Shopping for toddler bed rails?
You are in the right place.
Now that your baby is ready to transition from crib to a big-kid's bed, you may be worried about him rolling over and hurting himself by falling on the floor.
Like most parents, you want to instill independence in your kids while also ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
This is precisely where bumpers and bed rails come in handy.
Think of them like training wheels for your child's bed.
The right type of bed rail makes the crib-to-bed transition seamless – for you and your child.
Why Buy Rails for a Toddler's Bed?
As a parent, it can be spine-chilling to hear a dull thud from your child’s room at night.
The transition from a crib to the bed can be stressful enough without having to deal with nighttime falls as well.
Installing bed rails on your toddler’s bed can prevent accidental falls at night – which is good for both you and your child.
It can be a very scary experience for your child to fall out of bed. This can set him back on the progress made in the transition, particularly if he was not too keen on the idea to begin with.
Plus, there is less chance of him wandering around in the room unsupervised and getting into mischief.
What's In This Buying Guide
But which bed rail or bumper is the right one for your child?
Choosing the best bed rail for your toddler requires proper research and consideration.
To make this process easier for you, in this guide we recommend and review the best bed rails and bumpers sold online and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
After our top picks, we discuss the types of bed rails available today and provide a detailed buying guide to further assist you in making the right decision. We also answer some of the most commonly-asked questions about bed rails and bumpers.
So let's dive in:
Best Toddler Bed Rails
- Most Secure: Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard
- Best for All Bed Types: ComfyBumpy Bed Rail Guard
- Best for Thick Mattresses: Summer Double Safety Bed Rail
- Non-Toxic Construction: TotCraft Safety Bed Rail Guard
- Most Portable: DreamyPanda Toddler Bed Rail
- Most Durable: Hiccapop Convertible Bed Rail
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
| Product | Award | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Suitable bed size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard | Best Secure | 0.352 ounces | 54 x 1 x 20 inches | Steel | Up to queen size |
ComfyBumpy Bed Rail Guard | Best for all bed types | 5.49 pounds | 19.49 x 3.94 x 5.71 inches | Stainless steel, Polyester, Nylon mesh | All sizes |
Summer Double Safety Bed Rail | Best for thick mattresses | 9 pounds | 42.5 x 1 x 21 inches | Polyester | Twin, queen, and platform |
TotCraft Safety Bed Rail Guard | Non-toxic Construction | 6 pounds | 59 x 10 x 20 inches | Metal | All beds |
DreamyPanda Toddler Bed Rail  | Most Portable | 1.9 pounds | 52 x 9 x 4.5 inches | Foam | All beds |
Hiccapop Convertible Bed Rail | Most Durable | 3.99 pounds | 17 x 5.3 x 3 inches | Nylon, plastic, metal | All convertible cribs (except IKEA) |
1. Most Secure: Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard
The Regalo bed rail fits a queen mattress and is perfect for toddlers who move a lot in their sleep. With dimensions of 54×20 inches, this rail guard provides a high level of security.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Gap Guard protection
- Fits a queen-size mattress
- Swings down with just a push of a button
- Does not require any tools
- Machine washable cover
Cons
- Works only with box mattresses
- Incorrect product description
Our Review
Designed with a swing down feature, this Regalo bed rail swings down out of the way to make it easy to make the bed or provide easy access when it is storytelling time. The all-steel construction of the Regalo bed rail makes it durable and sturdy.
The patented Gap Guard feature ensures that your toddler will not hurt himself by getting caught in any unwanted gaps.
It requires no tools for installation. You just need to align the pieces, click them together, affix the cover, join the t-shaped anchors, and tighten the straps provided.
The locking tabs help to keep the rail in an upright position. You can swing the rail out of the way by just pushing on the locking tabs.
The steel frame of the Regalo rail is covered with a durable mesh nylon fabric that you can clean easily by wiping with a damp washcloth.
However, this unit works with a box spring, so it is best to look for another option if you have a foam mattress.
Also, some verified customers have complained that the rails they received were shorter than advertised.
2. Best for All Bed Types: ComfyBumpy Bed Rail Guard
The universal design of the ComfyBumpy bed rail guard means you can attach it to any bed size, big or small. From convertible cribs to king-size mattresses, this bed rail is designed to work with all bed types.
Pros
- Simple installation
- Secures to all bed types
- Pull-down design
- Flat iron bars
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Leaves large gaps
Our Review
The ComfyBumpy rail guards come with a unique triple-way attachment system. Adjustable straps make it easier to secure the rail to box springs, screws to attach to wooden bases, and Velcro to attach to slat bases.
The ComfyBumpy bed rail system is very easy to install and requires no special equipment or tools. It comes with a video instruction guide that makes the installation process easy.
These rails come with flat iron bars that fit underneath the mattress. This helps to remove uncomfortable bumps and lumps effectively. The soft side padding also ensures your toddler’s comfort.
Safe and secure, the ComfyBumpy rails feature a solid steel frame and are 19.5 inches tall. This extra height keeps your child from rolling out of bed and provides complete peace of mind.
Once secured to the bed, you can easily fold down these rails. The curved pull-down design means that your kids will not have any difficulty getting into bed. The rails easily swing down over the base and do not stick out.
The ComfyBumpy bed rails are covered with breathable mesh and ensure your toddler’s comfort. The material allows for maximum airflow while making it easier to monitor your kid.
However, some users are not satisfied with the length of this product and feel that it leaves large gaps.
3. Best for Thick Mattresses: Summer Double Safety Bed Rail
When you need guardrails on both sides of your toddler’s bed, then the Summer Infant bed rails are the best option. Designed to accommodate mattresses that are up to 21 inches wide, this unit works with twin, queen size, and even platform beds.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Fold-down mechanism
- Breathable mesh polyester material
- Fits thicker mattresses
- Easy to wipe clean material
Cons
- The fold-down mechanism is a bit tricky
Our Review
This Summer Infant bed rail comes in a set of two which makes it ideal for beds not placed against the wall. The all-steel frame is covered with a durable and breathable nylon mesh that ensures better airflow.
You can fold down one side of the Summer Infant rail to make the bed or change the sheets without any hassle. You do not need any hardware or tools to assemble this rail. Plus, you can strap it to the other rail under the mattress for stability.
However, verified customers have complained that the fold-down mechanism of the Summer Infant is not the most user-friendly.
4. Non-toxic Construction: TotCraft Safety Bed Rail Guard
The TotCraft Safety Bed Rail Guard is all about your child’s safety. It is constructed from 100% non-toxic mesh fabric and metal rods and tested according to the ASTM standards to provide complete peace of mind and help your child sleep comfortably throughout the night.
Pros
- Fits any type of bed
- Non-toxic materials
- Fold-down feature
- Easy installation
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Tricky installation
Our Review
Made from robust and sturdy materials, the TotCraft safety bed rails are designed to protect your child from any falls. Adjustable straps are used to secure the bed rails for box springs, Velcro straps for slats bed base, and screws for a wooden base.
There is no need to worry about the rail becoming loose from an improper fit. You can reliably and securely fasten the rail to any bed frame type or mattress, including a king bed, queen bed, twin bed, twin mattress, bunk beds, Tempurpedic beds, and more.
You can install the TotCraft bed rails easily with the help of the instruction manual provided. However, if you still have some difficulty in installation, you can also watch the video tutorial on the manufacturer’s website.
The TotCraft bed rails are made from 100% non-toxic materials, making them safe for kids' use. The fold-down feature makes it easier for your kid to climb in and out of bed.
Some users found the installation confusing but were able to assemble this unit with the help of the tutorial video on the manufacturer’s website.
5. Most Portable: DreamyPanda Toddler Bed Rail
The DreamyPanda Toddler Bed Rail is an excellent alternative to an inflatable unit as it offers easy portability. This soft, non-toxic foam option measures 4.5 inches tall and 52 inches long and is sold as a single bumper to deliver a sturdy and durable alternative to a ‘jail-like rail.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Versatile design
- For all bed sizes
- Natural bamboo cover
- Folds conveniently for storage
- Fits all bed sizes
- Comes with a free travel bag
Cons
- Does not cover the entire bed length
Our Review
The DreamyPanda bumper is a convenient and inexpensive unit that installs in seconds and fits all bed sizes perfectly.
Its multi-purpose use means that it is versatile enough to be used as a stationary body pillow placed under the sheets almost 10 inches from the edge.
Or you can use it as a divider to save yourself from your child’s kicks or rolling over when sleeping with him on the same bed. You can also use it as a support for your neck, legs, and back.
It is designed with sides that are the perfect height to keep even the most active sleepers safe. The non-skid silicone bottom of the DreamyPanda ensures that it stays firmly in place, while the compact footprint provides your toddler with ample room to stretch.
Made with the softest fabrics, the easy zip cover can be spot-cleaned with the help of a rag. You can fold it easily and place it in your suitcase to take it along on your travels.
However, some verified customers have stated that even the extra-long size of the DreamyPanda bed rail does not cover the whole bed.
6. Most Durable: Hiccapop Convertible Bed Rail
The Hiccapop Convertible Bed Rail is made from the highest quality metal, heavy-duty fabrics, and nylon plastic to deliver a product that not only your children but your grandchildren will also be able to use. These rails come with 100% lifetime satisfaction!
Pros
- Simple, stress-free installation
- Extra tall for thick mattresses
- Steel clamps prevent the rail from slipping
- High-quality design and unmatched quality
- Heavy-duty fabrics
- Fold-down mechanism
- Fits all crib brands (except IKEA)
- Lead-free paint
- Complies with all Federal Safety Regulations
- Comes with installation instructions
- Rigorously safety tested
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Metal bars under the mattress may make sleeping uncomfortable
Our Review
If you have bought a convertible crib or a standard toddler-size bed for your child, you might need a rail that is slightly short to fit properly and securely.
The Hiccapop bed rail guard is perfect for toddler beds and convertible cribs. It is one of the safest options as it features an adjustable reinforced anchor system.
This bed rail is designed to ensure peace of mind for parents and 100% safety for toddlers while they sleep.
The steel frame of the Hiccapop bed rail guard is covered with a durable nylon mesh cover that will never wear or fray. You can also remove this cover easily for convenient machine washing.
Its heavy-duty, childproof hinges make it easy to roll down the rails for storytelling time or changing linens.
The anchor system is attached directly to the crib. This ensures that the rail will not shift no matter how much your child moves around in his sleep. Plus, the installation does not require any tools.
But when you install these metal bars as instructed, they are quite uncomfortable as you can distinctly feel them poking from under the mattress. To overcome this problem, many parents choose to install steel bars under the bed frame rather than under the mattress to ensure that the bed is both secure and comfortable.
Toddler Bed Rail Buying Guide
What are Toddler Bed Rails?
The transition from a crib to a bed is a very huge step for small kids. However, you can make this transition safer for your child by installing bed rails. These handy products can be used on any bed size from twin to king.
Bed rails are available in two common styles – metal rails and bumpers.
Metal bed rails feature a sturdy metal frame and offer a secure barrier without occupying too much horizontal space.
Bumper-style rails, on the other hand, are typically made from soft foam. These soft bolsters sit on top of the bed and create a less imposing barrier to warn toddlers that they are approaching the edge of the bed.
Bed rails are available in packs of one or two, in case you want to put them on both sides of the bed. Plus, they usually extend at least five inches above the mattress to ensure adequate protection.
Types of Toddler Bed Rails
The various types of toddler bed rails are as follows:
Fixed
Fixed rails are static panels that you install under the mattress. While installing these rails, some room is left on either side of the bed so that your child can easily get in and out.
These simpler and cheaper rails are perfect when you just need something extra to ensure your child’s safety.
Adjustable
Adjustable bed rails, as the name suggests, can be shortened or lengthened to fit your toddler’s mattress. These units are lighter, and some can also be adjusted in height.
Foldable
A foldable bed rail comes in handy if your child needs occasional attention at night or if you want a unit that can be tucked away when not in use. Such rails can either slide or swing down to provide easy access to your child.
These bed rails are lightweight and easy to use. You can lock them into place at night to provide a secure barrier and push them down during the day so that you can make the bed easily.
Foam
A foam bed bumper is just a large bolster pillow placed under the sheet alongside the mattress to provide a soft barrier. These units are small and unobtrusive and can be just what you need to boost your toddler’s confidence.
Foam bumpers look quite cozy and can be installed in seconds. Made from firm foam and a soft washable cover, these bumpers are more affordable than bed rails. Plus, they take up far less space which makes them highly portable.
Inflatable
Inflatable bumpers are a gentle alternative to metal bed rails and can be a non-toxic alternative to foam. You can easily blow them up in seconds by mouth. These units typically also come with grips to keep them in place.
If you are short on space, inflatable bumpers are your best option. When deflated, they become very small, making it easier to stash them away when they are not needed anymore. These units are highly portable, making sleepovers at grandmother’s house, hotel, travel, and camping much safer.
Bumper Style
Constructed from foam or inflatable, adjustable materials, bumper-style rails fit conveniently under the sheet and offer a soft barrier for your toddler to lean against. These units are typically portable, which makes them an easy accessory to travel with.
What to look for When Buying Toddler Bed Rails
Every toddler has different sleeping habits, and fortunately, bed rails come in a variety of types and sizes to cater to your child's unique needs.
Keeping the following considerations in mind will make it easier to choose a unit that is best for your little one.
Safety
The primary purpose of bed rails is to ensure the safety of your little one. Many toddlers are wriggly sleepers and make 360-degree turns every hour. That is why you need to make sure that the unit you choose is sturdy and stable.
For toddlers who are older or more independent, you can go with bumper rails. These rails create an unobtrusive and softer barrier compared to metal rails and are a convenient option for visits to grandmother’s house.
Ease of Use
Now that your toddler has a big bed, you might decide that it is time for potty training too. By installing rails that are easy to use, you can get your child out of bed quickly, even in the middle of the night.
The last thing you want to do is fumble around in the dark once your toddler decides it is time to ‘go.’
Mattress Compatibility
There are a number of bed frames available, and not every rail is designed with universal compatibility. Some rails work with a few mattress sizes like double or twin. Check the specifications mentioned by the manufacturer to ensure that the bed rail will work with your toddler’s furniture.
Foam or inflatable bumpers typically work with any mattress frame or size. On the other hand, some units may need a heavier mattress or a box spring to hold the frame in place, while some may need screws to attach them to wooden frames.
Size
Mattresses, nowadays, come in a variety of sizes and shapes with varying levels of thickness. It is best to measure your bed before purchasing a bed rail, as this little step can eliminate the possibility of having to go through the return process.
Many products come with their size compatibility listed upfront, while a number of units offer adjustable features. You should also take the height of your bed into account. Although a higher bed rail may seem like a great idea, it could bump the floor when lowered if the height of your furniture is low.
Material
You might want to keep your toddler’s room looking picture perfect. But when choosing the material for the bed rails, you should consider factors other than aesthetics.
For example, wooden rails look really beautiful but get dirty easily. Plus, they are a bit heavy.
On the other hand, netting or mesh is lighter but less robust than a plastic panel or solid canvas. It is also better to choose finishes that can be easily wiped down.
Although bed rails are designed for children, make sure that there are no toxic materials, sharp edges, or protruding bits that could hurt your toddler before choosing.
Installation
Typically, bed rails are easy to put together and hardly require any tools. Most options consist of just a couple of pieces that need to be snapped into place, and you are ready to go.
Some units may require screws to fix them into place, but otherwise, straps and Velcro are usually used. However, make sure that the option you choose does not require any complicated installation.
Most products come with videos and guides to help you walk through the installation process step by step. After installation, measure to make sure that there are 19 inches of free space on both sides of the rail.
Also, test the sturdiness of the rail by pushing on the sides to ensure that everything is secure.
Portability
A portable unit is great for traveling or keeping your toddler safe the next time he is going to sleep over at his grandmother’s house. These units are lightweight and take very little space in your suitcase.
Installation of Toddler Bed Rails
The installation of your bed rails depends on the type you choose. If you have just finished assembling your toddler’s bed and are looking for a unit that requires simple installation, then it is best to pick a lightweight fixed bed rail that does not need too much effort to put together.
Typically adjustable, fixed, and fold-down bed rails need very little assembly. You just have to join the tubing together through pockets in the mesh, and it is pretty much plug-and-play after that.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that the straps or hooks that come with the rails are firmly in place. Test the rail yourself before putting your toddler to bed to ensure that it is safely locked into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should you remove bed rails from your toddler’s bed?
You should use bed rails when your child is two to five years old. Although most children can easily get in and out of their bed by the time they are three years old, you should not be in a hurry to remove the bed rails.
How often should you check the bed rails on your toddler’s bed?
You should check the rails every night before use to ensure that there is no gap between the rails and the mattress. Bed rails that are not installed correctly or that have a gap can injure your child.
Are bed rails safe for toddlers?
Bed rails prevent your kid from falling from their bed when they are asleep. However, you should avoid using them with children under two years.
What other products can you use in place of bed rails?
In case you do not want to use bed rails, you could go with foam bumpers or roll guards, use concave mattresses, and lower the bed to prevent your child from rolling off the bed.
Final Verdict: What are the best toddler bed rails?
After carefully reviewing numerous options in this guide, we have come to the conclusion that the ComfyBumpy Bed Rail Guard to be the best option for your toddler. It is easy to install, fits all bed sizes, and does an exceptional job at keeping your child safe.
Moreover, the fact that if you are not satisfied with the ComfyBumpy Bed Rail Guard, you can return it and get your money back adds an added sense of assurance and reliability to both the product and its manufacturer.
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