How we pick our products
The transition from cradle to bed is a turning point in your baby’s life. Every child grows at their own rate, but most tend to make the switch when they are around 2 years of age. Sleeping in a bed won’t only be an important change for them; it can also be challenging for parents, especially with the fear that children may fall while sleeping.
Bed rails are exactly what you need for this stage of your child’s life. These protective items will prevent any risk of falling during the night. This means that your child can get used to his new bed while you have the peace of mind you deserve. You’ll find many models and types on the market, and this is why we designed this guide for you.
Contents
Key Facts
- Bed rails help make the transition from cradle to bed easier. While every child is different, this usually happens around the age of 2.
- Various materials are used in the manufacturing of these products, which can be fixed or folding. Always think about the bed and mattress you’ll use the rails with when making your decision.
- Some of the most popular models have padded edges, which will prevent your child from hurting himself if he hit himself.
Ranking: The best bed rails in the market
You’ve come to the right place you’re looking for the best bed rails available on the Australian market. Keep in mind that these products are designed to help your baby rest, all the while giving you peace of mind. Think about your needs and your baby’s, and we’re confident you’ll make the perfect purchase. In this section, we also give you some tips on how to use bed rails correctly.
- No. 1: Summer Infant Double Safety Bed Rail
- No. 2: The Shrunks Wally Inflatable Bed Rail
- No. 3: Love N Care Bed Rail
No. 1: Summer Infant Double Safety Bed Rail
American company Summer Infant has over 30 years of experience in providing products for parents and children alike. Their grey safety bed rail complies with international bed rail safety standards, meaning it offers optimal protection for your little ones. With barriers on both sides of the bed, this product offers great value for money.
Its flexible design means that you can use on it mattresses sized twin to queen, it also suits platform beds. A key feature of this bed rail is its one foldable side, meaning it is easy for the child to hop in and out of the bed when needed. According to the manufacturer, little assembly is required and your child will be sleeping safely in minutes.
No. 2: The Shrunks Wally Inflatable Bed Rail
The Shrunks is a creative family-owned company offering inflatable solutions for the little ones. Their Wally bed rail is as easy to use as it is convenient and efficient. Delivered in a carrying bag with a hand pump for quick inflating, this bed rail is perfect for families who are always on the move with their children.
The grip strips help maintain your Wally steady to provide the right protection for your kid. It comes with a manufacturer warranty of 2 years and is free from chemicals that may be harmful to your children or yourself. Note that its use is recommended for children aged 2 and up.
No. 3: Love N Care Bed Rail
Let’s finish off our list with a single bed rail from your very own Australian brand Love N Care. Based in New South Wales, it has been providing quality baby products since 1987. Their model also features a convenient fold-down mechanism and resistant nylon mesh to hold your child. According to customers, its height of 47 centimetres is suitable for thicker mattresses too.
Shopping Guide: Everything you should know about bed rails
Different aspects will play a role in you settling for a specific bed rail. The size of the bed itself, the manufacturing materials or the type of installation are some of these key factors. You’ll find numerous options on the Australian market, so you may need a little guidance. This is why we designed this shopping guide.
What are bed rails exactly?
You have to consider the bed and the mattress you’ll use with your rail in before buying it, as its placement will depend on these items. Your child can more easily adapt to his new resting place with this product.
On the other hand, you’ll be sure that your little one is completely safe.
Why is the use of bed rails recommended?
The speed at which children grow is incredible, and you’ll quickly need to change up your baby’s cot for a more spacious and comfortable bed. Bed rails will help your child get used to sleeping in his new bed stress-free. As the risk of falling decreases, this accessory eventually loses its necessity.
What are the advantages of bed rails?
The benefits of having a bed rail are quite obvious. First of all, the child has greater confidence and is less afraid of potentially falling during the night. On the other hand, the parents know that their baby is safe and cannot slip or get out of bed. This is why bed rails offer confidence and security to everyone at home.
What types of bed rails are available on the market?
There are also several types of folding bed rails. Collapsible rails will fold downwards, making it easier for your child to hop in his bed. As the name suggests, telescopic models can be folded like a telescope. Finally, detachable rails can quickly and simply be removed and put back on every day.
What should I consider when buying a bed rail?
Structures covered with a soft material lining will prevent your child from hurting himself if he hits himself in his sleep. You should also check that the safety height is appropriate, while prioritising easy-to-install products.
Make sure that your removable bed rails are easy to use.
How do I know what size bed rail I need?
Regarding this height, our recommendation is to select a rail measuring between 40 and 50 cm. While this will depend on your child’s sleeping habits and the level of safety desired, we discourage you from buying a rail that rises less than 16 cm above the mattress. And don’t forget to consider the thickness of the mattress too!
Shopping Criteria
The diversity of bed rails available on the Australian market is incredible, and you could get a little lost when trying to figure out which model is the right one for your baby. We’ve designed this section so that you can understand the key shopping criteria that will help you make the best decision. These factors are the following:
Fastening system
The fastening system for the bed structure is one of the key elements of bed rails, so don’t overlook it. Models that are slipped under the mattress and supported by the weight of the child are some of the most common. This very useful option is simply equipped with rails that you insert under the mattress.
You will also find bed rails that are fixed to the structure via pressure studs or screws. While installing these models might seem a little bit more difficult than that of the previous model, they remain very suitable options. Finally, travel bed rails are removable. Your choice of a specific model will greatly depend on your child’s bed.
Safety
The safety level offered by the product is another aspect you’ll have to carefully analyse. This criteria plays a massive role in providing peace of mind for both your child and yourself, and this is the reason why you want to ensure secure fastening to the bed. If your baby is particularly restless, you will want to consider opting for the more robust bed rail models.
Expert recommendations include setting up the rail at a distance inferior to 2 cm or superior to 26 cm from the headboard. This safety guideline aims at avoiding potential unwanted blows during the night. You are also strongly encouraged to opt for a bed rail equipped with a padded cover to prevent any inconvenience: your child won’t hurt himself if he hits his head.
Dimensions
This is naturally a factor you have to take into account before making your purchase, and it will depend on the bed and mattress you’ll use the bed rail with. If the bed is set up against the wall, you’ll be just fine with a single bed rail on the open side. Otherwise, you will have to buy two, one for each side of the bed. Standard measurements range from 140 to 150 cm in length.
Some parents have a preference for shorter bed rails, in which case they will reach head height. While the level of protection is practically the same as for those that cover the entire side, we invite you to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations for optimal results.
Manufacturing materials
The manufacturing materials used say a great deal about the efficiency and durability of the bed rails. As we mentioned earlier, there are a large number of products available on the Australian market. Some bed rails are made of wood, others of plastic, metal or aluminium. Most also tend to feature a mesh fabric to provide additional softness and comfort to the product.
It is essential that you buy a model with good finishes. For example, products with removable covers facilitate washing and contribute to proper hygiene. As stated above, you can also go for rails that incorporate a soft lining, hence preventing your child from potential harm. Either way, resistance and safety should go hand in hand.
| Material | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Wood | Resistant and aesthetic |
| Plastic | Affordable |
| Aluminium | Sturdy and versatile |
| Metal | Durable |
Comfort
Ease of use and comfort are details that will just make your purchase more worth it on the long run. You absolutely want a product that’s both safe and practical; this is why folding models are particularly interesting options. These bed rails tend to include a hinge closure system to fold or unfold them comfortably.
Those hinges are designed to prevent pinching. You’ll be all the happier if your bed rails are functional on a day-to-day basis, allowing easy access and exit, and safe fastening. In that regard, the most practical models tend to be made from aluminium.
Summary
Buying a bed rail isn’t something you should take lightly, as this is an investment in the safety of your child. You will eventually have to consider buying bed rails, and we want you to be well informed about the different types and options when that time comes.
Remember that the time to transition from cradle to bed is inevitable. Opting for bed rails made of quality materials that provide optimal safety is the only way for your child to adapt more quickly to his new bed. Functional and reliable models should be your go-to.
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(Source of featured image: Jozef Polc: 96908832/ 123rf.com)
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