Knee Pads for Crawling Babies

When my babies got on their knees for the first time and started crawling around our hardwood floor, I was excited. Excited that my little ones had hit yet another developmental milestone. But I didn’t realize that crawling was a tough exercise for kids until I started noticing little bruises and cuts and scraps on their soft knees.

Related: How to Teach a Baby to Crawl

Best Baby Helmets for Crawling

Surely, my kids didn’t need knee pads and no kid does, right? My parents never bought me any kind of baby crawling gear when I was a baby and no, I didn’t die. So I kind of get it.

But bruises and cuts and scrapes on baby’s knees are just what they are: pain.  So I decided to get my baby boys nice, protective knee pads for safely getting around on the flooring.

I don’t know if your kiddo needs knee pads at all. And I suspect they’ll turn out just fine even if you choose not to buy these pads. But knee pads certainly didn’t hurt my babies’ knees at all. Actually, padding up those soft knees seemed to make my LOs want to crawl more. I believe they weren’t a waste of money.

Related: Best Kids’ Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, & Wristguards

Who Came Out on Top?

*Affiliate Links Disclosure: This website participates in the Amazon Associates program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

The Simply Kids Baby Crawling Knee Pads won the contest. They won because they’re made from baby-safe materials that are also tough, durable, and easy to wash (machine-washable). But knee protection is where these pads really shine.

The padding around the knee is pretty thick and sewn in, and easy to use velcro straps make sure that the protective part of the pads stay over the knees and that the pads NEVER slip down the legs.

Lastly, these CPSIA-certified knee pads aren’t expensive. With this deal, you’re getting fewer but better-quality pads (2 pairs) and no extras. But we all know there are times when fewer, better things make the most sense. Like during a baby’s crawling phase.

Do Babies Really Need Crawling Knee Pads?

Many parents and even child safety experts feel that crawling is and should remain a natural developmental process and that overprotective moms and dads should relax and let kids learn to crawl without help. This point of view packs tons of sense.

However, it’s a fact that kids’ knees are extremely soft and prone to knee injury during the crawling phase. I don’t see it as being overprotective at all. I see it as being a caring mom who want to make baby’s crawling a happy, comfortable, pain-free experience.

Whether to buy or not buy crawling knee pads for your little one or not is entirely your decision. It certainly won’t harm your kiddo, nor prevent them from learning crawling. Plus the padding in the knee gear makes the exercise more fun while greatly minimizing the odds of getting bruises, cuts, and scrapes.

If you still feel that knee pads aren’t an absolute necessity for your kiddo, please stop reading and get them crawling helmets instead. Or whatever else you decide would make more sense for your LO.

Crawling Safety Tips for Babies (According to Whattoexpect)

Babyproofing your home makes it a safe place for your baby. It becomes a hazard-free environment where they can crawl around and do every sort of thing kids do without endangering their life. Below is a set of strategies that can help make your house the safe haven it should be for your sweet little angel.

1.Remove everything that poses strangulation risk including baby monitor cords, window cords, electrical cords, and whatnot.

2. Get CPSC certified baby gates and correctly install them. Install these baby-safe gates to keep baby from accessing certain potentially dangerous areas such as the top of stairs, below stairs, and inside bathrooms.

These safety gates should be tall enough so that baby won’t climb over them (at least 22″ tall). Also, they should be solid enough and be able to take at least 45 pounds of force without falling over.

Most importantly, the baby gate’s openings as well as the space between the bottom and floor shouldn’t be too wide that baby easily sticks the head in and gets entrapped.

Don’t want to install baby safety gates? No problem, but make sure to keep the doors locked, and keep an eye on that crawling tyke.

3. Use bumpers to smooth out any roughness and sharpness around furniture edges. Because babies have a way of doing little crawl runs that almost always end up at sharp, protruding edges. And they get nice little blue and black marks that force you to take babyproofing to a whole new level.

4. Get out of the little crawler’s way anything that babies think is edible including pet’s treats and food and anything else that’s small enough to go into a baby’s small mouth. Using this strategy keeps chocking risk at bay.

5. Keep all your cabinets locked so that baby can’t access medicines, potentially harmful cleaning products, and anything else that can cause problems if ingested or handled.

6. Do you have an insanely curious baby, one who’s always exploring the environment and noticing the tiniest openings and cracks? If yes, replace your existing switch plates with baby-safe options. Get switch-plates that are designed to automatically cover the power outlets when you’re not using them.

7. Install good carpeting around the house if you haven’t to make the place safe for crawling. Alternatively, get your baby a good pair of crawling knee pads to prevent bruises and cuts.

However, some carpet designs end up being part of the problem rather than the solution. I imagine there are many moms looking for knee pads because their carpets hurt their little one’s knees and as many shopping for the same because there’s no carpeting.

8. If you have carpeting but still have a few bare-floor sections, consider getting non-slip crawling rug or floor padding. This is an inexpensive way to pad up any uncarpeted areas and make them soft enough for weak, tender knees. And if you have an old blanket lying around and money is a little tight, lay it on the floor instead of buying knee protectors or extra rugs and padding.

9. If you have wood flooring and don’t want to carpet up the place, give the floor a corner-to-corner inspection. Take care of any nails, splinters, or other sharp-edged objects that might hurt baby.

10. Pants and legwarmers with padded inserts are also a great way to keep those tiny soft knees covered and protected when crawling.

11. Keep a watchful pair of eyes on the ambitious crawler every time they’re out of the crib or playpen. Because you don’t want them getting into stuff that gets them bruised or hurt in some other way. None of the above child safety tips for crawling replaces parental supervision during the crawling stage.

How to Wash Baby’s Crawling Knee Pads

For the most part, you can toss dirty crawling knee pads in the washing machine. You can also hand-wash them in cold water and a mild detergent. And if the care label says it that the knee pads can be dried off in the dryer, then you can machine-dry them. Otherwise, stick to air-drying the protective pads.

How to Pick Out the Best Baby Crawling Knee Pads

How do you go about choosing the best knee protection for crawling babies? Below is a set of factors to keep in mind as you kick off the search:

Pick Pads That Get the Fabric Right

Get a pair of pads made from a tough yet breathable fabric. Such a fabric would be great at toughing it out during crawling while keeping your LO’s delicate knees nice, safe, and comfortable. Also, the fabric needs to be soft and generously padded for comfort during use.

Consider what the weather looks like most of the time where you’re at. If the area winters for months, you want something that traps heat in keeping those little knees and legs warm. Padded legwarmers are a great choice for when the days get dark and cold.

For summer crawling, get something breathes really well and wicks away sweat. Crawling is good exercise for little ones, but if the fabric traps in warmth because it’s poor breather, it’s not a great choice for summertime use.

Most of the best choices out there (I own a few pairs of cotton crawling knee pads) are made from cotton. Because cotton is durable, moderately light, and takes abuse well. It breathes reasonably well depending on the manufacturing process used.

Polyester is another common material for making crawling knee pads for babies. This is due to its strength and durability. Manufacturers tend to use polyester alongside cotton and 2-5% spandex. When it’s a blended cotton fabric (which it usually is), the combination usually looks like this: 80-90% cotton/2-5% spandex/8-12% polyester.

Get Knee Pads With Adjustable Straps If Available

If the size is too big, the protective area of the pads keeps shifting and moving out of position. When the pads move, they leave baby’s tender knees exposed and vulnerable.

For this reason, choose an option that’s the right size. Many manufacturers state the age ranges that each set of knee pads is for. And if the manufacturer offers a crawling knee pad size chart, measure your baby’s knee circumference and choose an appropriate size. Also, some pads that offer size adjustability through adjustable straps.

Options with adjustable straps aren’t always available, and that’s OK. But if you get the sizing right, you should be OK.

Get a Stretchable Fabric

If the material stretches a bit (check for the percentage of spandex in the fiber composition numbers), that’s great. A fabric that stretches a bit feels more comfortable, and it doesn’t fit extremely tightly. Also, having some spandex in the fiber mix makes the pads fit well over and under clothing.

Are the Knee Pads Easy to Wash?

Pretty much all crawling knee pads are machine-washable. You may also hand-wash them if you wish or don’t own a washer. And in most cases, you can run them in the dryer. Where not sure, just air-dry them. But it’s best to read the instructions label for information on how best to care of the knee pads.

Baby-friendly Colors and Prints

Kids have always loved bright colors with kid-themed prints on them. Most of the available options come in brilliant colors that babies really love. While many are single-colored with minimal detailing, others come in multi-colored designs with beautiful prints or other nice-looking details.

Cost and Best Baby Knee Pad Brands

One great thing about baby knee pads is that they’re inexpensive. You’re looking at just $8-$25. As for brands, don’t overthink it. The majority of baby knee protectors on the market are generic products from Chinese factories.

5 Top Knee Pads for Busy Crawlers (Some Options Include Head Protection+Non-slip Socks)

Here they are:

1. Simply Kids Baby Knee Pads: Best Overall and Most Protective

The Simply Kids’ knee pads look nothing like those thin, elastic sock-style knee pads many brands sell. These are heavy-duty crawling knee pads, and I don’t see how your child’s knees could ever get injuries with these tough pads on.They’re thicker, better-made, and more durable than the JunNeng pads, Fun Plus, Toraso , or Satinior knee pads.

When I saw these pads for the first time, I couldn’t help muttering, “these are overkill for crawling, honestly. I wonder how this company is able to sell them for under $20 at this level of workmanship and fabric quality.”

Made of synthetic rubber, these pads stretch a little so your baby can crawl around in complete comfort. They’re pretty thick, thicker than the vast majority of similar options out there.

Whether you’re looking for knee pads to protect your baby against old hardwood floor splinters, or for outdoor crawling, or to protect against carpet burns and rough tile floors, these pads do the job.

One reason I loved these knee pads (my boys are no longer babies/toddlers) is that they stay on the whole time. No matter how hard your tot crawls, walks, or runs, these pads stay where they should be — on the knees.

They come with sewn-on velcro straps that help you adjust to a perfect fit. Plus, these straps keep the pads nice and secure, preventing them from slipping down the legs as many do.

But it gets even better.

These baby and toddler knee pads for crawling are machine-washable, saving ever-busy moms much-needed time. Here’s one more thing: these knee pads won’t leave any marks on your tot’s legs as some do.

And the price? It’s $16-ish at this time, which is a steal considering how well-fitting, comfortable, and durable these pads are. Plus you’re getting 2 pairs at this price point, which means you’re paying about $8 per pair! This is the best deal ever.

2. JunNeng Toddler Head Protector and Knee Pads

The JunNeng Toddler Head Protector is a butterfly-shaped headgear designed to protect the back of the head if baby falls backwards. It comes in handy for when baby’s learning to stand or crawl up stairs.

Your baby doesn’t wear this little thing on their noggin. Instead, they carry it on their back with detachable straps, as if it were some sort of a toddler backpack.

If (and when) the little guy or gal wobbles and ends up on their back, the velvety top part of the protector cushions the impact. And when your tot gets too tired to crawl and decides to lie on their back on the carpet, they get to use this piece of baby gear as a pillow.

But if you’re looking for a baby head safety helmet, something that’ll protect the front, sides, and back of the head, the JunNeng Toddler Head Protector isn’t what to pick.

What about the JunNeng knee pads? The knee pads are pretty much elastic sleeves. Help your 9-month-old get their legs in, then pull the pads up to somewhere above the knee (lower thigh), and no more knee scrapes. But no, they’re not adequate for any kind of rough floors or for crawling outdoors.

Bike or skateboard knee pads that are designed like the JunNeng tend to shift around a lot during use, but these toddler knee pads stay on most of the time.

The deal also includes a pair of anti-slip socks, something all parents with slippery floors (tiles?) need to buy for their little crawlers. They’re reasonably thick and warm. And the sole has decent cushion for comfort. Why does your baby need these socks? Baby will slip and fall less often.

3. Satinior Unisex Crawling Pads: Budget Option

Is there any difference between the Satinior and JunNeng baby crawling knee pads? Well, not really.

Both are slip-on sock-like pads that rely on elasticity to stay on. But pads like these ones tend to slip down the legs some of the time and in some cases most of the time, which can be annoying.

They’re thin and aren’t for use on the roughest of floors. And no, you don’t want your little one to be wearing these ones for outdoor crawling. Because they’re gonna get hurt at some point.

If you opt to purchase these, I suggest that your baby uses them indoors only and on smooth surfaces. Don’t worry, the knee pads are anti-slip.

They’re warm (cotton), stretchy, and comfortable. But I did notice marks on my baby’s legs when he wore these at month 8. Same thing happened with the JunNeng. But it wasn’t much of an issue for my baby.

One thing I don’t like about these pads is they’re not machine-washable. You’ll have to hand-wash them. And who wants more work?

How do these pads fit? They’re super soft on the inside. However, the Satinior baby crawling pads run small. I can’t see how any baby older than 10 months can wear these ones comfortably.

These are best suited to babies just starting to crawl at month 8-9. BTW, if your baby is 8 months old and has chunky legs, buy something else. Because these won’t fit right.

You’re getting 8 pairs of pads at $14-ish, which is like $1.78 per pair, a great deal. But these socks could be thicker. If your floor is any kind of rough, please don’t buy these.

And if you prefer buying, fewer better stuff (that’s me), get better knee pads such as the Simply Kids Baby Crawling Knee Pads. You’ll pay about $3 more, and you’ll get not 8 but 2 pairs. But these 2 pairs are the only knee pads your LO will ever need for crawling, walking, or running.

Fun-Plus Kids’ Crawling Knee Pads

These bring to mind images of mountain bike sleeve-style knee pads. They come in a nicely curved design, and the funny quotes on the front make them gift-worthy. And since they’re made from soft knitted fabric, they’re flexible and stretchy for comfort when crawling.

One problem parents have identified over and over when it comes to sock/sleeve-style pads is that they tend to not stay in place. But what’s the point of buying them if they just won’t stay on your child’s soft knees?

Well, Fun Plus Baby Knee Pads stay on most of the time, but they do get loose with use. I can’t guarantee that these pads will stay on for your child though. If you want guarantees, get the Simply Kids crawling knee pads for babies and toddlers. These are the only pads I’m aware of that stay on and never ever slip down the legs.

One thing to love about the Fun Plus pads is how breathable and comfortable they are. Nothing breathes better than these! They’re knitted in a way that leaves little spaces for air circulation, and when the weather gets cooler, these guys step in and serve as knee warmers.

If you decide to grab this deal, you’ll get 5 pairs of knitted crawling pads from Fun Plus for about $20 (please confirm current price on Amazon). In comparison, you get 6 pairs of pads from Satinior for about $12-$14 and 3 pairs of pads + 3 pairs of anti-slip socks from JunNeng for about $19.

It might seem like you’re getting less with the Fun Plus deal. But in my opinion, Fun Plus beats Satinior and JunNeng as far as pads quality.

That said, none of these options are as good, as well-fitting, or as durable as Simply Kids. I know at this point I’m beginning to sound like a salesperson who won’t stop pestering you until they get the sale lol.

But no, I’m not paid to promote any of these companies’ products. I’m just being honest so you can get the best value and most use out of your hard-earned money.

TORASO Baby Head Protector & Baby Knee Pads

If you don’t have any kind of baby head gear for crawling, it’s time you got some protection for your little one. They’re learning to crawl, and they’ll likely bump their head into some edge or sharp object and get hurt.

Not all parents use crawling helmets. In fact, there are many good moms and dads out there who feel babies absolutely don’t need a helmet for crawling.That’s it is and should remain a natural growth phase.

But that’s them.

Your baby will crawl around carpets and rough flooring in your house, not theirs. If you’ve not completely babyproofed your home and have a little busy crawler moving around, consider getting decent head protection for them.

I bet you grew up fine without using any kind of fancy crawling helmet. And you’re here reading this, which means crawling didn’t harm your brain in anyway haha. Sure, it may not be an absolute necessity, but a crawling helmet helps prevent bruises and bumps to little growing noggins.

The helmet’s made from 100% cotton, which means it’s soft, warm, and durable. But cotton can get really warm especially when combined with spongy padding. To keep it cool, the top of the helmet is designed to stay open to prevent overheating. As for the padding itself, it’s a spongy material that compresses to absorb crawling-related impacts.

This crawling safety helmet offers ample padding on the sides, front, and back. And there’s a velcro chin strap that secures the helmet. I suggest that you remove this strap though. Because…anything can happen.

The brand says that this safety helmet fits infants and toddlers from 6 months to 36 months. But it runs big. I actually returned it because it couldn’t fit my 9-month-old son. It wore him, literally! It’s more like a running toddler helmet for 3-year-olds.

Toraso says the helmet’s material is BPA-free and non-toxic. If that’s true, it’s safe for kids and shouldn’t cause skin rash or allergy. As for the knee pads, they’re made from three materials: cotton (80%), polyester (18%), and spandex (2%) for elasticity. Cotton makes them soft and warm, polyester makes them tough and quick-drying, and spandex pours elasticity into the mix.

These knee pads may not always stay in place and aren’t great for use on wood flooring with splinters. And you definitely shouldn’t let your LO crawl outside with these.

Baby Crawling Knee Pads FAQs

I put together a list of questions parents keep asking about baby knee pads for crawling. If you don’t find all of your questions answered in this FAQ section, do me an email at this address: kiddofreedom@gmail.com.

What Are Crawling Knee Pads for and Does My Baby Really Need to Wear Them?

Crawling knee pads are coverings made from padding and fabric and they help protect baby’s knees from inevitable crawling impacts. They prevent soft knees from getting bruised, scraped, or cut during crawling. These aren’t something your baby must wear, but if you hate the idea of them getting cut and bruised, definitely get the pads.

Do Babies Get Bruises and Cuts from Crawling?

Yes, babies can and do get bruises and cuts from crawling. However, this is normal and shouldn’t be a problem at all for the vast majority of babies. But if you want to go that extra mile for your little one and get them good crawling protection, that’s perfectly OK.

According to Dr. Dixon at Riley Childrens Org, the only time to worry is if it appears  that your baby is experiencing pain after getting bruised or hurt when crawling.

How Do I Protect My Baby’s Knees When Crawling?

Get commercial knee protectors such as as padded legwarmers, pants, or knee pads. Alternatively, carpet up your home or use non-slip floor padding or crawling rugs. Most importantly, make sure to babyproof your home by covering outlets, keeping cords out of the way, removing any sharp objects such as nails, and using bumpers to even out sharp edges on objects.

Do Knee Pads Help Crawling Outdoors?

The majority of baby crawling knee pads are good for both indoor crawling and outdoor crawling.