Stop right there—are you really about to paint your baby’s crib with just any paint off the shelf?
Then this article is the goldmine you’ve been seeking!
There are so many baby-safe crib paints out there, with each brand shouting they’ve got the best. Now how do you cut through the noise? How do you know which one’s truly top-notch?
Well, you can kick back and relax on that one!
We’ve done the legwork and found the BEST 5 non toxic paints for crib the market has to offer!
5 Best Zero VOC Paint Safe For Babies
Here are our top picks for the best baby-safe crib paints!
We’ve dug deep, doing extensive research to bring you ONLY the finest in quality, durability, and safety.
1/ Rust-Oleum 285140 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint
Give this Rust-Oleum product a shot, and you’ll be hooked!
It is one of the best non-toxic paints on the market with excellent adhesion, without stimulating allergies.
The reason being it was crafted with non-toxic ingredients.
You could apply it and bask in its fumes and still be in top form.
Aside from that, they are easy to apply and are ideal on a variety of interior surfaces including wood, metal, canvas, and ceramic with minimal prep work.
All it takes is 1-coat coverage, less than 30 minutes to dry to touch, yet it’s easy to clean.
You only need soap and water to achieve a shiny look.
A gallon could cover approximately 150 sq ft.
They’re also available in different colors, which makes it easy for you to add your ideal style and rejuvenate your décor to your taste.
Pros:
- Low odor and dries quickly.
- Easy to clean.
- Available in chalked spray and chalked glaze.
- The antique finish on any surface.
- No primer and sanding required.
Cons:
- Requires 5 coats for the best result.
- Not all that durable.
2. FolkArt 34150 Home Decor Chalk Furniture
Unlike any other competitors, this product is easy to layer and distress. And the end result is ALWAYS an ultra-matter chalk finish.
On top of that, it’s ideal for most household furniture and doesn’t require stripping or priming. Although, you might layer and sand it to give it an edgy look.
If this brand isn’t ringing any bells for you, FolkArt Acrylic Paint is the dominating brand and the best pick in the crafting world.
Since 1976, they’ve been manufacturing high-end products that make art and crafting enjoyable, without having to risk your health in return.
The demand for it is high, due to its premium quality paint that has several specialty finishes.
They are a preferable option among artists, sculptors, and painters alike.
Having said that, you can customize your crafts with any dazzling finishes including chalk paint, enamel, outdoor, multi-surface, glitter, neon and many more.
And that’s just scratching the surface!
The finish works excellently on numerous surfaces such as wood, ceramic, metal, plaster, canvas, terracotta, and whatnot.
Lastly, the rich, creamy coverage has an exceptional blending that hides the surface’s imperfections.
Pros:
- A little goes a long way
- Dries fast and doesn’t make a mess.
- 1-2 coats and you’re done.
- Zero VOCs solution
- Excellent finish
Cons:
- very thick and streaky
3. Retique It Chalk Finish Paint by Renaissance
With Retique It, you can reach your end results faster than you thought possible.
It’s a non-toxic, Zero VOC’s chalk cabinet and furniture paint, which a lot of handymen and pro painters are using.
The manufacturers had you, your family and the environment’s safety in mind, before producing Retique It Chalk Furniture paint.
For this reason, you have nothing to worry about.
There’s no CA Prop 65 warning on this can, which implies continuous exposure to its fume is harmless.
Also, the coverage is up to 40 m2 per liter for 1 layer, which makes it unique for larger projects. In fact, comparing productivity in this way, it’s 2x worth the price.
In terms of its functionality, it has a superior chalky coverage that requires only 1 to 2 coats.
Not only will you achieve a smooth finish but also be able to hide surface flaws.
On top of that, the material penetrates well into the wood, therefore, giving excellent water and wear repellant on the top.
Although, it was specifically designed for cabinets and furniture only!
In other words, any attempt to use this product outside these surfaces might result in a floppy finish.
Pros:
- It’s very affordable
- Excellent wood-like finish.
- Tons of solid colors.
- Ideal for large/small DIY projects.
- It’s eco-friendly.
Cons:
- Hard to achieve a solid look.
4. Tried and True Wood Stain
If you’re a serious hobbyist that doesn’t have Tried & True in your painting collection, you’re missing a lot.
Tried & True is 100% solvent-free, zero VOC, and safe for food and skin contact. It implies they’re safe for meal exposure. You can immediately move in food-grade, once the paint dries thoroughly –it’s 100% safe.
Even when our babies try to feed on the crib, the paint doesn’t affect their health. Thus, making it the best safe spray paint for baby crib.
Also, hundreds of weekend warriors around the world are raking in the benefits of using this product for all interior woodworking projects.
It’s the best non-VOC paint to apply on furniture, butcher’s block, cribs, cutting boards, children’s toys, and more.
Besides, the material is a strong combination of superior penetrating linseed oil with all-natural earth pigments, resulting in sturdy protection while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
For intensive projects, I will make Tried & True make top pick. It covers up to 100 square feet per gallon.
Pros:
- Zero voc, no odor and baby safe paint.
- Wider coverage.
- Durable coating.
- Ideal for any interior project.
Cons:
- Not much color.
5. Rust-Oleum 200241H Water-Based
Don’t let others take all the good stuff, it’s not too late!
Although, it’s true the more we expose ourselves to paint fumes, the less likely we are to live longer. However, not for Rust-Oleum 200241H zero VOC paint.
First of all, there are no warning symbols on the cans, which implies it’s 100% eco-friendly.
Also, the product has test certificates with PASS for contact with food items.
Therefore, your infants can lick the cribs as they play, with no consequences.
You can use it on multiple applications for both indoors and outdoors including garden furniture, balcony decking, kitchen countertops, wood flooring, patio, and whatnot.
This Rust-Oleum product also has an exceptional adhesion that can stay on the wood surface long enough, while increasing the wood’s natural beauty.
Varathane offers an outstanding scratch and stain resistance that hides surface imperfections. Thus, keeping the surface area smooth and beautiful.
The coverage is approximately 125 square feet. It is easy to dry. It only takes about 30mins, whereas, recoat commence after 2hours.
Pros:
- Ultra-fast drying.
- Easy to clean (only soap and water).
- Saves time and hassle.
- It can apply to both interior/exterior surfaces.
- Classic and natural look.
- Durable resistance to wear and tear.
Cons:
- Not for exterior furniture.
Pro tip: That paint lid isn’t budging without a fight, trust me. Skip the wrestling match and use a paint can opener like someone who values their time and fingernails
Also Check: Removing Latex Paint From Clothing
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Baby Safe Paint For Crib
When it comes to choosing baby-safe paint for your crib, it’s not just about picking a nice color that matches the nursery theme; it’s about creating a safe haven for your little one.
As a parent, I’ve learned that every choice you make, even something as seemingly simple as paint, can have far-reaching consequences for your baby’s health.
Therefore, here’s my advice—unfiltered, practical, and rooted in the real-world challenges of parenting:
1. Think Beyond The Label
Not every paint labeled “non-toxic” is truly safe. Labels can be misleading, which is why spending that extra couple of minutes reading those certifications on the labels are important.
For instance, look out for third-party certifications such as EN71-3 (European Toy Safety Standards) or ASTM D-4236 (U.S. certification for non-toxic products). These labels confirm the paint has undergone rigorous testing to be deemed safe for children.
2. Low VOC Isn’t a Buzzword—It’s a Necessity
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) might sound like science jargon, but they’re no joke. These sneaky chemicals can linger in the air, causing headaches and worse.
Trust me, you don’t want your baby inhaling that. Go for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints—and verify it. If the can smells Harsh, even after drying, it’s probably not safe.
3. Water-Based Over Oil-Based, Every Time
Oil-based paints are tough, but they come with fumes and drying times that make them a no-go for cribs.
Stick with water-based paint—it’s safer, easier to clean up, and won’t have you worrying about toxic residues.
Plus, the drying time is quicker, which is always a win when you’re juggling a hundred things at once.
4. Durability That Stands Up to Tiny Teeth
Let’s face it, babies chew on everything. The crib rails? They’re prime real estate for tiny teeth.
The paint you choose has to be durable enough to withstand this without chipping or flaking.
Some brands specifically offer “baby-safe chewable paint”—yes, it’s a thing. If not, pair your paint with a safe, food-grade sealant.
5. Test It Like a Scientist
And lastly, before you commit, test the paint.
Grab a small sample and apply it to an inconspicuous area of the crib. Watch how it dries, check for odor, and make sure it doesn’t feel tacky after curing.
This step might feel like overkill, but when it comes to your baby, nothing is.
Conclusion
Remember!
Timing Is Everything!
Don’t paint the crib a week before the baby arrives. Even the safest paints need time to cure fully. Plan to paint it at least a month in advance, then let it air out. Open windows, run fans, and keep the crib far from your baby’s sleeping area until you’re absolutely sure it’s ready.
If you’re painting yourself, do it in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors. The fumes might seem mild, but over time they can build up.
Good luck!