Best Toddler Bed Rails & Bumpers

Progressing from a crib to a big kid bed is a necessary step for a child’s safety and maturity, but like all transitions during toddlerhood, it can come with some difficulty and uncertainty.

Sturdy bed rails and soft bumpers can help ease the change, helping to create a “contained” feeling that soothes kids into sleep and can prevent them from falling out of or wandering from their bed or convertible crib.

If you’re unsure about what bed rails are or which are best, dive into our buyer’s guide to find out what’s available and for help with choosing one that’s right for your kiddo and their sleeping requirements. We’ve also compiled a list of which are the best bed rails for toddlers and why, so read on.

What are some types of bed rails and bumpers I can choose from?

• Large rails: If you’re transitioning to a co-sleeping situation, or your child will be moving directly to a larger mattress, large bed rails might be appropriate for your needs. Their intent is to offer greater coverage on all sides, but they can be pretty large, ungainly, and often not adjustable. They’re rather tough to escape from, though, so good for wanderers and ideal for when a bed must be placed in the middle of a room rather than with two sides against a wall for added security.
• Fold-down rails: Often favored by parents who still need easy access to their younger child during the night, fold-down rails are designed to do exactly that! With the press of a button, the rail folds down, allowing parents to reach in easily without disrupting the rail’s attachment to the bed. They’re easy to use if well-made, though inferior picks sometimes have stubborn switches that can lead to frustration.
• Adjustable or convertible rails: An alternative to fixed rails, adjustable ones are less solid in their construction, but create a barrier encouraging kids to remain in bed during sleep. You’ll worry less about it fitting your child’s mattress, as the intent of these rails is size versatility. While not all adjustable rails do this, some are also height-adjustable, which can be helpful as kids grow.
• Fixed rails: If your child’s a bit older, a fixed rail might be a good pick. They consist of solid panels which don’t fold down or adjust, and attach to the underside of your little one’s mattress. They tend to be smaller than their adjustable counterparts, and leave a bit more room for your kiddo to leave bed on their own; meaning they’re more suitable for kids old enough to understand basic safety and follow rules.
• Inflatable, portable, or foam rails: This covers a wide variety of products, which can include large foam inserts with coverings, inflatable plastic bumpers, and portable bumpers and nap pads with raised sides that prevent injury. Both foam and inflatable bumpers are simple to use and clean, as most slip right under a standard sheet and are waterproof or have a waterproof cover which can be wiped clean. Less sturdy than rails, especially ungainly picks may require larger sheets secured with clips. For those in a pinch, regular craft foam, pool noodles, and pillows under the sheet can all double as makeshift bumpers.

What are some things I should consider when choosing a bed rail for my child?

• The size of their crib mattress: Unfortunately, when it comes to cribs, beds, and mattresses, size standards don’t really exist. It’s important to measure their mattress in order to know exactly what size rails you’ll really need to keep them safe; keep in mind that some brands will only work with matching accessories, so do your due diligence and make sure you’re choosing a rail that will work with their mattress.
• The type of base under the bed: While this concern is irrelevant when using bumpers, the type of base that’s under your kiddo’s bed matters when choosing a rail that will work for them. If they have a slotted box spring, their mattress will need to have enough heft to keep the rails in place. If they’ve got a thin cot or crib-style mattress, a thicker rail likely won’t work, so you may have to opt for a thinner, lighter adjustable rail. If they have a sunken bed, using rails is probably a no-go, while bumpers may do the trick.
• What the rail is made of: Like all gear used to protect or contain your child, it’s wise to look for materials that are durable, safe, and easy to clean. Wooden rails that look nice may contribute to the aesthetic of their bedroom, but don’t necessarily extend to function, which will matter far more to you in the present.

In what ways could a bed rail benefit my child?

• It makes sleep safer for tots: A tumble out of a big kid bed or convertible crib can lead to serious injury, especially for a smaller child. Even if only resulting in bumps and bruises, falling can make kids transitioning from a crib feel afraid of bed sleep and stymie progress that’s already been made. A bed rail or bumper can prevent these falls and setbacks, and full-sized bed rails can also prevent younger children from access to danger by keeping them contained.
• It may make them feel more comfortable as they switch to a big bed: While the sensation of being contained during sleep is something they’ve experienced their whole life, making the transition to a bed can feel totally different and a little bit scary. The use of bed rails can mimic the contained sensation cribs offer, which can make the change feel less intimidating.
• Parents get more sleep: A kiddo taking a tumble from bed or wandering into your room is a surefire way to put an end to your precious sleep. When bed rails are installed, both are far less likely, allowing you to remain soundly at rest.

When should I start using a bed rail for my child? For that matter, when should I stop?

As bed rails for toddlers are designed to be used as a transitional tool, there are no hard and fast rules as to when their use should start or stop.

It’s safe to start transitioning your toddler to a bed (or convert their crib) by the time they reach 18 months, so we think that’s the earliest age at which a rail can become useful.

They may begin to reject it on their own as they feel more secure, especially if you keep an open dialogue about its presence and the purpose it serves.

While continued use won’t do any harm, some parents continue to use soft bumpers to keep restless sleepers from falling out of bed even into their children’s elementary school years.

What are some important bedtime tips for toddlers?

• No more crib by three: Though a crib is unbelievably handy when your baby is small, it becomes less safe as they grow. By the time your baby is gaining the strength to sit up on their own, it’s wise to lower the crib mattress for their safety. When pulling themselves up, they have the potential of falling out, which is dangerous. By three, they’re likely to be more than capable of climbing out on their own, which poses a hazard and renders a crib ineffective; it can also lead to an unhealthy attachment that will disrupt their transition into a big kid bed.
• Use care when choosing bed or convertible crib placement: Placing their bed or convertible crib anywhere that’s near dangling objects, cords, strings, or other things they can grab can lead to accidental strangulation, suffocation, or other injuries, therefore it’s essential to choose a space that’s free from such objects and distrations.
• Say goodbye to mobiles, or at least move them: While a pretty mobile above the crib was a great tool for helping your baby’s developing eye muscles, once they’re toddler-age, they’ll now be able to stand up on their own two feet and yank it right down to play with. They’re not intended as hands-on toys, so this can pose choking and strangulation hazards, among other issues. If you really love one particular pick, consider hanging it high up over a craft table or somewhere they won’t be able to grab at it.
• Restrictions can be eased a little: By the time your child reaches 18 months, they’re no longer as vulnerable to SIDS concerns as they once were; this means that it’s fine for them to choose the sleeping position they find most comfortable, and that a small pillow and blanket are acceptable sleep companions, though it’s still best not to overload them with pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals while they’re small.

And the winner is…

Convertible cribs are highly functional, so their common use isn’t surprising; finding a quality bed rail that’s compatible with almost all convertible cribs, is easy to install and clean, folds down without a struggle, and won’t break the bank, is something of a godsend.

Though it’s not adjustable, the Hiccapop Convertible Crib Toddler Bed Rail (check price on Amazon) can be a significant help in easing the transition when converting their crib to a daybed. Just remember, parents — IKEA cribs won’t work with this one.