Child-Safe Finishes: What Parents Need to Know

Child-Safe Finishes: What Parents Need to Know

When you’re choosing furniture for your baby or toddler, you probably check for sturdy construction, smooth edges, and the right size for little bodies. One detail that's often overlooked is the finish.

The finish (paint, lacquer, or coating) is what gives furniture its colour and protection. But not all finishes are safe for children, and some may contain chemicals you’d rather avoid in your home.

Here’s what every parent needs to know about choosing child-safe finishes, and how Ohbubs ensures our products are safe for even the smallest hands.

Why the Finish Matters

Children explore the world with their hands (and often, their mouths). They’ll touch, tap, and even chew on furniture, so the surface finish comes into close contact with their skin and their food.

Some conventional paints and coatings can contain:

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – chemicals that release fumes over time, affecting air quality.

  • Heavy metals like lead or cadmium, which are toxic even in small amounts.

  • Phthalates and other plasticisers that can be harmful if ingested.

While these substances are regulated in many countries, not all products meet the strictest standards, especially cheaper imports that skip thorough testing.

Ohbubs Kids Table and Chairs

What to Look For in a Child-Safe Finish

When shopping for children’s furniture, here are the safety indicators to check:

  1. Independent Safety Testing
    Look for proof from a recognised testing organisation (like SGS or Intertek) that the finish meets safety standards.

  2. REACH or EN71-3 Compliance
    These are European safety benchmarks that limit harmful chemicals in coatings.

  3. Low-VOC or VOC-Free
    VOCs contribute to indoor air pollution, low or zero VOC finishes are healthier for your home.

  4. Non-Toxic Claim with Evidence
    “Non-toxic” on its own isn’t enough.

Ohbubs Kids Table and Chairs

How Ohbubs Ensures Safe Finishes

At Ohbubs, every piece of furniture, including our Kids Table & Chairs, is finished with a non-toxic, child-safe coating that has been independently tested by SGS, a world-leading inspection company.

Our finish passed the European Union REACH SVHC safety standards, meaning it contains no harmful substances above the strict legal limit. That includes heavy metals, phthalates, and other chemicals of concern.

This means you can feel confident knowing your child’s furniture is safe for daily use, from snack time to playtime, and everything in between.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Finish

Even the safest finish needs care to stay in top condition:

  • Wipe regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and food residues.

  • Avoid harsh cleaners- stick to mild soap and water.

  • Protect from deep scratches by using placemats during craft time.

The Bottom Line

A child-safe finish isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s an essential part of keeping your home healthy. When choosing furniture for your child, go with independently tested, non-toxic finishes, making a safer choice for your family.

At Ohbubs, we believe children’s furniture should be beautiful, practical, and safe, right down to the final layer of paint.

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