Making crib bumpers

My son is 21 months old today, and he's not "too old" for them because he rolls around in his sleep a lot, and when he bangs the cot bars, he hits his head and wakes up crying. I had really thin crib bumpers on for when it was summer and he was tiny (last year) because they are a suffocation risk (however did I survive the 1970s?) but now I'm making them super thick to act as a head-bonk-deterent. I'm using two layers of thick polyester wadding because that's what I have in my sewing room. I put a cute panel on the crib side, and white on the outside. Quilting is easy on the machine - I wouldn't like to try it by hand! Nice and thick and cosy.

-- Jo in Scotland

Once a friend purchased bumpers and asked me to cover them in a material to match up with her sheets and curtains. They turned out nice. Barbara in FL

I made them about 8 years ago. I think I used foam (about 1/2" thick) wrapped in batting. Here's a not-so-good picture of the project in process.

I have seen these at Joann's:

I haven't had particularly good luck with that nu-foam stuff but for bumpers it might be perfect. HTH,, Taria

First of all, I realize they are recommending that we don't use crib bumpers at all; but, my GD is 16 months old and her mom wants new bumper pads. I think she's too old for bumpers but. . . Anyway, can anyone tell me what to use as the padding for the bumper pads? I've tried thick batting and quilting them, but, it's too soft. I would like to try some type of firm foam, but don't know what to use or where to get it. Any ideas will be much appreciated! Thanks, Michelle

I have used Poly-Fill Nu-Foam Baby Bumper Batting. I bought it at the local Hancock Fabrics.

Julia in MN

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I think I'll go to Joann's and look at their foam bumper pads. Thanks again, Michelle G.

First of all, I realize they are recommending that we don't use crib bumpers at all; but, my GD is 16 months old and her mom wants new bumper pads. I think she's too old for bumpers but. . . Anyway, can anyone tell me what to use as the padding for the bumper pads? I've tried thick batting and quilting them, but, it's too soft. I would like to try some type of firm foam, but don't know what to use or where to get it. Any ideas will be much appreciated! Thanks, Michelle

Before you make crib bumpers, there's a new guideline out on not using bumper pads in cribs... the increase the risk of suffocation, strangulation and entrapment.

Story here:

Kay

I was thinking crib bumpers are dangerous too. It's probably time for those little ones to climb out of their cribs and sleep with the cat on top of the piano anyway. Our babies were busy little bodies and were eager to discover the world. Polly

or

Please don't. My niece got caught in one and it took 4 of us to get her out. She slid down the side of the crib and the bumper pad came down in front of her face. My sis and I held her and the pad away from her face as the 2 DH's worked to get her out. It was quite scary as we didn't hear her cries even with a baby monitor. TG , we checked on her every 10 min as she had had a cold then.

Needless to say, they got her a new crib and pitched the bumper pad..

Maybe more info than you needed but I'd rather you made her a quilt. Yes, you may share this with the baby's mom.

Butterfly (off to read the rest of the replies)