How to Make Padding for a Toddler Bed

Some toddler beds feature a railing that is of hard material and texture. When it comes to your child's safety, it's probably best to add some padding to these rails until your child is old enough to sleep safely on his own. Knowing how to add padding to your toddler's bed railing gives you the ability to optimize the safety of your baby's sleeping environment.

• Roll of fabric
  Roll of batting
  Measuring tape
  Scissors
  Fabric glue
  Velcro straps

Step 1

Drape the measuring tape over the railing of your toddler's bed to measure its wrap-around width. You can also achieve this by doubling the measurement from the top of the railing to the bottom.

Step 2

Cut out a segment of plush fabric, such as fleece or soft wool, measuring double the total size measured in the first step. Spread the fabric out in front of you horizontally with the right side facing downward.

Step 3

Cut a segment of cotton batting from the roll measuring 1 inch smaller on all sides than the fabric segment. For instance, if the fabric segment is 24 by 24 inches, the batting should be 20 by 20 inches, give or take.

Step 4

Layer the batting segment evenly over the fabric segment, centering it on the left side of the fabric that is spread out before you. Squeeze a thick line of fabric glue along all sides of the batting, on top of the fabric around it.

Step 5

Fold the right side of the fabric over, encasing the batting and matching the edges evenly. Press on the encase fabric, sealing it with the glue. Glue one strip of adhesive Velcro on one side, and the connecting piece of Velcro on the other end of the padded piece of material. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Drape the new padded form over the railing of the toddler's bed. Tuck the Velcro ends down through the bottom, so they are not in the bed. Connect them to keep the pad in place. Repeat this entire process to pad all of the railings if there are more than one.