Preparing a nursery is one of the most exciting parts of welcoming a new baby. Alongside choosing colours, furniture and layout, many parents are now asking an important question: what is the best baby safe paint for a nursery?
Conventional household paints often contain synthetic chemicals, preservatives and solvents that release fumes into the air during application and for some time afterwards. Babies spend long periods in their bedrooms, their lungs are still developing, and they explore the world through touch. It makes sense to choose paints that support a healthier indoor environment from the very start.
Fortunately, genuinely baby safe paints do exist. With the right products, you can decorate walls, ceilings, furniture and toys beautifully without exposing your child to unnecessary chemical emissions.
This guide explains what makes paint truly safe for nurseries and which baby safe paints we recommend for walls, ceilings, cots and furniture.
Why Nurseries Need Different Paint to Other Rooms
Babies' bodies respond differently to their environment. They breathe faster than adults, meaning they inhale more air relative to their size. They spend many hours sleeping close to walls and ceilings.
As they grow, they touch surfaces constantly and often put hands in their mouths. For these reasons, the quality of indoor air and surface safety matters more in a nursery than in almost any other room in the home.
Choosing the best baby safe paint for a nursery is not about aesthetics alone. It is about reducing unnecessary chemical exposure and creating a healthier living space from day one.
What Makes Paint Genuinely Baby Safe?
Many mainstream paints marketed as "low VOC" or "eco" still contain synthetic binders, preservatives and additives that are not ideal for sensitive indoor environments.
When choosing a genuinely baby safe paint you need to look at several things. Your paint should:-
- Have zero or ultra low VOC levels, ideally below 1 g per litre.
- Be water based and mineral or plant based, rather than plastic based.
- Be independently certified, not just self declared by the brand.
- Offer ingredient transparency, with clear Technical Data Sheets available.
One of the most meaningful certifications to look for is EN 71-3 Toy Safety. This is the European standard used for toys and means the paint has been tested for safety in environments where children may touch or mouth surfaces.
Ingredients You Commonly Find in Natural Baby Safe Paints
Unlike conventional paints, natural baby safe paints use ingredients that are low emission and breathable.
Depending on the formulation, you may see:-
- Clay, which gives breathability and a soft matt finish.
- Lime, which is naturally antibacterial and mould resistant.
- Casein (milk protein), used traditionally as a natural binder.
- Plant oils and natural resins for durability.
- Chalk and natural fillers that create a smooth, safe surface.
These materials create paints that are not only safer for babies but also pleasant to live with. They are typically low odour, breathable and supportive of healthy indoor air quality.
Best Baby Safe Paints for Nurseries
Our best baby safe paints are low voc and formulated from natural ingredients that support indoor air quality.
Graphenstone Ambient Pro – White
Graphenstone AmbientPro White is a natural mineral lime paint that is well suited to nurseries and baby bedrooms. It is designed to support healthier indoor air while remaining safe for sensitive spaces.
Key benefits for nurseries:
- Very low VOC with no added preservatives or harmful toxins.
- Breathable and helps reduce condensation.
- Naturally inhibits mould and bacteria.
- Photocatalytic surface that helps break down common indoor pollutants.
- Ultra matt finish that creates a soft, calming look.
- Durable and washable for everyday family use.
This makes AmbientPro an excellent choice for parents looking for the best baby safe paint for nursery walls and ceilings.
Graphenstone GCS Interior
If you would like colour in your nursery, Graphenstone GCS Interior offers the same health focused formulation with a wide colour palette.
Key benefits:-
- Very low VOC – <1g/l.
- Breathable and non toxic – Class 1 vapour open, Sd <0.04m.
- Suitable for all indoor living spaces.
- Highly durable – Class 1 scrubbability.
This is an excellent option for feature walls, calming nursery tones and children's bedrooms.
All our premium natural paints are non toxic, extremely low in VOCs and designed to protect indoor air quality. Many are independently tested to EN 71-3 toy safety standards and are resistant to saliva and sweat, making them suitable for cots, toys, furniture and other high touch surfaces.
Other recommended baby and child safe paints.
- Wipeable matt walls: Auro 555 Emulsion.
- Ultra matt, natural finish: Auro Clay Paint or Earthborn Clay Paint.
- Easier-clean eggshell (walls, wood, trim): Auro 517 Eggshell.
- Budget ceiling white: Auro 524 Breathable Emulsion.
Best Baby Safe Paint for Cots, Furniture and Toys
If you are looking to give nursery furniture a refresh, it's important to use a paint that is safe for close contact with babies and toddlers.
Graphenstone Grafclean Eggshell
Graphenstone Grafclean Eggshell is a natural mineral based eggshell paint suitable for nursery woodwork, furniture and even walls where a tougher, wipeable finish is needed. It offers the practicality of a traditional eggshell without the chemical burden of conventional paints.
Key benefits for nurseries and children's spaces:
- Very low VOC levels below 1 g/l and odour free.
- Free from microplastics, APEOs and formaldehyde.
- Breathable mineral formulation that supports healthy indoor air.
- Durable and washable with Class 1 scrub resistance.
- Satin eggshell finish that works well on doors, skirting, furniture and trim.
- Available in a wide range of soft, child friendly colours.
This makes Grafclean Eggshell a strong option for parents looking for a baby safe paint for nursery woodwork, furniture and high wear areas without compromising on durability.
Auro 517 Eggshell is another great option for painting wood in nurseries and kids rooms.
How to Paint Baby Furniture Safely
If you are painting a cot or other nursery furniture, preparation matters.
For best results:-
- Lightly sand surfaces to remove loose coatings.
- Clean thoroughly to remove dust.
- Apply paints according to instructions.
- Allow paint to fully cure before use.
These paints are suitable for use as cot paint when applied correctly and allowed to dry fully.
Is It Safe to Paint a Nursery During Pregnancy?
This is one of the most common questions expectant parents ask.
If you are using conventional high VOC paint, it is best to avoid painting while pregnant due to solvent exposure.
If you are using genuinely low emission natural paints exposure risks are significantly reduced. Even so, sensible precautions are still recommended:
- Ensure good ventilation while painting.
- Take breaks.
- Avoid prolonged time in freshly painted rooms.
- Allow paint to dry fully before extended use of the room.
Many parents choose to complete decorating earlier in pregnancy or ask someone else to apply the paint, simply for peace of mind.
How Long After Painting Can a Baby Sleep in the Room?
With natural baby safe paints, once the paint is fully dry the room is generally safe to use.
Best practise:-
- Allow the room to dry overnight.
- Ensure good airflow.
- Let any dust settle before moving furniture back.
Conventional paints can continue off gassing for weeks or months.
How to Choose Baby Safe Paint for Your Home
If you are assessing any paint brand, ask these questions:
- Is the VOC level below 1 g per litre?
- Can I see the Technical Data Sheet?
- Are ingredients clearly listed?
- Are the safety claims independently verified with recognised certifications?
Marketing terms like "eco", "green" and "natural" are not regulated. Certification and accurate technical data sheets should be how you choose the best and safest paint – not branding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Safe Paint
What is the best paint for a baby's nursery?
The best paint for a baby's nursery is a natural, ultra low VOC paint that is independently certified as baby safe and toy safe.
Can I use normal emulsion paint in a nursery?
Standard household emulsion paints often contain synthetic binders and preservatives that continue releasing chemicals into the air. For nurseries, it is better to choose a genuinely baby safe paint designed for sensitive indoor environments.
Creating a Beautiful and Healthy Nursery
Choosing the best baby safe paints for nurseries is about balancing safety, performance and design. The good news is that modern natural paints do not require compromise. They are durable, attractive, easy to apply and genuinely supportive of a healthier home environment.
If you would like personalised advice on which paint is best for your nursery, walls or furniture, please contact us. We are always happy to help you choose the safest option for your family.
Want to see some nursery colour inspo? Browse all paint colour ranges here.
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