Best Toddler Bed Rails Of 2020

Your little one has finally grown enough to move from a crib into a real bed, but, you’re worried that he/she will fall out?

We know the feeling. That’s why a bed rail is the best way to smoothen this transition. So, here’s how to pick a bed rail for your toddler, what to avoid, and which ones are the best.

When you have a kid, there’s always a worry that something will wake you up at night. A branch on the window, a loose cabinet door – every little sound wakes you up.

But, there’s nothing that will make you jump out of bed with a loud thump and an even louder cry from your toddler’s room.

Rating

Product

Our Rating

Price

1

Regalo Swing Down Bedrail

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2

Hiccapop Toddler Bed Rail Bumper

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3

Toddler Bed Rail by The Shrunks

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4

Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail

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5

Munchkin Sleep Bed Rail

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Your little one just fell out of his/her bed.

Whenever this happens, you will run out of your room, following the loud cries, scared witless. Most often, you will see that your toddler just fell out and that he/she didn’t break anything. Unfortunately, sometimes a fall can cause a bruise, or something worse.

When you’re trying to teach your kid to sleep in a real bed, you can expect some falls. But, if you want to prevent them and sleep peacefully, a bed rail is the thing you need.

Why Do I Need Toddler Bed Rails?

You see, you can’t just move your kid from a crib to a full-sized bed. It’s not that simple because this transition can be scary and a bit dangerous for kids.

If you’re used to hearing your kid in your room, moving, waking up, fussing around, then this change might be strange for you too. Plus, if your kid is moving a lot while sleeping, a rail can stop him/her from falling out of their new bed.

This is when bed rails come into play. You can just attach it to your child’s bed until he/she gets used to sleeping in a full-sized bed.

This way, you will skip a lot of crying and waking up in the middle of the night. Not to mention potential injuries. Plus, you can take it to trips with you, to make hotel beds safe for your little one.

Types Of Bed Rails

There are four main types, each made to suit a different use and different situations:

Fixed 

These are fixed in one position, Your little one can still get out of bed through the gaps on both sides of the rail. They are more secure, but this model can make changing sheets a bit more difficult.

Foam

These bumpers are simple to fit and effective. Just slide them under the sheet, and there’s your rail. They are softer and less intrusive than standard rails. Also, it’ll be easier for your kid to get in and out of bed with these.

Swing down

This model is usually a mesh-metal combination. You attach the metal frame to the bed by sliding the rails under the mattress. This rail has a hinge. When you press it, the rail will swing down. This makes it easy to change the sheets, access the bead to read a goodnight story, but it also simplifies getting in and out of bed.

Inflatable

Inflatable bumper rails are just like foam bumper. Thanks to the fact that you can easily deflate them, you can carry them with you wherever you go. The only flaw is they need a top up every once in a while.

How To Transition To A Toddler Bed?

When you determine that it’s time for your child to move into a toddler bed, there are a few things that might make the process go smoothly.

Keep changes to a minimum

If you’re planning to take the crib away, don’t do it at the same time when you take away the training potty or the bottle.

When you bring in a new bed, make sure that everything else in it remains the same as it was in the crib. The same toys, the same blanket – when those things are familiar, a new bed is not so scary.

Make your child feel like it’s his/her own decision

Show your kid how other kids have a “big boy” or “big girl” bed. Make them want it. Once they express interest in changing the bed, this transition will be much easier.

Make the change fun

Make a game out of it. Go to pick their new bed together. Assemble it, make it feel like it’s something they did. That way, your kid will love the new bed, and that will make him/her want to sleep in it.

Things To Take Into Consideration

Bed/mattress size. Measure everything before buying a rail. When you get something that’s too big or too small, it’s a lot of hassle to replace it and get your money back.

Check the base of your kid’s bed. 

Depending on the bed type, it might be difficult to install certain rail types.

Child’s age

If your kid just started sleeping in a separate bed, you will need a rail that can rise high, and that can be later adjusted. If your kid is a bit older, you can take a bumper model without worrying too much.

Machine washable

Make your life a bit easier. Whichever model you decide to take, make sure that you can wash the cover in the washing machine.

Easy install

If you like to be on the move, take something that’s simple to install wherever you are.

Follow the installation instructions

We all love to think that we know what’s best, but in this case, it’s the manufacturer who knows. If you leave the rail loose, or you create a gap, your kid might get trapped.

5 Best Bed Rails On The Market

Regalo Swing Down Bedrail

Regalo Swing Down Bedrail

Regalo has many bed rail models, but their standard model seems best to us. The size of It is perfect for the average toddler, and the height should suit most deep mattresses.

We like this rail because it has a Gap Guard – meaning that the rail will hug the mattress regardless of the bed size.

No gap means no chance for your little one to get trapped. When it comes to the assembly, you won’t need any tools for this rail – just your hands.

The nylon mesh that covers this rail is easy to clean with a damp cloth. If your toddler is a bit messier, you can simply take the mesh off the frame, and wash it.

We like the mesh because even if your child smooshes his face right into it, he will still be able to breathe normally. It takes some time to get used to swinging the rail properly every time though, but that’s normal. 

PROS

  • checkGap Guard
  • checkEasy install
  • checkGood construction

CONS

  • exclamation-triangleNot safe if your toddler likes to lean onto the rail or rock on it
  • exclamation-triangleHas to be adjusted often
  • exclamation-triangleCan’t wash the mesh in the washing machine

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Hiccapop Toddler Bed Rail Bumper

Hiccapop Toddler Bed Rail Bumper

These foam bed bumpers are super-comfortable. Unlike many similar products, these don’t feel like a cage. Your toddler might like this a lot better than a rail, as he/she might snuggle next to it nice and cozy.

You can place one on each side of the bed to ensure that your kid doesn’t fall out. With high-quality, non-toxic foam, and covered with water-resistant covers, these bumpers have their advantages.

So they aren’t just comfy, they are also good if your little is still wetting the bed. All you have to do is place these bumpers where you want them on your kid’s mattress, and then place a fitted sheet over them.

The only downside to these is the fact that you will have to use a thinner mattress, or sheets with deeper pockets. These shouldn’t slide towards the edge of the bed since they have a non-skid bottom.

Easy to transport, and easy to store, these won’t become a hindrance once your child outgrows them. We like that the company offers a 100% money back guarantee with this product.

PROS

  • checkHigh-quality, non-toxic foam
  • checkWater-resistant covers
  • checkYou get two bumpers

CONS

  • exclamation-triangleBumpers are not firm enough to keep “wild” sleepers
  • exclamation-triangleNon-skid bottom isn’t magical, so you will have to adjust these bumpers every once in a while
  • exclamation-triangleThey can be a bit noisy

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Toddler Bed Rail by The Shrunks

Toddler Bed Rail by The Shrunks

If you plan to travel with your toddler, this inflatable rail might come in handy. When you deflate it, it takes almost no room, and you can easily put it in a carry bag, or the car trunk. BPA and lead-free design come as a big plus for a toddler product.

We like that you get a pump with the product, so you don’t have to bother with that. Also, you get two rails in this set so that you can make a safe sleeping setup anywhere. These inflatable bumpers are 7 inches tall once you inflate them, and 48 inches long.

Just enough to keep your tots from accidentally rolling off of the bed. Unfortunately, just like with anything inflatable, there’s a chance of a leak.

Also, there’s nothing that secures these rails to the mattress, so they slide freely under the sheets. That’s why we don’t think this is a great long-term solution.

PROS

  • checkGreat for trips and sleepovers
  • checkEasy to inflate
  • checkDurable

CONS

  • exclamation-trianglePossibility of leaks
  • exclamation-triangleNot a permanent solution
  • exclamation-triangleNothing to hold it in place under the sheets

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Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail

Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail

This product is really easy to assemble and to set up. It’s really simple. Ensure that the straps are where they should be and that you harnessed the bedrail to the bed properly. That’s it, no screws or nails.

The hinge allows you to fold it down, so your kid can have free access to the bed. It also lets you change the sheets without much hassle. You can snuggle a bit, and then when your kid is asleep, put the bedrail up.

This bedrail is approximately half as long as a standard bed. So, it’s big enough to stop your kid from falling, while not making the bed resemble a cage. Soft mesh center is great if your kid rolls over to it because it’s breathable.

On the other hand, the metal frame is strong enough to keep him/her in the bed. We like the fact that your kid is safe on both sides of the bed with this.

PROS

  • checkBroad enough for queen size mattress
  • checkMachine washable mesh
  • checkSafety on both sides of the bed

CONS

  • exclamation-triangleNot simple to assemble
  • exclamation-triangleNot suitable for every bed type
  • exclamation-triangleRail only on one side

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Munchkin Sleep Bed Rail

Munchkin Sleep Bed Rail

This fold-down bed rail has an aluminum frame, modern design, and comes in several vibrant colors. The rail can be assembled and installed in just a few minutes.

When you want to fold it down, you have a user-friendly button hinge, which makes it simple to use. The mesh cover can be taken off easily, and it’s machine washable.

At 29″ length it’s one of the shortest models we saw, but, at 18″ of height, it is high enough. It has its limitations, for instance, you can’t use it on cribs or convertible cribs, only on the twin, full and queen size of the mattress.

PROS

  • checkYou can choose the color
  • checkDurable
  • checkSafety straps that eliminate the gap between the mattress and the rail.

CONS

  • exclamation-triangleStraps aren’t ideal to use on slats
  • exclamation-triangleShorter than many other models
  • exclamation-triangleOnly for twin, full and queen mattresses

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Conclusion

It’s really difficult to determine which product is the best for you and your child. In the end, it all depends on your wants and needs, and your toddler’s sleeping patterns.

If you have a calm sleeper, who just need something to stop him/her from rolling off the bed, then you can take Hiccapop bed rail bumper. When your child is a bit on the wild side, Regalo model should be able to keep him/her in bed, and safe.

If you like traveling, or your kid loves sleeping over at grandparents’, then you should look into The Shrunks, inflatable model. On the other hand, if you have a big bed Summer Infant and Munchkin models should fit you just fine.

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