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Our team has tested and researched dozens of car seats for our little ones — these are our top selections for their safety, nontoxic materials, and long-lasting design across a range of price points.
A car seat is one of the first and most important purchases we make as parents — it’s not just another piece of baby gear, it’s an essential investment in our child’s safety and well-being. But with so many options on the market, figuring out which is best for our family can feel overwhelming. We research crash-test ratings, installation methods, and weight limits, all while trying to navigate an industry filled with complex safety standards and ever-evolving recommendations.
Beyond the mechanics of safety, many of us are also thinking about what our children are sitting in every day. Car seats are made with a variety of materials, and some contain flame retardants, PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”), and other synthetic treatments that can impact the air quality inside our cars and, ultimately, our children’s health. It’s no wonder that choosing the right car seat feels like such a big decision — it is!
The good news is that more brands are prioritizing safer, nontoxic materials, making it easier to find an option that protects both our little ones and the environment. Whether we’re looking for GREENGUARD GOLD certified fabrics that have been tested for low emissions, organic cotton for extra breathability, or naturally flame-resistant wool blends, there are safer alternatives available. By understanding what’s in our child’s car seat, we can make an informed choice that gives us peace of mind every time we buckle them in.
What car seat fabrics are the most nontoxic?
When looking for a nontoxic car seat, the best fabrics are those free from flame retardants, PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”), and other synthetic treatments. The safest options include:
- GREENGUARD GOLD Certified Fabrics – These fabrics have been tested for low chemical emissions, ensuring better air quality inside your car.
- Organic Cotton – A natural, breathable material free from pesticides and harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for baby skin.
- Wool-Blend Fabrics – Naturally flame-resistant without chemical treatments, wool is an excellent alternative to traditional synthetic materials.
- Recycled & Eco-Friendly Polyester – While polyester is synthetic, some brands use recycled materials that meet safety standards without added flame retardants.
Choosing a car seat with these materials helps protect your little one from unnecessary exposure to toxins while also supporting sustainable practices. We know how difficult it can be to navigate car seat safety and material choices, which is why we’ve researched the best options that balance safety, comfort, and sustainability — so you can make the best decision for your family with confidence.
Our criteria:
There are countless car seat options on the market — ranging from big-name brands to emerging eco-friendly designs — so we’ve carefully selected the safest and most sustainable choices using the criteria below. We regularly update this list with standout brands prioritizing child safety and environmental responsibility.
NONTOXIC MATERIALS | We’ve chosen car seats made without harmful chemicals, including flame retardants, BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. Many of these brands use GREENGUARD GOLD-certified fabrics or naturally flame-resistant materials like wool to keep your little one safe from unnecessary toxins.
SAFETY & CERTIFICATIONS | Safety is our top priority. Every car seat we recommend meets or exceeds federal safety standards and often carries additional third-party certifications for materials, emissions, and crash performance.
PRICE & VALUE | While we’ve included car seats across a range of price points, each one offers exceptional safety and sustainability without compromising quality. We believe investing in a durable, nontoxic car seat is one of the best decisions we can make for our children’s health and the planet.
Looking for a safer sleep setup for your baby? Check out our guide to the best nontoxic mattresses and the best convertible cribs.
1. Nuna
Best For | Travel systems, 3-1 in car seats, baseless car seats for city parents
Nontoxic Materials | Merino wool, TENCEL™ lyocell, GOTS™-certified organic cotton fabric and dyes
Prices Starting At | $250+
Nuna tops our list for the best nontoxic car seats, thanks to its commitment to premium materials and rigorous safety standards. This global brand inspired by Dutch craftsmanship ensures that all its car seats are entirely free from added fire-retardant chemicals, instead relying on naturally flame-resistant fabrics like Merino wool. Other materials include TENCEL™ lyocell fibers for breathability and GOTS™-certified organic cotton fabric and dyes for a safer, chemical-free environment. Nuna also holds GREENGUARD Gold Certification, meaning its products meet strict standards for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier indoor air quality.
Nuna’s lineup includes eight different car seat options, ranging from infant and toddler car seats to booster and convertible 3-in-1 models designed to grow with your child. A standout in the collection is the PIPA urbn, an ultra-lightweight, baseless infant car seat designed for city dwellers who frequently use rideshares and taxis. With Nuna, parents can feel confident choosing a car seat that prioritizes safety and sustainability without compromising style or functionality.
2. UPPAbaby
Best For | Lightest car seat on the market (6 lbs), convertible car seats (rear-facing and forward-facing)
Nontoxic Materials | Merino wool, SafeTech, DualTech
Prices Starting At | $180+
UPPAbaby has long been a favorite among parents for its thoughtfully designed baby gear, and its car seats are no exception. Known for an unwavering commitment to safety and non-toxic materials, the brand offers a range of options — from cozy infant carriers to convertible and booster seats — crafted with premium, long-lasting fabrics. For parents looking to avoid harmful chemicals, UPPAbaby’s Merino wool fabric is a game changer. Featured in the MESA V2, MESA MAX, and KNOX, this naturally flame-resistant material is not only breathable and hypoallergenic but also entirely free from added chemical flame retardants. That means a safer, more comfortable ride for your little one — without compromise.
Beyond its use of high-performance, healthier materials, UPPAbaby takes things a step further with GREENGUARD Gold Certification, ensuring lower chemical emissions and better indoor air quality. The brand’s thoughtful approach extends to every detail, balancing safety, sustainability, and style with ease.
3. Clek
Best For | Convertible car seats, affordable booster seats under $100
Nontoxic Materials | Merino wool, C-Zero Plus Performance Fabrics by Crypton®, jersey knit
Prices Starting At | $90+
Clek is a a proudly Canadian brand creating award-winning infant car seats, convertible car seats and booster seats made in Ontario, Canada. Combining cutting-edge safety with conscious design, the brand offers parents a nontoxic, stylish, and incredibly secure choice for their little ones. We love that Clek prioritizes both safety and sustainability, using Merino wool fabric that’s naturally flame-resistant, breathable, and hypoallergenic—completely free from added chemical flame retardants. With GREENGUARD Gold Certification, these seats also help create a healthier environment for our children by reducing harmful emissions.Â
Beyond the materials, Clek’s thoughtful design keeps our little ones safer for longer, with extended rear-facing capabilities, energy-absorbing crumple technology, and steel-reinforced frames for unmatched impact protection. And for growing families, the sleek, space-saving profile means we can fit multiple car seats without compromising comfort. We love that you can also order free swatches of the fabrics to see them first!
4. MaxiCosi
Best For | All-in-one convertible carseats, rotating infant carseats, most affordable infant car seats
Nontoxic Materials | PureCosi (no added flame retardants), BPA-free cupholders
Prices Starting At | $129+
Maxi-Cosi is truly setting the standard for safe and cozy car rides, and we can’t help but be impressed with their PureCosi™ fabrics—which are completely free from added chemical flame retardants. Featured in seats like the Mico 360, Pria 85, and Coral XP, these fabrics are not just gentle on our little ones’ sensitive skin; they’re also soft, breathable, and help regulate temperature, so our babies stay comfortable no matter the weather.Â
We also love that Maxi-Cosi has made it a priority to combine safety with sustainability, offering easy-to-remove, machine-washable covers for those inevitable spills. With features like advanced side-impact protection, extended rear-facing capabilities, and an easy-to-adjust harness system, we can rest assured knowing our children are not only cozy but also surrounded by top-notch protection. Plus, the compact design of these seats means they’re perfect for fitting into smaller cars without sacrificing comfort or security!
5. Britax
Best For | Convertible car seats, grow with you boosters, One4Life carseat
Nontoxic Materials | Moisture wicking bamboo charcoal, free from flame retardants, EasyWash covers
Prices Starting At | $109+
Britax has been a trusted name in car safety for decades, and their latest line of car seats continues to impress! We’re particularly drawn to the brand’s commitment to nontoxic materials and flame-retardant-free fabrics in models like the One4Life, making sure our little ones are surrounded by safer, more breathable materials. These seats are not only gentle on our children’s skin, but they also feature EasyWash covers that can be removed and tossed in the washing machine — making clean-ups a breeze after every adventure.Â
Britax’s unique SafeCell technology, which includes impact-absorbing base and side-impact protection, gives us peace of mind knowing that our kids are as safe as possible in the event of a crash. Whether it’s the extended rear-facing capability or the no-rethread harness system, Britax has thought of every detail to ensure we get the perfect fit, every time. We love how these seats blend superior protection with effortless usability, making family journeys a whole lot easier, and a lot safer.
Featured image is from Nuna
Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a Substack newsletter with 6,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.
