The transition from a crib to a toddler bed is a big step for both the parents and the child. One of the biggest issues is safety. A child needs to feel secure in the new bed, even if it is lower to the ground. Parents want to make sure the child will not roll off the bed onto the floor. Toddler bed rails achieve this goal, but it is important to choose the right one. Consider some of the following basic points:
- Appearance
- Comfort
- Portability
- Storage
- Folding
Appearance
Bed rails for toddlers have many different appearances to choose. There are colored rails that can match the room’s theme. There are also rails with themed prints. You can find wooden rails that are finished with a stain. In some cases, images on themed prints glow in the dark to provide soft light.
Comfort
Toddler bed rails are made from various materials. When you are tying to choose the right rails, consider what they are made from and how it will affect your child’s comfort. If your child tends to travel in the bed and wind up pressed against the side, a mesh rail would be more comfortable than steel or wood.
Portability
Many people travel with toddlers. You cannot assume that the place you stay will have bed rails available. If you travel, even just for holiday visits, think about bed rails that you can take with you. There are bed rails that fold up and fit into a suitcase or carrying bag. You might also want to consider purchasing an inflatable version if you are not comfortable with buying folding rails.
Storage
Do the toddler bed rails offer easy storage? Some rails will slide in between the mattress and the boxspring. This can allow your child an easier way to get in and out of the bed while also allowing you to have access to sheets and bedding. Other rails slide under the bed, below the frame.
Folding
Many bed rails for toddlers have some sort of folding ability. There are rails that fold for storage when not in use. There are also some bed rails that can be removed from the bed and folded in pieces for traveling or sleep over nights.
With the basic information about toddler bed rails, you can now determine what type of bed rail you want. There are various types. Each has its own benefits.
Toddler Beds
Toddler beds have bed rails included that are attached directly to the frame. Some children can still slip out in the space between the foot board and the ends of the rails, particularly if you find your child at the foot of the bed in the morning. For these beds, a special pad rail extension is a good choice. It has straps on each end that attach to the bed rail and the foot board to close the gap.
Convertible Cribs
Convertible cribs transition from a crib to a daybed-style toddler bed. You could choose a standard toddler rail, but you would have the same gap problem as a toddler bed with attached rails. A convertible crib bed rail tends to be a bit longer. It is placed centered between the two sides of the bed frame. There is just enough space on either end for your toddler to get in and out of bed.
Materials
What materials would you prefer for your toddler bed rails? Mesh sides with aluminum framing is most common. Wooden rails are chosen because they have a natural look. There are also steel, inflatable, and cloth fiber filled bed rails. The materials you choose will depend on your child’s sleeping habits. It is important to consider your child’s comfort.
Extra Features
Many manufacturers have started including other features into bed rail designs. Some bed rails will have battery operated night lights for children who do not like the dark. Other models have cup holders and pockets where your child can store things like bedtime story books and small stuffed animals.
Part of what will influence the toddler bed rails you choose is what level of safety you can provide. Since the whole basis for getting bed rails is to protect your child, the rails you choose should not pose a risk to your toddler. Keep the following safety tips in mind.
Safety Tip #1: Correct installation.
Read the manufacturer’s directions for proper installation, and follow them completely. Installing the rails wrong can be dangerous. Your child could get trapped in between the rails and the bed. The instructions will also specify how to properly place the rails so that there is no gap for your child to get injured from.
Safety Tip #2: Check parts and corners.
If you have to put your rails together, make sure you tighten all parts completely. There should not be nuts or screws left exposed. If your rails do not come with safety covers, cover exposed parts in a thick layer of non-toxic rubber cement. Also, corners should not be sharp, but rounded instead. If you have chosen a bed rail model that is not covered in mess and has an open frame, you should adhere to the same rules as you would for a crib. There should not be any dangerous spaces around the frame that your child can get injured if a leg, arm, or head gets in there.
Safety Tip #3: Nightly inspection.
Inspect your toddler bed rails every night, before your child gets into the bed. Look for damage to the frame or anything coming loose. Check to make sure there is not any space between the mattress and the rails. If you notice that there is anything damaged, remove the bed rails immediately. Do not attempt to repair anything broken; re-tightening loose parts is acceptable if done as described in the instructions for the rails.
Choosing the right toddler bed rails for your child’s new toddler bed is important. It helps give you peace of mind knowing that your child will not be falling out of bed and getting hurt. Your child can feel more secure from the enclosed nature of adding bed rails to the bed.
