How to Choose Baby-Safe Paint (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my baby paint is safe? ›

To keep a room baby-safe, choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paint. Note that even pain labeled “zero-VOC” may not be completely free of VOCs. Federal regulations limit VOCs to 250 grams per liter (g/L) in flat (matte-finish) paints, and 380 g/L for non-flat paint.

Why Real Milk Paint Is the Top Choice for Baby Cribs. Real Milk Paint comes out on top when you're looking for the best nontoxic paint for baby cribs. The reasons for this include an all-natural formulation ideal for wooden furniture that's safe for food contact, babies and the environment.

One of the best types of paint finish to use in a nursery is eggshell because of its durability and high stain-resistance. Eggshell finishes are somewhat shiny and are easy to clean which makes them very practical options for a nursery that is bound to get dirty from time to time.

Besides Non-VOC paint, Low-VOC paint is another great option for a nursery. Low VOC means the paint has a lower chemical content than regular paint. While not ideal, it's safer for babies with lower health risks than traditional paint. Keep your family safe with low-to-no VOC paints in the home.

The first complete, top-quality, zero-VOC professional line available in four sheens and every color. When specifying paint for clients' projects, architects, designers and color consultants can't go wrong with Sherwin-Williams new ProMar® 200 Zero VOC Interior Latex.

First, it's important to state it is dangerous to sleep in a freshly painted room. It is particularly dangerous for babies, young children, or pregnant women. The paint fumes can cause developmental issues in babies and young children.

Is Sherwin Williams Paint Safe For Cribs? Sherwin Williams' paints come in a vast variety, with a fraction of them being safe for cribs. Some of their products, such as Harmony, come with a zero-VOC policy and odor-eliminating technology — making them safe for baby cribs.

This isn't a common problem with paint, though; paint is thick and children rarely swallow much. Even though fumes from latex and oil paints can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, they do not poison the body when used as directed. Any irritation should go away once you get into fresh air.

Satin, which is a little more hard-wearing than eggshell, works well in those rooms and also in kitchens, dining areas, children's bedrooms, and bathrooms. Many satin finishes are tough enough to use on trim as well.

What finish is safe for babies? ›

Bee's wax and carnauba wax are the most commonly used toy safe waxes. They are often mixed with oils for a finish that penetrates the wood fibers and leaves a waxy film on the surface.

Fabric paint is the only type of paint you should consider using to display handprints or footprints over fabric. Fabric paint has textile medium mixed in to make it less stiff when dry and it is also permanent once it dries!

Paints labeled "low-VOC" should contain fewer than 50 grams per liter of volatile compounds, if they meet the Green Seal standards.

Most paints and other products will continue to release harmful vapors for several days after application. For example, while many latex paints appear to be dry after several hours, ventilation should be continued for no less than 48 hours, and preferably 72 hours, beyond that time.

Zero-VOC Paint

If you use Zero-VOC paint it is perfectly safe to sleep in room the same day you paint. This paint is virtually odorless and does not emit toxic chemicals. Two great VOC-free paints are Benjamin Moore's Natura® and Sherwin Williams Harmony®.

Paints with a harder, shinier finish, like glosses and enamels, contain higher VOC levels because those surfaces are created by toxic chemicals and solvents. You'll find the most low-VOC options in flat paints, and a growing variety of satin and semi-gloss options are available as well.

Even low VOC paints still off-gas and emit noticeable fumes. If you have no other option than to use a low-VOC paint, be sure to paint in a well-ventilated area using a respirator, and let the paint dry completely before moving back into the room.

VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds (sounds unpleasant, right?)are present in everything from air fresheners to carpets and paint. Now, not all water-based paints are low in VOCs, but we've taken extra care to ensure that our VOC 'count' is as low as possible.

Yogurt is my next choice for baby safe paint. Once dairy has been introduced, I like to offer a small amount of plain yogurt on a tray for my little ones to run their fingers through and explore.

Crayola Stage 1 Washable Finger paint

This is the standard finger paint with a glossy consistency and bright color. It's probably what comes to mind when you think finger paint. This fingerpaint has a paint odor, but is certified non toxic for kids and recommended for ages 12 month+.

What is the best paint with children? ›

Simply put, any interior paint of a glossier finish will repel scuffs and stains well. Thus, eggshell will be better than matte paint, since it's slightly glossier. For more protection, satin gloss paint will be better than eggshell. Need even more protection?

Consumer Reports suggests painting at least two months before your baby's arrival to give the fumes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) a chance to subside before you bring your new baby home.

Given this fact, a general "rule of thumb" for avoiding unwanted exposure to paint vapors (and to return the air to acceptable quality), ventilation should be continued for 2 or 3 days. Follow paint can directions for the safe cleaning of brushes and other equipment.

What are your favorite non toxic paints for a nursery and why? “We highly recommend Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint Interior Latex with Sanitizing Technology because it's rated to remove 99.9% of Staph, E-Coli, MRSA, and VRE. This zero VOC paint is a great option that can provide some peace of mind for parents.

BEHR Semi-Gloss Enamel

BEHR designed their Premium Plus paint range for durability, with long-lasting color that can withstand years of messy playtime in your baby's nursery. This crib paint is non-toxic, VOC-free, and GREENGUARD-certified for low chemical emissions.

Lowe's offers a wide variety of paints that are both safe and affordable. Some of their most popular baby-safe paints include: Behr Marquee Interior Paint, Glidden Duo, and Valspar Signature. All of these paints are low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and have been tested for safety by independent laboratories.

Consumer Reports suggests painting at least two months before your baby's arrival to give the fumes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) a chance to subside before you bring your new baby home.

Answer: The paint smell is not really dangerous for brief exposures. There would be a concern if the babies were exposed daily for a long period. However, the odor of fresh paint can be irritating and unpleasant.

Crayola Stage 1 Washable Finger paint

This is the standard finger paint with a glossy consistency and bright color. It's probably what comes to mind when you think finger paint. This fingerpaint has a paint odor, but is certified non toxic for kids and recommended for ages 12 month+.

What happens if a baby eats non-toxic paint? ›

Water-based latex paints are essentially nontoxic, but can be mildly irritating to the skin and stomach. If swallowed, they can cause an upset stomach, but rarely vomiting. Acrylic paints too are essentially nontoxic and symptoms are not likely. If your child has gotten into paint, do not panic.