The most important things to know if you plan a painting project and there’s a baby in the house
A lot of people all around the world are getting ready to do painting projects for the year, and you just may be one of them. And if there’s a baby in the house, you have a few extra concerns during a paint project, like making sure everything you use is baby safe. Have you been wondering if the paint you are planning on using is safe for your baby?
We have some handy information ahead for you to learn all about paint safety for parents with babies, and if you have any questions, you can ask friendly Dallas painters on our staff to share some of their expertise.
What paint is safe for babies?
Several years ago, it was common to hear about lead poisoning from a variety of different products that could be found around the house, including children’s toys. Paint was another one of these agents that could carry the lead.
While those days are behind us for the most part, there are still certain types of paint you shouldn’t be painting your baby’s nursery with.
When you go to find your paint, make sure you ask the person at the paint counter for paint without primer. There are fewer chemicals in the paint if you get it without the primer already in, and fewer chemicals mean a safer room for your baby.
If you’re worried about mold, mildew and other unhealthy characters getting into your baby’s nursery, here is another option you might enjoy.
There are some safe paints that come ready to go with antimicrobial agents on them to help keep mold and mildew away.
Finally, when shopping for paints, you should look for any labeling that reads something along the lines of “non-toxic”.
How bad is paint for babies?
If you are getting ready to paint your house with your kids already living in it, or if you’re painting a nursery for a baby that is on its way, you might be wondering if paint could be bad for babies.
When it comes down to it, paint is about as bad for babies as it is for anyone else – it’s not very dangerous, especially if the exposure is only brief . Everyone who has ever painted a room knows that the smell of paint will linger for a little bit. Being exposed to the smell for a brief period of time won’t harm your baby. It could be a different story if the exposure to the smell of fresh paint was prolonged.
A good rule of thumb you can follow is to open a window up in any room you’re painting. This could help keep the paint fume levels down a little.
It’s a good idea to plan for you and the kids to stay with a relative or a friend for a few days, while your house is being painted.
Another way to minimize the exposure is to only paint one room at a time. This way, you’d be able to keep your baby out of that room while the smell dies down.
Do Not Paint While Pregnant!
If you’re planning a painting project, and you’re pregnant, make sure someone else will be doing the painting. Even with a non-toxic paint with zero VOC, it is better done by someone who isn’t pregnant.
Make sure you allow the newly painted room to air out thoroughly before you enter. The paint fumes shouldn’t be harmful to you in short bursts, but to err on the safe side, you might think about staying out of the room entirely until it has had a chance to be aired out nicely.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use For Baby Handprints?
Everyone has seen the little projects that kids make for their parents. These little handprint murals are a symbol of your children, and you appreciate the gift.
I you’re considering doing a paint handprint project with your kids, you are surely wondering what the best paints are for baby handprints.
The absolute best paints around for handprint painting are the washable tempera paints. They will be labeled as non-toxic and you should also be able to see a label describing it as washable. Paints matching these qualities are great for baby handprint projects.
If you’re looking for a product idea, one of the best paints for this job would be Crayola Kid’s Paint. It is completely kid-safe and ready for any paint project you or your kids can dream up. This paint is non-toxic, kid-friendly, and fun for people of all ages to enjoy.
Paint made specifically for kids can have all kinds of uses in your household. You can use them for various fun craft ideas.
What is the Best Non Toxic Paint?
There are all sorts of different types of paint that are considered safe, and that kids love.
Crayola makes all kinds of paints that are cool with kids. They even make a glitter paint for kids called the “Glitter It, Pearl It, Texture It”. These paints are great for hand-painted crafts.
Acrylic paint will do the job fine in a pinch if it is the only option available. Just remember to keep it away from the kids. They are non-toxic, but they are not washable at all. .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pregnant women safe to paint, and what paints should be used?
If a pregnant person uses Dulux products as properly instructed, then she wouldn’t have any reason to worry about the health of the her or her child. A solvent-based products during the first 3 months of pregnancy is not advised. We recommend using water-based products.
Is painting with a baby safe?
Many paints contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that generate toxic fumes, which can pose a threat to your little one’s. We recommend keeping your baby away from the house during the painting process and until the paint dries out completely. If possible, use paint that is clearly labeled as non-toxic.
What type of paint is considered safe for baby cribs?
Our top selection goes to the furniture paint from the Renaissance. This product contains no VOCs, totally non-toxic, and it is also hypoallergenic. You can get it in different colors, so there is no problem with finding the appropriate shade for your baby nursery or crib.
Modern innovations in paint technology have reduced the waiting time after painting to 3-4 hours to allow drying of the paint. So theoretically your kids can safely sleep in their newly painted room after the waiting period recommended on the paint container. But it’s still a better idea to use non-toxic paint.
What paint is considered safe for baby furniture?
Nowadays, many paint manufacturers are producing safe, eco-friendly paints. The perfect baby furniture paint is the zero-VOC paint due to its easy application, little price difference, and the same level of performance to paints made of high-VOC.
How long should I wait for a freshly painted room to air out?
Schedule and stick to frequent fresh air breaks during painting. Do not enter freshly painted rooms for two to three days if possible. Keep young children and family members with breathing issues from newly painted rooms. If you experience dizziness, eye-watering, breathing problems, or headaches, evacuate from painted areas.
How do I quickly get rid of paint smell?
Simply place a bucket filled with water in the middle of the room and leave it till the next morning. Get shallow bowls and fill it with water and many lemon slices. Place each bowl around the room to take in the paint odors. Get some bowls and mix the same quantity of water and distilled white vinegar, and place them around the room to take in the odors.
