Baby-Safe Paints For Crib: 5 Trusted Options for a Healthy Nursery

Parents today are increasingly concerned about the safety of their children, and this is especially true when it comes to choosing products like detergents, cleansers, and food options. However, when it comes to selecting baby-safe paints for crib, there is often a lot of uncertainty.

Before you start shopping around, it’s important to know that many paints on the market contain toxic chemicals or other ingredients that could be harmful to infants if ingested or inhaled. The good news is that there are plenty of safe options available if you know what to look for.

Here are seven baby-safe paints for crib to consider for your baby’s crib, along with some tips on what to look for when choosing a safe paint.

Safe Paint Qualifications To Check

Knowing the key factors that make paint safe or harmful can help you choose the safest paint for your infant’s crib. One of the most important characteristics parents look for in safe paint is the absence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). You can find VOCs are chemicals in paint that emit into the air, creating that familiar paint odor.

Unfortunately, studies have revealed that many of these VOCs can have negative effects on human health, both in the short and long term. VOCs can cause a range of common health issues, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, lack of coordination, and even kidney and liver damage. Indoors, where the level of VOCs in the air can be significantly higher, they can be particularly harmful.

So when shopping for baby-safe paint, look for products that specifically advertise as having low or no VOCs. This will help you avoid products that could pose a risk to your infant’s health.

Also

Since infants spend most of their time in cribs, there are chances of exposure to the paint for extended periods, baby safe paint for cribs should have either low or zero VOCs. A wonderful place to look for zero VOC paint is in the water-based or milk paint categories.

Aside from VOCs, you might also want to steer clear of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) as well. APEs include nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates. Aside from paint, these substances are common in other surfactants. 

Unfortunately, these substances are highly suspected to be endocrine disruptors – substances that can interfere with the body’s natural hormone cycles.

In addition

Endocrine disruptors are a major concern as they have links to a range of health problems, including reproductive, cognitive, and immunological issues. As a result, it is advisable to avoid products containing endocrine disruptors when around young children, which is why more and more products are being labeled “BPA-free.”

Whether you’re sprucing up the crib in preparation for a new arrival or undertaking a comprehensive nursery renovation while caring for a toddler, safety is of paramount importance. But what exactly does “baby-safe” paint mean, and which paints fall under that category? The best baby-safe paints for crib and the nursery as a whole are those without chemical emissions.

Natural paint is the top choice in this category but paints with minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can also be a safe option. In this article, we will discuss baby-safe paints for crib in detail, including our recommended options. So keep reading to discover the best baby-safe paints for crib and spray paints for baby cribs.

Perfect Paints For Baby Cribs

Achieving a safe and attractive crib for your baby doesn’t always require the expertise of a skilled painter and decorator. However, your paint selection is crucial. Opt for paints made from natural components or those with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Choosing a baby-safe paints for crib will determine when to paint the crib to allow for enough time to dry and cure before use. Even paints with low VOCs can release fumes as they cure, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wait until the paint has completely cured before placing your baby in the same room as the crib. Later on, we will discuss specific baby-safe paint options in more detail.

What Are You Seeking To Avoid With Paint?

You don’t realize how many alternatives there are until you start investigating the different kinds of paint that are appropriate for baby furnishings. Let’s start by discussing what you want to avoid when painting. This applies to any paint in your baby’s room as well as the rest of the house for the sake of your family’s health.

Voltage Of Organic Composites (VOCs)

Commercial paint contains thousands of compounds, some of which are hazardous. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are among the most concerning chemicals present in paint. VOCs include benzene, ethylbenzene, ethylene glycol, toluene, xylene, hexane, and cyclohexane. During the drying process of the paint, these VOCs emit large amounts of gas, which is responsible for the paint’s distinctive smell. However, VOCs pose a significant threat to human health due to their numerous negative consequences. Apart from long-term illnesses like cancer, they can also cause transient issues such as headaches and nausea. In addition, similar to cars, VOCs contribute to air pollution.

You must ventilate freshly painted furniture and rooms for a few days to allow the paint to off-gas or release fumes. This is essential for your health. However, VOCs continue to be emitted even after the paint smell has faded, as paints can continue to off-gas for years after application, albeit at levels that are undetectable to us. Although VOC levels may be safe, they are still present and can pose a potential risk to human health.

Avoidance In Painting Baby Cribs

VOCs are not the only harmful substances to be concerned about when it comes to paint. Regular paints’ thickeners, stabilizers, and preservatives may also contain heavy metals and other harmful chemicals, while paint pigments can often contain VOCs.

Furthermore, some paints include antibacterial agents to prevent mold growth or increase shelf life, but unfortunately, these substances are typically toxic. Beware of paints that claim to be “low-odor” or “odorless” as they may contain additional chemicals to mask the paint smell.

It’s important to note that not all paints that claim to be odorless truly are. So, it’s better to be safe and choose a natural paint or a low-VOC paint that’s been independently certified to ensure its safety for use in a nursery or around young children.

For A Baby Crib, What Kind Of Paint Is Safe?

Finding a safe, non-allergic paint for your baby’s cot while avoiding VOCs and other chemicals shouldn’t be too challenging, right? Let’s examine these choices since both natural and low- and zero-VOC paints fall under the category of “non-allergic” paints:

1. Natural Paints

These contain natural ingredients like water, chalk, essential oils, and plant colors. A popular alternative for a baby crib is milk paint, as an illustration. Natural paints are among the safest choices for your baby’s crib because they don’t contain any chemicals at all.

Even though natural paints now function just as well as chemical-based paints, they don’t exactly have the same gloss and require a slightly different application technique.

2. Low VOC Paints

It’s all in the name! Though significantly lower than the levels found in the paints our parents and grandparents used, there are still sizable amounts of VOC in use today. With this, you cannot consider Low VOC as non-allergic.

3. VOC-free Or No VOC Paints

Even paint labeled “zero VOC” still has trace quantities of VOCs. You can consider a paint zero VOC if its VOC content is less than 5 g/L. Unless a comparable organization or the Green Seal approves, which ignores other possibly harmful substances present.

Again, despite being much safer than traditional paints, you cannot regard zero and no-VOC paints as non-toxic. 

However, “Volatile Organic Compounds,” sometimes known as “VOCs,” are present in the majority of commercially available paints and must be avoided. 

VOCs are organic compounds that are gasses emitted into the atmosphere as a result of the use of specific products. VOCs are rather common and can be discovered in a variety of environments, such as:

• Varnishes

• Paint thinners

• Paint

• Glue and adhesives

• Wares for carpets and flooring

• Cleansers

• Pesticides

• Cosmetics

• Deodorants

The phrases “fuel,” “oil,” “gasoline,” and “diesel” all refer to the same item.

VOCs have been linked to a number of health problems, including organ damage, headaches, nausea, and skin irritation. As a result, you should refrain from buying products that contain volatile chemical compounds for both yourself and your child.

Here Are 7 Allergy Free Paint Options

1. Old Fashioned Milk Paint

One of the best options if you’re looking for a zero VOC paint is milk paint. Take Milk Paint’s Old Fashioned Milk Paint, for example. According to Milk Paint, the original commercial milk paint was Old Fashioned Milk Paint, which still uses the same recipe as it did in 1974.

The Old Fashioned Milk Paint is a genuine milk paint since it contains casein proteins. Since it is in powder form, you can mix it to create any consistency of paint you like. As a true milk paint, it is made with natural earth materials, is non-toxic, food safe, and environmentally beneficial.

The paint has a faint milky odor when it is applied, but as soon as it dries, the smell completely disappears. They already have a huge selection of colors. You may easily mix colors to get your desired shade because they are available in powder form. 

On the other hand, genuine milk paint might peel and crack over time. Some people apply this technique to achieve a vintage look. However, some parents might be worried that their kids will ingest the paint chips. Parents should use a wax or varnish to prevent chipping even though this milk paint is food-safe.

2. Interior Rust-Oleum Paint

Rust-Collection Oleum’s line of non-toxic paints is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a baby-safe paint for the nursery or simply to paint cabinets and wooden furniture around the house.

It’s excellent, providing even coverage and strong adhesion on a variety of surfaces and materials, including wood, metal, ceramic, and canvas, and has a matte, velvety, smooth finish. 

Up to 150 square feet can be painted with just one can of paint. Because it is latex, Rust-Oleum infant-friendly paint has a very mild smell and may be easily cleaned with soap and water before it dries. We particularly liked how quickly it dried—only 30 minutes.

3. General Finishes Water Based Milk Paint

The water-based milk paint from General Finishes might be the best option if you’re worried about safety and the environment. It’s an exterior mineral-based paint with a low sheen. It’s a high-quality, low-VOC paint that’s perfect for protecting a newborn.

General Finishes uses over 50% renewable resources and formulations of sustainable materials, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. This kind of paint is especially durable because it was made for external use. 

Despite the fact that the product’s label calls it “milk paint,” it is not actually milk paint because milk proteins are not present in it. 

However, it ought to be sufficient to purchase baby furniture. This paint is sold in pints, quarts, and gallons. Parents are likely to find one they like with more than 30 color options.

4. Retique It Rust-Oleum Furniture Paint

We suggest the furniture paint from Rustoelum when it comes to baby-safe paints. It is completely non-toxic, contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and is hypoallergenic. You won’t have any trouble finding the ideal shade for your baby’s crib or nursery because it comes in a variety of colors. 

Additionally, it may be applied without priming or sanding, and only one layer provides excellent coverage (although we recommend you do 2 coats at least).

5. Chalk Mountain Furniture Paint

Chalk Mountain furniture paint is available in over 50 different colors, so choosing the perfect shade for your baby’s cot won’t be difficult. Due to its non-toxicity, lack of VOCs, and minimal odor emission, it makes for a great all-purpose paint. Because it just needs 30 minutes to dry, using it indoors is completely safe.

6. Fusion Mineral Paint

The all-purpose paint Fusion Mineral Paint is fantastic for use on cribs and baby furnishings. There are plenty of color options, so you’ll never run out of things to do.

The biggest disadvantage of this paint is that it is not labeled as having “zero-VOCs,” even though it is non-toxic, lead-free, and odorless.

It’s a secure option for the nursery because it doesn’t additionally include ammonia or formaldehyde. 75 square feet can be easily covered by a 500 ml can.

7. Amy Howard Home — One Step Paint

 Amy Howard is a writer who resides in New York. One Step Paint is a flexible paint that may be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, glass, fabric, resin, melamine, concrete, iron, stone, and more.

It’s an excellent option for the nursery because it is produced using zero-VOC components and has no odor because it is water-based. It can cover as much as 140 square feet and dries in 20 minutes. 

Only a few colors are offered, which is the primary disadvantage. But this is the paint to use if you want a chalk finish.

Can A Baby Crib Use Chalk Paint?

It is safe and non-toxic to paint your baby’s cot with chalk paint, yes. Since chalk paint is manufactured from all-natural substances like calcium carbonate, it is gentle and won’t emit any airborne toxic fumes or chemicals.

Also, it’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for a paint that is environmentally friendly because it doesn’t include any volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can pollute indoor air.

What Colors Of Paint Are Thought To Be Ultra-Non-Toxic For Babies?

Two types of paint are thought to be safe for infants: Natural Paint and Zero-VOC Paint. Zero-VOC paints are becoming more and more well-liked as a safer substitute for industrial paint available on the market.

The name is misleading because VOCs are still present in these items. This is because paints still need the presence of a solvent or specific VOCs to adhere to the wall. Zero-VOC paint has just 5 g/l VOCs compared to Low-VOC paint, which has 50 g/l VOCs, and conventional paint, which can have up to 150 g/l VOCs.

Therefore, zero-VOC paint is still a fantastic choice whether you’re painting a crib or nursery. Some of the manufacturers of Zero-VOC paints include AFM Safecoat, Behr, ECOS Paint, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Earth Safe Finishes Baby, and Yolo Colorhouse.

Which Paint Is Safest To Use On Your Baby’s Crib?

The safest paint to use for your baby’s cot is natural paint because it emits no hazardous gases. A safe substitute will be zero-VOC paint which is also free of other harmful compounds. It will be wise to use paints that have an additional certification that goes beyond VOC concentration.

Do not forget to examine the VOC content of any paint pigments you add to the paint. VOC pigments increase the amount by 10 grams/liter, while the amount varies according to the color. VOC content will be higher in darker colors. If at all feasible, pick paint pigments with 0% VOC.

Can You Use Regular Paint On A Crib?

You don’t need to use special paint. Simply choose one of the safer paint alternatives and make sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions on drying times.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Milk Paint.

Milk paint is one of the earliest paints produced on a large scale. The basic mixture of casein (milk protein), lime, and calcium hydroxide has remained mostly unchanged since it was first used thousands of years ago. Milk paint was even used to paint in caves.

Milk paint typically comes in powder form that you mix with water and natural pigments to tint it. Once dry, the wood grain is visible, and the surface has a slight gloss with a milky appearance. If you’re going for a rustic, vintage, or farmhouse look, milk paint can make it easy to achieve.

However, mixing milk paint can be challenging because it easily forms lumps and has a limited shelf life after mixing. This makes it a bit more expensive due to the limited resources available. Nonetheless, milk paint is currently gaining popularity.

Can You Safely Stain A Baby Crib?

If you’re planning to stain a wooden crib, you can opt for a baby-safe crib finish, and many non-toxic wood stains are safe for infants once they are fully dried. You can use VOC-free stains or natural paints containing linseed oil or beeswax to highlight the wood’s grain and protect it from damage. Fortunately, there are several varieties of non-toxic paints available for baby furniture that are free of hazardous substances or VOCs. By selecting a baby-safe crib paint, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child will have a beautifully decorated nursery without compromising on breathing clean, unpolluted air.

Final Thoughts

All of the baby-safe paints we’ve discussed are excellent choices, but it’s important to select a brand that offers the color and tone you desire, and to purchase more paint than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have extra paint on hand, as you may need additional applications or you could accidentally spill some during the process, especially if you’re new to DIY.

If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to spray paint a baby crib, the answer is no. While there are no safe sprays for baby cribs, there are paints that have undergone testing and have been determined to be kid-friendly. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns against using spray paint or any other aerosol products in a room where someone is sleeping because there is a higher risk of serious accidents or death from asphyxiation caused by the toxic fumes from the paint.

Spray-on bedding may also contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and benzene. These chemicals can seep into your child’s crib sheets if not thoroughly cleaned after each use. Therefore, it’s important to choose a safe paint and application method for your baby’s crib to ensure their safety and health.