Transitioning to a toddler bed can be so exciting for really young kids.
As a parent, it may be bittersweet (awe, they grow up so quickly!). You may be excited your little one is gaining more independence, but how is it they are transitioning out of a crib into a bed?
One of your main questions might be “how do I stop my toddler from falling out of bed?” Especially if your kid moves around a lot in their sleep.
The bed isn’t that far from the floor, but you still want to make sure they don’t fall out of bed.
One way to make sure they stay safe in their bed is by adding some toddler bed rails to the side of the bed or using toddler bed bumpers.
Before we get into what the best toddler bed rails are, let’s go over some common questions people have regarding bed rails for kids.
What age can a child go into a toddler bed?
Like all things in parenting and kids, this will totally depend on your child. There isn’t anything set in stone.
A lot of children make this transition when they are between 15 months and 3.5 years old.
If you pay attention, you may see some signs that your child is ready to move out of his crib and into a big kids bed. These signs include climbing out of their crib and telling you they want a big kid bed.
If you feel that your toddler is ready for a bed before 15 months of age, there isn’t anything saying not to do this. You do what is right for your child.
What is a toddler Bed rail or Bed Bumper?
A bed rail and a bed bumper are two different things although they both do the same thing – keep your child from falling out of their bed.
A bed rail attaches to the side of the bed and is almost like a mini barrier or wall. When your kid sleep, if they roll over the bed rail keeps them from falling out.
A bed bumper, on the other hand, is a long “bump” in the bed to prevent your child from rolling out of bed. Many times they are inflatable.
How do you use a toddler bed rail?
Toddler bed rails have a part that you slip under the mattress and then use an anchoring strap to keep it secure.
What are the Different Types of Bed Rails for Toddlers?
Foam or Inflatable Rails
This is one of the most affordable options and it can be great for those with space limitations.
One of these reasons this type of bed rail is so effective is because they create a soft barrier for your child. They can also help to boost your child’s confidence since they are hidden under the sheet.
Inflatable rails make great portable bed rails because they can be deflated.
Large Bed Rails
These are the ideal rails for those that are transitioning their kids to a bed that has no walls on any of the sides.
Due to the sheer size of these rails, they are not very easy to relocate.
Fixed Bed Rails
These are rails that are not meant to be moved. They are installed underneath the mattress.
Fold-Down Rails
This is a great option for those that want something that can be swung down to make it easier for their child to get in and out of bed.
How to Choose the Best Toddler Bed Rail \ Features to Look for?
There are many different types of bed rails for toddlers. Finding the best one will depend on many different factors such as the size of the bed your child will be sleeping in, if you want it to be removable, the type of base on the bed your child is sleeping in, etc.
So, let’s go over these different things to consider.
Size
The main thing that should dictate your decision would be the size of the rail in question. Make sure you know which size bed it will be going on and check the rail to be sure it will fit.
The other thing to consider when looking at size is how long you want the bed rail to be. Some of them are shorter, but there are a few extra long ones.
Adjustability
Make sure if you are looking for a toddler bed rail that you can fold down, the bed rail you choose has this option.
Washable
Having something that is easy to clean is important. You never know when your child may have an accident or get sick while sleeping.
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Best Toddler Bed Rails
Best Foam Bed Rails for Toddlers
Hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers
The hiccapop foam bed bumpers are the perfect toddler bumpers for beds. They are super easy to install, you just lay them on the bed under the fitted sheets.
These toddler bumpers for beds also make it really easy for your child to get in and out of bed.
These bumpers are 4.5″ tall to keep your child from rolling over the bumper and onto the floor.
The bumpers are made from hypoallergenic foam, has a water-resistant cover to protect against middle of the night accidents, plus a washable cover. So you can just throw it into the washing machine if something gets on it.
Best Swing Down Rail Guard for Beds
Regalo Swing Down Rail Guard for Twin Bed
The Regalo rail guard is another great choice, but only if you are looking for guard rails that fit a twin size bed. and you also have a box spring as part of your bed setup.
These are swing down bed rails, which is fairly unique with bed rails. This means you can pivot the bedrail out of the way to get in and out of bed easier.
Depending on how high the bed is you are attaching this to, it may lay flat against the bed when swung open.
If the bed is shorter, the bed rail may touch the ground and therefore, not lay flat.
Installation for this bed guard rail is easy. It fits between the mattress and box springs. It includes a bracket for the bed rails.
Best Inflatable Bed Bumpers or For Travel
Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rails for Toddlers
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Shrunks inflatable bed bumpers go under the sheets and work the same as bed bumpers.
Honest opinion here – I would only use these during travel. For our home, I’d buy foam bumpers and a set of inflatable bumpers for when we travel.
The reason I say this is because inflatable bed bumpers tend to get leaks. They may last several times, but they won’t hold up the same as the foam bumpers do.
Another thought – if I was planning to travel a lot to one specific place (example to Grandma’s house), I’d see about getting the foam bumpers and storing them at the travel location. If I travelled to many different places and stayed in Air B&B’s or hotels, I would pack and use the inflatables.
Best Double Bed Guard for a Bed NOT Against a Wall
Regalo Swing Down Double Sided Bed Rail Guard
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If you need a double bed guard, the Regalo Double Sided one is a good one that not only has two sides of rails, but both sides also swing down.
This is great for changing sheets, or even sitting on the side of the bed to read bedtime stories.
Both sides swing down, so you can easily access the mattress.
The main reason you want to get a double guard rail is if the bed is not placed against a wall, then your toddler is protected on both sides of the bed.
Best Bed Guard for Crazy Sleeper
Extra Long Bed Guard Rail
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If your child tends to move all over in the bed, you might want a bed rail that is extra long. This way there isn’t a way for your child to fall out of bed.
The extra-long toddler bed rail guard by Comfy Bumpy is a great guard rail that fits all types of beds. It includes three different ways of securing to your child’s bed so it’s guaranteed to fit!
It also has a swing-down design that lays flat against the bed.
When To Remove the Toddler Bed Rail?
Typically, when your child is capable of climbing in and out of bed without help or without difficulty, they are at the point where you can consider removing the rails.
This is generally around age 3. That being said, not every kid is ready for rails to be removed while they are sleeping because they can end up injuring themselves. Therefore, you shouldn’t be in a rush to remove the rails until they have proven they can handle it.
When you first remove the bed rail, you can always line the floor with some pillows on each side of the bed in case they fall out the first few nights.
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