We moved Mikayla from this mini crib to a bigger crib when she was 8 months old. We found an old crib on Craigslist and I researched and talked to the specialist at my local Benjamin Moore to find out how I could safely paint her “new” crib.
Where I bought this crib: Craigslist
So, I searched and searched on Craigslist, keeping an eye out for that crib when BOOM! A new listing popped up for a Storkcraft Crib for… $50!! I jumped on it and texted the owner. After a lil back and forth, I did some research on the recalls for this crib and felt comfortable with getting it. The only problem was that it was BROWN! It was this ugly, yellowy brown, Like this. GAH! It had to be painted!
Which Paint Did I Use?
Benjamin Moore carries a zero VOC, no odour, durable, baby safe paint called Natura. I chose a creamy white, not a bright white, something softer with a little yellow in it, in an eggshell finish. Chris sanded the crib down just enough to get the shiny top coat off, then I primed it with a fast, one time primer. I let it dry overnight, so it could air out and painted the crib with a brush the next day. I did two coats and thought it looked good. This process took about 3 days, but we paused a lot to take care of Mikayla.
Overall the paint, supplies and crib cost approximately $100.
Which Mattress Do I Recommend?
The mattress we bought was from Nook Sleep. I love it because it doesn’t have the loud, crinkly outer layer, which Mikayla’s mini mattress had and it crinkled every time she moved. I also love it because if it gets wet, there is a mattress cover on it that comes off with ONE HAND!!! – and I can just throw it in the wash and dryer, so easy!
Read: My Favourite Baby Products For Sleep
Where Did I Buy Her Bedding?
Her bedding… okay, I splurged big time on her bedding. Honestly, I didn’t have to, but I LOVED the look of the white bedding from Pottery Barn (similar one here), plus it is so soft and cozy. Her crib sheet is from Petit Pehr. Honestly, you could get away with using the Nook Sleep mattress without a crib sheet because it’s so cozy and the mattress cover comes off.
Read: How We Got Baby To Sleep Through The Night
Things you need to safely paint a crib:
- I felt good about using Benjamin Moore’s Natura – Eggshell, 1 Quart.
- A good, angled paint brush that can be used on wood and get in all the crevices/uneven surfaces
- Fine grit sandpaper – sand the crib by hand in the direction of the wood grain
- Primer – I liked using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer Spray. I used 4 cans to hide the original orangy-brown.
Watch: Baby Gear Must-Haves for Small Spaces
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Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
