Crib bumpers for newborns - how to make them yourself

The magic of charm » Family and children

Taking care of your child is a natural desire of parents. This desire is especially active in the parents of a newborn baby, whom they want to protect from everything in the world. Protective bumpers for a baby crib are one of the affordable and simple ways to create the most comfortable conditions for your baby.

Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the need for baby bumpers, it is still worth paying attention to this household item for a newborn.

Photo: bumpers for a baby crib

Why do you need bumpers in a crib?

The main purpose of crib bumpers is to protect the baby from injury. Young parents should understand that for the first couple of weeks the baby lies almost motionless in his bed, but before you know it, he will begin to crawl and roll around his crib, and will constantly beat his delicate arms and legs against the hard walls and headboard of the bed.

It’s better to sew a crib protector with your own hands, putting all your mother’s care and love into the product.

For protection, special soft sides are sewn - in the form of pillows, a continuous soft strip of fabric, or in the form of unusual shapes and even animals. They are attached from the inside around the entire perimeter of the children's bed and reliably protect the child from pain and bruises, and the sleeping place will become even more comfortable and beautiful!

Classic protective edges vary in height.

The sides also protect the child from drafts, which is also extremely important, because the baby’s immunity is still very weak, and the baby is susceptible to illness from the slightest draft. Dense soft fabric also provides partial sound insulation, and the crib will be calm and quiet, the child will be calm and will be less capricious.

Low sides (their height ranges from ⅓ to ⅔ of the total height of the crib) do not limit the baby’s view and look very neat.

The sides are made from natural cotton fabric or other soft and natural material suitable for the child, for example, from a flannel. Sintepon or holofiber is used as a filler, but it is not recommended to use foam rubber, as it does not dry well and can become a breeding ground for fungus.

Low protection is relevant for babies who have not yet tried to get up in a crib.

The best cocoons are nests

The design visually resembles a mattress, only on the sides it is limited by soft and comfortable low sides. The baby is in a device, like a cocoon or nest. Moreover, he takes a position that is convenient for him - “embryo”. This gives him a sense of security and safety, and minimizes stress. The product is intended for cribs, carriers or strollers. Purchased for newborns and until they reach six months of age.

Forest Cocoon - Bebby-byes' nest

A convenient and reliable device for a peaceful sleep for little angels. In production we use exclusively natural fabric, pleasant to the touch. Interior - foam rubber. Maintains an ergonomic shape. The edges are rounded along the entire perimeter. The appearance of the product resembles a cozy nest. The baby can sleep there day and night. Weighs only 1000 grams.

Purchase price – 900 rubles.

Forest Cocoon sides - Bebby-byes nest

Advantages:

• variety of colors;
• pleasant appearance;
• ease of use;
• sides of optimal height;
• excellent heat-saving qualities;
• acceptable cost.

Flaws:

• the bottom is very soft;
• Designed for babies up to 4 months.

Polini

Product from a domestic manufacturer. Ideal for babies who need comfort at such a tender age. Allows your child to take a comfortable position, supporting his body from all sides. Can be placed in both a baby crib and a parent's bed. Suitable for changing table and stroller. Soft material is used to make the upper. Does not cause allergies in children. The sides of the high-rise buildings are 15 centimeters. You can place the baby on his tummy. The design is 73 cm long. Suitable for children up to one year old. There is the possibility of extending the bumper. It is enough to untie the ribbons and straighten the sides.

The average cost is 960 rubles.

Polini sides

Advantages:

• versatility;
• practicality;
• comfort;
• value for money;
• quality of materials used;
• variety of design solutions.

Flaws:

• not identified.

IP Rotin Gnezdo – Cocoon

The product is available in two colors: white and blue. It is made using special patterns. The sides are soft. The manufacturer guarantees the quality of manufactured products. The bottom is made of foam rubber; there is holofiber inside the sides, which makes them elastic and resistant to deformation. The outer cover is cotton.

The average price is 499 rubles.

sides IP Rotin Nest – Cocoon

Advantages:

• spacious;
• improves sleep;
• pleasant to the touch;
• soft;
• easy to wash;
• dries quickly;
• increases the level of security;
• guarantees a comfortable stay;
• can replace a crib in the first days of life.

Flaws:

• none.

Pillolu

The product is produced by a Russian enterprise. The bumpers resemble birds and little animals in appearance. A distinctive feature is its significant length. Very convenient for the baby. All models are equipped with interesting embroidery and appliqué. The topic is the same: representatives of the animal world, including fairy tales. The designs differ not only in appearance, but also in the material of manufacture and parameters. The sides are calico. Length – 355 cm. You can equip a crib with standard dimensions of 120*60 cm. The bumper is 13 cm thick. The manufacturer made the cover non-removable, which makes washing and cleaning difficult.

Purchase price – 2800 rubles.

Pillolu sides

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• functionality;
• versatility (can be used as a toy);
• practicality;
• reliability;
• safety.

Flaws:

• none.

Types of bumpers for newborns

Before sewing the sides into the crib, you should choose its type and shape. They may differ in size, height, and complexity of manufacture. And most importantly, they look different, so choose according to your personal taste.

When a child begins to climb and inevitably fall, it is more appropriate to use a reliable high protection.

Snake

An excellent choice for you if you are comfortable with thread and needle. A snake is a long round roller that is laid out at the bottom along the perimeter of the bed and looks like a funny toy.

You can make several rollers of different sizes and colors to create a composition, then they will be easier to wash.

The snake can be made in the form of just a bright multi-colored roller made of beautiful fabric, or in the form of an animal: a funny long dachshund, a family of cats, fish or a boa constrictor from a cartoon. The main thing is to show your imagination!

Particularly interesting are the bumpers in the shape of animal pillows, houses or cars.

Cloudy

Clouds are a very popular form of sides among mothers. These are essentially bumpers in the form of small pillows in a crib for a newborn baby, but each pillow is shaped like a cloud. It is better to make such bumpers from fabric of a delicate shade, combining white with blue, pink, and cream. These clouds look incredibly delicate and are very easy to sew! You don't even need a pattern, just cut out a cloud from the fabric - the bottom is flat and the top is bumpy, and you're done!

Protective pillows for a baby crib are one of the affordable and simple ways to create the most comfortable conditions for your baby.

The clouds can be the same shape and size, or they can be different. It's up to your discretion. More often they make the same shape, cutting out all the clouds from one template, but they take different fabric and alternate, for example, white and blue clouds. It turns out very beautiful.

Prevents the child from being injured from contact with hard parts of the crib while awake and sleeping.

Pigtail

The name speaks for itself: the braided side looks like a large soft braid woven from three thick fabric rolls. It is easy to do, especially if you have a sewing machine. You just need to sew three long sausages from soft fabric, and it is better that the fabric stretches a little, then it will be easier to weave a braid. Fill the “sausages” with soft filling, sew at the base and tie a pigtail, and also secure the other end with threads.

They create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for growth and development.

For a braid, you can use fabric of three related but different shades so that they combine harmoniously with each other. For example, soft turquoise, sky blue and cream. One of them may have a small pattern, but not all of them, otherwise it will turn out too colorful.

Modern young mothers strive to find for their babies not only high-quality and reliable, but also impressive-looking bumpers.

Animals

Another type of pillow is animals. There is room for your imagination to run wild! And making them with your own hands is much easier than you might think at first glance. The easiest way is to make square, rectangular or round pads, and make an animal out of them using fabric applique - to create the original face of a cat, dog, or owl.

When choosing sides, pay attention to the fastenings: elegant ties can come undone, and the baby can get confused in the ribbons, so the simpler and more reliable the fastening, the better for the baby.

You can make ears or horns, even paws. But you should not use decorative elements made of plastic and other hard materials: sew on eyes, nose and other details only from fabric, because the side must be safe, and any hard parts can injure the baby.

Borders for a newborn's bed are not only a way to protect the baby from shocks and drafts, but also an excellent option for useful decor for a child's room.

Popular colors and prints: for princes and princesses

Borders for a newborn's bed are not only a way to protect the baby from shocks and drafts, but also an excellent option for useful decor for a child's room. Modern fabrics and a wide range of different designed crib bumpers make it possible to choose the ideal option for any interior.

The classic division - pink for girls and blue for boys - also works in the case of a crib protector. But designers advise preferably using delicate shades and be sure to add companion colors. So, a pink-gray or yellow-blue side will look more neat and stylish.

Blue color is popular for boys

Neutral base colors (beige, gray, milky) are ideal if the crib is in the parent's bedroom. In this case, the decor allows you to harmoniously fit a children's item into an adult interior. And so that the side does not seem boring to the little one, you can provide a second set of covers or additional decor.

It is better to avoid sides that are too dark or too bright so as not to create an atmosphere that is unhealthy for the child.

How to sew bumpers into a crib with your own hands

Once you have decided what your border will look like, choose the fabric. It should not only be beautiful and suitable in style, but most importantly, it should be safe, soft and pleasant for the child. Synthetic fabrics lead to allergies, irritation of the child’s skin, fungus develops on them, and other troubles. So the material must be exclusively natural and high quality, this is the main requirement. The following materials are suitable:

• Satin;
• Cotton;
• Plush;
• Bike;
• Calico;
• Ranfors;
• Chintz;
• Bamboo.

Modern fabrics and a wide range of different designed crib bumpers make it possible to choose the ideal option for any interior.
Be sure to touch the fabric, make sure of its natural composition, pay attention to the threads, their strength and weave.

As for the filler, there are several options:

• Sintepon is the most inexpensive, accessible and widespread material for children's toys, handicrafts and pillows. It is sold at any fabric store and is perfect for making borders.
• Holofiber is a more modern material, similar to padding polyester. It is more expensive, but its quality is also higher: the product will dry instantly, is completely non-toxic and safe for children, holds its shape perfectly and is highly durable.
• Periotec is another new material that is being used to make a variety of soft goods. It is also similar to padding polyester, but much more expensive and better in quality. Perfectly keeps its shape after washing, does not wrinkle, does not deform. Hypoallergenic, suitable even for sick children prone to allergies and irritations.

The best thing for a child is natural.
This rule also applies to crib bumpers. When you have selected the fabric and filling, you should choose a pattern. There are many ready-made patterns and diagrams on the Internet, but in fact, you can make the bumpers for a baby crib with your own hands, without a ready-made pattern, but on your own. Simply decide what shape the border will be, draw the shape on a large piece of paper and cut it out. That's all! You have a blank that you will need to trace on the fabric, cut out, sew the halves together and stuff with filler.

Pattern for a baby pillow in the shape of a cloud.

It is more important to choose the right size. Determine it yourself. Take a centimeter and measure the height of the side: the product does not have to reach the very top of the sides of the bed, it can only reach half, the main thing is that the baby does not hit. Measure the desired length around the perimeter of the crib. You have received the right size.

Sewing protective bumpers for a newborn's crib is often done by expectant mothers, their close relatives or friends.

Multiply the resulting amount by two, since the sides will be made of two halves. And if you make a braid, then do it in three times, because it is made from three long strips. Only when you calculate the size, go for the fabric, knowing how much of it you will need. Take some extra fabric, just in case.

Proper combination of high and low sides, as well as their timely use, will make the baby’s life as comfortable and safe as possible.

How to choose and where to buy

Everyone's selection criteria are different. However, all parents purchase only hypoallergenic products from branded manufacturers for their children, regardless of how much they cost. No one will save on the health and safety of the angel, so everyone is wary of budget options. Today there is no shortage of models: high and low, with patterns and pictures, bright colors and pastel tones, for boys and girls. You can choose to suit every taste and budget. And it is imperative that they harmonize with the design of the children's room. The main nuances that are worth paying attention to are:

1. Textile. A prerequisite is naturalness. It should be environmentally friendly, not cause allergic reactions, not get dirty or fade when washed, and dry quickly. It is advisable to give preference to baize, non-woven fabric, calico and chintz. These fabrics are the softest, most durable and natural. They can be washed and ironed frequently.
2. Functions. The main task that the restraints are designed to solve is to protect the child from injury and drafts. The developing moment is important, but far from the main one. You can focus on pictures and figures. Any drawing will help the child develop. The colors should not be boring, nor should they be too bright. The baby should not be irritated or scared. You can choose models with pockets, attached toys and a variety of effects.
3. Filler. Differs in density. The main goal is to protect the child from misunderstandings. Most models are equipped with dense fiber or padding polyester. The last option is the softest and is suitable for newborns. You can find models with foam rubber and natural fibers. If you choose foam filling, ask the seller for a safety certificate. Wool fillings are also available. They retain heat well, are soft, comfortable, but can cause an allergic reaction in the baby. You can hardly find them in specialized retail outlets. If you have chosen synthetic materials, you should make sure of their quality and safety.
4. Size. It does not affect the functionality, but the parameter is quite important. Low models are suitable for babies who are not yet five months old. The low height allows fidgets to constantly monitor their parents and control the situation. In terms of protection, they are inferior to high-end analogues. It is advisable to buy higher restraints for children who are trying to sit or even stand up and hold onto the baby. The view, of course, will be significantly reduced, but you won’t be able to hit the wooden walls. And the handle won’t be able to get stuck when it has to fall after standing on fragile legs. For a sleeping place of 120-60 cm, you should choose restraints with a total length of 3.6 m. As for the height of the accessory, the optimal option is 30 cm. The baby should not stand on it, as it can “dive onto the floor.”

The question of where to buy is not difficult. Today there is no shortage of specialized retail outlets selling goods for children. They are everywhere: in megacities and small towns. It's better to visit the store yourself. There you can choose from the variety offered, get advice from a professional manager, and ask the price. There is another option - order goods from China using the AliExpress service. In terms of price, it may be cheaper. But there is no guarantee that the package received will satisfy you in full.

There are times when what arrives at the delivery point is not what you ordered, or the product does not meet the specified characteristics and quality. Before placing an order online, you should carefully study user reviews and check the integrity of the supplier. Otherwise, not only precious time will be lost, but also money.

How to tie bumpers on a baby crib

There are several ways to attach the bumpers to the crib. It is important that they stand firmly in place and do not crawl all over the bed. So the most reliable and easiest way is ties. You will have to cut small strips from the remaining fabric, sew them along the edges and turn them inside out, and then iron them. Sew the resulting laces on the back side of the sides, where the crossbars of the crib are located, so that each lace is firmly tied to the crossbar. The more of them there are, the stronger and more securely you will tie the sides.

Buying or sewing protective crib bumpers for your baby is a parent’s decision for their baby.

The second option is Velcro. You will have to tinker with them, but when you remove the sides for washing, you will not have to untie the knots on the strings. To make Velcro sides, you need to sew thick strips of fabric with Velcro sewn onto them from the back. In the same way, you can use snaps, buttons or even a zipper.

Removable covers are made separately, and it is important to measure the workpiece correctly so that the cover fits - does not tighten the pillow and does not dangle on it.

To sew fastenings in the right places, first sew the sides and try on the finished product on the crib. This way you will see exactly where to sew ropes, Velcro or other fasteners.

Differences in mounting method

Without fasteners, the sides cannot be installed, so parents pay special attention to this element. The most common are ribbons that are tied into bows. There are fastenings in the form of buttons, elastic bands and Velcro. This allows you to remove and wash the product, and then install it in its original place. If fastenings do not play a big role for newborns, then for older children who can easily master the removal technique, it is advisable to choose a product with a strong fixation. Reliability should be checked directly in the store. Let's look at the characteristics of the main types of fasteners:

DIY crib protection

We’ll tell you in more detail how to sew a “bumper” for a crib with your own hands without a pattern, the easiest way for those who rarely sew and don’t want to spend too much time on this process.

1. So, take several types of fabric, for example, three colors. Using a centimeter, measure to what height the “bumper” should reach, and take this figure as a basis: this will be the height of the side of the square. Take one type of fabric and fold it in half, right side inward.
2. Cut out a square (the side should be the size you got when measuring the crib).
3. Separate the two halves, fold the edge on one side about 5 mm on each, and stitch. Then reconnect the halves.
4. Sew three sides together and leave the fourth (with the finished edge) unsewn.
5. Sew a zipper, Velcro or buttons to the fourth side so that you can remove the filling or wash the pillowcases separately if desired.
6. Turn the pillowcase right side out.
7. Take four pieces of fabric or wide satin ribbon, about 30 cm long, and sew them to each corner of the pillowcase.
8. Now fill the pillow with filling and fasten it. You will get a square pillow with ribbons at four corners.
9. Sew a few more pillows in the same way.
10. Now, using ribbons, tie your pillows into a long round dance, alternating by color.

Your bright and beautiful side is ready!

Attachments for child side boards

The sides can be attached to the crib using ties or Velcro. For fastenings, you should not choose smooth ribbons - for example, satin. They can easily fall off, in which case the child may be injured.

Separately, you should consider the features of the ties - any other method of placing the sides in the crib is more difficult to implement, and its elements can, moreover, harm the child.

Short sewn ties are only suitable if they are made on pillows. By connecting such elements in pairs, you don’t have to worry about the collapse of the structure. A reliable option are flip-over ties that need to be sewn in. Reversible fastenings can be additionally equipped with Velcro.

It is better to decide on the fastening method in advance - the sewing pattern depends on this

Product care rules

You need to take care of the bumpers in the same way as you take care of children's bedding and pillows. They need to be washed regularly; you can simply wash them along with your baby’s bedding. If the sides are made of natural fabric with good filling, then they will dry quickly and will not cause any trouble. You can wash them entirely without removing the filling from the covers.

It is important that what you make yourself is of high quality and reliable and safe enough for the child.

Wash as soon as it gets dirty, and if your baby doesn’t get dirty, then just wash it once a week. Choose the washing mode yourself - the usual one, as you usually wash children's clothes. Feel free to machine wash, but use a special powder or gel for washing children's clothes. Dry the product thoroughly. With such simple care, the bumpers will last a long time, and when the baby grows up, they can become decor for his bed!

The fabric for the bumpers should not only be natural and safe for the child, but also pleasant to the touch, because the delicate baby skin will come into contact with it.

Suitable material and filler

The best thing for a child is natural. This rule also applies to crib bumpers. Protective elements should be made of natural fabric: preferably calico, satin, thick cotton or flannel. These fabrics do not cause allergies, are easy to wash and do not lose their appearance. In addition, manufacturers of children's themed fabrics follow current trends and offer their customers stylish and modern prints.

The fabric for the bumpers should not only be natural and safe for the child, but also pleasant to the touch, because the delicate baby skin will come into contact with it. Tactile sensations are extremely important for newborns, so special attention should be paid to this criterion in the process of choosing a material.

ADVICE. It is necessary to ensure that the protective sides have replaceable covers, because the older the baby gets, the more actively he interacts with the outside world, which often leads to the appearance of food stains, saliva and simply dirty stains.

The filler for the sides also needs to be chosen correctly. Despite the fact that all modern synthetic materials are safe for the health and life of the baby, it is necessary to pay attention to their functionality.

Safe and familiar padding polyester tends to clump and lose shape, especially after washing. If you take more careful care of such bumpers for a newborn, they can last for several years.

A modern analogue of padding polyester is holofiber . This material is preferable for the manufacture of protective edges, since it does not lose its shape, does not shrink even when washed and is considered absolutely safe.

Among the worthy options are also periotek - a hypoallergenic fabric that is suitable for sewing soft protection, polyester that does not absorb moisture and foreign odors, as well as hallcon - a unique material that will not only create comfort and softness, but also protect the baby from cold air.

When it comes to dense sides, the only filling option is foam rubber. Some experts are categorically against the use of such material near a newborn, but tested and certified material is safe for the baby. At the same time, the foam rubber does not lose its shape or break, and its sufficient strength is ideal for the sides of babies older than six months.

Ideas for beautiful bumpers for a newborn crib

Open pictures on the Internet, and you will be surprised at how many unusual and beautiful bumpers you can make with your own hands! Owl, dogs, cats, flowers, bright pillows, quilted “bumpers”, clouds, bright braids – a huge choice. The main thing is your ideas!

Take a walk through a fabric store and bright, beautiful children's materials will definitely inspire you with ideas. Treat this process as a creative flight of fancy, and a successful idea will come to you, and the result will delight you for a long time!