Painting with Child Near

Lowe's sells a VERY affordable low or no VOC paint. We bought it to paint my son's room when I was pregnant & have continued to use their paint since then. It is WAY more affordable than Benjamin Moore. I can't recall the brand, but Lowe's carries it. It was amazing...no fumes at all!!! Couldn't even tell there was fresh paint in the house.

There are many paints that you can buy that are no VOC or Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound). The VOC's are the chemicals that make the paint smell and that are toxic to inhale. Most companies make lo or no-VOC paints. They are more expensive but worth the extra money. I definitely do not recommend painting with you child just outside where you paint. Good luck!

It is definitely NOT safe to paint with your daughter nearby if you are using conventional or even low-VOC paint. You shouldn't expose yourself to it either, and don't let the paint stores try to convince you that it is safe. Go to HealthyChild.org and seach "Paint" to see what I am talking about. If you choose Yolo Colorhouse paint, milk paint or clay paint, then you can safely paint and your daughter can be nearby. There are many other zero-VOC paints out there, but most have not verified the absence of dangerous chemicals nearly as diligently as YOLO has. We do sell YOLO at Healthy Green Goods but not clay or milk paints. I am posting for your safety, not for the sale! - M. T., M.D. (pediatrician)

Most paints today have very low fumes. Open the windows and turn on the ceiling fan so you have good ventilation and everything will be fine.

I've painted when pregnant. I've painted with them around. None of us has suffered ill effects. Just make sure you have good ventilation...and you can buy very low fume paint....they even have paint that eliminates odors or some such thing these days.

Hi! not sure if all latex paints are harmless & non-toxic, but if you haven't bought the paint already, I suggest getting the non-toxic paints that are out there now. Some brands are non-odor in addition to being non-toxic such as the Harmony line from Sherwin Williams I just got recently.

If you buy the no-VOC paint, she can even be in the room with you! It is the Chemical fumes that pose the health risk - nowadays most all paints are Low-VOCs and more are going to the No-VOC's. I know the brand Mystic has No-VOC's, but I am not sure where to purchase it. Just call your local hardware store, or wherever you plan on buying the paint, and ask them if they carry No-VOC paint. Good luck!

Speak to the supervisor in the paint department. He'll know what's toxic for infants and what's not. Good luck. Whatever paint you buy, keep baby out of the room for days until you can no loner smell the fumes. Keep those windows open during painting and after but the bedroom door closed to help fumes from escaping thru the rest of the house. Even if fumes are not toxic (and they shouldn't be in this day and age)you could be sparing baby from sinus or other breathing problems.

I would suggest using Zero-VOC paint. That way you won't have to worry about fumes, etc. It's a bit more expensive, but I certainly think it's worth it with a little one around. Pittsburgh Paints makes one, I think Benjamin Moore does, too, and there's another one called Yolo.

Best,
R.

buy NO VOC paint and you will be doing your child and the environment good!

Hi,
You can get low VOC paint from Lowe's, home depot, menards, etc... Its safer for both of you. ;)

hi L., why take the chance. there are now low VOC and no VOC (volatile organic compound)paints that are safe and have little to no fumes. They only cost a little more than regular paint, but it's worth your baby's health and YOUR peace of mind, and they're available everywhere. Happy decorating.
P., mom of 5

Look at using low VOC paint. Less harsh fumes given off than typical paint.

I wouldn't have her anywhere near the paint, L.. Whether you can actually smell it or not, regular paint is toxic. It can disturb her mental capacity and health long term. Get a babysitter. Both of you would be happier.

L.,

Don't do it! Even latex paint gives off toxic fumes! I'd try to paint with the door closed, fans running, and windows open, with your daughter somewhere else. If you are using regular latex paint, let the paint dry for a few days (2 to 3) before letting your very little one return to her room.

Have you already purchased the paint? May I suggest you use "low VOC" or "zero VOC" paint in her room? Low VOC paint is low in volatile organic compounds. Tons of stores now sell it (like Sherwin-Williams, etc...) Here's a link that provides more info for you:

http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm

Good luck,
M.

Try the new low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints--will keep the overall smell way, way down and reduce any harmful effects on her. All the stores should carry them now, but there's a good paint store on Madison in Forest Park which would have a good selection.

T.

I think it's okay as long as the area is well ventilated- I have done similar things in the past. You can also buy paint that emits less smell- it's called low-v something, sorry I can't remember exactly what it is.

My biggest concern is having your attention focused on something other than her for more than 2 seconds at a time. Everytime I've had to take my kids to the ER for stitches, I was inches away from them, just that much too far to keep them from falling. Nap time is the best time, or hire a neighborhood preteen to watch her while you're busy. Good luck!

I'm sure you've had a bunch of responses but I always use the low VOC paint. Everyone makes it now...it doesn't smell at all! Benjamin Moore has a great one.

Paint fumes, skunk odors, smoke from a burned dinner, musty laundry odors, all have been addressed with one natural product that keeps your child's indoor environment healthy. For more info call ###-###-####.
Even though you can address any indoor environment problem with various products, try to plan painting without your daughter present you will have less worries and the job will get done much quicker. Do you know of a high school student or local college that offers education degrees?
Find out if there is a student interested in providing a
watchful eye. OR there are many youth programs that are looking for community projects, perhaps a church near you would have a couple of responsible members that would paint for you, while you attend your family.

You can get paint that emits a lower level of fumes. I can't remember exactly what it's called, but all paint stores have it. I would also have the windows open and a fan going to help move the air along.

As far as getting it done the way you want, I could never do that kind of stuff when my kids were awake, but I had some pretty active kids. So maybe you have a mellow one and it won't be the challenge I faced! Regardless, I would set realistic goals allowing for stopping and taking care of your little girl. She might be fussy because she can see you and you're not picking her up or playing with her.

Good luck!
M.

I sometimes listen to the "Mr. Fix-It" show on WGN radio on Saturday mornings, and he talked about this recently. You can certainly buy low or no VOC paints anywhere now, but on the show, he did warn that they are HARDER to paint with. It sounds like the coverage is not quite the same, and they don't roll on as smooth or something, so if you are not an experienced painter, you may want to ask about this when you choose the paint. Mr. Fix-It always endorses Ace Hardware, but any store ... even a Lowes or Home Depot ... would hopefully have someone who can give you some tips on using these paints. Happy Painting!!!