7 Experts Reveal What to Look for in Baby Safe Paint [2024]

Why are non-toxic paints for a baby nursery so important?

“Non toxic paint choices for your baby nursery is important because the newest and most valuable addition to your family will be spending hours upon hours sleeping and playing in this newly painted room.

You should try and paint the walls (and any furniture, such as a nursery dresser) before the baby is moved into the room. This way, the paint is completely dry and cured before the new baby enters. If you can complete the painting one month prior to the baby moving into the room it will ensure that the paint is completely cured. This means no further drying is occurring and no more gases are being released into the air as the paint dries. The smell of paint after a month should be fully diminished.

The biggest health concern with modern day latex paints that are applied in a babies nursery are VOC’s. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are the gasses that are released as the paint is drying. This is also the smell you notice in freshly painted rooms. Nowadays, most quality interior paints have low VOC’s.”

What non-toxic paints do you recommend for a nursery and why?

“PPG Paints Manor Hall interior paint is an excellent choice for a nursery because it has nearly Zero VOC’s. When applying and drying, the smell is very light. This paint has excellent hide, which means that with 2 good coats, it will cover any older color with the new color for your baby. When your child gets older and more mobile, hands on the wall with fingerprints, food and markers are now washable with this durable paint.”

– Shannon Serpette, editor of The Design Home

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Why is choosing a baby safe paint for the nursery so important?

“As a mother of two, I know how important this issue is. Paint fumes can be bad news for adults, and when you put babies into the mix, the damage that’s done can be even worse.

It’s no secret that babies are little, but what you might not consider is that also means their lungs are smaller and still developing. Any parent who has sat up all night with their toddler who can’t breathe just from an ordinary cold understands how fragile a baby’s lungs are. It just doesn’t take much to affect them.

Many paints put off a lot of volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs. VOCs can affect lungs by causing irritation and damage and can worsen lung diseases. For that reason, you want to select paint that puts off as little VOCs as possible. As a parent, you work so hard to protect your baby from all dangers — and that should include the ones you can’t see, like VOCs.”

What will the label on a safe paint look like?

“The safest bet for your baby’s health is looking for a water-based paint. They shouldn’t contain any VOCs. Don’t be fooled by low VOC paints. While they are lower than traditional paints, they can still contain up to 50 grams per liter of VOCs. By comparison, zero VOC emission paints contain less than 5 grams per liter.

And don’t forget to skip the primer! That could add more VOCs. Finally, try to paint your baby’s room months before your expected due date if possible. It’s always safest not to have the expectant mother painting and to keep the windows open in the room for extra ventilation if possible.”

What paint brands are safe for a nursery and why?

“Personally, I love Lullaby Paints. They offer beautiful shades of zero VOC paints. Even better, they offer a line of chalkboard paints that are completely washable for when your baby becomes a toddler and starts drawing on the walls.”

– Eric Nerhood, owner of Premier Property Buyers 

What will the label on a baby safe paint look like?

“As a House Flipper, but more importantly the father of a special needs child, I have always been especially cognizant of what paint I put on the walls of the houses I flip.

Not knowing who is going to purchase my homes, I try to use a Water Based Zero Volatile Organic Compound paint. This is the only paint that is safe for babies and small children.

Zero VOC’s mean that there is less than 5 grams of emissions per liter of organic compound. Using this paint will give parents a feeling of well-being that someone cares about the health of their child in addition to them.”

– Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy

Why is choosing Zero VOC paint for a baby’s room so important?

“Toxic paint is not healthy for anyone, but those most vulnerable to its ingredients are infants, young children, and pregnant/nursing women. Exposure can lead to anything from headaches, to nausea, to eye/nose/throat irritation, to damage of internal organs.

You want to look for a paint that is “zero-VOC.” VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are toxic fumes emitted by the paint. Steer clear from oil-based paint and instead opt for water-based or natural – while still reading the label for what it contains.”

What is your best recommendation for non toxic paint and why?

“My favorite is Benjamin Moore Eco Spec paint. Not only is it zero-VOC, but it is environmentally responsible and dries fast.”

– Michelle Keldgord, co-founder of BakingHow

Why is choosing baby safe paint for infants so important?

Choosing non-toxic paint for a baby nursery is extremely important because they can be extremely sensitive to toxins and chemicals. They also like to get their hands (and even tongues) on just about everything within reach.”

What safe paints do you recommend for a nursery and why?

“To keep them safe and sound while they sleep or lounge in the nursery, you always need to use non-toxic paint. Choosing a water-based option is a good start because these should have zero volatile organic compounds, also called VOCs.

Also, getting paint that doesn’t require the use of a primer will limit the number of chemicals that stick to the wall or other surface. If you aren’t sure whether the paint you are looking at requires a primer, ask a rep at the paint store.”

What paints are considered baby safe?

“Benjamin Moore Eco Spec paint is one of my favorite non-toxic options to use in a nursery. This paint provides you with excellent coverage while also being safe and free of VOCs. It also contains a compound that helps limit the growth of molds and mildew.”

– Richard Fung, owner of Foreverhomes.com

What safe paints do you recommend for a newborn and why?

“When you choose paint for kids you must look for APE-free paints above all. This APE is a group of chemicals (Alkylphenol Ethoxylates) which has the power to manipulate the hormones in the body.

Also look for non-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint because VOC-paints release gases in the air while drying which are really toxic. Keep an eye out for the labels ‘APE’ free and ‘Zero VOC’ while shopping for baby safe paint.

My favorite paint lines for nurseries are Natura waterborne paint by Benjamin Moore and Lullaby paints.”

Summary of All Zero VOC, Non Toxic Paint Recommendations

1. Sherwin Williams SuperPaint Interior Latex
2. Sherwin Williams SuperPaint with Air Purifying Technology
3. Harmony by Sherwin Williams
4. PPG Paints Manor Hall
5. Lullaby Paints
6. Benjamin Moore Eco Spec Paint
7. Benjamin Moore Natura Waterborne Paint

If you’re looking for other eco-friendly, non-toxic baby nursery products, we recommend checking out this product guide over on Porch.com. It has a great list of which non-toxic materials and supplies you should choose!

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