Do you need to keep your active little one from bumping into all things sharp? We purchased and tested 6 of the top and most popular edge guards on the market today to find the easiest and most effective guarding solutions for almost any situation. Our tests include analysis of various factors, such as ease of installation, durability, how well they get the job done, and more. If protecting your little one from accidental bumps, bruises, cuts, and scrapes is on your babyproofing to-do list, this review of edge guards can help you find the right option for your needs and wallet.
Our top-ranked baby health and safety gear list includes everything you need, from babyproofing your home to when your little one isn't feeling well. Wall Guard
The Roving Cove Baby Proofing Edge Corner Protector is a simple edge and corner protection set. It includes 18 feet of foam edge guard and eight foam corner protectors. The foam has an adhesive backing that is easy to install and works well. It is available in 3 colors, and the foam is free of BPA, phthalates, heavy metals, latex, and SCCPs. We like that this product is doing one thing and doing it well.
Like all adhesive products, the adhesive can fail if not used correctly or is pulled on aggressively over time. However, this is true of any edge protection guards, as they are all adhesive installations. Overall, we like this edge guard, and corner protectors are easy to install and work well with no muss and no fuss. If you need a guard for a hearth, check out the KidKusion Hearth Cushion, which has double sided adhesive.
The Bebe Earth - Edge and Corner Guard Protector Set is a great budget-friendly set that includes 20 feet of edge protection, 8 corner protectors, and a door bumper. This set has the adhesive strip separate from the foam, so it can be applied to the surface before messing with the foam cover. The foam is compliant with US and EU child safety regulations and is BPA and phthalate-free should your little one decide to take a taste test. We like the look of this foam, the adorable cow door bumper, and the easy installation. This kit comes with the most straight-edge linear feet of foam in the group, making it a must-have for longer placements that require protection.
While the adhesive roll might be easier for some, we imagine others will be frustrated by the two-step process compared to the contenders where the adhesive comes attached to the foam. Also, while the edge guard is available in three colors, it looks like only the white option includes the cute door bumper, which is disappointing. Overall, we love this set, and even without the bumper, the longer foam with a reasonable price means you get more protection for your buck, which is a win, in our opinion. If you're shopping for an option with pre-installed adhesive, the CalMyotis Corner Protector may be worth a look.
The Sure Basics Corner Guards is a pack of 8 corner guards in three sizes. The foam already has the adhesive backing on it as one piece, and they are thick enough to protect from just about any accidental bump or fall. These corner pieces are straightforward options for protecting little ones from sharp corners on furniture counters and more.
While we didn't experience it during testing, any adhesive can fail given the right circumstances. During installation, you should take special care and don't expect great results on heavily textured surfaces. That being said, we think these corner protectors are a helpful addition to any childproofing lineup where sharp corners are a concern. If you like the idea of thick corners but also need edge protection, consider the Roving Cove Baby Proofing Edge Corner Protector.
The KidKusion Hearth Cushion is a product designed for hearth use, providing edge and corner protection around fireplaces. The foam with this kit has a double-sided adhesive Velcro backing and is crinkle-free, closed-cell. This foam is made in the USA and free of BPA, phthalates, latex, and obvious odor. It comes in two colors, and the hearth-specific cushion has a semi-beveled edge that looks somewhat fancier than the rolled edge we see on most of the competing guards. The foam is easy to install and looks nice.
This edge protector is relatively thin compared to some of the competition and will only work in specific situations. The Roving Cove Baby Proofing Edge Corner Protector is our first pick for thicker protection. To avoid disappointment, we recommend measuring your space and checking your fireplace hearth for compatibility before purchasing. However, if the KidKusion Hearth Cushion is the right selection for your home, it makes hearths a safer place for little ones to stumble.
The CalMyotis Corner Protector are soft, clear PVC corner protectors. The protectors contain no phthalates, BPA, chemicals, or added toxic fire retardants. Each corner includes a clear, pre-installed adhesive that works well and installs easily (you may need a hairdryer to heat the glue). We like the look of these unobtrusive corner guards and think they are an excellent choice for those who need them but aren't interested in the unsightly foam options.
These guards are thin and are not soft or squishy, the same way foam protectors traditionally are. So, while you can avoid point-related injuries, it does not offer the same impact protection as a foam buffer. If you prefer foam to silicone, consider other contenders like the easy-to-install Bebe Earth - Edge and Corner Guard Protector Set. However, if aesthetics are your priority, CalMyotis corner protectors have the potential to protect little ones from sharp corner-related injuries.
The Heelalbaby Safety Corner Protectors set includes 16 L-shaped corner guards and 8 ball-shaped corner guards. These guards are clear, non-toxic PVC to protect little ones from sharp corners. The collection has a stronger adhesive than previous versions and can be removed without leaving residue behind. We like that it comes with 8 additional adhesive strips if you need to move the guards or make a change. The protectors are somewhat flexible and soft. They are easy to install, and we like the look as it is less obvious than foam options.
Installation requires holding in place for a full minute. This process is longer than you think until you do it. Easier installation can be found with the thick foam on the Roving Cove Baby Proofing Edge Corner Protector. The Heelalbaby also is not soft, and while they can prevent stabbing injuries or breaking the skin, you can still get bumps and bruises with these guards. We think this contender could be a potential option for those who don't need significant protection and worry most about the overall aesthetic.
Senior Review Analyst and father of 7 Bob Wofford leads the edge guard review with extensive investigation on childproofing and edge protection. Bob has been our go-to tester for most things 7 years running. The edge guards were selected with safety in mind and tested for ease of installation and their effectiveness at getting the job done on various surfaces. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Editor BabyGearLab team member circa 2014, rounds out the childproofing team with the test results analysis and review write-up.
We tested 6 top competitors for edge guards in our childproofing testing. Each edge guard was assessed for ease of installation, potential longevity, and how well it worked, protecting little ones from possible injuries.
There isn't much to the edge guards beyond a peel-and-stick installation. No matter which variety or style you choose, the majority boasts a 3M adhesive backing that universally works well when the surface is prepared correctly. Attempting to attach any adhesive product to a dirty or heavily textured surface is bound to fail; otherwise, we didn't experience any trouble.
Other considerations would be cutting the edging to fit the desired location. While corner pieces do not need modifications, the longer edge parts will. Most of the products are designed to be cut to fit, and for the most part, we didn't have any trouble cutting the foam with ordinary scissors. The only real challenge is getting the adhesive backing off and the protector in the correct location. Once it sticks, that is it; even if you manage to pull it off to reposition, it won't securely attach a second time, and there will always be a “weak” area that refuses to stay put.
We recommend you measure twice and cut once, then pull off the adhesive backing just a little bit at a time. This way, you won't accidentally create an un-sticky edge in your haste to finish what should be a simple, straightforward job but, in reality, requires more attention to detail. Corner pieces are easier to apply than longer edges, and the small silicone corner bumpers practically apply themselves. If you can solve your safety situation with just a single corner piece, save yourself the headache and stick with pre-created corners. Alternatively, if you have a longer edge, avoid using smaller pieces and always use a one-piece solution for safety and easier installation.
Using the products as directed in the right locations is very effective at preventing accidental injuries. Whether it is the sharp corner of a coffee table or the rock ledge of a fireplace, a tight-fitting edge guard can make all the difference between a nothing bump and a need for stitches. The two common ways edge guards can fail is an improper installation where the guard is not being used for its designed purpose, or it was installed without prepping the area properly, both of which can result in adhesive failure or unprotected areas and unintentional injuries.
The second failure occurs when kids spend time picking, pulling, or playing with the foam edging. This foam is a magnet for some toddlers, who find the puffy foam irresistible, much like a moth to a flame. For this reason, we encourage parents to monitor little ones and redirect them to more engaging activities should the bumpers become too intriguing. Preventing excessive play, picking, or pulling on the foam can increase the childproof device's longevity and decrease the potential for harm.
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