3 DIY Non-Toxic Paint for Babies & Toddlers

Imagine tiny fingers exploring a world of colour, leaving vibrant works of art on paper (or maybe the walls). Art is a beautiful way for babies and young toddlers to express themselves.

But for parents with curious babies, the question of baby safe paint often pops up.

• Can those store-bought paints be trusted?
• Can we create something fun and mess-free (well, sort of) at home?

The answer is a big YES.

Luckily, creating safe, non toxic paint for babies at home is easy and affordable. This way, you can encourage your little one’s creativity with complete peace of mind.

This blog post by Planet Ark team will answer all your questions about safe baby paint.  Let’s learn to make non-toxic DIY paint perfect for your Little Picassos.

Why Use Non-Toxic Paint for Babies?

Babies put everything in their mouths, and paint is no exception.

While some store-bought paints are labelled “washable” or “non-toxic,” these terms don’t always guarantee complete safety.

Making your own paint safe for infants allows you to control exactly what goes into the mixture, ensuring a worry-free playtime.

Here are some additional benefits of using homemade non-toxic paint:

1. Safe for curious mouths: Knowing your paint is made with safe, edible ingredients means less stress if your little one decides to taste their artwork.
2. Affordable: Homemade paint is cheaper than store-bought options, allowing for more creative fun without costing you much.
3. Natural ingredients: These recipes avoid harsh chemicals and artificial colours, providing a more natural and gentle experience for your baby’s skin.

Read More:

What Is Non Toxic Paint | Complete Details

Ecofriendly Paint: Everything You Should Know

DIY, Safe Baby Paint | 3 Easy Recipes

How do you make paint safe for babies? Here are 2 easy recipes for safe, non-toxic paint.

I. 4-Ingredient Flour Paint

This classic recipe is perfect for little ones who are just starting to explore sensory play, this recipe is super simple and quick to make.

Ingredients:

1. ½ cup all-purpose flour (baked for 10 minutes at 300°F for extra safety)
2. ½ cup water
3. ¼ cup salt
4. Food colouring

Instructions:

1. Bake Flour (optional): Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Allow the flour to cool completely before using.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cooled flour and ¼ of salt.
3. Add Water: Slowly whisk in the water until a smooth consistency is reached. Add more water by tablespoons if the paint seems too thick.
4. Add Food Colours: Divide the paint into separate bowls and add a few drops of food colouring to each. Mix well to achieve your desired colours.

II. 3-Ingredient Yogurt Paint

This food friendly paint recipe creates a thicker, creamier paint that’s perfect for exploring different textures.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or Greek yogurt works best)
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• Food colouring

Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch.
2. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients. Slowly add the yogurt to the cornstarch, whisking until smooth.
3. Add Food colours. Divide the paint into separate bowls and add a few drops of food colouring to each. Mix well to achieve your desired colours.

Yogurt Substitutes: You can substitute applesauce or mashed banana for the yogurt for a slightly different texture.

III. 3-Ingredient Herbs Paint

This newborn safe paint recipe is super simple and only uses 3 ingredients.

Main Ingredients

1. Colourful Herbs

Instead of chemical dyes, we’ll use powdered herbs for colour. You can find these online or at specialty stores. Here are some ideas:

2. Clay

This thickens up the paint. Kaolin clay is best because it’s white and won’t change the colours.

3. Liquid Base

This will make your paint spreadable. You have a few options depending on what you want:

• Water: This is the cheapest option, but it makes a thinner paint that acts like watercolours. It won’t last long (a week in the fridge) because water can grow bacteria.
• Egg Whites: These make a thicker, spreadable paint, but they won’t last longer than 1 day.
• Glycerine: This is a sweet liquid that can last up to a month if stored in an airtight container. It makes your paint spreadable but be careful not to use too much or it will become runny.

Instructions

1. Grab your bowls and add equal amounts of powdered herbs and clay (1 tablespoon each works well).
2. Next, slowly add your chosen liquid, a teaspoon at a time, and mix it all together.
3. The key is to find the right consistency. If your paint is too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more herbs and clay.

Additional Tips

• Store leftover paint in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a thicker consistency, add less liquids.
• Get creative with containers. Pour the paint into small squeeze bottles or recycled food pouches for easy application.
• Protect your little artist’s clothes with a smock or wear clothes that can easily be washed.
• Cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet for easy cleanup.
• Wash your baby’s hands thoroughly with soap and water after playtime.
• Observe your baby. If your baby shows any signs of irritation after using the paint, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Read More:

What Is Eco-Friendly Paint | Everything You Need To Know

Things To Consider Before Painting With Natural Paints

Shop Green at Planet Ark: Eco-Friendly Essentials for Your Home & Family

Planet Ark offers a vibrant collection of safe, non-toxic paints made with natural ingredients. Free from harsh chemicals, our eco-friendly products are gentle on little hands and kind to the planet.

Explore Safe & Chemical-Free Products

FAQs

1. What kind of paint is best for baby room?

Look for low-VOC or zero-VOC paint for a baby’s room. Even “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC” paints may contain some VOCs, which can irritate a baby’s lungs. Check your state regulations, as some states have lower limits for VOCs in paint.

2. Is Store-Bought Paint Safe for Babies?

Look for the ASTM D-4236 certification on children’s paint. This means the paint has been fully checked for hazardous materials. However, no paint is completely risk-free if ingested. It’s always best to supervise children closely when they are using paint.

3. How long after painting a room is it safe for a baby?

It’s best to wait at least 72 hours after painting a room before letting a baby spend time in the room.  Ensure the room is well-ventilated during this time.

4. What kind of paint can I use on a newborn?

There is no paint recommended to be used directly on a newborn’s skin. Paint ingredients can irritate their skin or be harmful if ingested.

5. How to know if paint is non-toxic?

Look for labels that say, “ASTM D-4236” or “EN 71-3.” These certifications indicate the paint has been evaluated for chronic health hazards. However, even “non-toxic” labels don’t guarantee something is completely safe for ingestion, especially for young children who put everything in their mouths.

6. What is the safest paint to use on a baby crib?

Opt for paints with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content. These paints emit fewer fumes and are considered safer for indoor use around children.