The best bed rails for babies and children in the UK 2023

Your child is approaching 18 months of age and you want to replace his crib with a real one. The easiest way to make this transition a smooth one is to use crib rails to prevent your child from falling out. Our guide offers the most suitable models for your little angel.

Barrière de lit Safety 1st 1
9/10

Best value for money

Barrière de lit Safety 1st

The best crib rail in 2021

Our choice was the Safety 1st bed rail. Sturdy, portable and easy to carry, this model is the best alternative for those who want to protect their child without breaking the budget.

See the price

The Safety 1st crib rail can be adapted to all types of beds. In addition, there are a few recommendations regarding the mattress. For optimal operation of the barrier, the length of the mattress of your child's bed should be greater than 156 cm, while its thickness should be between 10 and 24 cm.

The success of this Safety 1st bed barrier is also mainly due to its great portability. You can take it anywhere during your vacations so that your child sleeps safely. Finally, it is worth mentioning that you can choose between a mesh or wooden interior. The frame, on the other hand, is always made of metal.

Pekitas foam bed barrier for children 2
7/10

Best inexpensive

Pekitas foam bed barrier for children

The best entry-level crib rail

To find the best cheap bed bumper on the market, you have to turn to the Pekitas brand. They offer an excellent all-foam bumper at a great price.

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Instead of a barrier, Pekitas offers us a pair of foam bumpers to be placed under the sheets of the mattress on both sides of the bed. Each bumper is 120 cm long, 15 cm wide and 14 cm high. There is no risk of your child falling out of bed while sleeping.

Among the main advantages of this Pekitas bed barrier, we will mention the fact that the foam used does not contain any additive or chemical component harmful to health. We would also insist on the fact that this model is easy to use and transport. These foam bumpers are quite compact.

Hot Mom Bed Rail 3
9/10

Best high-end

Hot Mom Bed Rail

The best high-end crib rail

For the discerning parent, the Hot Mom Bed Rail is a no-brainer. It is a top-of-the-line model equipped with the latest developments in the field and offers optimal protection for the child.

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This Hot Mom bed rail provides comfort and safety for young children. It starts with its premium materials. It has a metal frame and a seamless fabric filling. There are 2 large transparent mesh sections in the filling.

Of course, this convertible bed rail is foldable and has foldable legs with an intuitive release system. You can install it on an upholstered bed, a box spring, and even a slatted base. In addition, the mattress used should be between 10 cm and 20 cm thick.

Milliard foam bed barrier 4
8/10

Best foam crib rail

Milliard foam bed barrier

The best foam crib rail

Very light and easy to install, the Milliard is without a doubt the best foam bed barrier on the market. Better than that: this XXL size model is also suitable for adults and seniors.

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This foam bed bumper by Milliard has a lot going for it. First, it has a very soft cover made of natural bamboo fabric. This material has been hypoallergenically treated and is BPA and phthalate free. In addition, bamboo fabric is known for its non-slip properties.

In addition, it should be noted that this foam bumper is easy to install. Most importantly, it is easy to maintain. In particular, you can remove the foam and wash the cover in the machine. And apart from children, this bed bumper is very suitable for adults and elderly people.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best bed rails for babies and children

Any specific needs?

The best crib rail in 2021

The best entry-level crib rail

The best high-end crib rail

The best foam crib rail

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best bed rails for babies and children

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Barrière de lit Safety 1st 5
9/10
Pekitas foam bed barrier for children 6
7/10
Hot Mom Bed Rail 7
9/10
Milliard foam bed barrier 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Barrière de lit Safety 1st
Pekitas foam bed barrier for children
Hot Mom Bed Rail
Milliard foam bed barrier
Our choice was the Safety 1st bed rail. Sturdy, portable and easy to carry, this model is the best alternative for those who want to protect their child without breaking the budget.
To find the best cheap bed bumper on the market, you have to turn to the Pekitas brand. They offer an excellent all-foam bumper at a great price.
For the discerning parent, the Hot Mom Bed Rail is a no-brainer. It is a top-of-the-line model equipped with the latest developments in the field and offers optimal protection for the child.
Very light and easy to install, the Milliard is without a doubt the best foam bed barrier on the market. Better than that: this XXL size model is also suitable for adults and seniors.
Type of barrier
Convertible
Foam bumper
Convertible
Foam bumper
Dimensions (W x H)
101 x 42 cm
120 x 14 cm
150 x 64 cm
132 x 11 cm
Weight
2.7 kg
0.85 kg
3.3 kg
1.1 kg
Recommended mattress thickness (for convertible models)
10 to 24 cm
-
10 to 20 cm
-
Protective cover (for foam models)
-
without
-
with

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Buying guide - bed rails for babies and children

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How to choose your bed rails for babies and children

Moving from a crib to a full-size bed is a big transition, both for the child and the parents. However, finding the right crib rail is not so easy. Luckily for you, we have compiled the most important criteria to consider here.

#1 - The type

Basically, there are two types of crib rails: folding or convertible crib rails and inflatable bumpers. Convertible bed rails act like a small wall, while inflatable bumpers are like long tubes that act as speed bumps. Folding bed rails can be up to 50 cm high, which is perfect even if your child sleeps in a bunk bed. Inflatable bumpers, on the other hand, are 15 cm high. As for the length, it varies a lot from one model to another. But regardless of the type of barrier (convertible or bumper), the shortest are 1 m and the longest reach 1.5 m. Also, it all depends on the length of the bed. And a short barrier will still manage to adequately protect the child in 95% of the cases.

#2 - The material of manufacture

Presumably all crib barriers are made of PVC or polyurethane foam. They should remain stable enough to prevent a child from rolling off the edges of the bed. Larger crib rails with a tilt-down feature usually consist of a metal frame covered with a nylon fabric and a mesh insert. Since your child is likely to roll around while sleeping, choose a breathable material.

#3 - Tilting down

The bed rail looks like a small fold-down wall. This makes it easy to lower the barrier without having to detach it from the bed. This is especially convenient for parents who get into their child's bed for a pre-bedtime story or just to cuddle. Not to mention the aesthetics of the bed.

#4 - Compatibility with the bed frame

Inflatable bumpers simply fit over the mattress and are a perfect fit for any bed. But for convertible bed rails, you'll need to install fasteners on the bed frame itself. Make sure the attachment system that comes with the convertible bedrail is compatible with your child's bed frame.

#5 - Additional features

In addition to the standard criteria above, there may be other features you want to have with a crib bed rail. For example, if the bed rails are washable, that's a real plus, because any parent knows how dirty things that children come in contact with on a regular basis get, especially in a bed.

Key things to watch out for

While they can prevent a child from falling out of bed, bed rails can hurt a child in a variety of ways. So consider the following issues:

  • A child's movement while sleeping can create a gap between the bed rail and the mattress if the rail is not securely attached. This can cause a fall; the child can even get caught in the gap between the rail and the bed frame.
  • If the gap between the rails of the rail is too large, the child could get his or her head caught between the rail and the headboard or the wall if the rail is placed too close to the headboard.
  • Easily accessible gaps in the locking hinges of folding bed rails can present a finger entrapment and scissor or crush hazard if small fingers get in the way.
  • A child could be injured if they try to climb over the bed rail to get out of bed.

The different types of bed rails for babies and children

There are three main styles of bed rails, all with their advantages and disadvantages.

Convertible bed rails

This is the most common type. They are sort of metal or plastic railings that attach to one or both sides of the crib. But unlike a crib railing that is securely fastened in place, convertible crib rails can be folded down. Some can be removed entirely.

Foam bumpers

Foam bumpers are a much bigger change for a crib than convertible bed rails. These are cushions in the form of soft railings. They essentially take the form of two long, firm pillows that run along both sides of your child's bed.

Inflatable bumpers

They are

essentially back-up solutions, in case the foam bumpers run out. Inflatable bumpers are great solutions for families who travel frequently or parents who want to make sure their child can sleep safely in any bed.

Convertible bed rail or foam bumper?

Convertible bed rail

As the name suggests, a convertible bed rail can be folded down, extended or shortened to fit the size of the child's mattress. Some models can even be adjusted in height. However, the majority of convertible bed rails are only foldable and are not always adjustable in length or height. But it is still light enough to be removed quickly if necessary.

Foam bumpers

A foam bumper is like a large bolster that fits along the mattress to create a soft barrier. Small and discreet, it can enhance your child's confidence and security during the first few weeks. Enclosed in a machine-washable cover, the foam bumper is a gentle and practical way to keep toddlers from getting too close to the edge of the bed.

Verdict

Convertible bed rails are great for putting a small wall on one side of the bed, as long as the other side of the bed remains against a wall. If space is really an issue, foam bumpers are the best choice. They take up less space and can be easily stored.

Tips

Follow the instructions when installing the bed rails.

If there is a gap between the fasteners or some parts are not tight, your child could get a part of his or her body caught in the device. So, install the gates according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure they fit snugly, with no gaps between the mattress and the gate. If you are not sure you can install the barriers properly, call in a specialist.

Use bed rails only with adult mattresses and box springs.

Never install convertible bed rails on a crib or toddler bed because the mattress is too small to support them. And don't use them on bunk beds, waterbeds, air mattresses or beds without box springs.

If possible, use rails on both sides of the bed.

Putting

a bed against the wall isn't really ideal. Your child could get trapped between the wall and the mattress. Look for bed rails that can be securely attached to either side of your child's bed.

Choose a bed rail with mesh fabric.

Mesh fabric will provide good ventilation in case the child sleeps on his side and against the rail. Bed rails made of mesh material usually also have areas that are not covered by mesh.

Choose a folding bed rail.

Having

the ability to fold the bed rail down can be a good feature, both in terms of ease of use and aesthetics. But make sure the gate's folding mechanism cannot be operated by the child. Safety first!

FAQ

What is the best bed barrier for children?

The best crib rail depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

When will you need a bed rail?

When your child reaches 18 months of age, it may be time to consider ditching the crib, using a real crib and installing a bed rail. But even if your child hasn't reached 18 months and regularly starts trying to get out of the crib, it's time to switch to a full-size crib with a gate.

Are bed rails suitable for all types of beds?

No. It is important to note that some bed rails are not compatible with certain types of beds. While one bed rail model may be ideal for slatted beds, another may not be suitable for a child's loft bed. Always check compatibility before you buy.

When should I stop using a bed barrier?

Bed rails are a temporary solution and should be seen as a transition from the crib to the big bed. How you use them is entirely up to you, but try to encourage your child to become more independent. In fact, you may be able to encourage a sense of independence in your child by involving them directly in the decision to give up the bed rails once they feel secure in their new sleep routine.

How to install a bed barrier?

The installation of a bed rail depends largely on the type of rail you intend to purchase. If you don't want to bother with a tedious installation process, choose a fixed, lightweight bed rail that doesn't require too much effort to assemble.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , Berceaumagique.com
  2. , Etikolo.com
  3. , Maison-travaux.fr
  4. , Kadolis.com
  5. , Int.safety1st.com
  6. , Hotmom-uk.com
  7. , Naitreetgrandir.com
  8. , Milliardbedding.com
  9. , Choice.com.au
  10. , amazon.co.uk
  11. , laredoute.fr
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , aubert.com
  15. , conforama.fr
  16. , bebe9.com
  17. , berceaumagique.com
  18. , ebay.fr
  19. , bebesetmamans.com
  20. , baby-walz.ch
  21. , bebesafe.info
  22. , journaldesfemmes.fr
  23. , bestbuy.ca
  24. , barriere-lit.net
  25. , leroymerlin.fr
  26. , amazon.co.uk
  27. , walmart.ca
  28. , vidaxl.fr
  29. , allobebe.fr
  30. , petiteamelie.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Barrière de lit Safety 1st 9
Barrière de lit Safety 1st
Pekitas foam bed barrier for children 10
Pekitas foam bed barrier for children
Hot Mom Bed Rail 11
Hot Mom Bed Rail
Milliard foam bed barrier 12
Milliard foam bed barrier

Lecteurs

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