Safe Paint for Painting Baby Beds

Milky Solutions

• An old-fashioned type of paint, called milk paint, is often used to give craft and decor items a special finish to make them look like real antiques. This distinctine paint is also suitable to use on baby beds and cribs because it's completely nontoxic and contains none of the harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many other paints. True milk paints are powders; you mix them with water to create the paint.

Safety First

• Paints often contain compounds that are toxic, harmful or generally unsafe for children or the chemically-sensitive youngster. Safe nontoxic paint alternatives are available that contain low or no volatile organic compounds. If your paint retailer carries nontoxic paint, ask if it is VOC-free as well. A paint that is nontoxic and VOC-free is safe for babies and children and doesn't release harmful fumes or toxins into the air, not even over time. Some of these nontoxic paints are also labeled as vegetable-based and eco-friendly, so read the label thoroughly to be certain the paint is safe for baby beds and cribs.

Sealants Matter

• In addition to a fresh coat of paint, a baby bed or crib can benefit from a clear topcoat to seal and protect the new paint, as well as the underlying wood or metal. Companies that offer eco-friendly and child-safe paints typically have clear sealants available that are also formulated without harmful chemicals or toxins that allows you to safely cover and protect freshly painted baby cribs and beds. Even though a sales associate tells you that a particular sealant is chemical-free, read the manufacturer's label yourself to ensure it doesn't contain any harmful toxins.

Special Instructions

• If you have an antique baby bed or crib that you'd like to repaint, it's likely that the existing paint or finish is unsafe by modern standards and might even contain lead. You can safely remove the current finish, even if it contains lead, by using an eco-friendly paint stripper, such as a soy-based stripper. After you have removed all of the old paint or finish, sand the piece lightly to create a smooth surface. Wipe away sanding particles with a damp cloth to prepare the bed for painting with a child-safe paint. For safety reasons, remove the old paint outdoors or in a ventilated area away from children. Don protective eyewear and a dust mask prior to removing old paint to avoid getting the fine particles in your eyes or mouth.