The Best Bed Rails for Kids and Toddlers in 2021

Transitioning from crib to bed can be an intimidating process for both parents and children. A child may have no problem sleeping through the night in their new big-kid bed, but it may mean the complete opposite for parents. 

If you’re worried about your child sleeping safely in their new bed, a bed rail or bumper may give you the peace of mind to get the sleep you deserve, too! 

Here are our top picks for the best bed rails for kids and what to look for when shopping for your child’s bed.

Best Bed Rails for Kids

• Best Overall – Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard
• Best for All Bed Types – COMFYBUMPY Toddler Bed Rail Guard for Kids
• Best Alternative Bumper – Hiccapop Toddler Bed Rail Bumper
• Best on a Budget – Dream On Me Mesh Security Rail

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What are Bed Rails?

Bed rails come in a variety of forms, but their basic function, when used for children, is to keep kids safe in their beds and prevent falls in the middle of the night. Bed rails go along the sides of the bed so that when the child rolls or moves around in their sleep, they will bump into the rail and roll back toward the center of the bed rather than rolling off.

Related: The Dos and Don’ts of a Good Bedtime Routine for Children

Pros and Cons of Bed Rails for Kids

Bed rails have been a controversial topic for a while now, with some saying they cause more harm than they prevent, and others arguing that they are ideal for increasing both child safety and parental peace of mind.

The biggest advantage of bed rails for kids is that they effectively keep the child in their bed at night and prevent falls. Kids tend to roll around in their sleep a lot and can easily fall out of bed in the process. On the other hand, bed rails don’t just keep your child safe in their bed, they trap them. If your child needs to get out of bed to use the bathroom or come get you in the middle of the night, they may struggle to do so with a bed rail in the way.

How to Choose Bed Rails for a Kid’s Bed

When it comes to shopping for your child, you want the best of the best. There are a few things to consider when looking for a compatible bed rail for your child’s bed. Here’s what you need to know. 

Mattress Size

All bed rails come in different sizes, so be sure to measure the size of your child’s mattress. You will need to know the length, width, and most importantly, the height. The height is what will keep your child safely enclosed in their bed. Some bed rail models will allow a fold-down function, so it’s also important to ensure that the railing with fold down without hitting the floor when lowered.

Bed Base Compatibility

Bed rails have to be attached to your child’s bed securely, in case your child leans up against it. Typically, bed rails are attached somewhere along the base of your child’s bed. You want to prevent your child from falling out of their bed, but with the wrong bed rail attachment, you could create a much larger accident. In order to prevent this from happening, make sure the bed rail you’re looking at is compatible with your bed base.

Material

Although you want your child’s bed rail to be fully functional, adding style to it as well doesn’t hurt. There are several materials that can make up bed rails, but it’s most important to get something that has no sharp edges or large gaps that could lead your child to getting hurt or stuck.

Wooden bed rails are sturdy and easy to clean, but they also are heavy. Mesh or netting is a lightweight option, but it’s definitely less robust than wood. Regardless of the material you choose, a solid wood or plastic panel can work equally well.

Additional Features

Bed rails include folding capabilities, fabric covers, mesh netting, and much more. Foldability is a great feature to consider because it can be “hidden” when it’s not being used. It also makes getting in and out of bed easier for child and helps parents to have easy access.

As for a fabric cover, this keeps your child’s bedding comfortable and cozy. You don’t want your child to roll over onto a cold, hard bed rail. Not to mention, the bed rails with fabric covers are typically machine-washable for easy clean up.

Mesh netting bed rails allow your child to sleep in a breathable, open-feel environment. Every child sleeps differently, but these additional features can help you determine the perfect bed railing for your child’s needs.

FAQs

Do toddlers need bed rails?

This is really up to you as a caregiver. Toddlers who are particularly mobile in their sleep may benefit from bed rails, but they aren’t an official safety requirement, like car seats. In many cases, they can be beneficial, but if you prefer not to use bed rails, that is a valid choice as well.

How long do toddlers need bed rails?

It’s best to start using bed rails as soon as you transition your child from their crib to a toddler bed. From there, it’s up to you to decide when your child seems ready to sleep without them. Most children have instinctively learned to avoid the edge of the bed in their sleep around age 5.

Can bed rails cause injury?

Thanks to the soft, comfy mesh used in most bed rails, bed rails generally do not cause injury. There are exceptions of course, but overall, they are very safe.

Summary

Compare the best bed rails for kid’s beds below:

Product	Material	Best for	Customer Rating
Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard	Steel frame with nylon mesh	Best Overall	4.3/5
COMFYBUMPY – Toddler Bed Rail Guard for Kids	Metal frame with mesh	Best for All Bed Types	4.5/5
Hiccapop Toddler Bed Rail Bumper	Polyester cover with polyurethane foam	Best Alternative Bed Rail	4.6/5
Dream On Me Mesh Security Rail	Metal with nylon mesh	Best on a Budget	4.4/5

Instead of being near-exhausted from stressing about your child’s new sleeping conditions, consider a bed rail to protect them from falling or rolling, and allow yourself and your baby to get a good night’s sleep, which you both deserve.