Your little one is ready to move on from a crib, but the thought of your small toddler rolling around in a big bed seems scary. You could try a toddler-size bed, but that’s an unnecessary expense. Instead, compromise with a regular size bed and a toddler bed rail. The best toddler bed rails provide safety and security for your child. They allow peace of mind knowing that if your child rolls over, there will be a simple safety net or just plush surface to catch them instead of the rude awakening of the hard floor.
There are many features of toddler bed rails that we will include in our reviews. Characteristics to look out for include the size of the bed rail and whether there are one or two in a package, depending on how you set up your child’s bed. For safety purposes, it’s important to know what type of certification standards the bed rail meets. Materials used and warranties are also important aspects to consider.
Top 5 Toddler Bed Rails Review 2020
After in-depth research into manufacturer’s claims, surveying online reviews, and by using our own personal observations, we have selected the five best toddler bed rails. What follows is an overview table of these bed rails as well as more detailed reviews that include pros, cons, and features. At the end of the article is a buying guide which answers common questions and lists the features that make up toddler bed rails. We hope that together this makes your buying experience a lot easier.
Featuring not just one but two rails, this model provides your kid with total security allowing you to swing one of the sides down for easy and quick access
These bumpers are inflatable which makes them highly portable while the PVC material adds to their reliability
This JPMA and ASTM-certified rail consists of a sturdy steel frame and breathable mesh nylon fabric for both safety and comfort
Wide plush bumpers to make your kid feel like in a king’s bed; made from hypoallergenic CertiPUR-US-certified foam
An ideal choice for taller toddlers: these bedrail fits any size mattress and guarantees supreme safety thanks to the extra-long design
Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail – Editor’s Choice
- Length: 42.5 inches
- Height: 21 inches
- Materials: metal; polyester; nylon; mesh
- Swing down: yes (one side)
- Certification: ASTM F2085 bedrail standards
- Warranty: not specified
More features: accommodates twin to queen sized mattresses and platform beds
Summer is one of the best baby brands which is why it’s no wonder that the Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrails are our Editor’s Pick. With this purchase, you get not just one, but tw -bed rails which adds extra safety to your little one. They are 42.5 inches long, which is long enough to keep your toddler safe in bed. They are both 21 inches high which, again, works well with little kids.
One side swings down for extra convenience so that parents can easily tuck in a sleeping child or deftly perform a midnight diaper change. The other is stationary, which is quite standard as it adds to the overall construction stability, and after all, chances are it will up against a wall anyways.
The Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrails can be attached to any mattress from a size twin to a size queen. They can even accommodate thicker mattresses, which is a nice bonus.
Almost all previous users have raved about how easy these bed rails are to set up. While the instructions weren’t necessarily the clearest, it’s quite intuitive to assemble.
One other nice safety feature with the Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrails is that there is no gap between the rails and the mattress. This way hand and feet don’t have the chance to get stuck, and neither will toys that make their way into the bed.
Summer is one of the best baby brands which is why it’s no wonder that the Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrails are our Editor’s Pick. With this purchase, you get not just one, but tw -bed rails which adds extra safety to your little one. They are 42.5 inches long, which is long enough to keep your toddler safe in bed. They are both 21 inches high which, again, works well with little kids.
One side swings down for extra convenience so that parents can easily tuck in a sleeping child or deftly perform a midnight diaper change. The other is stationary, which is quite standard as it adds to the overall construction stability, and after all, chances are it will up against a wall anyways.
The Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrails can be attached to any mattress from a size twin to a size queen. They can even accommodate thicker mattresses, which is a nice bonus.
Almost all previous users have raved about how easy these bed rails are to set up. While the instructions weren’t necessarily the clearest, it’s quite intuitive to assemble.
One other nice safety feature with the Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrails is that there is no gap between the rails and the mattress. This way hand and feet don’t have the chance to get stuck, and neither will toys that make their way into the bed.
- Two bed rails add for extra comfort and protection
- Adjustable to practically any mattress
- Very easy to set up
- No gap between rail and mattress
- Shorter than other similar products
Royexe The Original Bed Rails for Toddlers – Best Bumpers for Toddlers
- Length: 48 inches
- Height: 5 inches
- Width: 7 inches
- Materials: PVC
- Certification: CPSC & ASTM child safety regulations
- Warranty: lifetime guarantee
More features: can withhold up to 300 lbs.; BPA and chemicals free
Royexe The Original Bed Rails for Toddlers are perfect if you need a bit of protection for your child, but want them to feel like they are a big kid in their new bed. This item is also an ideal pick for those who often take their kids to stay overnight at grandma’s. These bed bumpers are inflated by air, which makes them extremely portable as you can deflate and inflate them as needed. They are also water-resistant, which is a real bonus in a kid’s bed.
The bottoms of the bed bumpers have non-slip grips, and you can easily slide them under a bedsheet where they will then stay in place. You don’t have to worry about your child knocking them over in the middle of the night. They are also extremely tough and can actually support the weight of up to 300 pounds. So, if you find yourself needing to roll over them after a good night story and snuggle, there are no worries as they won’t break.
The proof of this product’s success is in the reviews. They have near universal acclaim and have prevented numerous children from falling out of bed. They are a great product to invest in.
- Very easy to inflate with a one-way valve
- Strong and durable, even if an adult rolls over them
- Fit all sizes of beds, even king size
- Takes a few days for the new plastic smell to dissipate
- May be too wide for some beds
Regalo Swing Down Bedrail – Budget Pick
- Length: 43 inches
- Height: 20 inches
- Materials: all-steel frame; mesh nylon fabric
- Swing down: yes
- Certification: JPMA and ASTM-certified
- Warranty: 90-day money back guarantee
More features: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certified
The Regalo Swing Down Bedrail is perfect if your child needs a bit of extra protection at night, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on this purchase. While other products may come with two bed rails, this version has only one, which saves on cost. Realistically, most children’s beds will be placed against a wall, which means that only one toddler bed guard rail is actually necessary.
The swing down feature of the rail allows for easy use to tuck in your child during the night. The length is only 43 inches, which is on the shorter side, but still practical enough to keep your child safe at night. The height is an average 20 inches, which will do just fine.
Setup for the Regalo Swing Down Bedrail is easy and doesn’t require any tools. Most users commented that installation took mere minutes and it is easy to take down when needed.
This is a perfect bed rail for use with a twin to queen size bed. However, it is only to be used for a bed and a box spring. It should not be used on a platform bed or a bed without any type of ledge for the bed rail to attach to.
With a steel frame and durable fabric, the Regalo Swing Down Bedrail is perfect for toddlers. Many users reported that there were no issues with their children banging or rocking the rail.
- Economical for budget-conscious parents
- Reliable, durable, and safe
- Easy to set up
- Only comes with one rail
- Can’t be used with platform beds
hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers – Best Transition Bed Bumpers
- Length: 52 inches
- Height: 4.5 inches
- Width: 7 inches
- Materials: polyurethane foam
- Certification: CertiPUR-US
- Warranty: lifetime guarantee
More features: machine washable; water-resistant; works w
No matter what age your child is, sometimes they just need a bit more support while in bed. If you or your child doesn’t like the ‘caged-in’ feeling that can come from larger bed rails, then bed bumpers might be a better alternative.
The hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpes work to subtlety alert your child that they are nearing the edge of the bed. In fact, they use psychology that was researched at Stanford University, which states that once a child subconsciously knowns that danger is near, they will automatically change their course. Thus, if they roll over and hit the bed bumper, they will move back, even while sleeping.
One of the biggest benefits of the hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers is that it is incredibly easy for parents to get in and out of bed. So, if you want a bedtime story and snuggle, you can hop right over. There are no latches or rails to move. This makes it feel much more like a big kid’s bed, which may help a toddler transition from a crib.
While we can see that these bed bumpers are ideal for toddlers, they are also suitable for kids of all ages, kids with special needs, and even for senior citizens. They are long enough to fit all sizes of beds. They should not, however, be used for loft beds or top bunk beds.
- Comes with two bumpers in a package
- Makes a bed look more like a big kid’s bed
- Very easy to set up and extremely portable
- Too wide for the top of bunk beds
Regalo Swing Down Extra Long Bedrail – Best for Full Length Bed
- Length: 54 inches
- Height: 20 inches
- Materials: all-steel frame; mesh nylon fabric
- Swing down: yes
- Certification: JPMA and ASTM-certified
- Warranty: 90-day limited
More features: fits up to a queen-sized mattress; Gap Guard prevents gaps between rail and mattress
If you want maximum safety for your slumbering toddler, then look no further than the Regalo Swing Down Extra Long Bedrail. While other similar products are only 42 inches in length, this bed rail is impressive 54 inches long. This means that you don’t have to worry about where you put in on the bed; there is no way that a small child will be able to roll past it. This product is also a good idea for those that co-sleep with their child in a larger queen or king size bed, as the bed rail will fit the longer length of all mattresses.
There is only one bed rail that comes with this purchase, but it does have a swing down function. This allows parents to transfer an already sleeping child gently, or deftly maneuver their way out of the bed after a long bedtime story.
There are no tools required for setup, which is thankfully quite easy. Simply anchor the attached straps to the bed rail. The only issue is that it can be hard to change the sheets with the bed rail connected and can be a bit of effort to keep everything tight. But a simple adjustment can fix this all.
The steel frame is solid, and the mesh nylon fabric is practical and breathable. There is also no gap between the rail and the mattress, which means that there is no risk of precious fingers or toes getting stuck.
- Extra-long for tall toddlers or bigger beds
- Budget-friendly as only comes with one rail
- Swing down feature is handy for parents
- May need two people for set up or if installing two rails
Why do you need to get toddler bed rails?
Toddlers move a lot in their sleep. They are used to a crib which has four sturdy walls that prevent them from not only escaping but from accidentally falling out. It can be a hard transition for toddlers to move from a crib to a big bed. During sleep they will continue to move about, unaware of the edge of a bed. As a result, without a bed rail, toddlers often fall out of the bed while asleep.
Another reason why toddlers will like their new bed rails is that they give them a sense of security. Toddlers are small bodies in a large bed, and all that space can feel infinite in the mind of a little one. As a result, a big bed can feel overwhelming and scary. Toddler bed rails provide a sense of comfort and allow them to sleep better, which is what any parent wants.
Features to consider while choosing toddler bed rails
There are many features to consider before you select the right toddler bed rail. Read on for more information.
Dimensions
Roughly, there are two types of toddler bed rails: mesh, swing-down ones and bumpers. Swing down bed rails act like a mini wall while bumpers resemble long tubes that act a bit like a speed bump. Swing down bed rails are around 20 inches tall, which is perfect even if your toddler sleeps in a bunk bed. Bumpers are about seven inches tall, which is just big enough to stop your little one from rolling over.
As for length, this will vary considerably between products. The Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail is the shortest on our list, at 42.5 inches, while the Regalo Swing Down Extra Long Bedrail is the longest one at 54 inches. However, even the longest rail will still fit a standard single bed.
Materials
Toddler bed bumpers use PVC or polyurethane foam. They need to be stable enough to stop a child from rolling over the edge. Toddler bed rails, that are larger with a swing down feature, usually have a metal frame that is covered by nylon fabric and a mesh insert. The fabrics are all strong, but because there is a likelihood that your child may roll next to this wall, the material must be breathable.
Swing down feature
Bed rails that look like a mini wall will have a swing down feature. This ensures that you can easily move the wall down without having to detach it from the bed. This is especially handy for parents who get into their child’s bed for a nighttime story or just cuddling. When your kid is finally asleep, you can swing the wall down, get out of the bed and put it up again for your toddler to be secured and undisturbed.
Certifications
Your child’s safety should be your number one priority. All of the products on our list have been certified to meet current standards. The following are acronyms and their meanings.
CPSP – Consumer Product Safety Commission
ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials
JPMA – Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
Warranty
Toddlers may use their bed rails for a short or long time, depending on their personal needs. And if you have more than one child, you will want to be able to use your bed rails for years to come. It is therefore awesome when the warranty lasts for long. Such examples are the hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers and the Royexe Bed Rails for Toddlers. Both products have a limited lifetime guarantee. Others, like the Regalo Swing Down Extra Long Bedrail and the Regalo Swing Down Bedrail only have 90-day warranties. While all products will hopefully last as long as you need them, there is always a bit more peace of mind with extended warranties.
Extra features
In addition to above standard features, there may be even more additional features to look out for. If the bed rails are washable, this is a real bonus as any parent out there will know just how dirty child items get, especially in a bed. Hypo-allergenic materials are also essential to consider if your child suffers from asthma or any breathing issues.
FAQ
While all of the models on our list are easy to set up, the most portable ones are the bumper-style Royexe the Original Bed Rails for Toddlers. They are inflatable which definitely adds to their portability. At the same time, the strong and durable PVC material they’re made from can withhold up to 300 pounds, so parents can easily roll over one of the bumper after a long bedtime story without disturbing their child.
The short answer is no. All of the products on our list, including those with a swing down feature, have been extensively tested and been certified to all current safety standards. The swing down feature will not accidentally engage, and you can be assured that your child will be safe and sound at night.
All bed rails are on our list are built for standard mattress sizes. The bumper style rails are a bit more universal as they don’t need to be attached to anything. Keep in mind, though, that bumpers are reasonably wide so measure your kid’s mattress carefully before making the purchase. For swing-down rail models check the manufacturer information beforehand as some of them cannot be used with bunk beds or thick mattresses, for instance.
Our Verdict
Each product on our list is a proven winner when it comes to transitioning your child from a crib to a bed.
The best side rails for a toddler bed are the Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail. There are two rails in each package, and one rail has a swing down function for complete ease when getting out of bed.
If you would prefer a bumper product, then you can’t go wrong with Royexe the Original Bed Rails for Toddlers. These inflatable bed bumpers will fit any size mattress. They are easy to blow up, are incredibly durable, while the non-slip bottom allows them to stay in place throughout the night.
Finally, if you are still looking for the best protecting rails for a toddler bed but are on a budget, then check out the Regalo Swing Down Bedrail. There is only one rail in each purchase, but if your child’s bed is against the wall, then that’s all you will really need. This bed rail is secure, practical, and will help your child stay safe all night long.
