Toddler Guard Rail Safety and Installation Tips

Taking all necessary precautions to ensure your baby sleeps safely shouldn't stop when your baby outgrows the crib. Your child may be less fragile and vulnerable, but the fact that your little one is mobile and active is more of a reason to enforce proactive safety measures and meticulous childproofing.

Graduating to a toddler bed is a huge step for babies. Not having the tall crib walls unlocks boundaries that might be a bit intimidating and adds new responsibility for your growing toddler. That is why having a toddler guard rail not only helps prevent your toddler from rolling off the bed, but also instills a sense of security. Toddler bed rails help alert your child that he or she is getting close to the edge of the mattress. It is important, however, to understand that a toddler rail doesn't prevent falls altogether. The rail only partially guards the side of a toddler bed. It is good practice to place a large pillow or cushion on the ground to help absorb the impact of any unpleasant fall.

What to Look For in a Toddler Bed

Because your child will be learning how to climb in and out of bed, the toddler bed should be low to the ground. If you have a convertible crib, make sure the mattress is adjusted to the lowest height. For a slatted toddler bed rail, make sure the slats concur with the crib safety standards and are at a safe distance of 2 3/8" apart to avoid any strangulation hazard. Choose a toddler bed that is free from sharp edges and removable parts, make sure your baby and child products are JPMA certified, and abide by all U.S. Safety Standards.

Types of Toddler Guard Rails

There are two main types of toddler guard rails you can purchase. The first type typically comes included or is an add-on accessory for your toddler bed or convertible crib. When installing the toddler guard rail, fasten the rail tightly against the mattress to prevent Bed Rail Entrapment. This occurs when a child gets stuck between the mattress and bed rail where he/she may not be able to call for help and ultimately suffocate.

The second type is a portable bed rail that is made to attach to almost any type of bed. Typically made with mesh to avoid entrapment, portable bed rails often have the ability to fold down to allow easy access to the bed and to change linens. It is a convenient accessory for traveling and easy to store.

Moving up to a toddler bed is a big step. As a parent, you want to make sure that the transition goes as smooth as possible. Make sure you take every step to install the toddler guard rail correctly, so your child can feel safe and secure. Your growing child will have an exciting time learning to sleep like a grown up, but will also feel secure while doing it.