Your child may be sleeping through the night, but are you losing sleep worrying about how safe they are in their new big-kid bed? Are you transitioning your toddler to a new sleeping arrangement and are wondering how to keep them in one piece while they take that important step to greater independence?
It might seem like only yesterday that you were shopping for a crib, but bittersweet as it is, your baby won’t stay little forever. We all know kids have a knack for falling off, over, and into things, so as your little one gains independence, you’ll need to keep a step ahead of them.
Bed rails and bumpers are training wheels for the bed. The right one will make the transition from crib to bed seamless and ensure that the next thing that goes bump in the night is not them falling out of bed.
FAQs About Baby Nursery
This is typically the time most kiddos switch to a bed, and those low rails are easy to scale in comparison to the taller ones on a crib. The main reason rails are necessary is because toddlers are such wild sleepers.
There are two basic bed rails: Integral - Incorporated into the bed design and are already fitted to the bed frame. Some are full length, while others are split. Third-party - are not specific to any model.
Bed rails should be used when your child is about two until age 5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing bed rails. If they leave a gap or loosen during the night, your child could get trapped, so use the rails strictly according to the instructions and check them each night before use.
Bed rails, also known as side rails or cot sides, are widely used to reduce the risk of falls. Although not suitable for everyone, they can be very effective when used with the right bed, in the right way, for the right person.
Bed Rails are marketed as safety devices to reduce patients' risk of falling from bed. Their use is common internationally, with reported prevalence in hospitals ranging from 8 to 64% [1–5] and from 9 to 71% [6–13]. The commonest reason for bedrail use is fall prevention [1, 4, 6, 14].
Styles of Bed Guard Rails
Different from one another, the three primary types of bed rails each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
- These bed rails may be quickly converted from a crib to a regular bed. Convertible bed rails are metal or plastic railings that may be attached to the side of your toddler's bed. However, unlike a crib railing, which is fixed in place, the rails on a convertible bed may be folded down.
- Foam bumpers are a more drastic departure from a crib than the convertible bed rails. The railings of your toddler's bed are made of soft foam and look like a row of firm pillows.
- Bumpers that are inflated with air and tucked under the fitting sheet are exactly what they sound like to be. However, if you plan to use them nightly, you will need to constantly re-inflate them, making them a less durable alternative than foam bumpers. If your family frequently travels and you worry about your child falling out of bed while you're away, an inflatable bumper may be the answer.
Factors to Think About When Purchasing a Toddler Bed Rail
The following characteristics should be kept in mind while shopping for a toddler bed guard rail:
Protection and safety. Pampers The safety and security of the guard rail was cited as an important factor by parents during the selection process. You should check the toddler bed guard rail to make sure it can be securely fastened to the bed, that it is stable, and that your child cannot move it or make any adjustments to it. Aside from preventing the rail from collapsing if your child rolls or leans on it, you should also check its strength. Your child's safety is paramount, so make sure the guardrail completely covers the mattress. If the manufacturer doesn't specify how much of a space should be left between the bed rail and the headboard or footboard, see your child's healthcare professional for guidance.
Dimensions of stature and limb.
The bed rail must be the proper length for a safe fit on the bed, and the correct height to prevent nighttime falls. Make sure the barrier is high enough to avoid falls if your mattress is particularly thick.
Comfort.
Some Pampers parents, for instance, have remarked they prefer a padded safety rail in case their sleeping child rolls into it.
Price.
There is a wide price range for guard rails, and higher spending isn't always indicative of higher quality. Keep in mind that your child may only need the rail for a short period of time, so it may not make financial sense to spend a lot of money on something you'll only need for a short period of time.
Adjustable.
Some Pampers parents stressed the importance of getting a toddler bed rail that could be altered to match the new bed or utilised during the crib-to-bed transition.
Foldable.
The rails on some beds can be collapsed for more space. This is helpful if you want to snuggle up with your child while reading a bedtime tale or if you need to change their sheets without getting up from the floor.
Simple set up.
Some Pampers parents claim that the initial assembly of their child's bed rails requires two people, while others claim that it can be done with with one. If you don't have any backup plans, this can be a deal breaker.
Colour.
It's understandable if you'd like the toddler bed rail to harmonise with the rest of the bed and the room's aesthetic. If so, research the range of colours offered by the model you're contemplating.
Portability.
Choose a guard rail that folds up quickly if you need to take it with you on the road.
Best Bed Rails for Your Child's Side of the Bed
To prevent your child from accidentally rolling out of bed in the middle of the night, a toddler bed rail should be installed. Swing-down bed rails, permanent toddler bed rails, and bumper-style bed rails are just a few of the varieties available.
They each have their merits. Here, we'll take a look at many popular designs for toddler bed rails and discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed purchase.
Drop-Down Guard Bed Rails by Regalo Safety
The Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard works well with larger sized beds because the average length of a toddler bed is 54 inches. This bed's ability to be swung down and out of the way when not in use will make getting in and out of bed much simpler for your kid.
The toddler guard rail measures 20 inches in height and can be easily attached to a bed with an existing mattress and box spring. The manufacturer suggests using it with twin or queen beds because to its length.
The safety rail can be locked into place to protect your child from harm if he or she rolls towards the edge of the bed while sleeping.
The parents' worries about keeping the steel frame clean are alleviated by the fact that the fabric can be removed and machine washed. Since it's made out of a breathable mesh material, air can flow freely across the entire bed.
The GapGuard technology integrated into this Regalo bed rail, as well as the rest of the line, works to maintain a close fit between the mattress and the rail, reducing the risk of suffocation. In addition, you won't have to invest in any more tools to get it up and running.
Keep in mind that this may not be the ideal choice if your child would rather climb over the railing than go around it or fold it down. Warning: the top bar could snap if your child leans too much on it.
Pros
- It requires no special equipment for assembly.
- Built to last, with an extended length for restless sleepers' safety
- Textiles that can be washed in a washing machine
- GapGuard is a technology that helps avoid getting caught in a gap.
- Possesses a high degree of breathability
- Drop down out of the way
Cons
- If your kid leans too heavily on the top bar, it can bend.
- Supports only standard twin and queen sizes.
Children's Bed Bumper with Hiccapop Characters
The Hiccapop Toddler Bed Bumper is made from CertiPUR-US foam, which has been rigorously tested and shown to be free of a wide range of harmful substances. These include CFCs, phthalates, heavy metals, lead, flame retardants, and more.
Unlike conventional bed rails, this one's foam is covered by a cover that can be removed, washed in a washing machine, and reused. Regardless of how many accidents your child has, the fabric will not absorb any of the liquids.
These bed rail bumpers are slimmer than traditional bed rails and are based on research conducted at the University of Standard. You may teach your child to be vigilant at night by having them roll onto the bumper and stay there while you go to bed. This may be all that is required to get them out of bed or to permit a change in their usual sleeping pattern.
The toddler bed bumper is also constructed from a non-skid fabric that includes silicone beads to ensure that it stays put. To keep it from sliding around under the duvet. The total dimensions of the bumper are 5 feet in length and 4 and a half inches in height. It's best used with regular bed sizes and isn't recommended for loft beds or higher bunks (twin, full, queen, and king).
To get a snug fit on your mattress, you'll need a deep-fitted sheet set that extends past the edges of the bed.
Parents, please be aware that some children may still be able to undo the grips on the bed. In order to get the greatest results, you may need to switch to a different sheet that provides more coverage and tackiness.
This bumper rests far lower than a conventional bed rail. In spite of initial scepticism, this method has been demonstrated to be successful in putting the vast majority of children to sleep. The Hiccapop toddler bed rail is fantastic since it provides far more comfort than a conventional bed rail, which is especially helpful for restless sleepers.
If you're a worried parent about how this will help your kid, you can always send it back because it's guaranteed for life.
Pros
- CertiPUR-US chemical-free foam construction
- Protect your youngster while they sleep using passive safety measures.
- Fits nearly all mattresses
- Supple, non-slip grips for secure footing
- Cover is water-resistant and washable in a machine.
- includes an unending guarantee of quality
Cons
- If the sheet doesn't fit properly or if your kid is very active, it could fall off the bed.
TotCraft Child Safety Guard Bed Rail
The TotCraft Toddler Bed Rail Guard is compatible with a variety of different bed constructions, including those with a solid wood base, a box spring, or slats of any kind. It can be used on cribs and regular beds of varying widths because it fits neatly between the slats and the mattress. It folds up neatly when it's not in use, just like a Regalo toddler bed rail.
Both grey and white versions are available, so anxious parents may rest easy. The mattress cover may be easily removed from the bed, unzipped, and washed in the washing machine.
The variety of supported hardware components is impressive. Think about how the frame of the toddler bed is made up to decide how to put it together. Included in the package are screws, an anchor mechanism designed to be placed under wooden slats, and Velcro for speedy and secure installation.
Easy-to-understand video instructions guide you through the many configuration options. The rail, therefore, has been firmly installed, so you need not worry about it.
A bed of this size would be ideal for a toddler. If your child doesn't want to swing it down at night, they can just climb out the side openings. It has been evaluated and proven to have no harmful substances; it is made of metal rods and a mesh panel and measures 35.5" in length and 19.5" in height.
If you count the wall next to your bed as part of the 19.5-inch measurement, you'll be accurate. If your mattress is unusually deep, your headspace may be compromised. A bed rail will extend 16.5 inches from the floor when used with a mattress that is 15 inches deep.
Pros
- Supports a broad variety of bases
- Various Apparatus Is Presented
- With the included video, assembly is a breeze.
- Minimal in stature, ideal for use on toddler beds or for use in rooms where children may be climbing.
- The material is completely machine-washable.
- Comes in both white and grey
Cons
- Mattress height determines swing's maximum reach; open space is required for installation.
Bed Guard Rails (Two Sided) by Regalo, Which Can Be
The Regalo Swing Down Double Sided Bed Rail Guard will make getting in and out of bed much simpler for your kid. Not only that, but it makes changing their linens much easier.
These two bed rails are the perfect size for a toddler's bed, measuring in at 43 inches in length and 20 inches in height. It's not too small, so your child won't have trouble getting in and out of bed, and not too big that they won't have enough area to move around the rails. Beds and box springs for twin and queen sizes are supported.
There is a steel framework supporting a mesh panel that serves as the railing. Both mesh and fabric are white in colour. Yet, the fabric may be easily laundered.
One of the numerous advantages of the Regalo bed rail is that it can be installed with no additional hardware. The anchor strap is built right into the design, making this lightweight and easy to put up. Because of its small size, your child can take it with them to sleepovers and on vacations.
Since a mattress and box spring are all that's required for this to work, it's compatible with almost any bed on the market.
Regalo's innovative GapGuard product is designed to sit securely against the mattress and prevent any dangers to a sleeping youngster.
With a quick swivel to one side, the bed's outside rail may be folded down and out of the way. So, before tucking your child in, make sure the bed is clear of anything that might tempt him or her to stay in there, such toys or books.
Pros
- Minimalist construction
- Extremely simple to set up
- Multiple compatibilities
- folds down and out of the way
- Technology like GapGuard ensures your child's safety.
- Includes a pair of side rails to keep you in place on both sides of the bed.
Cons
- The pendulum sways laterally rather than vertically.
- The white mesh could get dirty
Suitable for Use with Hiccapop Cribs and Toddler Beds as a Safety Rail
The steel clamps of the Hiccapop Convertible Crib Toddler Bed Rail Guard make it a perfect choice for parents looking for a more substantial bed rail than just an anchor system. To prevent the toddler bed rail from coming loose, the mattress must be attached to the bed frame.
Hardened steel is used for the crib rail frames, and the fabric has been specifically treated to avoid tearing and fraying. It can be set up in a matter of minutes and works with nearly all major brands (with the notable exception of IKEA).
Like many others, it may be tucked away out of sight when not in use; however, you should still leave adequate floor space around the bed so that your child does not have to dodge furniture on his or her route to and from sleep. With that said, sitting on your child's bed to tell them a story or change their sheets is a breeze because of how simple it is to use.
This bed frame comes in both white and grey, both of which are excellent choices if you're worried about spillage. The bed's mesh construction keeps you cool and comfortable. With its narrow 33-inch width and tall 16-inch height, this bed is just right for assisting your child in getting out of bed on either side. Since they won't have to worry about folding the bed down themselves, they can kick back and relax.
The fact that this guard rail for your bed comes with a lifetime guarantee is a major plus. To do business with a company that stands behind its products is a delight.
Keep in mind that the rails' solid connection to the bed frame and the presence of two steel bars under the mattress make this option the safest available. Your child's discomfort on a thinner mattress may be noticeable.
Pros
- Because of how it fastens to the bed frame, it provides an extra layer of safety.
- Compactly collapses out of sight.
- Choose between a white or grey colour scheme.
- All of the materials are machine-washable.
- Permits a healthy amount of airflow
- includes an unending guarantee of quality
- Reduce the height of the railing so your youngster may easily climb around it.
Cons
- Thinner mattresses may feel the presence of steel bars.
Dream On Me Perimeter Guard Rail Mesh
The Dream On Me Mesh Security Rail is designed to work with just twin-sized beds. With dimensions of 35 inches in length and 15 inches in height, this bed is ideal for your child.
There is a wide range of colours to choose from, including purple, dark blue, blue, grey, white, and pink. Making the change to a "big child bed" less of a shock by giving them a bed they can decorate with their favourite things will help. As an added bonus, dirt and stains are less noticeable on darker colours, making them simpler to maintain.
The white mesh fabric on the inside panel, however, is noteworthy. Spot cleaning spills and stains, as recommended by the manufacturer, should be done with a damp cloth.
This toddler bed guard rail already has the bars and fabric attached, so there's no assembly required. All of the sharp edges have been rounded off so that your child may comfortably grab onto the rail when climbing in and out of bed. The lower bed will make it easy for your child to get on and off.
The addition of stabilising bars and the fortification of the anchor system make this a little safer than others that rely purely on anchors. Remember that a mattress of at least 10 inches in thickness is necessary for the fabric's installation on the frame to work effectively.
Pros
- Any side of the rail is an acceptable exit for your kid.
- With the stabilising bar, you may feel much safer.
- available in a rainbow of hues
- Delivered fully assembled and prepared for use
- Protective edging to soften corners and prevent cuts
- This fabric can be easily cleaned.
Cons
- It's only suitable for use with twin-sized beds.
- Minimum thickness for a mattress is 10 inches.
Bed Rail, Summer Single-Fold Safety
The Summer Single Fold Safety Bed Rail is the tallest option on our list, measuring in at a whopping 21 inches. Some kids would consider an extra inch or two of height to be a significant improvement, even though it's not much compared to other models.
This guard rail is effective because of the T-shaped anchor at the end of the two safety straps. You can secure each strap to the wall anchors on the opposite side of the bed. It is not possible to mount this rail on a mattress alone. Its high profile allows it to easily fit even the highest of mattresses.
This rail has a foldable design to make getting in and out much easier. Sheet changes are convenient, however removing the mattress first is a pain.
The fabric is completely safe because air can easily move through it. The exterior is crafted from polyester, while the mesh on the inside allows light to pass through. Your child can now safely lean his or her head against the side of the toddler bed without fear of suffocation.
Pros
- At a towering 21 inches, she towers over the competition.
- the bed's ability to fold down to make getting in and out of it a breeze
- compatibility with a wide range of bed types
- compatible with conventional box springs, futon mattresses, and platform beds
- Textiles that are both breathable and secure
- The bed guard must be flush with the top of the mattress.
- Appropriate for use with both standard and king-sized mattresses
Cons
- This installation process is very frustrating.
- After a change of sheets, you might need to re-anchor.
- Not compatible with bed frames that have slats.
Protect your toddler's safety with the BABY JOY Bed Rail.
In need of a lofty crib rail? 69 inches is the amazing length of the BABY JOY Toddler Bed Rail. The length of this bed rail, 75 inches, is adequate for use with a typical twin bed (minus the part by the pillow).
Any child's bed can use this bed rail. You can use some screws to attach this bumper to the hardwood slats of your bed for maximum security. The t-shaped anchor provides a secure way to attach the slats. This safety strap is fully adjustable to fit virtually any size box spring.
The bed rail is secured in more than one location for maximum safety.
To further strengthen the 210D oxford fabric, we lined the inside of the bed rail with PP cotton. For the short period that your child needs this item, they will be delighted by the mesh portion's charming appearance.
Due to its open weave, mesh poses no health risks by preventing the buildup of excess heat.
Powder-coated steel tubes are an excellent addition because they are tough and won't crack under regular use. The plastic hinges are a minor flaw whose absence is hardly noticeable in light of the excellent one-button folding mechanism.
Pros
- Longer than usual length
- Safer setup thanks to a number of anchors
- Convenient for any kind of bed
- Steel rails and fireproof materials
- This sweet design can be used for either boys or girls.
- Invert the tabletop by pressing a button.
Cons
- Less in length than conventional rails
- The material is excessively thin and flexible.
Conclusion
Bed rails and bumpers are training wheels for the bed. Convertible bed rails are metal or plastic railings that may be attached to the side of your toddler's bed. Inflatable bumpers may be the answer if you're traveling and don't want to constantly re-infllate them. Make sure the rail is securely fastened to the bed and that your child can't move it. Price isn't always indicative of higher quality, so don't splash out on something you'll use infrequently.
Swing-down, permanent, or bumper-style bed rails are some of the best toddler bed rails for your child's side of the bed. The average length of a toddler bed is 54 inches. GapGuard technology ensures a close fit between mattress and rail, reducing risk of suffocation. The Hiccapop Toddler Bed Bumper is made from CertiPUR-US foam, which has been rigorously tested and shown to be free of a wide range of harmful substances. The total dimensions of the bumper are 5 feet in length and 4 and a half inches in height.
TotCraft Child Safety Guard Bed Rail Guard is compatible with a variety of different bed constructions. It can be used on cribs and regular beds of varying widths because it fits neatly between the slats and the mattress. Easy-to-understand video instructions guide you through the many configuration options. Regalo's GapGuard Toddler Bed Rail Guard is designed to sit securely against the mattress and prevent any dangers to a sleeping youngster. The anchor strap is built right into the design, making this lightweight and easy to put up.
Beds and box springs for twin and queen sizes are supported. This bed frame comes in both white and grey, both of which are excellent choices if you're worried about spillage. With its narrow 33-inch width and tall 16-inch height, this bed is just right for assisting your child in getting out of bed on either side. The Summer Single Fold Safety Bed Rail is the tallest option on our list, measuring in at a whopping 21 inches. Its high profile allows it to easily fit even the highest of mattresses and has a foldable design to make getting in and out much easier.
69 inches is the amazing length of the BABY JOY Toddler Bed Rail. This bed rail is adequate for use with a typical twin bed (minus the part by the pillow) The steel rails and fireproof materials are tough and won't crack under regular use.
Content Summary
- Bed rails and bumpers are training wheels for the bed.
- Convertible bed rails are metal or plastic railings that may be attached to the side of your toddler's bed.
- Foam bumpers are a more drastic departure from a crib than the convertible bed rails.
- Factors to Think About When Purchasing a Toddler Bed Rail The following characteristics should be kept in mind while shopping for a toddler bed guard rail: Protection and safety.
- You should check the toddler bed guard rail to make sure it can be securely fastened to the bed, that it is stable, and that your child cannot move it or make any adjustments to it.
- Your child's safety is paramount, so make sure the guardrail completely covers the mattress.
- The bed rail must be the proper length for a safe fit on the bed, and the correct height to prevent nighttime falls.
- The rails on some beds can be collapsed for more space.
- It's understandable if you'd like the toddler bed rail to harmonise with the rest of the bed and the room's aesthetic.
- Best Bed Rails for Your Child's Side of the Bed To prevent your child from accidentally rolling out of bed in the middle of the night, a toddler bed rail should be installed.
- Swing-down bed rails, permanent toddler bed rails, and bumper-style bed rails are just a few of the varieties available.
- Here, we'll take a look at many popular designs for toddler bed rails and discuss the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed purchase.
- Drop-Down Guard Bed Rails by Regalo Safety The Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard works well with larger sized beds because the average length of a toddler bed is 54 inches.
- Possesses a high degree of breathability Drop down out of the way Cons If your kid leans too heavily on the top bar, it can bend.
- Children's Bed Bumper with Hiccapop Characters The Hiccapop Toddler Bed Bumper is made from CertiPUR-US foam, which has been rigorously tested and shown to be free of a wide range of harmful substances.
- To get a snug fit on your mattress, you'll need a deep-fitted sheet set that extends past the edges of the bed.
- This bumper rests far lower than a conventional bed rail.
- The Hiccapop toddler bed rail is fantastic since it provides far more comfort than a conventional bed rail, which is especially helpful for restless sleepers.
- If the sheet doesn't fit properly or if your kid is very active, it could fall off the bed.
- TotCraft Child Safety Guard Bed Rail The TotCraft Toddler Bed Rail Guard is compatible with a variety of different bed constructions, including those with a solid wood base, a box spring, or slats of any kind.
- Think about how the frame of the toddler bed is made up to decide how to put it together.
- A bed rail will extend 16.5 inches from the floor when used with a mattress that is 15 inches deep.
- These two bed rails are the perfect size for a toddler's bed, measuring in at 43 inches in length and 20 inches in height.
- Beds and box springs for twin and queen sizes are supported.
- One of the numerous advantages of the Regalo bed rail is that it can be installed with no additional hardware.
- Since a mattress and box spring are all that's required for this to work, it's compatible with almost any bed on the market.
- Includes a pair of side rails to keep you in place on both sides of the bed.
- To prevent the toddler bed rail from coming loose, the mattress must be attached to the bed frame.
- With that said, sitting on your child's bed to tell them a story or change their sheets is a breeze because of how simple it is to use.
- The fact that this guard rail for your bed comes with a lifetime guarantee is a major plus.
- Choose between a white or grey colour scheme.
- Dream On Me Perimeter Guard Rail Mesh The Dream On Me Mesh Security Rail is designed to work with just twin-sized beds.
- Making the change to a "big child bed" less of a shock by giving them a bed they can decorate with their favourite things will help.
- Spot cleaning spills and stains, as recommended by the manufacturer, should be done with a damp cloth.
- This toddler bed guard rail already has the bars and fabric attached, so there's no assembly required.
- The lower bed will make it easy for your child to get on and off.
- Remember that a mattress of at least 10 inches in thickness is necessary for the fabric's installation on the frame to work effectively.
- Minimum thickness for a mattress is 10 inches.
- Bed Rail, Summer Single-Fold Safety The Summer Single Fold Safety Bed Rail is the tallest option on our list, measuring in at a whopping 21 inches.
- This guard rail is effective because of the T-shaped anchor at the end of the two safety straps.
- You can secure each strap to the wall anchors on the opposite side of the bed.
- It is not possible to mount this rail on a mattress alone.
- Textiles that are both breathable and secure The bed guard must be flush with the top of the mattress.
- Not compatible with bed frames that have slats.
- Protect your toddler's safety with the BABY JOY Bed Rail.
- In need of a lofty crib rail?
- 69 inches is the amazing length of the BABY JOY Toddler Bed Rail.
- The length of this bed rail, 75 inches, is adequate for use with a typical twin bed (minus the part by the pillow).
- Any child's bed can use this bed rail.
- You can use some screws to attach this bumper to the hardwood slats of your bed for maximum security.
- The t-shaped anchor provides a secure way to attach the slats.
- The bed rail is secured in more than one location for maximum safety.
- To further strengthen the 210D oxford fabric, we lined the inside of the bed rail with PP cotton.
- Invert the tabletop by pressing a button.
