we have a gentle reminder: Car accidents are the second leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States. The safest car seat is one that is the right size for your child’s weight, height, and age; that fits your car; and that is properly installed each and every time. A perfectly installed, $80 car seat with FRs is infinitely safer than a poorly installed $800 FR-free seat. Most parenting involves a balancing act: Children spend a (relatively) limited amount of time in their car seats day-to-day, and remember, the next-best-to-optimal choice is often an excellent choice. The risk from FRs is about chronic, low-level exposure over time. The risk from a car crash is immediate and catastrophic. Always prioritize crash safety first. If your baby gear budget accommodates the typically larger price tag for FR-free car seats, you’ll have plenty of options. But if it doesn’t? A developmentally appropriate and safely installed car seat remains an outstanding choice, and you should pat yourself on the back for ensuring your little one is riding safely. What can you do if you’re concerned about unsafe chemical additives in your baby gear? Make noise. Email and call your local Congressman and Senators and encourage them to change current flammability standards, or contact your favorite baby gear brand to let them know you want more affordable FR-free options. What’s the Difference Between Flame-Retardant and Flame-Resistant? This is key terminology. The primary difference between flame-resistant and flame-retardant materials is their production process: Flame-resistant fabrics naturally resist combustion when exposed to flames (think: merino wool, which just chars but won't ignite), while flame-retardant materials are treated with chemicals that make them resistant to fire. (Think: polyester that has been coated or saturated with additive FRs.) Another distinction is price. Naturally flame-resistant products, including car seats, are more expensive than items treated with flame retardants. Tips for Reducing Flame Retardant Exposure If you’re worried about flame-retardant chemicals in your child’s car seat, you can take steps to mitigate their exposure. Off-gas your car seat after purchasing. Allow your new car seat to spend a few days outside (out of the box, in a secure area like a garage or covered porch, but not in direct rain) under the sun before installing it. That will give the most volatile chemicals (VOCs) time to off-gas before using it with your little one. Don’t use your car seat more than necessary. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting car seat usage to travel time exclusively. Children shouldn’t be left to lounge or sleep in car seats for a number of health-related and safety reasons (specifically, the risk of positional asphyxia), and less time in a car seat also means less time spent exposed to any flame retardants. Ventilate your car. During sweltering weather, do your best to park in a shady spot and crack your windows. Heat is the enemy. Excessive heat accelerates FR chemical migration. That "new car smell" is often just chemicals off-gassing, and the same happens in a hot car seat. Keep your car seat clean. Periodically cleaning your car seat (according to manufacturer instructions) and vacuuming your car’s interior can help limit dust, where flame retardants can gather. Wash your child's hands frequently, especially after they get out of the car and before they eat. Finding What’s Right for You Albee Baby is the oldest family-owned specialty baby shop in the US, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best assortment of baby products anywhere, at fair prices, always. We’re committed to being an inclusive resource for parents and hope you feel empowered to find the right baby gear for your family. Still have questions? Feel free to contact our baby gear experts at 877.692.5233 or info@albeebaby.com.