Toddler Bed Rails - Are They For Your Child

One of the most common we get asked here is in regards to toddler bed rails and whether or not a child really needs them. Here's a look at many of the questions on toddler bed rails as well as some quick tips.

Do You Need Toddler Bed Rails

There is no easy, clear-cut answer to that question unfortunately. It depends on factors from how active your child is during the night while sleeping, to the personal preferences of many parents.

With most of your "themed" toddler beds, rails are not used at all. Race car beds, princess beds and all the others are all low enough that falling out of bed and hurting yourself is not an issue.

Generally speaking, toddler bed rails are used on twin size beds or full sized beds. Bunk beds always come with a bed rail, so that is not a concern as well.

You always use a bed rail in conjunction with a box springs and mattress. This is because most all styles of bed rails for toddlers will fit between the box springs and the mattress.

Heights will always vary, but you want to be sure you get rails that sit up high enough so your child will not roll over them during the night.

Toddler Bed Rails Quick Tips

• Always follow manufacturer's recommendations when using bed rails
  
  
• Be sure the rails have smooth surfaces and no sharp corners
  
  
• Rails should not make it difficult for a child to get in and out of bed
  
  
• The rail should be strong enough to keep your child in bed or prevent them from getting stuck in between the bed and the rail
  
  
• Rails should sit high enough to prevent your child from rolling over them and falling off the bed