Sustainable Baby Strollers | What to Look For + Why UPPAbaby Sets the Standard
- Julia DeLong
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
The Hunt is On!
When it was time for the car seat search, I already had learned I want a car seat that’s nontoxic, made sustainably, and built to last for the sake of the planet, and my wallet. Now I’m new to this mom prep stuff, so I was happy to find out the car seat and stroller research could lead me to the same product. -Rosalie
Becoming a parent comes with a long list of responsibilities, including making decisions that best support the health and well-being of your child. That can be especially difficult when deciding what baby gear is most sustainable, ethical, and quality-made. Among the most important (and potentially expensive) choices are baby's car seat and stroller. But what makes a baby stroller sustainable?
This blog explores what truly makes a baby car seat and stroller sustainable, how to identify one that’s responsibly made, and why brands like UPPAbaby are setting the standard for eco-conscious parenting gear. So, let's talk about it.
Why Choosing Sustainable Baby Gear Matters
Choosing a sustainable stroller is great for protecting the planet, but it should also support your child's health. Studies show that many conventional baby products contain toxic flame retardants and “forever chemicals” like PFAS, which are linked to developmental delays, hormone disruptions, and respiratory issues in infants. Choosing a stroller made with cleaner materials and responsible production practices helps reduce your baby’s exposure to unnecessary toxins. Beyond immediate health benefits, ethical manufacturing also provides safer conditions for the workers who make them.
A Look Behind the UPPAbaby Brand
Our search for a sustainable baby stroller started because of high recommendations not to buy second hand car seats due to safety reasons. We were determined to research the most ethical, nontoxic, and sustainably made car seats out there. Sources pointed to UPPAbaby.
Founded in Massachusetts in 2006, UPPAbaby was born out of real-life parenting frustrations: the lack of thoughtfully designed, long-lasting strollers. They wanted to create a stroller that made parents’ lives easier and fit all their needs. Since then, the company has expanded globally while continuing to operate with a community-centered culture. What makes UPPAbaby different is their continuous commitment to social responsibility, in how they make their products, and how they support families.
While many stroller brands focus on trends or low-cost production, UPPAbaby invests in ethical sourcing, safer materials, long-lasting design, and a greener process. And so far, they're the most sustainable stroller brand we've been able to find on the market.
What Does "Sustainable" Mean When It Comes to Baby Gear?
When we talk about sustainability in baby gear, we’re not just discussing the materials. Sustainability in this space means:
Products that are made to last through multiple children
Programs for repair, recycling, and donation
Efforts to reduce waste, pollution, and emissions
Ethical manufacturing processes and safe working conditions
Transparency about sourcing and supply chain practices
In short, it's about durability, accountability, and impact on both people and the planet.
What to Look for in a Sustainable Stroller
1. Long-Lasting Design.
Choosing a stroller that adapts means fewer purchases, less waste, and better value long term. UPPAbaby’s Vista V2 and V3 models provide up to 30+ configurations to grow along with your family at any stage.
2. Safer, Cleaner Materials.
Harmful chemical treatments are often applied to fabrics during manufacturing. This is so important considering how much time your child spends touching and breathing near stroller materials. UPPAbaby avoids these harmful treatments by using GREENGUARD Gold Certified fabrics (meaning they meet strict chemical emissions standards), chrome-free leather, and flame-retardant-free car seat fabrics.
3. Ethical, Transparent Production.
Believe it or not, modern slavery still exists today, and many brands avoid transparency to conceal their role in it. Look for brands that provide clear statements on their values regarding fair trade and transparency throughout their supply chain. UPPAbaby audits their suppliers using ISO 9001 standards and has published a Modern Slavery Statement, which you can view here.
4. Energy-Efficient Operations
The environmental impact of how a product is made, packaged, and powered is just as important as the product itself. UPPAbaby’s headquarters in Rockland, MA, is solar-powered, generating surplus energy that’s donated back to the community. Their packaging uses soy-based ink and FSC-certified materials, and they’ve eliminated plastic poly-bags on key products, saving over 150,000 plastic bags annually.
5. Programs That Extend Product Life
Sustainability doesn't end at the point of purchase—brands that prioritize repair, reuse, and giving back help reduce long-term waste and support families in need. The UPPAbaby Hub Service Center offers stroller maintenance and repairs to keep their products out of landfills. Through their “UPPAbaby Gives Back” initiative, they’ve donated more than $3 million in strollers and gear to families in need.
How Do I Choose the Most Sustainable Option?
The most sustainable choice starts with researching stroller brands that reflect your values as an eco-conscious consumer. That said, even the greenest new stroller can’t compete with the environmental benefits of reusing one that already exists. If you’re able to find a well-made secondhand stroller, that’s a major sustainability win!
Look for signs of long-lasting durability, and try to find models with available replacement parts or repair services (UPPAbaby offers both). Bonus points if you can pass it on to another family once you’re done!
When evaluating a stroller brand or model, ask:
Can this product grow with my child or family?
Is it made from non-toxic or certified safe materials?
Does the company disclose how and where it’s made?
Are there repair services, extended warranties, or donation programs?
Is it built to last through more than one child?
Sustainability Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
Sustainability looks different for every family. For some, buying new is necessary. For others, hand-me-downs make the most sense. What matters most is being aware of your options and choosing brands that align with your values when possible.
We love UPPAbaby because they focus on quality, community support, and transparency, and are a great example of what ethical baby gear can look like. To visit their website, click the button below.
It can be overwhelming to determine which products use materials that are safe for your child. To take a closer look at what chemicals to look for and avoid in your baby products, click here.
Closing Note from Rosalie
Now that I have my hands on the Uppababy V3 set up, I can see how quality affects longevity. Easy to clean, versatile, and strong materials, the set up is quite impressive and will last through baby bum after baby bum to come. -Rosalie
Written by World Changer Co Team Member - Julia DeLong
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