thanks to all your replies, just wanted to update - we ended up getting a water based paint, and it was quite a breezy day so I just stayed near the window and had a good lot of air coming through, so that was fine. Then S and I went out in the afternoon and M did the rest of the wall, so it was all finished when we got back! Still smelt a bit "painty" but we left windows open all night and it had pretty much gone in the morning.

For the next room (which we probably won't do until way after the baby comes, anyway) I think we'll go with a British Paint one which is and "eco" paint - low VOC, low ammonia, water based one. Looked quite good and I'm sure it's better than the little ones breathing in the smell. I was still surprised at how little the one we used smelt. No headache or anything, it was great.

(Hey Cass, I'm getting round to dropping in on the baby buddy thread - catch up with you there soon!)


best,