Paint used on cribs and baby beds must be completely nontoxic.
Painting a baby bed or crib requires extra care and consideration. Babies and toddlers often chew on things within reach, beds and cribs included, so the paint used on the baby's bed has to be completely safe and nontoxic. It's also important not to paint over old lead-based finishes -- many old or antique cribs contain lead-based paints, which are considered unsafe for children.
Milk Paint
Old-fashioned paint, called milk paint, is often used to give craft and decor items an antique finish. It's also suitable for 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.
Non-Toxic, Non-VOC Paints
Many paints contain compounds that are toxic, harmful or generally unsafe for children or the chemically-sensitive. Safe alternatives are available that are nontoxic and 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, not even over time. Some of these paints are also labeled as vegetable-based and eco-friendly; read the label thoroughly to be certain.
Safe Sealant
Aside from the paint, the baby bed will most likely need a coat of sealer to prolong the life of the new paint. Companies that sell eco-friendly and child-safe paints also sell safe clear coat and sealants for those paints. Still, read the manufacturer's label thoroughly to ensure complete safety.
Repainting Antique Baby Beds
If you have an antique baby bed or crib that you'd like to repaint, there's a good chance the paint or finish on it would be considered unsafe by modern standards. It may even contain lead. You can safely remove the finish, even if it contains lead, by using an eco-friendly paint stripper such as a soy-based stripper. Once all the old paint or finish are removed and the bed is thoroughly sanded and cleaned, you can paint it with a child-safe paint. For safety reasons, it's best to remove the old paint outdoors or in a place away from children. Protective eyewear and a dust mask should be worn to avoid getting old paint particles in your eyes or mouth.
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