As an expectant mum you can find yourself under a lot of pressure and could be putting the finishing touches to the nursery right up to the last minute. Is it really a good idea to paint whilst pregnant or put your new-born into a freshly decorated room, though?

Take extra precaution

The good news is that the NHS say that it is ‘highly unlikely’ that the fumes of water-based paint could affect an unborn child, unless you are a professional painter and decorator with frequent and prolonged exposure. You should, though, avoid doing preparation work such as sanding old paint which may possibly contain lead particles.  You should also avoid using paints that are solvent-based rather than water-based and take additional precautions such as making sure the room is well ventilated, wearing a face mask and washing your hands regularly.

The first trimester

If you want to play it safe, then avoid painting during the first trimester of your pregnancy (the first 0 to 12 weeks), as this is the time when your baby’s vital organs are developing. 

The impact of VOC

Although the risk for mums-to-be may be low, putting your new baby into a freshly painted room may be problematic. Commercial paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOC) which can cause irritation to eyes and skin as well as headaches in a new-born. New research indicates inhaling these chemicals may be linked to a low birth weight in new-borns. Even choosing a paint marked ‘low VOC’ may not be completely safe, as the compounds added instead of VOC to help stabilise the paint can cause asthma and allergies.

What’s the answer?

A paint which contains zero VOC rather than low VOC and is completely free from carcinogens and petrochemicals. Step forward Little Knights. Not only can a freshly-painted room be occupied straight after using our paint – parents could even apply it with their baby in the room in total safety. It is completely safe for pregnant mums and children of any age from birth onwards as well as pets and vulnerable adults. So that’s one thing less to worry about.