Making bumper pads for your baby's crib will add a decorative touch to the nursery and help to ensure that his little arms and legs stay inside the crib. Coordinate the bumper fabric with your crib skirt, diaper stacker and curtains for a designer look, and save a bundle compared to buying bumper pads from a retailer. This project is easy enough for a beginner to complete, although it requires careful measuring and attention to detail.
Step 1
Measure one long side of the crib on the inside, along the mattress. Measure the head or foot of the crib along the mattress.
Step 2
Cut two pieces of foam according to the side measurement if using a roll of foam. If using pre-cut pieces, make sure each piece of bumper foam is the correct length for your crib sides. Cut the pieces to size, if necessary.
Step 3
Cut two pieces of foam according to the head or foot measurement, if using a roll. If using pre-cut pieces, make sure that the pieces are the correct length. Cut them to the correct size, if necessary.
Step 4
Add 1 inch to the side measurement and the head or foot measurement to allow for seams.
Step 5
Cut four pieces of fabric according to the new side measurement.
Step 6
Cut four pieces of fabric according to the new head or foot measurement.
Step 7
Cut 32 pieces of fabric for ties, each measuring 8 inches long by 2 inches wide.
Step 8
Place two tie pieces with the right sides of the fabric together and sew along a long edge, a short edge and the second long edge. Leave the second short edge open. Repeat with the remaining tie pieces, for a total of 16 ties.
Step 9
Turn the tie pieces right-side out and press the seam allowances to the inside along each open short edge. Sew the short edges closed.
Step 10
Cut 16 pieces of hook-and-loop fastener, each measuring 2 inches long. Do not separate the fastener before cutting.
Step 11
Separate one piece of hook-and-loop fastener and sew each section to the ends of a tie. Repeat with the remaining fastener and ties.
Step 12
Place a side piece right-side down. Fold a tie and pin the fold to the side seam allowance, 2 inches from a long edge. The ends of the tie should extend into the middle of the fabric. Repeat with the other three corners, and then repeat with a second side piece.
Step 13
Place a head or foot piece right side down. Fold a tie and pin it to a side seam allowance, 2 inches from a long edge. The ends of the tie should extend into the middle of the fabric. Repeat with the other three corners, then repeat with a second head or foot section.
Step 14
Place a side piece with ties and a side piece without ties with right sides together. Sew the pieces along the 1/2-inch seam allowance on one long edge, a short edge and the second long edge. Leave the second short edge open. Be careful to avoid sewing over the pins or catching the ends of the ties in the seams. Repeat with the remaining two side pieces.
Step 15
Place a head or foot piece with ties and a head or foot section without ties with right sides together. Sew the pieces along the 1/2-inch seam allowance along a long edge, a short edge and the second long edge. Leave the second short edge open. Be careful to avoid sewing over the pins or catching the ends of the ties in the seams.
Step 16
Turn all of the bumper sections right-side out and remove the pins. Press the seam allowances to the inside along each open short edge.
Step 17
Insert a piece of foam or batting into each bumper section.
Step 18
Hand-sew the short end of each bumper section closed.
Tips and Warnings
- If you prefer, sew snaps to the ends of the ties rather than hook-and-loop fastener. For greater safety, use breathable mesh fabric for the bumper sections rather than foam and traditional fabric.
- Since traditional crib bumper pads have been found to pose a risk of smothering or strangulation, be sure to fasten the bumper pads securely to the crib with the ties and tuck them in along the sides of the crib mattress.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Precut bumper foam pieces or a roll of foam
- Fabric
- Snaps or hook-and-loop fastener tape
- Scissors or a rotary cutter and mat
- Sewing machine
- Hand-sewing needle
- Thread
