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Once a baby starts teething and pulling up, many parents notice small tooth marks on the crib rail. A teething baby who has just learned to pull up will chew on whatever is in reach, and that's usually the crib. A crib rail cover protects your baby from chewing on wood, paint and varnish, and protects your crib too.
This guide covers what a rail cover is, how it differs from a bumper, what the federal rules say, how to choose the right size and how to attach and wash it. If you already know what you want, browse our crib rail covers here.
What is a crib rail cover?
A crib rail cover (also called a crib rail guard, crib rail protector or teething guard) is a padded fabric cover that wraps over the top rail of the crib, usually the long front rail. It ties on securely and gives your baby a soft, washable surface to chew instead of bare wood.
Is a crib rail cover the same as a bumper?
No. We get asked this all the time.
- A crib bumper is padding that lines the inside of the crib along the slats and sides, around the sleep surface.
- A crib rail cover covers only the top rail and sits up at the rail, not down along the mattress.
That difference matters. Padded crib bumpers are banned in the US under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, crib rail covers intended to cover only the top rail, and not the crib slats, fall outside the scope of the crib bumper ban. Covers that extend down and cover the sides of the crib are evaluated case by case.
Our rail covers are designed to sit on the top rail. They measure 51" x 17" laid flat and are about 9" deep once folded over the rail.
Are crib rail covers safe?
Here's what to look for in a well-made rail cover, and why we build ours this way:
- It covers only the top rail. It shouldn't hang down into the crib or along the slats.
- It attaches securely with ties through buttonholes. On Liz and Roo covers, both ties feed through a sewn buttonhole and are knotted tight. We don't use buttons, which can come off and be swallowed. We don't use Velcro either, which can loosen.
- It fits snugly. A loose cover can shift. Pull the ties tight and check them every time you change the sheets.
- You keep it clean. Teething means drool. Wash the cover often to prevent mildew.
- It's new, not used. Never buy a used rail cover, for hygiene reasons.
And as always, follow AAP safe-sleep guidance: a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet, and no pillows, blankets or soft toys in the sleep space.
Why use a crib rail cover?
- Protects your baby. Chewing a bare rail can mean swallowing splinters, stain, varnish or paint.
- Protects your crib. Many cribs convert into toddler and full-size beds, and the front rail often becomes part of the footboard. A rail cover keeps it free of tooth marks for years.
- Finishes the look. A rail cover is the most visible piece of bumperless bedding, and it can be monogrammed.
When should I put a rail cover on?
Install it before your baby starts pulling up to stand, and wash it first. Many parents put it on when they set up the nursery so it's part of the design from day one.
How to choose the right crib rail cover
Size. Our standard 51" x 17" cover fits the long front rail of most standard cribs.
- Side rails: Some designs, like the Blush Watercolor Floral Rail Cover, come in 27" x 11" side rail pairs, plus versions sized for iron cribs.
- Large wood front panel: We can make an oversized custom rail cover.
- Mini crib: Try the Nursery Rhyme Toile Mini Crib Rail Cover.
Padding. Look for a soft, padded fill. Ours uses recycled polyester fill made in North Carolina.
Fabric. Linen blends are soft with a subtle texture. Woven cotton is crisp and easy to wash. Both are machine washable.
Ties. Choose classic grosgrain ribbon ties, knot ties for a relaxed look, or gingham ties for a pop of pattern.
Our most popular teething rail covers
| Style | Why parents love it |
|---|---|
| Petal Pink Linen Scalloped Rail Cover | A best-loved style: scalloped edges, ruffle trim, monogram option |
| Light Blue Toile with Gingham Ties | Classic toile for a baby boy or neutral nursery |
| Flax Linen with Knot Ties | Gender-neutral and goes with everything |
| Navy Linen with Knot Ties | Tailored and timeless for boys |
| White Cotton (White Trim) | The perfect canvas for a monogram |
| White Scalloped with Pink Ruffle + 4 Pink Linen Bows | The full "wow" look with pre-tied oversized bows |
Add oversized bows. Our Oversized Bows attach through the buttonholes of any Liz and Roo rail cover and hide the ties. Use four on a standard rail cover.
Personalize it. Most rail covers can be monogrammed for $20. See our custom monogramming options.
How to attach a crib rail cover
- Drape the cover over the top rail, centered, with the padded side facing in and out evenly.
- Wrap each tie around the rail.
- Feed both ties through the buttonhole at each attachment point.
- Pull tight and tie a secure knot. Add a bow on top if you'd like.
- Tug firmly to check that it doesn't slide. Check it again every time you change the sheets.
How to wash a crib rail cover
- Wash before first use and often during teething.
- Use a gentle, baby-safe detergent and follow the care label.
- Buy a spare if you can, so one is on the crib while the other is in the wash.
Why made in the USA?
Every Liz and Roo rail cover is sewn in the USA, and we're at our workroom all the time. We know where our fabric comes from, what our fill is made of and who sews every piece. That's how we can offer more than 30 styles, plus custom sizes and fabrics.
Find the right rail cover for your crib
Looking for a complete set? Many of our crib bedding sets include a matching rail cover, skirt and sheet. Or read our guide to safe crib bumper alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Are crib rail covers safe for babies?
A rail cover that covers only the top rail and is tied on securely is designed to sit outside the sleep surface. The CPSC says covers intended only for the top rail fall outside the federal crib bumper ban. Always keep the inside of the crib bare except for a fitted sheet.
What's the difference between a crib rail cover and a crib bumper?
Bumpers line the inside of the crib along the slats and are banned in the US. Rail covers wrap only the top rail to protect against teething.
What size crib rail cover do I need?
Our standard 51" x 17" cover fits the long front rail of most standard cribs. Side rail, iron crib, mini crib and oversized custom options are also available.
When should I put on a teething rail cover?
Before your baby starts pulling up to stand. Many parents add it when setting up the nursery.
Can I monogram a crib rail cover?
Yes. Most Liz and Roo rail covers can be monogrammed for $20.
