In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
- What Are Bed Rails?<\/a>
- Bed Rails vs. Cribs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Can You Fit a Bed Rail on a Crib?<\/a>
- Safety Concerns<\/a><\/li>
- How to Safely Fit a Bed Rail on a Crib<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Best Solutions for Crib Rails<\/a>
- The All-in-One Solution: Convertible Cribs<\/a><\/li>
- “Big Kid Bed” Training<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
- References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n
<\/span>What Are Bed Rails?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bed rails <\/a>are adjustable metal or rigid plastic components that can be fitted on a bed’s side. These bed rails come in many shapes and sizes, and they can help your toddler stay safe during her sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Bed Rails vs. Cribs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most cribs come with integrated railings that are attached to the main structure of the crib. These are considered the safest option since the manufacturer would have checked that all parts are suitable for children’s use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indeed, cribs are not likely to have parts that can be easily ingested or considered dangerous for the toddler. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oppositely, bed rails are portable and come in many shapes, including fold-down products and foam bumpers. While they can be fitted on a crib, these might not be specifically designed for such use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indeed, bed rails are also used for adults with reduced mobility, so picking a suitable product for children is the first aspect to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Can You Fit a Bed Rail on a Crib?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, it is possible to fit bed rails on a crib. However, this comes with some safety concerns that it is paramount to address. Indeed, bed rails – when fitted properly – can increase your baby’s safety while asleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oppositely, if not correctly fitted, they might cause harm to younger children and toddlers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Safety Concerns<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released new guidelines
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<\/a> for the safe use of portable bed rails following some injuries and deaths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>How to Safely Fit a Bed Rail on a Crib<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you have found the perfect product certified for safe children’s use, it can be permanently attached and does not leave gaps with the mattress; you can start thinking about fitting it on the crib. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, you should always follow the included manufacturer’s instructions for this process<\/a>. However, some guidelines can make the process easier and safer for your toddler. Here is what you should know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in its report<\/a>, suggests using bed rail on a crib only for children between 2 and 5 years old<\/strong>. Indeed, at this age, your kids are likely to access an adult bed without help.<\/li>
- Make sure that the rail’s hardware remains permanently attached to the crib<\/strong>. This is essential to ensure that the rail does not pull away from the mattress, creating dangerous gaps.<\/li>
- You should avoid using a bed rail on a crib for a toddler younger than two years old<\/strong>. Indeed, due to the small size, it is easier for a baby this age to get trapped in any gap.<\/li>
- Consumer Reports<\/a> suggests that portable rails should only be fitted on full-sized beds<\/strong> (adult-sized beds and mattresses) with a box spring structure. Indeed, any other bed might not have a structure strong enough to sustain the extra weight. <\/li>
- Mount the rail in a way that it leaves at least 9in (23cm) between the edges of the rail<\/strong> and the two extremities of the bed.<\/li>
- Each night, when you accompany your baby to sleep, check the rails<\/strong> to make sure that they are intact, in place, and completely safe.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Best Solutions for Crib Rails<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you have not been able to find bed rails suitable for crib installation, other solutions are worth considering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foam and inflatable bumpers, for example, represent an easy solution for kids older than 6. Indeed, they can be fitted on most cribs and beds and don’t require much time or effort for installing. However, if you have opted for this product, you should ensure that they are made of sturdy materials, and no parts are easily detached from them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Indeed, a material that is too soft might cause suffocation in children that are too young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fold-down rails are also suitable solutions. However, just like in portable rails, it is essential to ensure that they are fitted on a sturdy structure and permanently installed. Indeed, if any of the components can quickly become detached from the crib, it’s easy for them to fall on the baby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The All-in-One Solution: Convertible Cribs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As we have seen, it is safer to use the rail system already integrated with the crib by the manufacturer. However, what can you do when your toddler is growing? One of the best – and safest – solutions are convertible cribs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are cribs designed to follow the changing needs of your baby throughout her life stages. So, it can be modified from a full crib to protect only the center of the bed – just like a rail – or extended to a full bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn how these work in the video below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
