Best Toddler Bed Rails, According to Parents

In a nutshell: We chose the TotCraft 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 twin mattress, a toddler bed rail can be a great addition to their new sleep setup.

“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. 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. Ashlee Neuman, mom of two and content director for The Bump, can attest to the importance of this safety gear: “We always had bed rails on our toddlers’ beds, but it wasn’t until my 3-year-old fell out of a guest bed that I fully appreciated how essential these products are,” explains Neuman. “I heard a loud thump, followed by wails, and she sported a serious bruise for weeks. Whether they’re a built-in feature or a separate add-on, toddler bed rails are an absolute must-have!” While some parents skip this safety measure, in a recent social media poll conducted by The Bump 45 percent of respondents told us that they intend to buy toddler bed rails, while a further 38 percent said that they own a convertible crib that came with bed rails.

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.

How We Chose the Best Toddler Bed Rails

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. 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 interviewed two experts—a certified pediatric sleep consultant and a product liability lawyer—to find out what safety considerations parents should look for in a toddler bed rail.

• We surveyed over 300 new and expectant parents and asked them to comment on the bed rails they used with their own toddlers.

• In August 2024, we ran a social media poll that posed the following question: Would you buy bed rails for a toddler bed? The votes spilled in and 45 percent of people said yes, 18 percent said no while a further 38 percent stated that they already had a convertible crib with bed rails.

• Because everyone’s experience is different, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these toddler bed rails performed for families across the country.

• We leveraged our familiarity with leading baby brands and trusted online retailers, and browsed dozens of options. When selecting the final product list we considered a number of factors including versatility, durability, style and, of course, safety.

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Best Toddler Bed Rails

What to Look for in a Toddler Bed Rail

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.

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:

Best Toddler Beds for Little Sleepyheads

Best Toddler Mattresses for That New Big-Kid Bed
Best Toddler Travel Bed Options for Safe Slumber on the Go