I was supposed to publish my #RockingMotherhood post today.
Then I walked into the nursery on Tuesday and saw this:
I thought I had more time to prepare for a chewed-up crib and a banged-up baby’s head.
*Sigh*
So during Baby Bird’s next nap, I scanned Etsy and the Babies R Us website for rail covers. Most looked like nice products, but none had the padding I wanted (and all would take too long to arrive).
It was time for another trip to Lowe’s. (I swear I’m not getting any compensation from them for these posts. I just really love hanging out at Lowe’s — but if anyone from the company is reading this, know that I’m open for talks about a collabo!)
I had every intention of buying more foam insulation. It would protect the crib and the baby, and it’s inexpensive.
Then I remembered that whatever I used would, inevitably, end up in the kid’s mouth. So insulation was out …
… but what about pool noodles? (The idea didn’t just come to me. I’d seen the noodles at the store’s entrance.)
They’re waterproof. They’d provide great cushion. They’d fit snugly around the railings.
They cost $2.08 each.
I snatched up two.
I didn’t want Baby Bird eating a chunk of pool noodle, so I stopped by Joann Fabric and bought two yards of pink-and-white cotton for $9.98.
I used hot glue to attach the freshly washed fabric to the sliced-open noodles. Yes, hot glue will melt a pool noodle, but I used very little so there wouldn’t be a problem. (And to those who are concerned: There was never any odor — and thank you for your concern.)


I used velcro Command strips to attach the finished product to the crib.
So, for about $15 and two hours of my time (including the washing, drying, and driving), I got custom crib rail coverings that will guard against tiny teeth marks and, hopefully, concussions.
I don’t wanna pat myself on the back but …
[…] know I live for a pool noodle project. Here’s another one for you: Slice open a pool noodle, then stick half onto baby’s […]
You’re really a genius! Baby Bird is in the best of hands! Continue going the “extra mile”! Hope you weren’t on McKnight Road through a that rain last week. I like the Lowe’s side of McCann less Crossings: I’m always tempted to go to Handel’s for its array of ice cream. I do cave in occasionally! My love each to you, Greg and, of course, Baby Bird.
Thanks, Marilyn! I’m doing all I can to keep her safe. 😀
We weren’t caught in that rain, but I heard it was horrible. Storm drains clogged, roads closed, a burning SUV!
That is, in fact, the Lowe’s we visit … because it’s so close to Handel’s!!
We’re doing well and hope you are, too. 🙂 Thanks for visiting the site!
Great idea! Our crib had a plastic covering on the rail, and I lucked out with a daughter who never chewed on it. I may need this with #2 though!
My daughter gums on EVERYTHING, so I fully expect her to chew on the crib 😀
Yeah, you definitely deserve a pat on the back for this. You come up with some great ideas!
Thanks! It’s just cheaper to concoct some protection for her head than to pay an ER bill 😀
Thanks for the great idea!
Glad I could help! Thanks for reading 😊