The Best Non-Toxic, Ecofriendly Double Stroller
Welcome to a new series on Abby’s Food Court: Non-Toxic, Ecofriendly Essentials for Babies & Toddlers.
Purchasing anything for a baby/toddler is overwhelming because there are so many choices. It becomes even more overwhelming when you’re trying to find the healthiest and safest products for your baby, for you, and for the environment. This is why I’m excited to share my favorite products with you; ones that I’ve researched and personally use.
Let’s start with a baby/toddler essential: the stroller!
Most of us can’t choose the non-toxic, ecofriendly choices ALL of the time. Instead of striving for perfection (which doesn’t exist!), it’s helpful to prioritize. Start with the items your baby/toddler will be in and use most often. By doing so, we reduce a large source of harmful exposures.
The stroller is one such item. Barring the occasional stroller strike (we’ve all been there), we use a stroller regularly. It’s essential for our everyday lives- to get to the park, to get to nursery/preschool/daycare, to enjoy a nice walk, to get your baby to sleep, etc.
When researching strollers in 2019 before my first was born, I only found one stroller that met all my needs and requirements: the Bumbleride Era. Fast forward to 2022, when I researched double strollers before my second baby was born, the Bumbleride Indie Twin came out on top.
Here’s why I love and use the Bumbleride:
Bumbleride is that only stroller brand that doesn’t use polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is a flammable petroleum-based product. It emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and is usually treated with flame retardants. We want to avoid products with VOCs and flame retardants because exposure to them is linked to allergic reactions, respiratory infections, hormone disruption, neurological damage, and even cancer.
Additionally, Bumbleride is free of all the major toxic materials/chemicals of concern: flame retardants, PVC, phthalates, BPA, lead, formaldehyde, and perfluorinated chemicals. Exposure to these chemicals have been linked to behavioral problems in children, ADHD, hyperactivity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disruption, and reproductive system disruption.
Bumbleride makes safe products for our families in an environmentally friendly way. It prioritizes sustainable manufacturing processes and makes products with longevity. The strollers are infant compatible (no extra parts/attachments needed for a few months only!) and they grow with the child through toddlerhood. This means you can purchase one stroller and rely on it for years! Less money spent over time and less waste and clutter. Recently, Bumbleride also launched the ReRide program to give used strollers a second life.
Now, how does the Bumbleride Indie Twin feel for mom and baby/toddler? And does it function as well as we hoped? I’m happy to report that feels amazing and yes, it functions great! My newborn and toddler are comfortable and cozy when they lounge and sleep in the stroller. It’s easy to push and maneuver for short or long walks. I thought that the double stroller would feel heavy and be hard to push, but it feels light and smooth. There are lots of pockets and storage for all of the things. I can fit the diaper bag, water bottles, snacks, balls, trucks, blankets, etc. so that I’m prepared for all the boys’ needs when we’re out and about.
In addition to the stroller itself, I love the organic infant insert to keep the baby extra cozy, supported and warm (we used this for my toddler when he was a baby) and the mini board that attaches to both the Era and Indie Twin.
Check out my Instagram page for videos of my family using the Bumbleride out in the wild and check out Bumbleride for all their products! And, as with all my posts, let me know if you have any comments or questions.