When your baby outgrows their crib (or more likely learns how to crawl out of it), it is time to think about upgrading their sleep experience. Some people choose to upgrade to a toddler bed that uses the same size mattress as a crib and generally sits low to the ground. But many other parents opt for a twin size bed that can help transition a child into their teen years while they are still living at home.
The issue with a twin bed, and in some cases even a toddler bed, is their height from the floor. Toddlers and young children have little self-awareness of their bodies and the sides of a bed, and often roll a part or all of their body from side to side through the night. This raises concerns surrounding them taking a tumble, which is easily remedied with a dependable bed rail to help keep them secure for your peace of mind.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Regalo Swing Down 54-Inch Bed Rail Guard
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| #2 |  The Shrunks Inflatable Kids Bed Rails
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| #3 |  Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail
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| #4 |  DreamyPanda Toddler Bed Rail Bumper
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| #5 |  hiccapop Convertible Crib Rail Guard
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You may want to read: Best Bed Rails
Why Use a Toddler Bed Rail?
The main reason to use a toddler bed rail or bumper rail is peace of mind. Your toddler is likely not impressed with staying in a crib anymore, but might not have the control and body awareness to keep themselves on a mattress without a little help. No parent wants to hear the thump of a child falling out of bed, and so a rail is a great way to help keep that from occurring.
If your little one falls out of bed, not only can they hurt themselves, but the experience could set them back in their transition from crib to bed. You may find them wanting to crawl into bed with you, or refusing to sleep in their bed altogether.
The entire transition to a big bed is so much easier to make as well with the physical barrier between them and the floor. Now they can toss and turn without worry and have a similar feel to the crib they have grown used to. It also may serve as a good distraction to little nocturnal wanderers if they feel contained.
Types of Bed Rails and Bumpers
There are quite a few types of rails and bumpers you can consider. Take a look at the various styles to determine which is best for your child.
• Fixed Rail Style
A fixed rail is secured under the mattress and stays in place. It generally has some space at the head and foot for your child to get in and out of bed.
• Adjustable and Convertible Rail Style
These types of rails can often be adjusted to length, height, or both to fit the size of the bed and the needs of your child.
• Fold-Down Rail Style
These rails either swing or slide down to provide easy access to your child, or allow easy in and out of bed when needed. They lock into place to avoid any worries about them coming loose at night.
• Extra Large Rail Style
Large rails are good for the added length you may need to twin size or larger beds if your child is co-sleeping, or a toddler bed rail simply isn’t cutting it.
• Bumper Style
Made from foam or adjustable, inflatable materials, a bumper style rail fits under the sheet and provides a soft barrier for your child to lean up against. They also are often very portable and can be easily taken along on your travels.
Bed Size and Safety Consideration
Not all beds or mattresses are made to the same specifications. Even though mattresses are pretty standard overall about length and width, their heights can be drastically different and change the fit of your rail if you do not take careful measurements before buying.
For rails that are designed to slide under and be held by the mattress, you also want to make sure the mattress is heavy enough to do its job.
Bed frames in particular can also cause issues if you are unsure of the base, or what sort of hardware exists. Many rails are designed to attach directly to the bed itself and you need to be sure of the foundation for safety reasons. Sunken beds, in particular, could be an issue.
Best Toddler Bed Rail and Bumper Picks
The following rails help highlight the various styles you can use to help keep your child snug and safe in their bed each night. Choose the one that works best with your style of bed frame and mattress to ensure security and peace of mind.
1. Regalo Swing Down 54-Inch Extra Long Bed Rail Guard
SPECS:
- Type: Swing Down
- Dimensions: 54 x 20 inches
- Features: Easy installation, anchoring straps, swing down mesh panel, steel frame
Best Extra Long Swing Down Toddler Bed Rail
At 54 inches long and 20 inches tall, this swing down design is an extra-long option perfect for full-size beds with deep mattresses. Made with an all-steel frame, it has anchoring straps for security and doesn’t require any tools for installation. Created for use with a mattress and box spring, it tucks in and creates an easy to swing down option for easy in and out of bed.
The durable mesh panel is secured by a strong nylon frame to allow airflow, and also provide a means for your child to easily see-through. Made with safety and peace of mind first and foremost, this is a popular choice with parents and children alike.
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Who This is For
If your child is sleeping in a town or queen size bed, this is a great option. It provides an easy to use swing down panel that is child safe as well.
2. The Shrunks Inflatable Kids Bed Rails
SPECS:
- Type: Inflatable Bumper
- Dimensions: 48 x 7 x 4 inches
- Features: Foot pump and storage bag, durable construction, award-winning safe design, easy portability
Best Inflatable Toddler Bed Rail
These inflatable bumpers come in a 2 pack and are surprisingly durable and easy to place under a bedsheet for simple installation. Use one, or both, to provide a 4-inch high bumper that is 48 inches long and allows for a sturdy, low profile option for a children’s transition into a bigger bed. It also has grip strips to keep it from moving around through the night.
Made for convenience, the rails come in a pack of 2 with a travel and storage bag, as well as a convenient foot pump to quickly air up your bumpers. They are also great options for when you are traveling as they can inflate, and deflate, in just seconds. The award-winning design is child safe and child friendly.
| Pros | Cons |
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Who This is For
If you do not want a large, bulky rail, and prefer an option for when you travel, an inflatable bumper is a perfect choice to help keep your child secure through the night.
3. Summer Infant Double Safety Bedrail
SPECS:
- Type: Fold Down Dual Sided
- Dimensions: 42 x 21 inches
- Features: Dual rail design, Fold downside, mesh inserts for airflow, all-steel frame
Best Dual Side Toddler Bed Rail Set
Perfect for twin and queen size beds, the Summer Infant folding bed rail works with both boxsprings and platform beds and comes in a set of 2 for beds that are placed in the middle of a wall. The all-steel frame is encompassed in breathable, durable nylon materials with a mesh insert for better airflow. With one stationary rail and another that quickly and easily folds down, you can quickly provide bed access and change sheets without a hassle.
No tools or hardware is needed, and the rails secure under the mattress and strap to one another for stability. The height also easily accommodates deep mattresses.
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Who This is For
If your child has a bed that has both sides exposed, this is a great, budget-friendly option that provides security and easy access.
4. DreamyPanda Toddler Bed Rail Bumper
SPECS:
- Type: Bumper Style
- Dimensions: 52 x 9 x 45 inches
- Features: Removable cooling cover, compressible for travel, extra long for any bed length
Best Foam Toddler Bed Bumper
The DreamyPanda Toddler Bed Rail Bumper is a great alternative to an inflatable without sacrificing easy portability. Sold as a single bumper, this soft, foam option is 4.5 inches tall and 52 inches long to provide a sturdy alternative to a ‘jail-like’ rail. Covered in natural bamboo viscose cover, it can be machine laundered and also is cooling, soft, and hypoallergenic.
It fits perfectly under your sheet and provides a great way to help divide a large bed or provide a safe means for a sleeping child. It also rolls up to a more compact size and tucks into the included carrying case to take with you when traveling.
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Who This is For
If you aren’t interested in a traditional rail but want a sturdy, dependable option, a bumper is a great choice. This foam is plush, supportive, and easy to compress for storage.
5. hiccapop Convertible Crib Toddler Bed Rail Guard
SPECS:
- Type: Fold Down Rail Style
- Dimensions: 33 x 16 inches
- Features: Removable mesh, all-steel frame, easy to fold down rail, adjustable anchor
Best Convertible Crib Toddler Bed Rail
If your child is sleeping in a standard toddler size bed or a convertible crib, you might need a slightly shorter rail to fit properly and securely. This option is perfect for convertible cribs and toddler beds and has an adjustable reinforced anchor system that fits under the mattress. At 33 inches long, and 16 inches tall, it works well for this size bed.
The steel frame has a durable nylon mesh cover that can be removed for laundering, and heavy-duty, childproof hinges allow you to fold the rail down for changing linens and easy access. Easy to assemble and all hardware included, you don’t even need any tools to install.
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Who This is For
This is a great option that is the perfect size for a toddler mattress size. The adjustable anchor system ensures you have a safety rail that is perfect to help keep your child feeling secure.
You may want to read: Best Crib Rail Covers
Conclusion
If you have been on the hunt for a way to help your toddler transition to a new bed, or help keep them feeling secure and provide yourself peace of mind, a good bed rail or bumper style rail is an excellent option. The choices presented above highlight the various styles you can take advantage of and offer you a great array to pick from depending on your needs, bed size, and pocketbook.