Ultimately, Nate and I decided it's all about timing. Initially, our baby is going to be in a cradle next to our bed and isn't even going to use the crib for a few months, so we can use a crib bumper pads simply for decorative purposes during that time. Beyond that, we'll play it by ear – but we did make sure to make a crib bumper pads with thin batting so it's very breathable, just in case.
Measure the length and width of your crib (mine was 52 1/2″ long and 26 1/2″ wide). Height doesn't matter because we're going to cut all pieces to 11″ high. This height seems to be about average for a crib bumper pads.
Cut batting in the exact width and length of the crib (I cut 2 pieces of batting to 52 1/2″ x 11″ and 2 pieces of batting to 26 1/2″ x 11″).
For all four sides of the crib bumper pads, pin the batting to the corresponding fabric layers with the fabric layers on bottom. You'll notice that the batting is 1/2″ shorter than the fabric layers. This is intentional to leave a 1/2″ seam on one end, which you will slip-stitch later.
Tie each piece onto the crib. Voila! While it's important to be aware of the expert opinions, it's best to use your own judgment about what works best for your family. What works for one child doesn't necessarily work for another, so you should keep an eye on your baby and be aware of when he or she may be too old for crib bumper pads and might start using them to hoist him or herself out of the crib. If nothing else, crib bumper pads complete the look of the nursery during the period when the baby is still sleeping in a cradle or bassinet.
Cut 16 strips in one of the fabric colors to 1″ x 23″. These will be the ties that attach each crib bumper pads piece to the crib.