Ways to Repurpose a Crib Bumper Good Questions

Q: I purchased a complete set of crib bedding that came with crib sheets, a small comforter, changing table covers, crib skirt, diaper stacker, valance, and bumpers. I never used the crib bumper, and I don't intend to use it, ever. So what do I do with it? I can sew and I'm pretty crafty. I I want to get it out of my closet (my son is a year and a half old now), but don't want to throw out that coordinating fabric (even if it is a long skinny piece). Any creative ideas? I don't really need artwork, any more blankets.... could I somehow upholster a kid-size chair with it (which I don't have but would like)? Make a beanbag chair? I'd love to see what readers can come up with!! Such a creative bunch.

Sent by Amber

Editor: Amber, we've rounded up a few creative uses for bumpers we've seen below. Readers - what ideas do you have?

Another Way to Use the Crib Bumper

Crib Bumper for Baby Proofing Hearth

How To: Repurpose Crib Bumpers

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Comments (16)

Hmmm, maybe a valance and border to curtains, in addition to one or two cushion covers?

I know you said you have a son but I used a crib bumper and made a "moses basket" style carrier. I cut out one rectangle length (About 16 inches) then enough to wrap along the edges of the rectangle but I cut those down 1/3 of the height. I sewed the pieces together so it looked like a box and I took extra fabric to make handles so they could carry the baby. It gets played with every day.

You can also make a cushion to take along with you when you don't want your son sitting on the floor or dirty seat of where ever you are or else a reading cushion.

Could you sew sturdy fabric to the bottom and then use the resulting piece to make a book display like this one? I guess you'd have to make a rod pocket at the top of the bumper, too. But I think it would be cute.

Create a little corner reading nook? Cut it into four pieces, two cushion "backs" and two cushion "bottoms"... so that you have two sit-upons, position them in a corner with a stack of books (maybe in a basket) in between?

You can make a toddler sleeping bag with it. Cut into about 4 pieces of the same size. Sew each piece together, and if you want to add a zipper than do so. Or you can use heavy duty sew in velcro.

chair cushions or a bench cushion come to my mind, i also like the idea of a book display like lisa k. suggested.

alllebasii- i checked your link... cute room! i love the fish painting!

headboard or sideboard along wall with bed. can never have enough cushy stuff to lean against....

you could take the fabric apart from the cushioning and use it to make a banner for his room. Just cut out triangles from the fabric and sew it to a piece of ribbon, you could even use the bumper ties as the ties on the end and hang it in his room/play room. If you want to mix things up a bit, get other fabric scraps in coordinating colors. Good luck!

Anepasor - would you mind elaborating on your idea? I'm picturing a cushy nap mat (and we could use one). Are you thinking of using the fabric and not the batting to make the sleeping bag? Thanks.

Ohh, all of these are awesome ideas. Thanks so much!! Now the only question is whether there's enough fabric for book storage, cushion, reading nook, sleeping bag, etc.. :) Gonna need to "stretch" it with lots of coordinating solid-color fabric, I have a feeling.

Just as I thought, everyone came up with some fabulous projects!

We use it less as a sideboard and more as a way to keep all the books, lovies and random toys that make it onto our daughter's bed from slipping down between the wall and the side of the bed. Her toys have a cute place to sit, and I pay a lot less in library fines (bc I can find the books in time to return them!).

Hi BlueLM:

I would use the entire part of the bumper. I would measure the entire bumper cover, figure out how much I would have to divide evenly into 4 pieces, then I would sew each pieces together (in rows) on the binding while overlapping, or on the batted part after the binding (if there is binding). It could definitely create a mat look. I was thinking if you want to add a zipper so the child could cocoon into the "mat" Then you would add a zipper to the bottom and up the side. I wouldn't leave al the strings because of a strangulation hazard. Or you could do the same with stick and loop for those of us that don't sew elaborate zippers. It would resemble a sleeping bag. But I think a sleep mat would be just as wonderful by sewing all the pieces.

And if you want to, you can make a sort of duvet (I would use thrifted sheet, curtain, or from the linen closet) for the mat in order to change up the colors or keep it clean. The sky's the limit.

Thanks so much anepasor! I think I'll give it a shot.