6 Baby-Safe Paints for Cribs and Nursery, Vetted by Experts

Most often, parents look for ways to improve the appearance of their baby’s nursery, which includes a co-sleeper crib, nursing chair or glider, baby dresser, and more. Painting is one approach that can enhance the color and match the nursery room’s décor. However, the challenge comes in deciding the right painting formula that’s safe for your baby. Some of the most common products include water-based and natural paints. These paints are usually labeled as non-toxic or zero-VOCs and are safe for use on your baby’s crib, nursery walls, and furniture.

When choosing, you want to be sure that your selected paints don’t contain VOCs(Volatile Organic Compounds) or ultra-low in VOCs. If you’re looking for baby-safe paints for cribs, look no further. To make it easier for new parents, our experts have researched and evaluated dozens of paint brands on the market. Read on to learn more about choosing safe paints for cribs and nurseries.

How to Choose Safe Paints for Baby Crib and Nursery

Go for Zero-VOCs Paint

When shopping for baby-safe paints, it’s vital to pay key attention to the composition of the ingredients by quickly scanning through the label. Before you buy the paint, look at the MSDS sheet that highlights the composition of the paint. Ensure the paint has Zero or near-zero VOCs, which are toxic compounds that are harmful to you and your baby. VOCs or Volatile Organic compounds are released into the environment and are mainly found in paint and other adhesives.

VOCs are harmful and can cause skin irritation. There are some long-term effects associated with exposure to VOCs, such as organ damage and headaches. Therefore, you want to be sure that the product you buy is free of VOCs. Likewise, the VOC content in color should be negligible. Know that darker paints usually have more VOCs.

If you’re expecting a baby, enlist the services of a professional painter to help with the paint job. Also, paint the room a few days before the baby’s arrival.

If painting the baby’s crib after your baby’s arrival, we recommend that you move the baby to another room for several days. Also, ensure there’s maximum circulation of air inside by keeping the windows open. You can also use an air purifier for the baby’s room.

Choose Natural Paint Products

You can also choose natural paint products whose ingredients are naturally sourced. For example, Soy oils, lime, chalk, linseed, and citrus are safe for you and your unborn baby. However, it’s worth noting that several natural paints have VOCs. Therefore, you need to do proper research before picking one. Typically, water-based paints are non-toxic and natural, with near-zero levels of VOCs.

Natural vs. Zero-VOCs Paint Products

Quite too often, you may be at a crossroads, wondering whether to buy a natural or zero-VOC paint. The best thing is to weigh the options by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each product. Zero-VOCs paints are safe when compared to conventional products. However, they’re not absolutely safe as they may still contain some toxic elements. On the other hand, natural paints are safe, but some ingredients may still harbor VOCs. However, consult with an expert when you are unsure.

Think About Your Baby’s Allergies

When shopping for the safest paint to use on your baby’s crib or other furniture in the baby’s room, it’s vital to think about the possibility of allergies. Therefore, it’s ideal to go for hypoallergic and odorless paint.

Baby-Safe Paints for Cribs and Nursery

Our Top Picks

Rust-Oleum Ultra-Matte Paint

 

As suggested earlier, a zero-VOC or non-toxic paint is the safest choice for you and your baby. Thankfully, Rust-Oleum paint is a baby-friendly product with wide application on various surfaces such as canvas, wood, and metal. You can apply it to your baby’s crib to produce an antique appeal.

The best thing about this paint is that it is odorless and gentle. Therefore, it won’t cause any irritation. It’s easy to clean by using only water and mild soap. The paint dries quickly to give long-lasting results. Thanks to its high-quality adhesive benefits, only one application is needed to produce a velvety finish.

If you prefer spray paint, then you can try the Rust-Oleum Chalked Ultra Matte Spray Paint. 

Number of colors: 15 | Intended Surface: Wood, metal, ceramic, canvas | Dry Time: 30 minutes | Finish Type: Matte | VOCs Level: Low

Chalky Chicks | Chalk Finish Paint

Chalky Chicks is a baby and indoor-friendly paint available in 44 different color mattes. You can pick a color that will blend with your nursery décor. In addition, it’s a ready-mix formula that you can use without much preparation. You only need to apply one or two maximum coatings. The final result will be a gorgeous, smooth finish.

Versatile, you can apply this paint on different surfaces, such as wood, stone, walls, laminate surfaces, and more. The opaque and thick formula is fast-drying, so painting will feel like a breeze.

For your peace of mind, you’ll be glad to note that this kid-friendly paint has low VOCs. What this means is that it’s a good choice for nursery paintings.

Number of colors: 44 | Intended Surface: Wood, laminate, glass, resin, metal & more | Dry Time: 30 minutes | Finish Type: Matte | VOCs Level: Low

Shabby Chic Chalk Paint

If you’re looking for non-toxic paint to paint the baby crib and other furniture in the nursery, you can consider Shabby Chick Chalk paint to create a cool decorative look on the nursery furniture and walls. This water-based paint is easy to use and formulated with non-toxic materials.

There are different colors you can choose depending on your unique preferences. There are at least 30 varieties, and you can select a color that will match the baby’s room décor.

We love the versatility of this paint, as it can work on various surfaces such as wood, brick, metal, and plastic. You’ll enjoy applying this paint since it is extremely smooth and adheres very well on any surface. Even better, you can apply the paint on the baby dresser and changing table without using an undercoat or even priming.

Number of colors: 31 | Intended Surface: Wooden furniture, metal, plastic, brick, stone, and plaster | Dry Time: 1 hour | Finish Type: Metallic | VOCs Level: Low

Country Chic Chalk Style Paint

Country Chic’s Chalk Style Paint is a chalk-based option and one of the most premium paints that comes at a fair price. However, one thing that stands out about this paint is it’s safe and comprises 100% natural, eco-friendly ingredients. In addition, the ultra-low VOCs on the ingredients shouldn’t worry you as it’s certified safe as per European Toy Safety Standards.

Therefore, you can apply it to the crib and other types of nursery furniture as well. Compared to other chemical-based paints, it scores high points since it gives a beautiful satin finish without toxic chemicals.

Another reason we chose this paint is that it’s easy to use. Additionally, it works well on wood, plastic, varnish, metal, and other surfaces. The best part is that you don’t have to add sand or prime as it has excellent adhesive properties, thanks to the built-in primer and topcoat. It also dries quickly, giving quick results.

Number of colors: 25 | Intended Surface: Wood, laminate, glass, metal, and kids toys | Dry Time: 30 minutes | Finish Type: Matte | VOCs Level: Ultra-low

Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint

 

Retique It Chalk Furniture Paint is one of the most user-friendly paints on our selection list. There are various reasons behind picking this baby-safe acrylic paint. First of all, it’s made with your baby and nursery environment in mind. The water-based formula is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, odorless, and gives a beautiful finish. The paint comes in a liquid solution; thus, you can easily apply it using a brush or spray paint to the crib, other nursery furniture, and toys.

Another reason most users love this paint is the fact that it dries fast yet gives great coverage. In addition, a little goes a long way. Lastly, this paint is incredibly versatile, and you don’t have to put in much effort to create an elegant appeal in your baby’s room.

Number of colors: 47 | Intended Surface: Wood, metal, ceramic, canvas | Dry Time: 30 minutes | Finish Type: Matte | VOCs Level: Ultra-low

Soto Multi-Purpose Paint Touch-Up

If you are looking for something different from the paints listed above, check out Soto Multi-Purpose Paint Touch Up. It is a water-based paint that only requires small touch-ups for the best results. In addition, it’s almost odorless to keep the nursery air quality healthy.

Further, it’s top-quality paint with excellent adhesion characteristics. You can use this multi-purpose paint to make minor improvements to the appearance of any interior or outdoor surfaces. You can also apply it to the baby’s crib and other furniture in the nursery. Additionally, it is suitable for other areas, such as doors, cabinets, shutters, and windows. Therefore, it offers a good value for money.

The application is hassle-free, as it only takes a few minutes to dry. Overall, it is a safe paint you can use in your baby’s room.

Number of colors: 26 | Intended Surface: Wood, fabric, fiberglass, canvas | Dry Time: 30 minutes | Finish Type: Satin | VOCs Level: Low

Read Also: 10 Best Non-toxic Play Mats for Babies

Conclusion

From our review, your child’s safety is paramount when choosing baby-safe paints. Our research assembled only those products that we consider safe to use and are environmentally friendly. One thing that we highly considered is the VOC level in the paint. Other notable things we considered include ease of application and thickness. Of course, the product should deliver the best value for money. Hopefully, you can now choose the best baby-safe paints effortlessly.