Best Toddler Bed Rails to Keep Your Kiddo Safe
In a nutshell: We chose the TotCraft Carlson Toddler Bed Rail as the overall best option on the market, due to its sleep-friendly design and versatile construction.
Childhood is full of milestone moments. One of the biggest transitions your little one will make in those all-important early years is moving to their very own big-kid bed. Whether you opt to move your little one to a traditional toddler bed or a full-size mattress, a toddler bed rail can be a great addition to their new sleep setup.
For the most part, bed rails for toddlers come in two forms: a rectangular option that attaches to the bed and acts essentially like a baby gate, and a bed bumper version that rests under the fitted sheet. But in either case, bed rails for kids are designed to guard against rolling out of bed in the middle of the night, giving you peace of mind and helping to ensure a restful night of sleep (fingers crossed!) for both you and your little one.
Ready to make the big switch—and keep it as smooth (and safe!) as possible? Here, we’ve rounded up nine of the best toddler bed rails to meet your needs.
Parents are used to navigating lots of different options when buying baby gear, but choosing a child bed rail is a little different from picking out a teddy bear or pair of pajamas for your kiddo: Safety is paramount, and you want to make sure that the one you buy is well-made and dependable. “I can’t stress enough the importance of selecting bed rails that meet the highest safety standards,” says Collen Clark, a lawyer who handles product liability cases for infants and toddlers.
Here’s how we decided on the best toddler bed rails that will suit your needs and keep your little one safe and sound at bedtime (and naptime!):
- We spoke with Clark to find out what safety considerations parents should look for in a toddler bed rail.
- We consulted with a certified pediatric sleep consultant to understand the best use practices for these products.
- We leveraged our familiarity with leading baby brands and trusted online retailers, and browsed dozens of options.
- We considered a number of factors including versatility, durability, style and, of course, safety.
- We read user reviews and typically didn’t consider any product with less than an average four-star rating.
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Overall best toddler bed rail
- Secure fit for a variety of bed types
- Attachments for wooden slats or box springs
- Hinge design won’t work for some convertible cribs
We found the TotCraft toddler bed rail to be the most versatile on the market. At a generous 59" long, it can be used on any size bed, be it a twin or a California king. The clever design provides a secure fit with flat bars underneath, so as not to disrupt your little one’s sleep. A locking latch is an additional feature that provides peace of mind, but it can also fold down completely to make it easy for your little one to get into bed.
Dimensions: 35.5" (L) x 19.5" (H) | Type: Rail | Weight: 5.4 lbs.
Best fold-down toddler bed rail
- Easy installation
- Rail may touch floor when swinging down
A toddler bed rail is a great way to make your little one’s big-kid bed a bit safer—but there are times when you may want to fold it down to make it easier for them to get in and out of the bed. The Regalo convertible toddler bed rail takes our top spot in this category for its ease of operation. Simply flip the secure locking latch up on both sides to release the bed rail; this allows it to smoothly fold all the way down, out of your way. Putting it back up again is equally simple, and the rail locks into place to keep your toddler safely in bed.
Dimensions: 33" (L) x 16" (H) | Type: Rail | Weight: 4 lbs.
Best extra long bed rail
- Long enough for all bed sizes
- Smooth, simple fold-down
- Too long for standard crib mattresses
Need a bit of added security as you shop for a bed rail for your toddler? If you have a little one that travels in their sleep, consider purchasing an extra-long model, like the ComfyBumpy bed rail for a toddler. At 59" long, it offers more coverage than many other toddler bed rails, and it’s suitable for even king-sized mattresses. Additional features include a sturdy steel frame with flat iron bars that go underneath the mattress, a secure attachment system for a variety of bed types and plush padding on the frame to prevent bumps in the night. Choose from white, gray, pink or blue.
Dimensions: 59" (L) x 19.5" (H) | Type: Rail | Weight: 6 lbs.
Best bumper toddler bed rail
- Hypoallergenic
- BPA- and PVC-free
- Doesn’t attach to bed
If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional toddler bed rail guard that has to be installed, consider the Hiccapop toddler bumper. With a length of 52", this bumper rests under the fitted sheet, along the side of the bed, to help prevent your kiddo from rolling to the floor in the middle of the night. Designed with non-skid silicone on the top and bottom to help it stay in place, this bumper is 5" in height, and features a premium foam interior for added stability and safety.
Dimensions: 52" (L) x 5" (H) | Type: Bumper | Weight: 12 oz.
Best toddler rail for a crib
- Clamp attaches to rails for secure installation
- Can attach to a bunky board
- Reviewers say mesh can rip
Specially designed for use with convertible cribs, Hiccapop has our pick for the best convertible bed rail for a toddler. The 33" length offers the perfect amount of protection once you convert your little one’s crib to a toddler bed. And, yes, it fits most major convertible crib models. Simple, secure installation and a convenient fold-down feature make this a toddler bed rail you can feel good about.
Dimensions: 33" (L) x 16" (H) | Type: Rail | Weight: 3 lbs.
Best toddler bed rail two-pack
- Side folds down for ease of changing sheets
- Easy to get in and out of bed
- Rails may detach with excessive shifting
What’s better than the safety and security of a toddler bed rail? Two toddler bed rails, of course! When transitioning your little one to a big bed, it only makes sense that you’d want to prevent them from falling off both sides. That’s why the Summer Infant double pack makes our list of the best toddler bed rails. This two-pack set works together to create a safe sleeping environment on both sides of the bed, which is a better alternative to the popular practice of pushing the bed up against a wall on one side. The two bed rails hook together under the mattress, working to offer a tight, secure fit on both sides with an easy installation.
Dimensions: 42.5" (L) x 21" (H) | Type: Rail | Weight: 9 lbs.
Best height-adjustable toddler bed rail
- Durable fabric
- Pocket to store essentials
- Works best on larger beds
For extra-thick mattresses, consider a toddler bed rail with an adjustable height feature. While lots of bed rails tout length, not many companies emphasize height options. This can be a problem if your toddler’s bed has a deep, plush mattress (like a pillowtop). The Baby Joy toddler bed rail features an adjustable height that ranges from 28.5" to 40" high, making it suitable for even the thickest mattresses on the market.
Dimensions: 57" (L) x 40" (H) | Type: Rail | Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Best portable toddler bed rail
- Inflates and deflates quickly
- Water-resistant and washable
- Some reviewers said bumpers leaked over time
Bedtime transitions can be tough—especially when you’re traveling. But that shouldn’t mean you can’t be free to take a trip with your little one in tow. So how can you keep your toddler safe in a bed that’s not their own? Enter the Hiccapop Inflatable Bed Rail, a sleep solution you can take with you! This inflatable bumper has a “safety flap” that uses your kiddo’s weight to anchor the bumper in place and works on any size bed, from twin to king. It inflates with just a few puffs of breath (no pump needed!) and quickly deflates so you can fold it up into the included travel bag and take it on the go.
Dimensions: 52" (L) x 4.5" (H) | Type: Bumper | Weight: 2.2 lbs.
Best budget-friendly toddler bed rail
- Comes in variety of patterns
- Doesn’t provide as secure a fit as some other models
No list of the best toddler bed rails would be complete without a budget-friendly option. We’ve chosen the Dream on Me model as our pick for the best budget toddler bed rail due to both its solid performance and its low price point. This bed rail attaches with a classic strap and anchor system. What’s more, we found the Dream on Me comes with many of the same features as much more expensive models, like padded rails, breathable mesh fabric, generous height and simple installation.
Dimensions: 33" (L) x 15" (H) | Type: Rail | Weight: 2 lbs.
Toddler Bed Rails Comparison Chart
| Overall best toddler bed rail | Best fold-down toddler bed rail | Best extra long bed rail | Best bumper toddler bed rail | Best toddler rail for a crib | Best toddler bed rail two-pack | Best height-adjustable toddler bed rail | Best portable toddler bed rail | Best budget-friendly toddler bed rail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best TotCraft Carlson Toddler Bed Rail | Regalo Guardian Swing-down Toddler Bed Rail | ComfyBumpy | Hiccapop Toddler Bed Bumper | Hiccapop Convertible Toddler Bed Rail | Summer Infant Two-Pack Toddler Bed Rails | Baby Joy Toddler Bed Rail | Hiccapop Inflatable Bed Rail | Dream on Me Mesh Toddler Bed Rail | |
| Price | $$ | $ | $$$ | $ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ |
| Dimensions | 35.5" (L) x 19.5" (H) | 33" (L) x 16" (H) | 59" (L) x 19.5" (H) | 52" (L) x 5" (H) | 33" (L) x 16" (H) | 42.5" (L) x 21" (H) | 57" (L) x 40" (H | 52" (L) x 4.5" (H) | 33" (L) x 15" (H) |
| Type | Rail | Rail | Rail | Bumper | Rail | Rail | Rail | Bumper | Rail |
| Weight | 5.4 lbs. | 4 lbs. | 6 lbs. | 12 oz. | 3 lbs. | 9 lbs. | 6.5 lbs. | 2.2 lbs. | 2 lbs. |
| Adjustable length | |||||||||
| Color options | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
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“Bed rails are generally used for children, ranging from 2 to 5 years of age, that are able to get out of bed on their own,” says Juanita Mines, a certified pediatric sleep consultant. Determining which toddler bed rail will suit your kiddo’s needs depends on the size of their new bed and the size of your child. Toddler bed rails should be tall enough to secure your child and keep them on the mattress, and long enough to provide ample coverage, explains Mines.
Not sure how to evaluate which bed rails for kids are right for your family? Clark advises parents to consider what the bed rail is made from. “Opt for sturdy materials that can withstand the playful and sometimes unpredictable nature of toddlers. I always advise my clients to choose bed rails with secure attachment mechanisms, such as strong straps or bolts, to ensure that the rails stay firmly in place. A wobbly or loosely attached bed rail poses a significant risk, and it’s a red flag when it comes to safety.”
He says bed rails for kids should be high enough to prevent a toddler rolling over it, but not so high that it’s a climbing hazard. “Striking the right balance in terms of height is crucial for both safety and convenience. Additionally, look for bed rails with smooth surfaces and rounded edges to minimize the risk of injuries. Sharp edges or protruding parts can pose a threat to your child’s safety.”
Last but not least, Clark advises parents to read reviews and to keep an eye out for product recalls. “Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into the practicality and safety of a particular product.”
About the writer:
Christin Perry is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in pregnancy, parenting and health and wellness topics. As a mother of four (ages 5, 10, 12 and 14), she’s gone through the paces and has used what seems like every product under the sun—and she’s used that experience to write dozens of product roundups for The Bump. Christin considers herself lucky to have worked for a long list of other large clients, including Forbes Advisor, VeryWell Family, Parents, Parade, The Knot, Apartment Therapy and Dwell, to name a few.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Collen Clark is a lawyer who handles product liability cases for infants and toddlers. He received his BBA and JD from Baylor University.
Juanita Mines is a certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Baby Sleep Goals.
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