Are car seats safe without flame retardants?

What to know

A car seat is first a crash-safety tool. Never choose a seat only because of fabric claims. Choose a current seat that fits your child, fits your car, has not expired, has no recall, and can be installed correctly.

Once those basics are covered, choosing a model with no added flame retardants is a smart chemical upgrade. Verify the exact model and color. Brands sometimes use different fabrics within the same product family.

Do not add aftermarket covers, padding, or strap wraps. They can change how the seat performs. Use only parts approved by the car seat maker.

What the research says

An EPA HERO record for a 2019 Environmental Science & Technology Letters article reports brominated and phosphorus-based flame retardants measured in foam and fabric from 18 newly marketed children's car seats.

CDC says children should ride in the car seat, booster seat, or seat belt that fits their age, weight, and height. CDC also tells caregivers to check the car seat manual for limits and proper use.

The takeaway: do not trade crash safety for chemical claims. Pick the safest fitting seat first, then choose the no-added-flame-retardant version when available.