Rock, Don't Roll: 10 Best Toddler Bedrails and Bumpers

Guide to Picking the Best Bedrails for Your Child

When looking at bedrails and bumpers, there are so many choices and variety out there. Even from within the same company, you’re hit with different styles and types of bedrails to choose from. And since you really only need one or two sets, you want to make sure you pick the right ones for your toddler. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how you can find the right bedrails for your toddler’s needs. We’ll look at the size of the bedrail, the independence level of your young one, the certifications and materials you need to look out for, as well as providing some general safety tips.

Sizing

When it comes to bedrails, sizing is the most important factor to keep in mind. You’re making an investment in your toddler’s safety, and ill-sized bedrails may fall off or not extend high enough above the mattress. While you should measure all three dimensions of the mattress (length, width, and height), height should be the most important one to consider. The height of your mattress determines if the bedrail will fit snugly and stay steady when your child rolls against it.

With fixed and fold-down bedrails, they often only come in one size. Unlike adjustable bedrails, you don’t have any leeway with how thick your mattress may be, so you have to get it right the first time. Even with adjustable bedrails, you should keep a close eye on the dimensions it can support to be safe.

Independence and Bedrail Types

Depending on how old your toddler is, you may want to change the type of bedrails that are suited for them. Below, we’ll take a deeper look at the different stages of independence, and which bedrails you might want to invest in.

Very Young With Little Independence

If your child is younger and this is earlier in their child development phase, you should look at fixed bedrails. While they are going out of fashion with all the space they take up, these bedrails make sure your child won’t escape the bed on their own. They can be made with wood or steel and are often installed onto the bed frame. These are meant to be used on the same bed for a while and are the least portable option.

Another option would be the extra-long bedrails. These stretch close to the entire length of the bed, and you’ll be able to make sure that there are very few gaps where your child can slip out on their own. They’re more affordable than fixed bedrails and sometimes take up less space. Either way, both fixed and extra-long bedrails keep your little one in bed until you decide otherwise.

Our favorite bedrail pick is both fixed and extra-long, giving your little one extra protection. The Regalo Hideaway is perfect for younger toddlers who don’t have as much independence yet.

Quickly Growing and Gaining Independence

Does your child grow quickly? Do you think you’ll want them to upgrade beds soon? You may want to look at adjustable bedrails that can stretch to different lengths and widths to fit a variety of sizes mattresses.

Often, they won’t be tailored for one specific size, so you’ll probably have gaps on either end where your child can climb on and off the bed by themselves. If they’re mature enough to handle it, these are a solid option that can help foster their independence. Our favorite adjustable bedrail is the Summer double bedrails.

You can also look at fold-down bedrails that allow your little one to climb in and out of bed on their own. If you feel like they might be able to spend a night without bedrails, you can leave them down and see how it goes. Otherwise, you can keep the bedrails up until you think they’re mature enough.

Fold-down bedrails also usually have space left at the ends of the beds so that they can climb on and off by themselves as well. One of the more secure fold-down bedrail choices is the Hiccapop convertible bedrails.

More Mature With Greater Independence

If your toddler enjoys doing everything on their own, you should look into bedrail bumpers. Bumpers don’t rise as high as bedrails do, but offer enough of a hump to keep most toddlers from rolling off as they sleep. If your toddler doesn’t move around as they rest as much, they likely won’t dislodge the bumpers either.

Once your toddler grows more independent, bumpers are an affordable way to keep them from falling out of bed. For example, the Hiccapop bumpers rise just high enough to keep them safe at night. Even better, they’ll be able to climb in and out all by themselves with no help from you!

Material

The material that the bedrails are made of can change their overall purpose. Most importantly, it can determine the types of beds they are and aren’t suited for. When you’re looking through the products, the material should be the second most important factor in your choice. Below, we’ll examine the various benefits and drawbacks that each material presents.

Foam

Foam is one of the softest materials possible when it comes to bedrails. While it guarantees comfort for your toddler, it is also not as strong as other materials. The foam can be placed under sheets to raise up the edges or used to soften any sharper parts of bedrails.

Sometimes, the steel frame can be lined with foam cotton. Often, bumpers are made with memory foam. Foam also is not as breathable as the other materials and can lead to the bed getting too hot on warmer days. The Hiccapop bumpers are our favorite foam bedrails.

Polyester

Polyester is less soft when compared to nylon, but more resistant to wear and tear. Bedrails made with polyester can be more durable due to its resistance to abrasions. It also dries faster than nylon fabric, which can be useful if your child spills something on their bedrails.

Polyester is also less likely to unravel and takes longer for the color to wear out. Polyester mesh is also very breathable and keeps the bed cool. The Summer double bedrails are a sturdy option that’s made from polyester.

Nylon

Nylon is stronger and softer than polyester, making it a more comfortable choice for your toddler. However, it is less durable and may wear out quicker as the ends are more prone to fraying. While it is resistant to water, it still takes a while to dry, and color for nylon mesh can wear out faster than it would for a polyester mesh.

It is less breathable than polyester, but much more breathable compared to foam. The Regalo Hideaway is our favorite nylon choice.

PVC

PVC, or vinyl, is often used for inflatable materials. It’s a strong, lightweight, and bendable plastic that is resistant to punctures. Its natural waterproof qualities make this material easy to clean in case of spills.

However, it is also not as breathable as normal fabrics and tends to insulate heat well. PVC is more durable than cloth and plush, but it is also less soft in comparison. Our favorite inflatable PVC bedrails are the Shrunks inflatable bumpers.

Velour

Velour is similar to velvet and is made from cotton. It is one of the softest options here, second only to memory foam. While it’s not very breathable, it is very comfortable for your toddler when used for the bedrails or mattress cover. For winter nights, velour is a solid option to keep your child warm.

However, during the summers, you’d be better off using lighter materials such as nylon, polyester, or even PVC. Our favorite bedrail kit with velour is the Hiccapop travel bed.

Certifications

Bedrails are all about child safety, so you’ll want one that’s proven to work. Some bedrails are certified, adding a level of credibility and accountability. Below are some of the certifications that a product might have.

CertiPUR-US Memory Foam Certified

CertiPUR-US certified foams are made without any harmful materials, such as ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP. In addition, they don’t contain any mercury, Lead, or heavy metals. They’re also don’t contain formaldehyde and follow guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Thus, CertiPUR foam also follows CPSC guidelines. You can read more about the certification on their website.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM forms the basic guidelines for many products in the United States, making sure that they don’t contain any harmful ingredients or materials. This is especially important when it comes to bedrails, since ASTM certified products also follow the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) guidelines. You can read more about ASTM guidelines on their website.

Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA)

JPMA follows all ASTM guidelines with extra standards put in place since products certified by this company are usually used with younger children. They primarily deal with product safety and have a large role in the regulation of many baby products. You can read more about JPMA standards and guidelines on their website.

Bedrail Installation

When your bedrail arrives in the mail, you’ll want to be sure that you install it correctly. Bumpers are the easiest to deal with. You just have to put them under your child’s sheets and make sure they’re aligned with the ends of the bed where you want your child to stay safe. If the bumper isn’t long enough to extend the entire length of the bed, prioritize the part by your child’s upper half first.

With more traditional bed frames, you may have to use a few screws. Often, beds can come with Velcro straps with simple instructions on how to secure the frame. Follow them closely, since this can make the difference between a useful bedrail and one that falls with your child off the bed. While fitting the rail, you’ll want to keep around 19 inches of free space on either side of the rail if they fold down.

General Safety Tips

If you want your toddler to be safe in bed when they first make the transition, there are several things to keep in mind. While bedrails will prevent them from rolling off the mattress, there are things you can do to make the bed an even safer place for your little one.

Mechanical Elements of the Bedrails

You need to make sure the bedrail stays in a safe and working condition. If your toddler is one that likes jumping around, you’ll need to periodically check on the joints and screws for both the bed and the bedrails. When shopping for bedrails, you’ll want to stay away from fancier bedrails, since they may not last as long as durable ones. Taking a quick look every other month to tighten any loose screws could make a world of difference.

Bed Height

Choosing a bed that’s closer to the ground can help mitigate risk. This way, when your toddler is climbing in and out of bed, they can do it on their own with a low chance of injury. Having a lower bed also means that they fall a shorter distance if something does go wrong with the bedrail. If you want to be even more careful, you can place a soft cushion on the ground so that they stay unharmed if they slip while climbing down from the bed.

Hygiene in Bed

You’ll want to make sure you clean the sheets and bedrails often. Toddlers, while adorable, are much messier than adults, and their beds will reflect that. Washing and cleaning the sheets and bedrails regularly will keep the germs away so that your toddler stays healthy. Some bumpers are machine washable to make cleaning even easier.

Furniture Layout

How many times have you accidentally knocked something over on your nightstand? Toddlers will do the same, so make sure you don’t have any lamps or breakable objects in reach of the bed. The layout of the bedroom can affect how safe it is for toddlers, however rowdy they might be. Placing the bed against the corner is another straightforward way to increase safety so that there’s only one side the child needs bedrails for.

Bedrails and Bumpers FAQ

Why Should I Buy Bedrails for My Toddler?

Bedrails are one of the safest ways to make the transition from crib to bed, and getting a bedrail ensures your little one won’t fall off the bed in the middle of the night. They’ll have much more space in their new bed, and they might move around in their sleep a lot more at first.

One thing is sure – with a bedrail, you’ll never hear that scary “thud” in the middle of the night when your toddler falls. You’ll be likely to sleep better as well, knowing that your toddler is well protected with their bedrails.

When Should I Start Using a Bedrail?

This changes from kid to kid, but you should consider bedrails when your toddler is first transitioning from the crib to a bed. Not every kid may need bedrails, but if your child likes to move and roll about as they sleep, you should think about getting one. The moment you realize your little one is climbing out of their cribs on their own, you’ll want to start the transition to their bed with their new bedrails.

When Should I Stop Using a Bedrail?

Bedrails are all about improving and facilitating the transition period from cot to bed, but it’s your call for how long you think your child might need it. They’re meant to be an aid, not a permanent addition to the bed.

If you have an adjustable bedrail, you can begin lowering the height until you’re sure your toddler doesn’t roll around as much. Every kid is unique, but typically by the age of 5, they stop moving around as much in their sleep.

Bedrails Are Expensive! How Can I Save Money?

You can reduce the number of bedrails you need by changing the bed placement. If your bed is against a wall, you’ll likely only need to purchase one bedrail rather than two. In addition, bumpers can be made by hand with some long pieces of foam and fabric, if you want to go the DIY route. However, keep in mind that bumpers don’t offer as much protection as the traditional bedrail will.

Final Words

Buying a bedrail is the best way to keep your little one safe at night when they’re tossing and turning. The right bedrails will help both you and your child sleep better, all while making sure they don’t roll out of bed again. With so many bedrail options to choose from, there’s definitely a set of bedrails that will suit your toddler’s needs, no matter how much they might move around in their sleep. Enjoy our list of bedrails and bumpers and finding something to create a safe place for your toddler to sleep.