When is a painted room safe to go back in?

[Anonymous]

We painted my 3 year old ds room on Sat. and the paint still smells pretty strong today (he is sleeping elsewhere). How do you know when it's safe to go back in?
Thanks

[Anonymous]

Is the paint low-VOC (volatile organic compounds)? What is the brand? I think most latex paints are. I say as long as the smell is strong I'd keep my DS out of there. Worth maybe calling the paint company and asking customer service? I understand your reluctance--I'm concerned about these things too!

[Anonymous]

i always wait at least a week if possible.

[Anonymous]

pp here...even though it may be "safe" sooner, some people can get really bad bronchitits/sinus from the smell even though it has been a few days. wouldn't take a chance with a little one.

[Anonymous]

What type of ventilation system do you have? If you have a heat pump for your house then chances are your unit is just recycling the "stinky" air as it heats it (which is basically how a heat pump works). So you probably aren't getting rid of the fumes nor introducing fresh air.

Does the room have a ceiling fan? The temps. are supposed to be milder this week so maybe you can open the window for an hour and see if that makes a difference.

I assume the paint is dry if you painted on Sat.?

[Anonymous]

OP here. The paint was Sherman Williams. I will check to see if it used low VOC. We have tuned of the heat vent in the room and the window has been open since Sat. so I thought it the smell should have been gone by now.
Thanks for all the advice. I think we will give it more time.