Every mother and father knows the worries that come with having a baby. The worries don’t lessen when it is time for bed. Parents spend hours leaning over a bassinet to check on their child or squinting into a baby monitor. The worries can also increase with age.
Once you have moved on from frequently checking their breathing, you will worry they will climb out of bed. Who knows the trouble a toddler on the loose in the middle of the night can cause? The time to transition to a toddler bed can be tricky. Most toddlers will make the move between 18 months and 3 years.
But don’t worry. There are many baby products out there to help with the transition from a crib mattress to a kid bed. Your child’s bed can still be a safe haven with the help of a toddler bed rail.
When Is My Child Ready To Transition Into a Toddler Bed?
There is no exact date or time to make this decision. Some will choose to move their child as soon as they attempt to climb out while others will continue to lower the mattress. Children with older siblings may also express they are ready to move into a bed to be like their brother or sister. No matter when you choose to start the transition, there are some factors to consider.
When You Are Expecting
If you are expecting another child it may be time to consider getting a new bed for your toddler. Some recommend giving your child six to eight weeks of adjustment time before a new sibling arrives. Feelings of jealousy are common at this time, it is important to not let your child feel as if the baby is taking over all of their special items.
Potty Training
Potty training while still using a crib can be difficult. If your child cannot easily access the bathroom when nature calls, you may be making your job a lot harder. A mesh bed rail can help your child feel safe while also allowing them easy access to the bathroom.
Height
If your child is three feet tall, it may be time to upgrade. When your child’s head and feet reach both ends of the crib, sleeping can become uncomfortable. Children need quality sleep and no one who sleeps scrunched is sleeping great.
Understanding Boundaries
If your child can be left unsupervised for a small amount of time such as to go to the bathroom alone, it may be time to switch. As toddlers get bigger, it is important to establish boundaries in your home. Transitioning into a toddler bed means your child could roam around while you are asleep. It is essential to make sure your child knows and obeys your family’s rules for safe sleeping.
Luckily, you and your child are not thrown to the wolves when it comes time to transition. There are several products available to help you and them find a balance between boundaries and freedom. One great example is bed rails.
What Are Bed Rails?
Toddler bed rails run alongside a bed to help create a supportive sleeping environment. They are usually used to provide a portable and temporary solution to get in and out of bed unassisted.
Why Are Bed Rails Important?
Bed rails will protect your child from falling out of their bed. But, they also keep a sense of security and safety for your child. Even a crazy sleeper can be protected with the use of bed rails.
When Should I Use Bed Rails?
Bed rails can be used for children ages 2 to 5. You may think your little sleeper is fine without the use of bed rails, but, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Stanford Children’s Health estimates that 2.2 million children 14 and under are treated annually for fall-related injuries.
Bed rails help to keep your child safe, secure, and prepared for great sleep.
Types of Bed Rails
Bed rails vary in shape and size. It is important to know the different types of rails to make your best decision.
Fixed Bed Rails
This type of bed rail is installed underneath the mattress. It doesn’t flip or fold and is very effective for toddlers.
Portable Bed Rails
Portable bed rails are usually foam or inflatable. They are also called bed bumpers. They fit underneath the sheet and are affordable. They are also extremely versatile as you can take them on vacation and put them on almost any sleep surface. An inflatable bed bumper can be a great choice for your family.
Convertible Bed Rails
Many cribs now offer a conversion kit. The conversion kit will come with a rail that matches your crib and creates a toddler bed. This is a good option if you are hoping to keep them in the “crib” a bit longer while still offering an upgrade to a “big bed” for your toddler.
Adjustable Bed Rails
Some bed rails can also be adjustable. Adjustable rails generally fit a variety of mattress sizes. They can also fold down to give parents room to sit or lay with their child as needed.
Best Bed Rails for Kids
It can be intimidating to choose the perfect bed rail for your child. The market has a wide variety of options that will provide a path to safe sleep. Here are some top picks.
Summer Double Safety Bedrail
The Summer Infant toddler rail is a great transition option that provides a sturdy sense of security for your toddler. It has a double-sided rail that is 42.5 inches long and 21 inches tall. It is able to accommodate thicker mattresses as well as a twin, full, or queen. It can also work for a mattress and box spring set or just a platform bed. The Summer Double Safety Bedrail folds to give you easy access to your child. It has a metal frame and is covered with a soft mesh.
The double-sided option is great when making a transition to a brand new bed. From a twin to a queen your child can be protected on either side of the bed.
This option is rated a 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is grey in color and is $54.
Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard
The Regalo Swing Down bedrail is patented for its swing-down feature. This allows for ease of use when getting in and out of bed or when you need to change the sheets. It is 43 inches long and 20 inches tall. It has been certified by the American Testing Society and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association.
This option will fit a twin to queen size bed. But, it should only be used with a box spring. It boasts an easy setup and a machine washable cover. The steel frame has an anchoring strap for added protection and security for your child.
The Regalo Swing Down is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. It is a budget-friendly choice at $27.
Regalo Swing Down 54-Inch Extra Long Bed Rail Guard
This option is so versatile, that it has to be listed twice. The Regalo Store recognized the need for an extra-long option. The Regalo Swing Down 54-Inch Extra Long Bed Rail is the perfect choice for additional coverage for your child. It’s 54-inches will provide added security while still giving ease of use with the swing down feature.
The 54-inch option will still fit up to a queen-sized mattress. It has locking tabs to create an easy process to change the position of the rail. This bed rail also has gap guard protection to keep a gap from forming between the rail and the mattress.
It is also rated 4.4 out of 5 stars. It is offered on Amazon for $38.99.
ComfyBumpy Bed Rail for Toddlers
The ComfyBumpy Bed Rail for Toddlers has a triple safety feature. It offers the rail that secures tightly to slats, has straps for the box spring, or offers screws for a wood base bed. It is universal and can be used with any size of bed. The ComfyBumpy option also has new flat bars to allow safety while still keeping your child comfortable. Some rails can cause your child to feel them under their mattress and cause discomfort.
This selection is extra long at 59 inches long and 19.5 inches tall. It has a steel frame with mesh walls. It also offers a storage pocket. This extra long bed guardrail comes in grey, white, blue, and pink to fit in any room’s color scheme. This option is $99.99 but can sometimes be found on sale for $69.99.
ComfyBumpy also offers the same product in a regular size. At 35.5 X 19.5 inches, this option may better fit your needs. It offers all of the same benefits as the extra-long option but it can easier fit a transitional crib situation. The regular size option is $54.99.
The company also offers a risk-free return policy on its product. The ability to return a product always puts the buyer at ease in making a commitment. It is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
TotCraft Bed Rail for Toddlers & Infants
The TotCraft Bed Rail is a solid choice for bed safety rails. It works for beds with slats, box springs, or a wooden base. It can fit a crib size – a King size bed for ultimate versatility. The TotCraft bed rail also has fold-down capabilities for ease of use. The mesh fabric over the rail is machine washable. A mesh security rail will ensure your child’s entire sleeping space can stay clean.
This top-rated choice scores a 4.6 out of 5 stars. One reviewer states, “This is exactly what I needed for my son’s bed! He is 2yo and a very toss-and-turn kinda sleeper so this will give me piece of mind knowing he won’t roll out of bed. The fabric is mesh so if pushed up against it he can still breathe. Also, I love that it folds down very conveniently when not in the bed I leave it down.”. With reviews this good, you know it’s a great option. This product is offered at $69.99
Baby Joy Bed Rails
Baby Joy has two great bed rail options. At 59 inches in length and 71 inches, you can find what works best for your bedroom setup. Both come in four colors for your little one. The design of this bed rail is specifically created with your baby in mind. Transitions can be made easier with the right products. This rail can be adjusted from 0 degrees to 180 degrees depending on your needs. This allows your child to get in and out of bed easily while still providing them with protection. The frame is covered in a durable mesh cloth to provide breathability and sustainability that will last.
This bed rail option will also fit any bed. It is easy to install and easy to clean. The 59-inch option is $37.99 and the 71-inch option is $52.99. This product is rated a 4.4 out of 5 stars. This is a good choice for helping your child to transition.
Shrunks Bed Bumper
The Shrunks Inflatable bed bumper is a great choice for your guard rail. This safety rail will fit any bed type. It is also compact, portable, and water-resistant. This makes a great option for those who travel frequently. No need to worry about the bed size in your vacation destination, this option has you covered. The Shrunks guardrail has also passed all federal safety standards. It is safe to use and creates a great sleeping space for your toddler’s bed.
This bed bumper provides an excellent option for your toddler rail at $44.95 It is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars.
Tips for Transitioning Your Toddler
Even the best bed rail will not make the transition process easy for you or your child. It is a great idea to consider having a few tricks up your sleeve to help you in the process. Here are a few great ideas to help.
Talk It Out
A few days or weeks before you plan to move them, start talking. Let them know you have seen how big they have gotten. You want to reward them with a big surprise – a big bed. Let them know the rules for their new territory. Help them get used to the idea before it actually happens. If they are at the right age, you won’t have major issues with them understanding boundaries and rules for their new space. They will test the boundaries when the time comes but is important to stay consistent.
Let Them Help
Let your child choose new sheets or a special blanket. Let them help with the moving process. Make it a big deal, but a happy one. Getting them excited about the transition will make it seem like a special reward. Most kids want to get bigger and gain independence.
Bed Time Routine
Children crave consistency. It is likely you already have a bedtime routine. It is important to stick to your plan. If you start to lay on the floor until they have fallen asleep, it can be a hard habit to break later.
Baby-Proofing
Give yourself extra peace of mind when it comes to safety in your home. If your child does get up, make sure everything dangerous is put far out of reach. You may also want to consider additional child locks if needed.
Bed Rails
A great bed rail will give your child some freedom while still giving them a sense of safety and security. Products such as a bed rail can be a game-changer. Bed rails can provide a very clear boundary in helping your child stay put. Our top picks are each a solid choice for helping your family through the transition process. It is important that your purchase will fit your specific setup. The best toddler bed rail for you depends on your child’s sleeping situation. Whether you are using a bunk bed or a twin bed, your rail needs to have the correct attachments. Each option can also vary in the type of bed frame it will support. But, no matter what big kid bed you choose, there is a rail that will meet your needs.
Transitioning your toddler to a big bed can be an intimidating process. Knowing when and how to start the transition can be made easier with a little preparation. You and your child can be successful in the transition. It is crucial for children and adults to get quality sleep every night. While the first few nights may be difficult, they will eventually sleep peacefully in their new bed.
