By Sarah Macklin 
Painting and upcycling is still huge in the DIY world. In fact, more people are turning to renovating items they already have, instead of buying new, to save money and be more environmentally friendly.
But with parents choosing to paint children’s bedrooms, baby furniture and even toys, how do you know which paints are safest and least toxic for the little ones? Below, you can find our top picks of safe paints.
Rust-Oleum’s “Little Stars” range
Many paints contain high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to anyone, not just children. These chemicals can also be found in things like new carpet.
Rust-Oleum’s new paint range isn’t just eco-friendly and low-VOC. Its special formula actually absorbs harmful substances, including formaldehydes, that can occur naturally in the home. Examples of formaldehydes include hairspray, cigarette smoke, perfumes and deodorants. They can also be released when gas is burned, such as in your boiler or fire.
The paint can absorbs such chemicals and holds them in the wall, creating a safer and better quality environment for your children. It can do this for up to five years, and meets the ISO 16000 standard.
Not only can this paint create a better environment, but the 18 available colours were carefully selected with advice from a child psychologist to offer either a calming, playful or inspiring effect.
The paint range is suitable for use on walls, ceilings, and leaves an extremely opaque, matte finish.
Little Greene’s ‘Child Safe’ paints
Have an urge to paint your children’s floor, walls or even toys? Little Greene’s Child Safe paints could be a good option for you. Their paint’s “intelligent finishes” are certified as ‘Child-Safe’ under EN 71-3:2019 (also known as the Toy Paint Regulations). This means they are safe to use in many areas of your home,a s they don’t contain dangerous ingredients.
So should you wish to paint your children’s toys or furniture, you can rest assured that even if it flakes off, or the toy goes in their mouth, they’re not being exposed to thousands of unsafe chemicals. Flaking shouldn’t be an issue, however, as they claim their paint is up to 15 times tougher than ordinary household paints.
Earthborn paint
Earthborn’s eco paints could be the perfect thing for your little one’s bedroom or furniture. This brand was awarded the first ever UK licence of the EU Ecolabel for Indoor Paints and Varnishes. Their breathable paints have a low environmental impact and are virtually VOC-free.
If you’re painting furniture, their Eco Chic range is likely to be the best for you, and comes in a range of colours no matter how your nursery or room is being decorated.
