Can flame retardants in strollers off-gas and affect babies?

What's actually in it

Strollers and other baby gear often contain organophosphate ester flame retardants and halogenated flame retardants. These chemicals are added to foams and fabrics to meet fire safety standards. They don't stay put: they off-gas into the air or break down into dust that your baby breathes in or touches.

Because babies spend so much time in their strollers, they are constantly exposed to these chemicals. These substances are not just sitting in the fabric. They move from the gear into the environment where your child lives and plays.

What the research says

The science is clear that these chemicals pose real risks to child development. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found that prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters is linked to lower cognitive scores in children. Another 2026 study in Environ Res connected halogenated flame retardants to ADHD-related traits and changes in thyroid function in children.

The physical health of children is also at stake. A 2026 study in Environ Res identified links between gestational exposure to these flame retardants and changes in child growth, including weight and body mass index, through age 10. Additionally, a 2026 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol found that these chemicals in house dust are associated with negative behavioral outcomes.

Finally, these additives can trigger immune system issues. A 2026 study in Sci Total Environ showed an association between brominated flame retardants and the diagnosis or symptoms of allergies in children.