How to Choose Baby Safe Paint – Manage a Safe Baby’s Room

Becoming parents is one of the most beautiful feelings. When you become a parent, you try to make sure that your baby is surrounded by everything safe and healthy. So, when it comes to decorating a nursery, opt for baby safe paint. 

Whether you are painting only one wall or the entire room, it is essential to pick a nursery paint that looks good and is baby safe. Chemical additives and paint fumes can linger, and babies are highly sensitive. Fortunately, there is baby-safe paint for nursery and crib to manage a healthy environment for your little one. Here is an article with all you need to know about how to manage a healthy environment in your baby’s room. 

Tips to Choose Baby-Safe Paint

When it comes to decorating the baby’s nursery, room, and crib, it is important to choose the right products. There is a wide range of paints on the market with different features. Below mentioned are some important things to consider when choosing the nursery paint. 

Zero or Low VOCs

VOCs or volatile organic compounds are toxic gases that are released from liquids or solids. They are usually released when the paint dries. The weird smell that emerges from paints is usually due to VOCs. It can irritate your nose, throat, and eyes. However, when repeated for a long time, it can lead to cancer. In addition to this, it can also cause damage to the central nervous system, kidney, and liver.  

Some paints have more VOCs as compared to the others. Specifically, darker pigments are high in VOCs than the lighter ones. So, when decorating your baby’s nursery or room, opt for paints with low VOCs as they are baby safe paint. 

Choose APE-free Paints

APE or Alkylphenol ethoxylates refer to a group of chemicals that are suspected to be endocrine disruptors (Source). These chemicals mess up the functioning of hormones. It is better that these chemicals are not present around when you are breastfeeding your baby. Most of the paints contain APE, so it is better to opt for the ones that are APE-free. 

Say No to Antimicrobial Paints

Do not opt for the paints that are touted antimicrobial. Many paints used in houses contain preservatives, but the ones that are antimicrobial have additives that are not necessary. These paints may sound good, but in reality, they are harmful to humans. 

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Tips to Reduce Air Pollution in Baby’s Room

One of the essential things to consider when decorating a baby’s nursery is the air quality. A wide range of things, including wall paint, flooring material, and furniture, can increase air pollution. 

Indoor air pollution is one of the greatest threats. It can have negative effects on a baby’s health. Therefore, it is better to learn about things that can cause air pollution. Some of the air pollution elements include:

• Chemicals present in conventional furniture and paint
• Mold and dampness
• Dust mites
• Cleaning supplies
• Carpets

When designing a baby’s room, make sure to keep it clean. Opt for baby-safe paints and clean the baby’s room properly. In addition to this, use baby safe paint for the crib and other furniture in the nursery. Apart from this, make sure that the baby’s room is free from dampness and mold. 

Tips to Choose Baby-Safe Furniture and Flooring

When designing a baby’s room, it is important to make sure that the furniture and flooring is safe. It is better to opt for hardwood floors. Moreover, treat them with a safe oil or nontoxic polish like tung oil or flax. 

If you are planning to install new floors, then opt for wood from a sustainable source. You can choose woods from bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood. In addition to this, ask about the chemical treatments that are possible for any of them. 

Wall-to-wall carpeting may seem like a safe choice, but it is not safe. Carpets are treated with flame retardants and other harmful chemicals that can degrade the air quality. Moreover, they also trap allergens like mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander. In addition to this, they also trap the toxic gases and dirt present in the house. Therefore, it is better to avoid carpets in the baby’s room. 

In case the carpet is already present in the baby’s room, have it steam-cleaned. Moreover, clan it regularly with a vacuum cleaner to manage a cleanroom. In case you do not want bare floors, then opt for a cotton rug or organic wool carpet that can be dusted properly. 

Apart from choosing the baby safe paint, you need to be careful with the furniture. Below mentioned are some recommendations that you should consider.

• Don’t overdo furniture. It is better to choose a minimalistic design that comprises a changing table, a dresser, a crib, and a comfortable nursing chair. 
• Opt for furniture made from solid wood. If you are making the baby furniture, then opt for baby safe paint for the crib. Make sure to use zero VOC paint. In addition to this, have it inspected properly before using it. 
• Avoid plywood furniture and particle boards if possible. They have formaldehyde, and this substance can cause cancer. In case you do not have any other choice, then keep the furniture of the baby’s room in the open air. It will allow for outgassing the formaldehyde for some time. 
• Vintage furniture is the best choice as it is mostly made with solid wood. Purchase the furniture from a consignment store and inspect it properly. If you are getting the furniture refurbished, then make sure to use zero VOC paint. 

Tips for Choosing Baby-Safe Bedding

Your little one will spend many hours in bed while sleeping. Therefore, it is essential to choose safe and comfortable bedding. There is a wide range of options available for baby mattresses. Say no to plastic-cover mattresses as they may release chemicals for a long period of time after being purchased.

One of the best choices for baby-safe mattresses is organic cotton. In addition to this, make sure to wash the sheets using a few cycles of washing. It will help to eliminate the antifungal chemicals that may have been used during the manufacturing process. 

Tips to Maintain a Baby-Safe Nursery

Design the baby’s room using baby safe paint, furniture, and bedding. It will help to make sure that everything is safe for your little one. Below mentioned are some tips to manage a healthy environment in the baby’s room. 

• Use fragrance-free and natural detergents for baby’s bedding, diapers, and clothing. 
• Make sure to use natural and organic cleaning products, not only in the nursery but in the entire house. 
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Read More – Best Princess Room Ideas to Decorate Your Baby’s Room

Final Words

When it comes to designing a baby’s nursery, always remember to keep it simple. Do not get stressed about colors and decoration details. Make sure to use baby safe paint and organic products to decorate the baby’s room. Something that matters the most is that the room is safe for your little ones.