Uncover the Risks of Cribs Rail Covers and How They Can Help.

Parents are always worried about their children’s safety. Even the most minor thing can be potentially dangerous. But it seems that no one cared about the safety of babies and toddlers in cribs until recently when CPSC finally decided to review the safety of crib rail covers.

Are crib rail covers safe? They certainly look like they are, but is this a good idea? Is it possible? They seem like the perfect solution to keeping your little one safer in a crib. But what if I told you that these things don’t work and might be causing more harm than good?

Some parents may be wondering are rail covers safe as they sound. The truth is that crib rail covers are safer, more convenient, and you can make a crib rail cover at home. There are several reasons why parents choose crib rails for their little ones’ bedrooms.

What is the Crib Rail Cover? 

A crib rail cover is decorative bedding for your baby’s crib. It protects the crib rails, and it adds a touch of class to the room. They can be silicone crib rail cover,  vertical crib rail covers, mini crib rail cover, plastic crib rail cover etc. These covers can be purchased at any nursery supply store or department store. Here are some of the most common types of crib rail covers:

Mini crib rail covers: 

Mini crib rail covers are usually made from fabric, but they can also be made from leather or vinyl. They come in many different designs and can be used as wall hangings or blankets for your baby’s bed.

Can You Use Regular Crib Sheets On Mini Crib?

Standard crib rail covers: 

Standard-sized crib rail covers come in many different sizes and styles. You can find classic-sized crib rail covers that match your decor or standard-sized crib rail covers designed to fit your particular needs and specifications.

Custom crib rail cover: 

If you have specific needs for your customization needs, then customizing a standard-sized crib rail cover might not be enough for you. Customized crib rail cover options include monogrammed textiles, embroidered designs, and appliqued designs.

Benefits of Crib Rail Covers

Protection from falls: 

The main benefit of crib rail covers is that they protect your child from falling out of their crib. As babies move around more, they may accidentally roll over and fall out of their crib. A crib rail cover can help prevent this by providing a barrier for your child.

Prevention of choking hazards: 

Crib rail covers can also help to prevent choking hazards. Small toys or beads can easily fall into the crib and pose a risk for your child. A crib rail cover can help to keep these items out of your child’s reach.

Helps older children to climb into bed:

For older children who like to climb out of their beds, a crib rail cover can also act as a ladder to climb back into their beds during the day. This can prevent them from getting into trouble if they fall off their bed.

Risks and Safety Concerns:

Bulky and difficult to use:

Crib rail covers can be bulky and hard to use, making it harder for parents to check on their babies and ensure their safety. This can make it difficult to see if the baby needs to be repositioned or changed.

False sense of security: 

Crib rail covers can create a false sense of security, preventing parents from correctly monitoring their children. Parents may assume their child is safe in the crib and neglect to check on them regularly.

Risk of suffocation or entrapment: 

Some covers may not be securely fastened, posing a risk of suffocation or entrapment. This is particularly true if the cover is too loose and your child can get underneath it.

Material safety: 

It’s essential to choose a crib rail cover made with breathable and non-toxic materials, such as cotton or polyester, to ensure your child’s safety. Avoid covers made with materials that may emit harmful chemicals or irritants.

Not a permanent solution: 

Crib rail covers are not a permanent solution. As your child grows and becomes more mobile, they may outgrow the need for a crib rail cover. It’s essential to regularly assess your child’s needs and adjust their sleeping arrangements accordingly.

How Do You Know If A Crib Rail Cover Is Right For Your Child?

A crib rail cover is a soft, washable pad that fits around the rails of your baby’s crib to protect them from scratching and other damage. The most common use for a crib rail cover is to protect your baby from sharp corners in their crib. They also help prevent any blankets or other items from slipping off the rails, which can cause injury.

Choosing a crib rail cover made of breathable and non-toxic materials, such as cotton or polyester, can ensure the safety of the child.

The covers are typically made with cotton or polyester and come in various sizes, depending on your child’s bed size. You’ll also find some that have Velcro straps, making it easier to attach them to the sides. The covers are washable, so you can throw them in the laundry when they get dirty or ripped.

What Should You Consider When Buying A Crib Rail Cover?

Material

Crib rail covers are available in various materials, but some are better than others. You can choose from vinyl, leather, and canvas. Vinyl is the most popular material for rail covers because it’s easy to clean and wipe down with a damp cloth. Leather covers are more durable than vinyl ones and may be more suitable for your budget.

Style

The style of your crib rail cover is another essential factor to consider when buying one. Crib rail safety covers come in many styles and colors, from plain and simple to elaborate and ornate. You’ll want to find one that matches your baby’s room and complements its décor theme or color scheme.

Size

You should also consider how much space you have in your nursery before buying a crib rail cover because they can be quite bulky when folded up or down if they’re too big or too small for your room’s dimensions.

How Many Should You Buy?

There are no rules on how many crib rail covers you should buy. The safest way to ensure your baby’s safety is to have at least one cover per side so that the entire mattress can be covered in case of an accident.

If the product recommends one cover per side, then, by all means, buy that amount. However, if it doesn’t say how many covers you should buy for your crib rail, then go with what you feel suits your family’s situation and budget.

If you decide to go with just one cover for each side, it’s best if you have a friend or relative help you install them properly so that they’re not bulky or hard to use.

Final Thoughts

If you have decided to use a crib rail cover to protect your baby from Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), it’s important to note that crib rail covers should never be used without a firm mattress behind them. They are not meant to be the only barrier between your child and the side of the crib because they do not provide enough support or elevation for your baby to sleep safely. You should always make sure that there is a firm mattress beneath your baby and any bedding.

Are crib rail covers safe aap? With that said, I have reached out to the manufacturer and will keep you all updated on my findings. As of now, I would not discourage parents from using these rail covers.

But please do your research and keep an eye out for peer-reviewed evidence on this topic. I will be posting my complete response from the company (as well as their studies).

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FAQs – Are Crib Rail Covers Safe for Babies?