Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.
People are becoming more conscious of their choices, especially when it comes to babies. Knowledge about how conventional manufacturing processes are negatively affecting us and the planet have paved the way for eco-friendly options.
In this article, you will learn what you need to look for in your hunt for an eco-friendly baby stroller and what brands meet eco-friendly standards.
Common Toxins in Strollers
- Polyurethane foam: used in baby mattresses, baby carriers, and baby car seats. Full of chemicals including benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene, all of which can pose serious health hazards to your baby.
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC): Manufacturing and disposing of PVC creates dioxins which cause neurological, reproductive, developmental, and hormonal health problems.
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): A class of flame retardants widely used in consumer products, including baby strollers. PBDE’s fall out of products as tiny particles, and over time these chemicals are absorbed and stored in our bodies. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many conventional flame retardants can be hazardous to the brain development of a child.
What is an eco-friendly stroller?
- Made by companies that understand the impact of manufacturing strollers on the health of people and the planet.
- Meet and exceed safety standards.
- Are low in potential toxins.
- Have a long lifespan, they are well-built and grow with your child.
What to Look For in an Eco-Friendly Stroller
Eco-Friendly Fabrics
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Fabrics: This certification means that the material used is free of 100 different common chemicals and toxins. The certification must be renewed annually, proving a company is committed to safe fabric choices.
- Organic Fabrics: It is rare to find certified-organic fabrics on strollers due to the durability of synthetic materials. For large baby gear such as strollers, look for the Oeko-Tek 100 certification, rather than an organic label. You can find organic fabrics on small items such as blankets and clothing.
Longevity
- Look for a stroller that will grow and adjust with your child.
- Strollers that are durable and useful for a long time will stay out of a landfill longer.
- You want a stroller that can be passed from child to child.
Recyclability
- Look for a stroller that can be taken apart and recycled.
- Strollers made of recycled materials are another good option.
Free-Of List
- Good companies will make eco-friendly strollers that are free from one or all of the following:
- Flame retardants, especially PBDE’s
- PVC
- Phthalates
- Polyurethane foam
- BPA
- Teflon
The Best Eco-friendly Baby Strollers
There aren’t actually that many Eco-friendly strollers on the market. There are many well-built strollers, which will be more eco-friendly than cheaply built strollers, but organic and natural options are not readily available.
Below we will talk about the top eco-friendly strollers available on the market. We have researched extensively to bring you the best eco-friendly brands.
Bumbleride
What Makes Bumbleride eco-friendly?
- Bumbleride’s textiles, aluminum, and plastics are carefully chosen for durability, safety, and function, but also for their environmental impact.
- Seeks out suppliers that are innovating to save energy, conserve water and reduce pollution in landfills.
- Suppliers and fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
- Fabrics are made with 100% recycled polyester made from post-consumer water bottles (rPET, polyethylene terephthalate) and free from harmful chemicals.
- Uses an innovative dye process that conserves approximately 25-40 gallons of water per stroller. This dye process not only reduces water use, but also pollution.
- Produced in a family run factory in Taiwan. They maintain a strong connection to the people making their products.
Bumbleride Indie
Features
- UPF/SPF 45+ canopy with magnetic viewing window.
- 100% recycled polyester (rPET). Using 28 post consumer water bottles per stroller.
- Available in Dawn Grey, Maritime Blue, Tourmaline, Red Sand and Camp Green colors.
- PVC & phthalate free. No fire retardants. No polyurethane foam.
- All-wheel suspension with air-filled tires.
- Infant compatible. Adjustable footrest converts seat into infant mode.
- Single-lever recline with airflow vented backrest.
- Adjustable TPR handle. PVC free.
- Lightweight aluminum frame. 22lbs.
- 3 year warranty.
- Large basket with pump storage (pump included).
- Car seat compatible.
- Secure foot brake.
- 5-point breakaway harness.
Stokke
WHAT MAKES Stokke ECO-FRIENDLY?
- Stokke products are designed to grow with your child. They have committed themselves to being an environmentally conscious brand.
- Create products that are designed to last a lifetime.
- High production standards.
- Durable and robust materials.
- Try to limit CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by actively reducing transportation rates and frequency.
- As a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative Norway, Stokke is an advocate of ethical trade practices.
- Continuously develop and explore new energy saving production techniques, fuel efficient shipping, and distribution methods.
- Make every effort to use environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials.
Stokke Xplory
Features
- Height adjustable. Raises your baby higher to promote eye contact and connection.
- Front or rear facing.
- Five point safety harness.
- Adjustable footrest and handle.
- Almost endless choice of seating positions.
- Open design with space between the wheels and no crossbar to restrict the way you walk.
- Two-wheel function makes it easy to stroll on rough and uneven surfaces.
- Fits baby up to 45 lbs.
- 3 year warranty.
- Made in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
At this point in time, there are only a few Eco-friendly strollers available on the market. I hope that in the future we will have more options to choose from. Right now, your best bet is to find a stroller that will last a long time and can be recycled when you are done using it. If the fabrics are Oeko-Tek Certified, you have found a winner.
My top pick is definitely the Bumbleride, due to the fact that the fabrics are Oeko-Tek 100 certified and the company is committed to being environmentally responsible.
Do you know of any eco-friendly baby strollers? Share them in the comments below.
Check out other ways to detox your home and life!
This post was originally published on June 23, 2017.
Brooke says
Hello!
Thanks for such great content! You’ve really done all the research for someone who’s in the market for stroller. When it comes to your child, you have to be extremely crazy what types of products you use with them as many are just filled with chemicals!
Thank you for the great read!
Best Organic Lifestyle says
Thanks Brooke 🙂
SmileAfresh says
What an eye-opening article! I never knew there were (organic) eco-friendly baby strollers out there! Thanks for sharing. I’ve learn that conventional baby strollers can be hazardous in terms of some of the materials they use in making them. Do you think toxic materials used in some baby strollers could be linked to some life conditions that people are getting later on in life?
Best Organic Lifestyle says
There are so many toxins in fabrics and materials used in our daily lives. I think the best thing to do is eliminate what you can at the beginning of babies life when they are still building their immune system. I think that the over use of toxins in materials has contributed to peoples health, but I do believe its an accumulation over time.
Great Comment!
Orion says
Great review on the Organic Strollers. Wish I had known of these when my children were babies.
Thank you for bringing to the world your informative review.
Also I really like the way you have laid out your site, it is easy and pleasant to the eye and very clear.
Cheers,
Orion
Best Organic Lifestyle says
Thanks so much for the comments. We love helping people find the right products !
Kirsty Pea says
Wow! I found your site so informative. I’ve never even taken a second thought to strollers been eco-friendly. I didn’t realise they could contain toxins.
Thank you for the thorough review, I’m just about to purchase a stroller for our new arrival and I will definitely be looking at the bumblebride.
Thank you 🙂
Best Organic Lifestyle says
Hi Kristy, the bumbleride is an excellent choice, you won’t be disappointed!
Sophie says
Hi!
Thank you for this overview. Have you made further research on how the foam all these brands are using is treated? Have you come across the Greentom stroller or the Nuna one? Both brands seem to be Eco-friendly too.
Thanks
Best Organic Lifestyle says
Hi Sophie, thanks for your question. Bumbleride has stated – ” As of summer 2013, all Bumbleride products do not contain fire retardants in foam, fabric or padding, except in countries where required by law.” I will have to look into these other brands 🙂