Your toddler is ready to graduate from their crib and move to their own big boy/girl bed. But, they still have a lot of time before they can sleep in a bed without rails, without rolling out of bed and hurting themselves. Until your little one reaches that stage, you need to have a toddler bed rail installed in their bed.

From fixed bed rails to convertible models to fold-down bed rails, toddler bed rails are available in different types, each type offering benefits of its own. The following sections in the article consist of our recommendations of some of the best toddler bed rails you can purchase in 2022, and also a buying guide for the same.

Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard

The Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard is designed to fit beds from a toddler mattress to a queen-size mattress. As the name suggests, this is a Swing Down toddler bed rail, which means the bed rail can be pivoted down, allowing your toddler to get in and out of the bed easily, and also for you to effortlessly make the bed, change sheets, etc.

The rail measure 54 inches in length and 20 inches in height, which means you wouldn’t be able to use it for converting your kid’s crib into a toddler bed. It can, however, be used on a twin bed or queen bed, and its installation doesn’t require any tools. Thanks to the Anchor Safety System, the rail stays in place and can endure your child’s weight even when they push against it during sleep.

Of course, cleaning is always a concern for parents when it comes to baby products. In this product, while the steel frame offers amazing durability, what covers the frame is a mesh nylon fabric, which can be cleaned by simply wiping it with a damp washcloth. Furthermore, the use of the manufacturer’s patented Gap Guard protection technology helps prevent gaps that usually form between the mattress and the bed rail, thereby ensuring the optimum safety of your child.

Pros

• Extra-long – 54 inches
• No tools required for installation
• Gap Guard protection
• Easy-to-clean fabric
• Sturdy steel frame
• Breathable mesh fabric

Cons

• Suitable only for twin and queen-size beds and not for crib conversions
• Cannot be installed on certain types of bed, like those where the mattress sits inside the bed frame

TotCraft Bed Rail for Toddlers

The TotCraft Bed Rail for Toddlers impresses us with one amazing feature – it offers a universal fit for all bed sizes, including cribs, queen beds, twin beds, toddler beds, king beds, bunk beds, and more. This gives you the flexibility to install it in any bed, wherever you go, regardless of whether it has a wooden base, slats, or box spring. This is also a fold-down type of rail, which makes getting in and out of the bed, changing sheets, and cleaning easy.

This toddler bed rail from TotCraft comes in three different colors – White, Grey, and Beige – and two different sizes – 59 x 19.5 inches and 35.5 x 19.5 inches. As a result, you can choose a color and size that best suits your child’s age, bed, and other factors. The rail can be assembled easily and the mesh fabric is machine-washable, which makes cleaning a breeze for parents.

One thing that can be tricky about this rail is that there are different installation methods to choose from. You can choose to use the anchor system, the velcro strap, or screws based on the type of bed it will be installed in; though the manufacturer offers an instructional video on the different installation methods, it can still get a little confusing for some.

All the metal rods used to build the rail, as well as the mesh fabric, are made of non-toxic materials like any baby product should be. Furthermore, the manufacturer also offers a money-back guarantee, if you are not satisfied with the product for some reason; this is something that you don’t find in many baby products.

Pros

• Works with all bed sizes and types
• Both the metal frames and mesh fabric are non-toxic
• Machine-washable fabric
• Can be used on cribs too
• Available in different colors
• Money back guarantee

Cons

• Installation can be a bit confusing

Hiccapop Toddler Bed Rail Bumper

If you are looking for a bed rail for your slightly older child, something different from the regular frame rails, the Hiccapop Toddler Bed Rail Bumper would be a great choice. Firstly, to make things clear, even though the rail is advertised to be suitable for toddlers, we would recommend NOT using it for toddlers who are just transitioning from their crib to a big bed.

The Hiccapop Bed Rail Bumper works on the principle of Passive Safety Protection, according to which a touch of the rail bumper by a sleeping child will make them move back inside, away from the edge, thereby preventing them from falling. Their subconscious passivity teaches them to be aware of potential danger, and they naturally readjust to a safe sleeping position.

This bed bumper has attained a lot of positive reviews from parents and is one of the most popular and successful products in the category. The product is made from CertiPUR-US Foam, which is tested and certified to not contain harmful substances like lead, mercury, heavy metals, phthalates, flame retardants, and more. It is also durability-, performance-, and emissions-tested. The bumper cover is machine-washable, which makes cleaning easy, and the non-skid fabric makes it stay firmly in its installed position.

The Hiccapop Bed Rail Bumper is 52 inches long and 4.5 inches tall and can be used in all types of beds, including twin beds, toddler beds, queen beds, and king beds. However, it is advised to NOT use the bumper on loft beds or top bunks.

Installing the bumper is pretty easy, as it fits under all deep-fitted sheets. Note: “deep-fitted” is the keyword here because to hold it in place, you need to use a snug-fitting fitted sheet and not a sheet that will easily come off when your kid moves around during sleep. Since the product comes with a lifetime guarantee, you can return it if you find it to be ineffective for your kid.

Pros

• Made from CertiPUR-US Foam, which doesn’t contain any harmful chemical
• Water-resistant
• Machine-washable cover
• Can be used on all bed types
• Easy to install
• Anti-skid fabric holds the bumper in place
• Lifetime guarantee

Cons

• May not be suitable for all kids
• Requires a proper-fitting fitted sheet to make it stay in place

Regalo Swing Down Double Sided Bed Rail Guard

Another great offering from Regalo is this Double-Sided Bed Rail Guard. Obviously, the best aspect of this product is that you get two bed rails in a single pack, which is a great offer for its price tag. As the name suggests, this is also a swing-down type toddler bed rail, which makes it easier for your kid to climb in and out of their bed. And yes, it also makes cleaning and changing sheets easier for you.

The two bed rails you get here are of the same dimensions – 43 inches long and 20 inches tall. The 20-inch height of the rails provides additional security, thereby preventing your kid from falling out, during play or when they are asleep, while also providing them with sufficient confined space to move around. Note that these rails can be used only with a twin or queen-size bed, with a mattress or box spring.

This Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard is extremely easy to set up and doesn’t require you to have any tools. At just about 1 pound, the product is also light in weight, making it easy for you to carry it anywhere; for instance, you can have one bed rail in your home and take the other to the grandparents’ for when your kid stays over there. The rail comes with a sturdy steel frame and the anchoring strap keeps it secured to the bed without moving.

Similar to the other Regalo bed rail on our list, this one is also equipped with the company’s patented Gap Guard technology, which prevents the formation of a gap between the rails and mattress. This adds an extended level of safety for your child and peace of mind for you, as you can sleep better knowing that your child is safe. The cover of the rails is machine-washable.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Two rails in one pack
• Easy to install
• Gap Guard protection
• Sturdy metal frames
• The rails swing down completely

Cons

• Since the mesh is in white, it can easily get dirty and stained

Baby Joy Bed Rail for Toddlers

If you are looking for a toddler bed rail that is longer than usual, so that you can use it in any full-size bed, this particular option from Baby Joy will make a solid investment. Yes, the Baby Joy Bed Rail for Toddlers is 69 inches long and 23 inches high, which makes it suitable for beds frames of all sizes, including twin and double. The 23-inch height of the rail makes it a lot safer for toddlers because most bed rail models only have a 20-inch height.

Whether your toddler’s bed has a wooden base, box spring, or slat bases, this bed rail can be installed easily using different methods like screws, straps, and ropes. The material used to cover the bed rail is made from 210D Oxford cloth, which is stain-resistant, wear-resistant, washable, and 100% safe and healthy for babies. The cloth has a soft PP cotton filling inside, and the frame used here is made from anti-rust iron, a highly sturdy material.

Unlike most other bed rails for toddlers, which come in a plain design and neutral colors, this one has adorable print on it, making it much more fun for your toddler to approve of its use. The rail can be put down in two ways: by swinging it downward, or by using the buttons available on both sides to drop the rail down whenever needed. The cloth/cover of the rail can be removed for washing, and the product comes with detailed instructions for assembly.

Pros

• Cute prints
• Lengthier and taller than most bed rails
• Stain- and wear-resistant fabric
• Anti-rust iron frame
• Suitable for full-size beds
• Push buttons for folding

Cons

• The material seems a bit flimsy
• Not suitable for smaller beds

Dream On Me Mesh Security Rails

Dream On Me is a name that has earned its reputation as a leading baby products brand by offering top quality for over thirty years. The Mesh Security Rail from the brand is designed specifically to fit adult twin-size beds. This is certainly a limitation because you cannot use the rail on any other bed type. Also, the minimum mattress height should be 10 inches to be able to use this rail.

The rail is 33 inches long and 15 inches high, which is likely to be sufficient for many toddlers to keep them from climbing out. One of the most exciting aspects of the Dream On Me toddler bed rail is that it is available in numerous colors, such as Blue, Grey, Blush Pink, Purple, Navy, and more, giving your toddler the ability to choose their favorite color and making their transition to a big bed easier. Apart from these colors, you can get the rail in the usual neutral colors, like White and Black, as well.

Regardless of the color you choose, the inner mesh fabric of the rail will be white; but, cleaning the mesh area is easy, as you can just wipe or spot clean the area. Furthermore, the mesh fabric is soft and comfortable and provides good breathability for your toddler.

The Dream On Me toddler bed rail is easy to assembly, without any tools. The corners are angled and smooth, for the safety of kids, and the reinforced anchor system and stabilizer bar further ensure safety.

Pros

• Available in a multitude of colors
• Additional level of safety, thanks to the stabilizer bar
• Angled and smooth no-catch edges
• Easy to clean fabric
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Can be used only in twin-size beds
• Mattress thickness must be at least 10 inches

Hiccapop Convertible Crib Toddler Bed Rail Guard

The Hiccapop Convertible Crib Toddler Bed Rail Guard is perhaps the only product in its category that secures to the bed frame with steel clamps. This makes it an amazingly sturdy product, perfect for parents looking for an upgraded level of security for their little ones.

The frame of this toddler crib rail is made from hardened steel, and the fabric used is heavy-duty as well, which means it can endure quite a lot of wear and tear. Assembling the bed rail is fairly easy, and it will be suitable for cribs from major brands, except IKEA. Again, that can be a bummer if you have an IKEA crib.

The rail easily folds down for quick and easy access, and also for sharing bedtime stories with your cutie pie. The product contains no phthalates, the paint used is lead-free, and has passed all federal safety regulations, all of which reassure you that this is a safe product for your child.

At 33 inches long, the Hiccapop toddler bed rail allows safe exit space in both front and back. There are passive safety latches, which enable the rail to stay upright, locked in its place, thus preventing even the most active sleepers from falling out.

Available in white and grey, the bed rail cover can be removed and machine-washed. The product also comes with the company’s lifetime guarantee, or 100% lifetime satisfaction, which allows you to return it if you are not completely satisfied with it.

Pros

• Steel clamp installation guarantees enhanced security
• Passive safety latches
• Machine-washable fabric
• Lifetime guarantee
• No harmful chemicals

Cons

• Not suitable for IKEA cribs
• Installation takes time

Summer Infant Safety Bed Rail

If you are looking for something lengthier and taller than most of the other toddler bed rails in the market, but not too long that it can be used only on adult beds, you can check out the Summer Infant Safety Bed Rail. Measuring 42.5 inches in length and 21 inches in height, the rail gives just the right level of extra protection that some toddlers might need to keep them from jumping out.

This bed rail is designed to accommodate twin to queen-sized mattresses as well as platform beds, and it meets the ASTM F2085 bedrail standards. Requiring only minimal assembly, the rail has two safety straps to hold it in position, without sagging, even when your little one tosses around in sleep.

The Summer Infant Safety Bed Rail folds down easily for easy access to the bed, both for your kid and yourself, for regular linen changes. The mesh fabric provides a breathable layer for kids, so they don’t feel suffocated even when their face rests against the rail during sleep.

Pros

• Lengthier and taller than most toddler bed rails
• Can be used on platform beds and box springs
• Meets ASTM standards
• Easy fold-down design
• Materials used are safe and breathable

Cons

• If the sheets do not have a deep fit, the rail may have to be re-strapped often
• Not suitable for beds with slats

Toddler Bed Rails Buying Guide

Safety

Naturally, the most important aspect to consider when choosing a new bed rail for your toddler is the product’s safety. You need to make sure that the model you choose is compatible with your toddler’s bed and will sit firmly throughout, even during the night when your kid rolls around. The rail should be strong enough to hold your child’s weight in case he/she rests on it in sleep, or even just leans on it while playing.

There should be no gap between the rail and the mattress so that your child doesn’t roll into the gap or get their hands or legs stuck inside. The corners of the rail must be angled or smooth to avoid accidents.

Types of Bed Rails

Following are some of the common types of bed rails available for toddlers:

Fixed Bed Rails

As the name indicates, this type of bed rail will remain upright and in its position at all times, offering some space on either side for kids to get up and down the bed. One benefit of this rail type is that the number of moving parts here when compared to the convertible models is less. These are also less expensive.

Fold Down Bed Rails

Fold down toddler bed rails are the most popular option these days. In the case of a swing down or fold down toddler bed rail, the rail can be folded down flat for getting in and out of the bed, changing sheets, story time, etc., and can be set upright when your child is asleep. These are a great choice for replacing your child’s crib with a toddler bed, where you can simply replace one side of the crib with the rail. Many of these models can also be used on full-size beds. For the swing down function, some rails can be folded manually, while others also contain push buttons that do the job.

Bed Bumpers

Relatively new to the market, bed bumpers have taken the market by storm by offering various amazing features like ease of installation, lightweight nature, portability, and more. These are basically a large pillow-like structure, made from firm foam, that can be positioned near your toddler’s mattress, creating a soft yet firm barrier to prevent them from rolling out of bed. This will be an amazing option for those households with space constraints and also for traveling.

Length and Height

The length of the bed rail matters because it has to be just right to fit securely on the bed where your toddler will be sleeping. In general, toddler beds are 52 inches in length, sparing a few inches plus or minus, depending on the type of bed and its brand. However, not all parents would switch to a toddler bed; to make the best use of their investment, many parents also choose to start using a twin bed for their toddlers. Therefore, before choosing a toddler bed rail, be sure to measure the length of the bed your child will be sleeping in.

When it comes to the height of the rail, the one you choose must be high enough to not let your toddler fall even when he/she leans over it. Typically, most bed rails come with a 20-inch height; but, there are also models that are higher, which can be chosen for extra protection.

Breathability

Since it is a toddler you are dealing with in this scenario, you don’t have to be as concerned as you would be with an infant pertinent to suffocation risks during sleep. However, you still have to be careful in making sure that the bed rail you choose offers sufficient breathability for your toddler to sleep comfortably. Fortunately, most toddler bed rails contain mesh panels that offer excellent breathability; always double-check before your final purchase.

Ease of Installation

While almost all bed rails are advertised by their respective manufacturers as “easy-to-install” products, some do need more effort than the rest. In fact, you might need an additional set of hands to install some toddler bed rails, which can be a deal-breaking factor if you don’t have anyone at home to help you with the setup. Therefore, along with checking the product description, read customer reviews too before making your decision.

Cleaning

The fabrics used in the toddler bed rail you choose should be easy to clean. Since it will be used by a toddler, the rail will get dirty and messy, sooner than you imagine. Therefore, look for a model that you can easily wipe clean or spot clean with a damp cloth, or one that comes with a machine-washable cover.

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