Bed Rails

Though it’s hard to believe your teeny baby will ever outgrow her crib, our little bundles do grow quickly, and the need will eventually arise for your little one to make the transition from crib to big-kid bed. Maybe a new sibling is on the way, or maybe they’ve just finally outgrown the crib. When the time comes, you’ll want to be prepared when it arrives.

Many parents tend to focus on the bed itself-an attractive headboard, a good box frame, a comfortable mattress-and those things are important. But don’t overlook your child’s safety by failing to purchase a bed rail. It’s easy to assume that your child stays put all night while they slumber, but unless you’ve stayed up all night watching them sleep, you don’t really know how many times during the night their crib rails keep them from hitting the floor.

When looking for a bed rail, there are several factors that are essential to consider:

1. Sturdy- While a stronger rail may cost a bit more, it’s worth the expense to ensure that your child is safe while they sleep. Furthermore, should you opt for a less expensive, more flimsy rail, the likelihood of your having to replace a broken rail is high, probably resulting in more money spent than had you bought the more expensive rail from the start.

2. Breathable- While a simple piece of plywood would do the trick, it will block your child in with little air flow. This is especially… Read the rest

As soon as babies can walk, they start getting into things. This causes most parents go through baby-proofing to keep their child safe. The problem is they start getting out of things, too. This can be dangerous, especially when a toddler who is getting better at getting around still sleeps in a crib. At this stage, a crib has become outgrown and a larger child bed is still too big. This is what toddler beds with bed rails are for. There are considerations to take when choosing bed rails just as when choosing the right crib.

Why Bed Rails are Important

When sleeping in a crib, babies and young toddlers are used to the sides keeping them from falling out. In the transition to a toddler bed, there is a tendency to roll right off the mattress during sleep. Toddler beds are made to be closer to the ground, but avoiding falling off the bed altogether is best. Bed rails help to prevent rolling off the bed not only by providing a barrier, but also by alerting the child that they are close to the mattress’ edge. This helps to train a child to sleep within the boundary of the mattress.

Varieties of Rails

Bed rails for toddler beds are available in two main varieties. The first is part of the bed frame’s construction. The second is purchased separately and attached or removed when needed. When selecting bed rails, it is important to look out for safety. Bed rails… Read the rest