As soon as your little one comes into the world, so much of your time (and money!) is spent ensuring that they are safe and healthy. Those instincts kick in and your goal quickly becomes to provide the absolute best for them in all capacities. There are a lot of topics out there that can be confusing as a new parent, and crib bumpers can be one of them.
We are ready to help clear it up for you and share the best of the best! Here are the 7 best crib bumpers that we recommend no matter what stage your baby is in.
Best Crib Bumpers
1. TILLYOU Baby Safe Crib Bumper Pads
(Most lightweight — $$)
Why it’s great: Comfort and a silky soft feel are what you’ll get with the TILLYOU Baby Safe Crib Bumper. Made of 100% Microfiber Polyester, this bumper is smooth, lightweight, and very durable. It’s created to prevent your baby’s arms and legs from getting caught and is known to help prevent your baby from chewing on the crib slats. This four-piece bumper is easy to install with simple ties that are designed to help keep it in place and not slide down the rails.
It arrives packaged in a reusable bag which means this could make a great gift for a new parent to be! There are many pattern options to choose from that will complement a variety of nursery styles. Plus, TILLYOU is committed to giving you the best customer service possible, and are available 24/7 for any questions or needs that may arise.
Keep in mind: Every crib is created differently, even if the differences are small. A few parents have mentioned that they could have benefited from the ties being a little bit longer so they reached around the rails. Depending on whether your crib rails are circular or square, it’s important to measure the circumference around the rails to see if this bumper will fit your crib before you purchase it.
Good for: Moms that want a lightweight, durable bumper.
2. Breathable Baby Classic Patented, Safer for Baby, Anti-Bumper
(Greatest for safety — $$)
Why it’s great: Safety is the #1 priority for this Breathable Baby Classic Anti-Bumper. It’s declared an “anti-bumper” because it’s not thick and padded. It’s created with a thin, breathable mesh to allow for maximum airflow into the crib during your baby’s slumber. It’s endorsed by doctors for the ability to promote healthy breathing while sleeping, as safety is the most important aspect of utilizing this bumper. It lays firmly against the inside of the crib and also will help prevent your baby’s limbs from getting stuck in the slats. This bumper is less about comfort and all about keeping your little one safe while they sleep.
Keep in mind: You have to make sure to read and follow the installation instructions closely. Since this one is a little bit different than other bumpers, there is a certain way you will want to put it into your crib. It’s not difficult, but several parent reviews have stated that if you follow the directions closely, you will be good to go with this bumper.
Good for: Moms that want the safest crib bumper they can find.
3. TILLYOU Nursery Mini Crib Bumper Pads for Portable Cribs
(Best for portable cribs — $)
Why it’s great: When you’re traveling or on the go, your baby deserves to sleep in comfort and safety just as they do at home. This TILLYOU Nursery Mini Crib Bumper is perfect for just that! This bumper comes in one whole long piece which makes it easier to roll up as needed. It’s soft, padded, and protective giving your baby all the comforts of home. It’s easy to care for and wash, as it’s able to machine wash on a gentle cycle. Plus, it can go into the dryer on low making this bumper low maintenance as well.
It comes with a reusable bag that allows you to effortlessly roll it up, take it with you if you need, and store it when it’s not being used. Whether you use it for a season or a vacation, this bumper is a great one to have on hand for any spontaneous occasion!
Keep in mind: This bumper isn’t recommended for standard cribs. It is created and used for portable and also mini cribs. It comes in 1 long panel and is 122″ L x 8″ H. If you’re using a mini crib or going to be using a portable crib, this bumper will work great for those purposes!
Good for: Moms that travel a lot with their baby or have a portable crib.
4. Qeeruim Home Crib Bumper Breathable Pads for Baby Crib
(Best budget option — $)
Why it’s great: No matter how often your baby naps, you want to have peace of mind as they sleep. The Qeeruim Home Baby Breathable Crib Bumper is created with 100% microfiber polyester. Microfiber polyester is a softer and breathable material that can help keep your baby safe in their crib. With protection on all sides of the crib, you can rest assured that your baby’s arms and legs will stay safely inside the crib.
This standard bumper comes in 4 pieces with detachable panels that provide an easy way to secure it to your crib. It’s machine washable and easy to clean, making this bumper ideal for busy moms and dads.
Keep in mind: The bumper says that it fits most standard cribs. It never hurts to check the measurements of your crib against the measurements of this bumper. That way you can be sure that it will fit and that you’ll be fully satisfied when it arrives.
Good for: Moms that need something affordable and are happy with a simple and plain bumper.
5. Baby Pads Breathable for Standard Safe and Washable Thick Padded 3D Mesh Pads Liners
(Most breathable — $$)
Why it’s great: This bumper is wonderful because it’s equipped with just the right amount of padding while maintaining a breathable fabric. It will protect your baby from hitting the side of the crib and is soft enough for them to snuggle up to. That being said, the tidy quilting allows for better airflow which is an important safety feature. One side is also made of a breathable mesh cloth for added safety.
The cute and simple design compliments every nursery style and the microfiber creates a soft and cozy space for your baby to sleep. It’s wash friendly and easy to change which is music to every parent’s ears!
Keep in mind: When parents have reviewed this one, they have mentioned that the ties that it comes with are delicate. Knowing that ahead of time can allow you to tie it onto your crib with gentleness and ease so the ties don’t come loose. Once secured to the crib, they stay put well and there aren’t many issues.
Good for: Moms that want to make sure their bumper is very breathable.
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6. Cot Bumper Braid Pillow Baby Head Guard Bumper Knot Braid Pillow Cushion for Baby Bed
(Most unique design — $$$)
Why it’s great: Talk about great design! If you are looking for something unique and beautiful, this is it. This bumper is created as a plush, knotted braid that lays around the circumference of the crib. It’s very soft to the touch. This multipurpose crib bumper can also be used for other things once your baby grows. It can be used as a back cushion, a pillow to sleep on or bedding decor.
Thanks to its clever design, this braided bumper doesn’t have any ties to hold it in place. It lays against the edge of your baby’s crib or bassinet and helps keep their little limbs safe and secure inside the crib. It will create a soft and cozy environment that your baby needs for a nurturing space to rest.
Keep in mind: It is not recommended to put this crib bumper into any washing machine to wash it. It does best with spot cleaning with a low temperature and can dry best when it’s in the shade. Also, make sure to measure your crib prior to purchasing. Some parents have mentioned that they have needed two braids to go all the way around the crib.
Good for: Moms that want something unique and different to protect their baby.
Why it’s great: Parents don’t need to worry with the Snake Pillow Bumper. It’s designed with sensitive skin in mind and will provide soothing comfort for your baby while they sleep. Created with breathable cotton, it won’t irritate your baby during the night. It will protect them from hitting their head along the side of the crib while providing security and a gentle touch. It’s easy to machine wash on the gentle cycle. It can be dried in the dryer as well. This bumper has such a cute design and a great shape that will help your baby sleep happy and healthy.
Keep in mind: A few parents who reviewed this bumper mentioned that when it arrived, it seemed smaller than what they were expecting. Crib sizes and needs for each bumper will vary. Make sure you measure your crib and also check the measurements of the bumper to ensure that you get what you need. One suggestion we would have is to purchase two of these if one is too small!
Good for: Babies with sensitive skin and moms that want something easy to use.
The TILLYOU Baby Safe Crib Bumper Pads is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
A crib bumper can be used for a variety of reasons and is completely up to the parent. As a general recommendation, babies can begin using a bumper on their crib after they can roll on both sides and are strong enough to lift their heads. Babies can use a crib bumper as long as it’s deemed safe by the parents. Once the baby is starting to stand on the bumper, it might be time to find one that secures to the crib in a better way or remove it altogether.
2. What are the concerns with using a crib bumper?
Most parents decide to use a crib bumper for their baby for added comfort while they sleep. A crib bumper will ensure that the baby isn’t hitting their head on the slats of the crib or getting their limbs stuck in between the rails. It can be a very helpful tool!
To ensure other safety precautions, you will always want to make sure that the crib bumper is installed correctly. If your baby can’t lift their head by themselves, then the risk of them not being able to move away from the sides of the crib if necessary are the main concern. Always make sure that the bumper you choose is breathable, light, sturdy, and that it’s kept clean.
3. Are crib bumpers safe for older babies?
Discretion by each parent is always advised, as you know what is best for your baby in each and every situation. Since each baby is so unique and grows at different rates, trust your gut on this one. If your baby can pull the bumper off, stand on it, or is using it to get out of the crib, it’s probably time to remove it. If used correctly, then yes, bumpers are safe for older babies and can help prevent their arms and legs from getting trapped outside the crib.
4. Why should I use a crib bumper?
Originally, crib bumpers were created to prevent babies’ heads from slipping in-between the crib slates. Crib slaps used to be much further apart than they are today, so having some sort of safety net was necessary.
Today, it’s used for a similar purpose even though cribs have been improved upon through time. Crib bumpers can be necessary to help prevent your baby from hitting their head on the side of the crib during the night. It’s also meant to help prevent any arms and legs from poking through the slats and getting stuck. There’s nothing that says that you should use a bumper however, we would recommend that every parent make the best decision possible for your family.
5. What can I use instead of a crib bumper?
A good alternative to a crib bumper is a mesh crib liner. This is the most common alternative to a crib bumper and the options are endless! The mesh design allows air to flow through the crib and can reduce the risk of suffocation, depending on the age and health of your baby. Each baby and family is different, so use your own discretion about the best fit for you. A great option for a mesh liner would be #6 in the line up we’ve listed above!
Conclusion
a crib bumper is a cozy and comforting feature to add to your baby’s crib. You can have a beautiful nursery and an effective, safe sleep environment for your child. After all, everything feels better when everyone is well-rested! Whatever decision you make will be the best one for your family. The good news is that you have many options to choose from.
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