In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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By Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team ⋅ May 31, 2024
The Best Edge Guards for 2024
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.
Editor's Note: We updated this edge guard review on May 30, 2024, with a focus on ensuring a current lineup and product availability. We also included alternative recommendations to our award picks.
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 Roving Cove protector is a basic straight edge and corner protectors.
The Roving Cove corner protectors are soft and thick enough to prevent most injuries.
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 Bebe Earth comes in three colors but only the white option has a door bumper.
The Bebe Earth protectors have the adhesive already in place for a quick installation.
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.
If all you need are corner protectors, this Sure Basics set is a good go-to.
The Sure Basics has attached adhesive that is wider than some of the competition.
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 Hearth protector from Kid Kushions is designed specifically for hearth protection.
The adhesive for the Kids Kushion has separate adhesive you apply to the edge before you put the foam on.
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 adhesive component of the CalMyotis is separate from the clear corner guards.
The CalMyotis have an unobtrusive look that doesn't distract from the beauty of the furniture itself.
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.
The Heelalbaby Safety Corner have corner ball protectors and traditional L shape options.
The ball protector of the Heelalbaby corner protectors only protects the sharp point of the corner.
Bebe Earth is thin but still offers plenty of protection to potentially avoid serious injuries.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
Senior Review Analyst and father of 7 Bob Wofford leads the edge guard review with extensive research 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.
Some kits have adhesive you apply yourself.
We purchased each edge and corner protection for our review.
Analysis and Test Results
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.
Safety First
While childproofing is essential to early parenthood, no childproof device is perfect. As with all types of childproofing products, you still need to keep a protective eye on little ones to avoid accidental injuries should the guards fail to withstand the rigors of toddlerhood.
The protectors with adhesive already attached are the easiest options to use in our opinion.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
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.
Any longer pieces of protection will typically require cutting the part to fit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The clear corner guards might draw less attention from little ones and potentially be messed with less than the thicker more obvious foam.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Efficacy
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.
Choking Hazard
Because many little ones find soft things mesmerizing, you might find your child chewing or picking at the foam guards. If this occurs, we strongly suggest replacing any damaged edging as soon as you see them, as the foam bits pose a potential choking hazard should children or babies ingest them on purpose or accidentally. Once again, adult supervision is mandatory for babies, even if you have effective childproof measures in place.
Because the foam guards are soft and squishy, they can be pulled on and the material picked at by little ones who may find them irresistible. While it didn't happen during our testing we can see how the foam could be a choking hazard if damaged.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
Protecting little ones from injuries related to falling or bumping into edges and corners is part of babyproofing parenthood responsibilities.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Childproofing is one of the most tedious parts of early childhood, but it is necessary. Depending on your lifestyle and your child, you'll likely need to make an effort to utilize childproofing products, which can help you prevent potential injuries or death. Children on the move explore everything, and while nothing replaces adult supervision, any childproofing can be a significant help. Finding great edge guards and corner protectors can give you a leg up on keeping your little one safe from the potential head and eye injuries commonly sustained from falling into sharp edges and corners. We've tested many of the top-rated options to help you find the protection you need for most applications and budgets.
