While crib bumpers have been banned in states like New York, vertical crib liners are excluded from the recent move to ban crib bumpers for safety reasons. In our reviews, we searched for doctor-approved, breathable, and the best vertical crib liners you can get for your baby’s crib. We spent countless hours comparing several designs and brands including Texas-based GoMaMaGo Designs, Breathable Baby, and others with breathable and safe options to find the best you can choose from.
If you are looking for an alternative to crib bumpers, check these 7 options.
5 Best Verticle Crib Liners Comparison Table
The Best Vertical Crib Liners Today: AirflowBaby Essential Mesh Crib Liner
Made by a trusted brand, Breathable Baby, AirflowBaby Essential Mesh Crib Liner is the top choice of vertical crib liner that we picked. It has one layer of mesh making it very breathable, allowing plenty of airflows.
Features
- #1 BRAND INDEPENDENTLY TESTED FOR SAFETY: From BreathableBaby, the original, patented breathable mesh liner with millions sold since 2002. Designed for crib styles sold in the North American marketplace and tested by a third party CPSC-accepted accredited lab to meet or exceed ASTM F1917 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Infant Bedding and Related Accessories. Never use a mesh liner that is not compliant with ASTM F1917. Non-compliant products may present safety hazards.
- HELPS PREVENT ENTRAPMENT: Unlike padded bumpers, our mesh liners keep little limbs safely inside without the risk of restricted airflow. And, also provide a visual shield to help provide a more peaceful night’s sleep. Not to mention, they keep pacifiers inside and within reach!
- ESSENTIAL AIRFLOW MESH WITH MICROFIBER TRIM: Constructed from a single-layer of Airflow Mesh (2 mm thick) for basic function. Light blocking rating of >60%. Made of 100% polyester mesh exclusive of decoration. 0.75”H (1.9 cm) microfiber trim along top and bottom edges. Attaches with ties as well as hook and loop for extra security. Contains no harmful chemicals, flame retardants or formaldehyde.
- FITS FULL-SIZE FOUR-SIDED SLATTED AND SOLID BACK CRIBS: 1 long panel 11”H x 111”L (28 cm x 282 cm) and 1 short panel 11”H x 82”L (28 cm x 208 cm). Designed with our exclusive No-Gap-Wrap to ensure maximum coverage. Does not fit cribs with attached changing tables, solid end cribs, portable/mini cribs, or cradles. For use on full-size cribs only.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Smartly adjusts to fit. Always install the bottom edge 1” (2.54 cm) below the top of the mattress and secure all fastenings. If the liner does not feel taut or is sagging, review the instruction manual, watch the installation video, or contact customer care for help. Or try a Classic or Deluxe mesh liner, which have stiffer meshes and fit some cribs styles better.
Pros:
-Easy installation with velcro and straps
-Works with most cribs
Reviews of the 5 Best Vertical Crib Lines 2022
Go Mama Vertical Crib Liners
Go Mama’s vertical crib liners create a comfortable surrounding for your baby because of the soft Minky fabric. They are designed to protect your baby from all risks associated with traditional liners. The soft Minky fabric wraps around each slat to protect your baby from bumps and scratches.
Even if your baby were to roll and press their face against the sides, they stand better chances of being able to breathe because the liners still allow maximum airflow between the slats. Plus you’re the space between the slats allows your little one to see out even when lying down.
Go Mama sells their pure vertical liners in multiple set options containing 24 or 38 crib liners to fit all cribs. You also buy a 2 pack if your crib has more rails for complete coverage. The liners use zippers to attach to the crib, which is much safer and harder for kids to remove. In addition, these liners are stretchable to fit all crib rails (whether round or flat) up to 3 inches wide or 6 inches in diameter. You can also zip two together for wider rails and corners.
The other advantage with these is that if you have a little climber, the silky covers do not provide a foothold that they would use to climb out. This means you can keep using it for as long as your toddler is using the crib.
Although there is still a possibility of your child extending their hands or legs through the slats, the thick, soft covers make the spaces too narrow for limbs to be able to fit through.
Pros
- Great quality and seems durable
- Nicely padded
- Installs in minutes
- Super soft to protect your child against banging their head and bruises
- Keeps your child from getting their hands and legs trapped between slats
- Protects against the risk of suffocation
- Easy to clean, machine washable
- You can zip two pieces together for larger slats or corner crib posts
Cons
- Because they are thick, they make it a bit tight to place the mattress and change sheets
- Some are slightly off sized
- Expensive
BreathableBaby Breathable Mesh Crib Liner: White Vertical Crib Liner
BreathableBaby mesh vertical crib liner is an upgrade compared to other brands of BreathBaby liners and you’ll really like the modern and stylish design of this white vertical crib liner. This crib liner does not have padding yet it allows great airflow and comes with velcro straps.
Features
- #1 BRAND INDEPENDENTLY TESTED FOR SAFETY: From BreathableBaby, the original, patented breathable mesh liner with millions sold since 2002. Designed for crib styles sold in the North American marketplace and tested by a third party CPSC-accepted accredited lab to meet or exceed ASTM F1917 Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Infant Bedding and Related Accessories. Never use a mesh liner that is not compliant with ASTM F1917. Non-compliant products may present safety hazards.
- HELPS PREVENT ENTRAPMENT: Unlike padded bumpers, our mesh liners keep little limbs safely inside without the risk of restricted airflow. And, also provide a visual shield to help provide a more peaceful night’s sleep. Not to mention, they keep pacifiers inside and within reach!
- DIAMOND DELUXE MESH WITH LINEN TRIM: Constructed from a single-layer of Diamond Deluxe Mesh with A.C.T. Air Channel Technology (4 mm thick) to better stay taut to sides and help prevent bumps and bruises. Light blocking rating of >90%. Made of 100% polyester mesh exclusive of decoration. 2” (5.08 cm) linen trim on top and 1” (2.54 cm) linen trim on bottom. Contains no harmful chemicals, flame retardants or formaldehyde.
- FITS FULL-SIZE FOUR-SIDED SLATTED AND SOLID BACK CRIBS: 1 long panel 11”H x 111”L (28 cm x 282 cm) and 1 short panel 11”H x 82”L (28 cm x 208 cm). Designed with our exclusive No-Gap-Wrap to ensure maximum coverage. Does not fit cribs with attached changing tables, solid end cribs, portable/mini cribs, or cradles. For use on full-size cribs only.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Smartly adjusts to fit. Always install the bottom edge 1” (2.54 cm) below the top of the mattress and secure all fastenings. If the liner does not feel taut or is sagging, review the instruction manual, watch the installation video, or contact customer care for help.
Pure Safety Vertical Crib Liners
Pure Safety is another great option of vertical liners that you can use to create a cozy environment for your baby without compromising safety. You can get their liners in a wide variety of colors if you want to add a pop of color to your baby’s crib.
Like the Go Mama liners, these liners also have a soft Minky fabric and a cushion insert on the inside. These liners are designed to fit any type of crib and are sold 24 in a pack. You can stretch the liners to fit rails up to 6 inches in circumference and 24 inches high or compress to fit shorter crib rails.
Pure vertical padded liners perfectly line your crib rails to prevent head and body injuries. They also prevent your child from getting stuck between slats or climbing out. At the same time, they leave spaces for maximum airflow to eliminate the risk of suffocation. If they get dirty, you can remove and wash but only up to ten times, so keep that in mind.
Pros
- Fits all types of cribs
- Soft and cushy
- Protects against headbanging
- Help keep limbs inside
- Eliminates the risk of suffocation
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Quality could be better considering the expensive pricing
- The cushion becomes twisted when washing making it hard to straighten out again
Wonder Bumper Vertical Crib Liners
Wonder bumpers were the first vertical crib liners from Go Mama before they changed the brand to Pure Vertical liners. So in case, you find them in an outlet, rest assured they have the same great quality and functionality as the Pure Vertical.
The Wonder Bumpers are made with luxurious Minky fabric and have multiple color options. A Pack has either 24 or 38 bumpers and stretches to fit rails up to 24 inches high and 3 inches wide. They can also zip together to cover wider rails and are reversible and machine washable. However, the manufacturer recommends washing no more than ten bumpers at once.
Wonder bumpers have a padded insert and therefore protect your baby against injuries from headbanging and at the same time provide optimum airflow inside the crib to ensure no risk of suffocation. They also help prevent your child from getting their arms and legs stuck between slats and make it very hard for them to climb out of the crib.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Soft luxurious fabric with padding
- Easy to wash
- Reversible use
- Cushions your baby from head bangs and reduces the risk of suffocation
- Prevents limbs from getting stuck
Cons
- Not easily available
Vertical Crib Lines Buying Guide
What are vertical crib liners?
Vertical crib liners are bumpers or covers that wrap around each crib slat from top to bottom. They are usually made of soft fabric, and some also have extra padding. These crib liners offer greater safety than traditional liners because they provide protection against bumps and bruises and still allow better airflow.
What Are Crib Liners Used For?
Crib liners surround the interior sides of the baby’s crib to prevent the baby from banging her head on the hard slats.
They also keep the child from accidentally getting their arms and legs stuck between the slats.
Are Vertical Crib Liners Safe
Vertical crib liners are the single safest option in the market. They allow the highest level of airflow into the crib by not covering the rail gap compared to all other types of crib liners.
Second, they provide cushioning around each slat, protecting your baby against bumps and bruises.
Third, they do not provide a foothold that a toddler might use to climb out of the crib like traditional crib liners.
Vertical Vs. Horizontal Crib Liners
Horizontal crib liners have been in the market for years, but it’s only recently that vertical lines have been introduced and are now gaining popularity. Vertical lines were developed to address safety concerns related to horizontal lines.
The main concern was that a baby who shifts in their sleep and presses their face to the liner would not be able to breathe properly, risking suffocation. Vertical crib liners wrap around individual slats to provide protection and against bumping but without restricting airflow.
But the problem we now have is that since vertical lines are just newly introduced, there aren’t many to choose from and the few that are are very expensive.
How To Pick The Best Vertical Crib Liners
When choosing vertical liners, here are some factors to consider
Quality
Crib liners are supposed to protect your child from bumps and bruises, so choose liners with a piece of nice soft fabric and padding. Also, make sure they can be washed and that they do not shrink after drying. Zippers should also be of good quality and not splitting.
Number of pieces
Vertical liners come in pieces. Ensure the package you buy has enough pieces to cover all your slats. It is cheaper to buy a bigger package if you have more slats than buying two packs.
Color
This is not such a big deal, but if you would like your baby’s nursery to look a certain way, crib liners are a great way to achieve that. The liners come in all types of colors, from plain and gender-neutral to vibrant colors that are full of personality. So choose liners that will complement your nursery theme.
Vertical Crib Liners DIY
It’s no secret vertical crib liners are quite pricey, and not everyone has the budget for it. And besides, the options are very few in the market.
Whichever the case, don’t let these issues get in the way of keeping your baby comfortable and safe. Using the following methods, you can make vertical crib liners for your baby’s crib at very little cost. Even better, you don’t need any special skills- just willingness to put in some work and patience.
Method 1- using pipe insulation and fabric
Requirements
- Fabric of choice
- Pipe insulation foam
- Scissors
- Glue
- A brush
Process
- Measure the total length of the slats and the width. This will determine the size of the pipe insulation you need to buy. (You can buy insulation with a sticker on the inside or one without)
- Cut the insulation pipe into the appropriate lengths of your slats
- Cut fabric panels according to the lengths of your slats. You also want enough width to roll around the insulation pipe.
- Layout the fabric and place the foam insulation on top
- Fold one edge of the fabric into the foam insulation opening. If your foam insulation pipe has sticky tape, you need to remove it to allow the fabric to stick to the foam.
- Apply a light strip of glue on the length of the foam insulation so it will stick to the fabric as you roll it along.
- Fold the remaining edge of the fabric into the foam insulation opening. Press along the edges to make sure the fabric is firmly stuck.
- Repeat for all the foam insulation pipes you need to cover your entire crib
- Attach the liners
Method 2-using hand towels/bath towels
Requirements
- Scissors
- Needle
- Roll of sewing thread
- Hand towels/bath towels
Process
- Count the number of rails you need to cover
- Measure the length and the width of the rails. It will help you determine the number of towels you need.
- Cut out pieces of towel that are the same length as the crib rails or the size that you need. Make sure that you have enough material to wrap around each rail and a little more to overlap.
- Wrap the towel pieces around each rail and sew along the overlap as you firmly hold with the other hand.
- Repeat for each rail all the way around.
It might take you several hours, but it will be much faster if you have a helping hand.
Method 3-using pool noodles
Requirements
- 10 packs of 52-inch pool noodles
Process
- Cut the noodles into the appropriate lengths of your crib slats
- Slice the noodle pieces along the length on one side down to the center hole
- Clean off any excess foam and slip the pool noodles around each slat until you cover the entire crib.
- About the Author
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Naomi Lambert is a mother of two and an elementary school teacher leading our product quality review here at Motherhood HQ. Naomi has a degree in Elementary Teaching from the University of Utah. She has also worked as a product tester for Consumer Reports. Naomi enjoys reading and getting immersed in new research, especially on topics related to parenting and pets. When she’s not reading or testing baby gear, Naomi enjoys hiking in the midwest and hanging out with her two dog pets. Naomi is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Naomi work leading baby gear/product testing:
To test new gear before we review here at Motherhood HQ, Naomi goes through a multi-step process that includes reading up on the latest research, conducting her own hands-on testing, and evaluating the results. She also consults with experts in the field, such as pediatricians, to get their input. This comprehensive approach ensures that our reviews are accurate and helpful for our readers.
Testing involves using the gear with her own children, as well as observing other parents using the products. Ms. Lambert looks for safety concerns, ease of use, and whether the product actually lives up to its claims. She also takes into account the price of the product and whether it is a good value for what you get.
After testing a product, Naomi writes up her findings in a review. She includes both the positive and negative aspects of the product, as well as her own personal recommendations. Her reviews are honest and unbiased, and they can help you make informed decisions about which products are right for your family.
Aggregating Other real-user reviews from other moms:
A critical process in our reviews is incorporating feedback from other moms who have used the products we are testing. To get this information, we talk to parents in our networks and consult with product-specific experts.These experts must have published work in the field of early childhood development, have worked extensively with the product in question, or have significant experience in the manufacturing or design of the product.
We also read online reviews from other parents, but we take these with a grain of salt. We recognize that many online reviewers are not objective and that some may be biased because they were given the product for free or paid to write a review. For this reason, we only consider online reviews after they have been vetted by our team of experts.
If you are a parent who has used a product that we are interested in reviewing, we would love to hear from you! You can contact us at naomi.lam@motherhood
