A Simple Question That’s Surprisingly Hard to Answer
If you’ve ever searched for a kids umbrella, you’ve probably asked yourself a simple question:
Why is it so hard to find one that’s actually PFAS-free?
With more parents becoming aware of “forever chemicals”, demand for safer, more responsible products is growing, but the reality is, truly PFAS-free options are still surprisingly limited.
What Are PFAS (and Why Should Parents Care?)
PFAS - short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - are a group of synthetic chemicals used for their waterproof and stain-resistant properties.
They’ve been used in everyday products since the 1950s, from clothing to cookware.
But there’s a catch:
They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies.
For parents, that raises an important question:
What are our children being exposed to in everyday products?
The Problem With Waterproof Products
Here’s where it gets tricky.
PFAS have historically been the default solution for waterproofing fabrics, including umbrellas.
That means:
- Many umbrellas on the market still rely on chemical coatings
- PFAS-free alternatives are newer and less widely adopted
- “Waterproof” often equals “chemically treated”
So when you search for a kids umbrella, you’re often choosing between:
- Function (staying dry)
- Or safety (avoiding harmful chemicals)
And that shouldn’t be a trade-off.
Why PFAS-Free Kids Umbrellas Are Still Rare
There are a few reasons:
1. Industry Habit
PFAS coatings have been used for decades, changing materials and processes takes time.
2. Performance Perception
There’s a belief that PFAS-free coatings don’t perform as well (even though newer alternatives now do).
3. Lack of Transparency
Not all brands clearly disclose what’s in their products and labels can be misleading.
So even when something sounds safe, it’s not always guaranteed.
A Different Approach: Meet The Duckling
When we created our first kids umbrella - The Duckling - we knew we didn’t want to compromise.
It had to be:
- Lightweight for little hands
- Durable enough for real adventures
- Bright, playful, and easy to spot
- And importantly - PFAS-free
By using alternative waterproof coatings and recycled materials, we created a children’s umbrella that delivers performance without relying on harmful chemicals.
Because kids shouldn’t have to choose between fun and function - or safety.
Designed for Real Life (and Real Weather)
The Duckling isn’t just about what’s not in it - it’s about how it works.
- Full rain protection
- Made from recycled plastic bottles
- PFAS-free waterproof coating
- Sustainably sourced wooden handle
- Bright colours and playful designs
It’s made for:
- School runs
- Puddle-jumping
- Weekend adventures
- Everyday “just in case” moments
Our Full Kids Umbrella Collection - All PFAS-Free
Every umbrella in our kids range - from our core Duckling umbrellas to our limited-edition collaborations - is designed with the same commitment to safer materials. That means every children’s umbrella we make is completely PFAS-free, without compromising on performance.
Whether you choose a bold block colour, a playful print, or a special collaboration design, each umbrella is crafted with 100% recycled canopy fabric, alternative waterproof coatings, and durable construction built for everyday use.
Because when it comes to products for children, we believe safety, sustainability, and design should always go hand in hand.
FAQs: PFAS-Free Kids Umbrellas
Q: Are most umbrellas PFAS-free?
A: No - many still use PFAS-based coatings for waterproofing.
Q: What does PFAS-free mean?
A: It means the product does not contain “forever chemicals” used for water and stain resistance.
Q: Do PFAS-free umbrellas still work?
A: Yes - modern coatings provide effective water repellency without harmful chemicals.
It Shouldn’t Be This Hard
Finding a PFAS-free kids umbrella shouldn’t feel like a challenge.
But as awareness grows, so does the demand for better products and better standards.
At Original Duckhead, we believe even the smallest everyday items should be designed with care.
Because better choices shouldn’t be the exception, they should be the standard.
Explore all of our PFAS-free kids umbrellas designed for real adventures.