13 Best Non-Toxic Crib Paint To Keep Your Baby Safe
Did you know many conventional paints that are labeled as lead-free still contain toxins that can pollute indoor air quality and cause skin irritations for both adults and babies? That’s why it’s a good idea and is the safest option to use baby-safe paints made with natural materials. So I put together a detailed list of our top picks for the best non-toxic crib paint!
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What is the safest paint to use on a crib?
- Water-Based Acrylic Paints: Water-based acrylic paints are generally regarded as a safe option for painting cribs. These paints are known for their lack of harmful chemicals, minimal odor, and ability to create a durable and non-toxic finish.
- Milk Paints: Milk paints are a good option and considered a safe alternative because it’s made with natural pigments like milk proteins, clay, and lime. It’s also eco-friendly. Milk paints are popular for creating a distressed or vintage type of look.
- Low-VOC and Zero-VOC Paints: The safest crib paint would be low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or zero-VOC paints. VOCs are chemicals that can be emitted into the air during the drying process of paint, and they can pose a potential risk, especially for infants with more sensitive respiratory systems.
- Plant-Based Paints: Plant-based paints are considered to be one of the safest and best non-toxic crib paints. These paints are made from natural paints ingredient such as oils, resins, and pigments derived from plants.
Is paint on cribs toxic?
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can pose various health risks when large amounts of VOCs are present in paint. Here’s why VOCs in crib paint can be toxic:
- Respiratory Concerns: VOCs have the potential to irritate the respiratory system which leads to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Infants and young children, who have developing respiratory systems, are particularly vulnerable.
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Exposure to VOCs can potentially trigger allergies and sensitivities in certain individuals. Babies, in particular, are more susceptible to developing allergies, and exposure to VOCs can increase their risk.
- Neurological Impacts: Some VOCs, such as benzene and toluene, have been associated with neurological issues. Given that the brains of infants are still in the developmental stage, they are more susceptible to the potential harm caused by these toxic chemicals.
- Lead: As lead-based paint deteriorates, it can create particles that babies can easily ingest or inhale. This scenario increases the risk of lead exposure. Lead is an extremely toxic substance known to cause severe health problems and potentially lead to developmental delays in infants.
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is toxic in crib paint. It’s a known carcinogen so it has the potential to cause cancer. When we’re exposed to formaldehyde for extended periods of time, it can cause respiratory issues like allergic reactions and skin irritation. The toxic substance can also release VOCs into the air.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are toxic for baby crib paint because it’s considered an endocrine system which affect hormones in the body. When it interferes with hormones in babies, this can lead to developmental issues. When inhaled, phthalates may cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
The Ultimate List Of Non-Toxic Crib Paint
1. Our Top Pick: Fusion Mineral Paint
Zero VOC paint for baby furniture is so hard to find but luckily we have Fusion Mineral Paint.
The best thing about this safe baby paint brand is it requires very minimal prep work. You don’t need to apply a finishing coat or waxing.
But if you want the most durable long-lasting paint, then you can apply sanding and a sealer.
This paint is perfect for baby cribs because it contains no ammonia or formaldehyde. It’s also odor-free, lead-free, and non-toxic.
2. Best Zero-VOC Crib Paint (Little Prep): Amy Howard Home Crib Paint
This Amy Howard Crib Paint is one of the best non-toxic paints for cribs to use.
You don’t need to perform stripping, sanding, priming, or top coat needed. This paint does it all for you and leaves a rich, chalky finish. Even better, it’s touch-dry in 20 minutes.
The baby-safe paint for cribs is 100% VOC-free so no need to worry about the toxins that might leech from your baby’s crib.
It works on almost all surfaces including wood, glass, fabric, resin, Formica, concrete, stone, and melamine.
3. Best Zero-VOC Crib Paint (More Prep): Chalk Mountain Furniture Paint
Chalk Mountain Furniture Paint is another high-quality zero-VOC non-toxic crib paint.
Compared to Amy Howard Paint (see above), this one is cheaper but does require more prep work.
To achieve the best results with this paint, it’s best to sand and wash your baby crib with warm water and soap. Make sure it’s completely dry before applying the first layer.
And if you want an extra smooth finish, you can sand again right before the second layer. Apply a sealer to make it even more durable.
This water based paint contains no VOCs and is low-odor. Plus, it dries in 30 minutes so it’s convenient to use. Wait 30 minutes before applying the next coat after the paint has dried.
4. Best Color Variety Crib Paint: Country Chic Crib Paint
Country Chic’s non toxic paint for cribs is our top choice for baby safe paints.
It quickly dries in just 30 minutes and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents.
Plus this Country Chic paint has ultra low VOC and is low odor. With just one or two coats, the result you get is a chalky matte finish with great adhesion.
The best thing is it doesn’t require any prep work or even sanding. Saves you so much time. This is completely safe to use as non-toxic crib paint for babies.
Also, the paint comes in many different colors so you’ll easily find the color you want.
5. Best Satin Finish Crib Paint: General Finishes Water Based Milk Paint
The General Finishes Water Based Milk Paint is one of the best paints for baby cribs and baby furniture, especially if you want to achieve a satin finish (semi-glossy look).
It’s considered a low-VOC paint and since it’s a water-based finish, it has lower levels of VOCs than oil-based finishes.
And since it’s self-sealing, it doesn’t require a topcoat. But if you do decide to apply a topcoat, make sure it’s not a clear topcoat because it might cause yellowing.
All you need to do is apply 2-3 coats with a roller, brush, or sprayer.
6. Best Acrylic Chalk Finish Paint: Retique It by Renaissance Furniture Paint
Retique It Furniture Paint is safe for babies and very easy to use.
With just 1-2 coats of this eco-friendly acrylic paint, it already gives superior coverage and really good adhesion. Since the paint is very thick, a little bit goes a long way. It’s also chip-resistant.
For painting baby cribs, you don’t even need to apply a topcoat. The paint dries in 30 minutes and produces a chalky matte finish. But if you do want the extra protection, you can seal it with a finishing wax.
Plus, it’s low-odor, ultra-low VOC, and is hypoallergenic.
7. Best Highly Rated Chalk Paint: Rust-Oleum Ultra Matte Chalked Acrylic Paint
Rust-Oleum is one of the most popular non-toxic paints safe for babies and for a great reason.
With over 34,500+ reviews and a 4.6 star rating, it’s definitely one of the highest rated non-toxic paints.
Just apply 1-3 coats, each 30 minutes apart and it’ll give you amazing adhesion. You don’t even need to sand it. The finish is a smooth, matte velvety finish.
It’s low-odor, low-VOC, lead-free, and safe to use indoors.
8. Best Highly-Rated Milk Paint Finish: Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish Crib Paint
The Rust-Oleum Milk Paint Finish Paint is a great choice for milk paint. Compared to the chalked paint, the milk paint is more lightweight and works well on smooth surfaces.
It’s water-based, low VOC, low odor, and dries to the touch in 30 minutes. If you want to apply a 2nd coat, just recoat in 2 hours.
This baby safe paint has excellent adhesion and has a matte finish.
9. Best Powdered Milk Paint: Old Fashioned Milk Paint
For a natural true milk paint made with zero VOCs, this powdered milk paint by Milk Paint is the best.
To make the paint, all you need to do is to mix the powder with warm water. You can easily adjust the thickness of the paint by adding more or less water.
This real milk paint for cribs is a biobased product so it’s made with natural plant-based pigments.
To ensure the paint adheres well to your baby crib, it’s best to apply this Extra Bond. To use it, you just need to mix it with the first coat of milk paint.
10. Best Fast Drying Crib Paint: Jolie Paint Crib Paint
Jolie Paint is a great option for non-toxic crib paint because it’s ultra low VOC, dries quickly in just 20 minutes, and has superior coverage.
There’s no sanding or priming needed. All you need is to pair it with their Jolie finishing wax and you’ll get long-lasting results.
It’s also Green Wise Certified and tested to be ultra low VOC and low odor.
Plus, Jolie has many different beautiful colors to choose from.
11. Best : Chalky Chicks Premium Chalk Style Paint
Chalky Chicks Premium Chalk Paint is another great choice for a non-toxic crib paint.
It contains ultra low VOC, is hypoallergenic, low odor, and is kid-friendly. It dries quickly in 30 minutes and leaves a silky finish.
The paint works on most surfaces including wood, laminate, glass, resin, metal, cement, and brick.
Use this paint to give your baby crib a distressed vintage look or a contemporary look.
12. Best Crib Paint For Touchups: Soto Crib Paint
If you ever just need to touch up a small section of your baby’s crib that chipped, this Soto Crib Paint is a lifesaver.
It’s such a hassle to pull out your whole can of paint to just do a touch up so this product comes in handy. The brush works very well to apply over scratches, stains, cracks, and small chips.
It easily adheres to chalk paint, mineral paint, milk paint, oil based paint, acrylic paint, and others.
Plus, it’s low-VOC, low-odor, water-based, and made in the United States.
13. Best VOC Free Finish: Tried and True Crib Paint
If you want a 100% VOC-free all-natural finish for wooden furniture, this Tried & True baby-safe sealer is a great choice.
It’s made from 100% renewable, plant-based, natural skin contact safe ingredients. Specifically, it’s made with linseed oil and beeswax. Since it’s petrochemical free, heavy metal free, and truly non-toxic, there’s no need to wear a face mask or have ventilation.
This acts as a sealant over milk paint, or oil-based paints. It’s a great choice of paint for wood furniture.
For water-based paints, we recommend this water-based poly topcoat instead.
FAQs
Is it safe to paint a baby crib?
It’s safe to paint a baby crib but it’s important that you use a non-toxic, low-odor paint that is labeled safe to use on children’s furniture. It’s best to use a paint for your baby’s crib that is water-based or plant-based and has low-VOCs or even better, zero-VOCs. Also, make sure to allow sufficient time for the paint to dry and cure properly so it doesn’t chip easily.
What non-toxic paint is safe for babies?
Water-based paints, plant-based paints, and milk paint are all non-toxic paints safe for babies. Make sure these paints are labeled non-toxic and don’t contain lead, formaldehyde, or phthalates. Water-based paints are made with water as the solvent. Plant-based paints are made with natural ingredients like plant extracts. Milk paint is made from a mixture of milk protein, lime, and natural pigments.
Is Behr paint safe for cribs?
Behr paint is safe for cribs. Look for their line of zero-VOC paint that is labeled as safe for children’s furniture. Those paints are non-toxic, made without formaldehydes, lead, and phthalates. They’re also GREENGUARD Gold Certified.
Can I paint a room with a newborn?
It’s not recommended to paint a room with a newborn. Even if the paint is non-toxic and free of VOCs, there are still compounds in the paint that should not be ingested or inhaled when it’s not completely dried and cured. Painting also make the space dusty and messy and exposure to this can cause irritation for your baby.
Is it safe to paint the nursery while you’re pregnant?
Painting a nursery while you’re pregnant can be safe as long as you use non-toxic crib paint. Choose a low or zero VOC paint so it doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air. Also, when you do start painting, make sure to have proper ventilation and air filtration. Open the windows and turn on fans to increase air circulation. Also, utilize air purifiers to remove airborne particles.
Be sure to wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves to cover your skin while painting. To prevent inhaling the paint, wear a mask approved for painting.
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