60 percent of 2011 infant car seats contain toxic substances

HealthyStuff.org has just released their research on 2011-model car seats, and 60% of all of the 2011-model car seats tested, contained at least one dangerous substance. All of the car seats were tested for bromine (flame retardants), chlorine, lead, other heavy metals and allergens. Some of these substances are worse than others, but all-in-all the substances named above have been linked to multiple health issues, such as allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer. Researchers who tested the car seats also note that babies heat up while sitting in a car seat, and that heat plus UV-ray exposure in cars may accelerate the breakdown of some of these chemicals. If a substance breaks down, it leaves your baby more open to exposure. Car seats save lives. Toxic or not, you absolutely need a car seat if your baby rides in a car. Luckily, the new HealthyStuff.org car seat guide can help you find a car seat that has fewer icky chemicals in it. HealthyStuff.org notes that the MOST toxic car seats of 2011 are as follows:

• Infant Seat: Graco Snugride 35 in Edgemont Red/Black & Graco SnugRide 30 in Asprey
• Convertible Seat: Britax Marathon 70 in Jet Set & Britax Marathon in Platinum
• Booster Seat: Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal & Recaro ProSPORT Toddler in Misty

Now if you're looking for a good car seat, one with fewer yucky substances in it, check out one of the following GOOD car seats (three that made the least toxic list!): [gallery]

• SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat in Mirabella
• Baby Trend Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat - All Star
• Combi Shuttle 33 in cranberry noche

Visit HealthyStuff.org to see the full listings of safe, and not so safe car seats. You can also check out their quick list – 2011 Best and Worst Car Seats.