Whether you use a fixed bed rail or something more portable, these products can help your toddlers stay comfortably put, giving you peace of mind and ultimately a better night’s rest.
To help us pick the very best bed guards for you, we asked parents which ones they recommend and use with their toddler to provide you with honest feedback.
With a bed guard you can rest easy whilst your child sleeps, but, if you need assistance in helping them get to sleep, take a look at our best sleep aids and white noise machines.
Best toddler bed guards at a glance
- Best bed guard for adjustable height: Costway Toddler Adjustable Bed Rail, £42.95
- Best budget-buy bed guard: Ikea Vikare Guard Rail, £15
- Best wooden bed guard: BabyDan Wooden Bed Guard Rail, £49.99
- Best bed guard for travel: safety 1st Portable Bed Rail, £24.99
- Best bed guard for easy cleaning: Dreambaby Phoenix Foldable Bredrail, £26
- Best tow-sided bed guard: Hippychick Dream Tubes Bed Guards, £52.50
- Best bed guard for a secure fit: Venture QFix Bed Guard, £29.99
- Best extra-long bed guard: Safetots Extra Wide Bed Rail, £44.90
- Best bed guard for easy installation: Lindam Easy Fit Bed Guard, £31.99
- Best bed guard for comfort: Banbaloo Rail Bed Bumper, £39.99
When do you need a child bed guard?
Bed guards and rails are aimed at toddlers, with the recommended age usually being from 18 months to 5 years. Many manufacturers advise not using a bed rail on a sleeping surface that is more than 60cm from the floor, so they wouldn’t be suitable for the top bed of a bunk.
Although moving from a cot to a toddler bed is an exciting milestone, there is no reason to rush the transition unless your child is endangering themselves by trying to climb out of their cot. It's often better to keep them in their cot for as long as possible.
Remember toddler bed guards are not designed to be used with younger babies, as safe sleep guidelines say, for babies under 12 months, to keep their sleep space clear of anything that could pose a suffocation risk.
Keeley Black, a baby safety expert who runs SafeCircle babysitting advises that toddler bed guards can be used by children up to around 5 years old, however, it may be a good idea to remove them earlier if your child is climbing over them to get out of their bed to prevent falls and injury. The guard could be used on a single bed instead which would give the child space at the bottom of the bed to get out safely.
What are the different types of toddler bed guards?
There are various styles of child bed guards. Some are more rigid and solid, for example those made of wood that provide a straight-forward barrier, similar to a bunk bed rail, to stop children from falling over the side.
Other toddler bed guards are made from foam or fabric such as mesh, so they are softer and less rigid if children like to sleep up against the side.
You can also find inflatable bed guards that protect your child and can be particularly handy for travelling, as they can be deflated and transported away with you.
Baby safety expert Keeley says, "the bed guard should have a clear airflow around it so try and use mesh, wooden slatted or low rise guards where possible".
What to look for when choosing the best bed guard for your child
Safety – Baby expert, Dean smith, director of For Your Little One had a few tips for choosing a bed guard safely. He said to always measure your toddler's bed first, it should not prevent them from getting in and out of bed and it should sit firmly to cover the middle of the bed, not cover the whole length. Similarly, he advises measuring your toddler's mattress height as you need to find one that is suitable. He also suggest making sure it is breathable as your toddler may be breathing up against the side of it during the night so it's vital they can comfortably breathe if that does happen.
Size – As our expert Dean previously mentioned, Measure your child’s bed and mattress and compare this with the dimensions of the guard you intend to buy. We’ve listed the dimensions of each product in our top 10 so you can make sure it won’t be too long or short for your child’s new bed.
Bed position – Where in the bedroom will the bed be? If the bed’s in the centre of the room, with both sides open, you might need 2 bed rails to secure both sides. If the bed is placed alongside a wall then you have a natural barrier on one side and only need to guard the other.
Compatibility with your child’s bed – Some child bed guards are not compatible with certain types of beds, especially divans, so check before you buy.
Portability – Do you want a rail that’s permanently fixed to the bed? Or one that could be moved for times when your toddler is sleeping elsewhere, such as holidays and family visits?
Ease of cleaning – The wooden rails have the advantage of being easy to wipe down, whereas the fabric rails can usually be hand washed.
Material – Bed guards come in all different materials; inflatable, foam or wooden. It's important to consider which type of bed guard would work well for your child and their bed.
Here’s our pick of 10 of the best toddler bed guards
1. Costway Adjustable Toddler Bed Rail, £42.95
– Best for adjustable height
Dimensions: H80-95cm x W47cm x L150 OR 180cm | Material: Iron and brushed cloth | Colours available: Grey
This bed rail is great for mattresses of all heights thanks to its 4 adjustable height settings, it can range from 80 to 93cm high. It can also be lifted independently from each side making it really convenient when parents only have one hand free to get their child into bed.
The breathable mesh ensures good ventilation for your child, whilst also being transparent enough to see through to check your child is safe and sleeping soundly. Unlike most bed guards where it swings down for access, this one lifts down to allow you easy access to your child.
More like this
Assembly is required but no other tools are needed and it shouldn't take too much time.
Pros: Adjustable height, soft material and can lift each side independently
Cons: Quite large, may not be suitable for travel, would need to buy 2 if bed isn't against a wall
Available from: Amazon
2. Ikea Vikare Guard Rail, £15
– Best for budget-buy
Dimensions: H7.5cm x W4cm x L90cm | Material: Wood | Colours available: White
Trust Ikea to come up with one of the most simple, stylish and affordable bed guards out there. It's a small and non-intrusive way to help keep your toddler a little more secure in those early months after moving to a bed.
The Vikare is easy to fit, and can be attached with screws to cot beds and normal beds. It doesn’t have arms that reach under the bed, making it slightly less sturdy than those that do, but it is smaller overall so doesn't need such a strong support. Admittedly, the Vikare is quite a hard, rigid addition to the bed, but it doesn’t look too overpowering in its neutral white design. Also, as it's wooden, it can easily be wiped clean.
Note that this bed guard only fits children's beds that have a straight 18-25mm thick bed rail or cot side.
Pros: Good value, easy to attach and can be wiped clean
Cons: Does not fit all beds, hard material and not as high as others
Available from: Ikea
3. BabyDan Wooden Bed Guard Rail, £49.99
– Best wooden bed guard
Dimensions: H42cm x L90cm | Material: Wood | Colours available: White
This solid and stylish wooden bed guard rail from BabyDan is made from furniture grade wood, so has a nice quality to it and should be long-lasting. But most importantly, it attaches and detaches easily, with no tools required.
BabyDan also says it's suitable for all beds (not including cribs and upper bunk beds), so you can be reassured that it'll stay secure no matter your child's style of bed.
Parent tester Tania, mum of 2, aged 14 weeks and 3 used this with her toddler and loved that you could take the side off, saying "it worked well for us; it was easy to clean and looked good".
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, strong and sturdy, no tools needed to attach
Cons: Not suitable for upper bunk beds and hard material
Available from: John Lewis and Uber Kids
4. Safety 1st Portable Bed Rail, £24.99
– Best for travel
Dimensions: H42 x L106cm (assembled), H42cm x L66cm (folded) | Material: Metal frame and netting | Colours available: Dark grey and blue
This bed guard has a standard mesh design with great functionality. It can fold down to allow easy access to bed, and it can also be slid together (down to 66cm) to make it more compact and portable – great for taking along on family visits or on holiday. No assembly is required – ideal if you want something simple to install.
This bed rail is compatible with mattresses with a length greater than 156cm and a thickness from 10 to 24cm and fits slatted and standard beds.
Parent tester Joanna, mum of 2, aged 5 and 3 used this bed guard with her children when they were slightly younger and loved how "it was really sturdy, simple to use and folded down smaller for travel which was a real bonus, it did what it needed to do for both our kids".
Pros: Can be folded down compactly for travel, easy access to the bed and good value
Cons: Hard metal frame and not the most visually appealing
Available from: Mamas and Papas, Amazon and Uber Kids
5. Dreambaby Phoenix Foldable Bedrail, £26
– Best for easy cleaning
Dimensions: H45.5cm x L110cm (H45.5 x L55 when folded)| Material: Metal frame and netting | Colours available: White and grey
The Dreambaby Phoenix Foldable bed rail is super easy to clean thanks to its removable and washable cover. It also makes getting your toddler in and out of bed easy too with its convenient fold down sides - this will be handy when making the bed too.
The bed rail is fairly easy to install but there is assembly required. It can be quite compact, however it does have to be disassembled to fit in its carry bag so it is a quite a bit more work to move it around.
It's suitable for divans and slatted bed bases and for mattresses between 10 to 25cm thick: it can be slightly adjusted depending on the mattress thickness.
Parent tester Lorne, mum of kids aged 2 and 4 uses this with her toddler and said, "I like the breathable mesh and that the cover is washable too. It's very sturdy and fits my child's single bed well".
Pros: Easy to clean and can be compact if needed
Cons: Requires assembly and has a hard metal frame
Available from: Amazon and Argos
6. Hippychick Dream Tubes bed guards, £52.50
– Best two-sided bed guard
Dimensions: H90 x L195cm (Dream Tubes single sheet), H70cm x L140cm (Dream Tubes cot bed sheet) | Material: inflatable and cotton | Colours available: White
Designed by 2 mums after one too many sleepless nights, inflatable Dream Tubes are a slightly different option for keeping your child from rolling out of bed. Simply blow them up then pop them in the pockets of a special sheet – either cotbed or single bed size – to make a cosy barrier to help kids stay put. We love the fact that this product includes the custom sheet, which effectively keeps the bumpers (2 per pack) in place.
These are great for if your child's bed is not against a wall as you get 2 bumpers and can protect them from falling out of bed both sides. The sheet that covers the inflatable tube is also machine washable. Compared to the harder wooden and metal/mesh frames, this is much softer if your child kicks it or rolls into it.
The bumpers are very lightweight and fold up to a small handy size, making transport a doddle. You can take them with you everywhere – no more rearranging the furniture to prevent kids from rolling out of bed.
Pros: get 2 in a pack so protects both sides, soft material, and can fold up
Cons: Does require blowing up and placing sheet on top and may not offer as high protection a wooden or metal rail
Available from: Amazon, Fruugo and Room to Grow
7. Venture QFix Bed Guard, £29.99
– Best for a secure fit
Dimensions: H42cm x L99cm | Material: Metal and mesh | Colours available: Grey
As a bed guard that attaches with straps, you can be reassured it'll stay extra secure against your child's bed. The strong safety straps also eliminate any potential gap between your child's mattress and bed rail. However, in exchange for such a secure fit, comes assembly, including screws to screw it to the wooden bed slats. This may be an issue if you want to keep taking it off or travel with it.
It has a simple push button to fold down the panel and allow your child easy access to get in and out their bed.
Pros: Very securely attached to the bed and sturdy
Cons: Requires assembly (including screws), only works with wooden bed frame and has a hard metal frame
Available from: Amazon and Venture
8. Safetots Extra Wide Bed Rail, £44.90
– Best extra-long bed guard
Dimensions: H40cm x L140cm | Material: Metal and mesh | Colours available: White, grey and natural
Available in natural, white and grey, the Safetots Extra Wide Bed Rail provides a little bit more coverage, if you want to make extra sure that there’s no room to tumble out of bed. It’s another rail with the handy fold-down feature and it also comes with a travel bag to make taking it on trips that bit easier. However, it does have to be dismantled first.
This guard is suitable for cot beds, single beds and double beds with minimum mattress length of 90cm and maximum mattress thickness of 20cm.
Pros: Provides extra long coverage and can be compact if needed
Cons: Requires assembly and has a hard metal frame
Available from: Amazon and Safetots
9. Lindam Easy Fit Bed Guard, £31.99
– Best for easy installation
Dimensions: H27cm x L52.2cm | Material: Metal and mesh | Colours available: Pink, blue and grey
The affordable Lindam Easy Fit Bed Guard has a very simple design, making it easy to install, requiring no tools. It also has a standard fold-down mechanism to allow you to access your child and change sheets more easily. It is available in pink, blue and grey to blend with your nursery decor.
There’s a secure locking mechanism and it can be put together without needing any tools. This bed rail is not suitable for beds where the mattress sits within a raised frame or upper bunk beds. It is compatible with 76 to 90cm thick mattresses.
Pros: Easy to install, comes in a variety of colours
Cons: Not compatible with all beds and has a hard metal frame
Available from: Amazon, Olivers Baby Care and Baby Security
10. Banbaloo Rail Bed Bumper, £39.99
– Best for comfort
Dimensions: H12cm x W19cm x L134cm | Material: Memory foam | Colours available: White
For ultimate comfort, this memory foam bumper is great. If your child rolls too close to the end of the bed, they will not bump themselves on a hard metal frame, they will be gently pushed back to the middle of the bed by the soft foam bumper. It also has a non-slip cover which ensures it stays in place under the sheet.
Another great thing about this bed bumper is that it's water-resistant, so no need to worry if there are any accidents, and, if there are, it has a machine washable cover.
This option is great for allowing your child more freedom in their bed whilst ensuring they are safe yet don't feel caged in. It also means you can access your child very easily without having to move a barrier or panel out of the way.
Parent tester Natalie, mum of 7 and 4 year old used the foam bumper with her toddler and said, "I found them to be great and not too cumbersome, very easy to use".
Pros: Very soft and comfortable, allows your child to feel free, water resistant and machine washable
Cons: Is not as high as some others in this list and is quite large to store
Available from: Amazon
How did we choose our 10 of the Best?
When choosing these toddler bed guards, we considered and compared protection, comfort, ease of assembly, convenience and portability.
Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.
Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each of which we believe isbest fora different situation or requirement. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best foryour family.
Tips for using a bed guard safely
Baby expert Dean Smith also gave us some top tips to ensure you once you've bought a bed guard you install and use it safely.
- "Place the bed guard half-way down the bed so that it sits in the middle. This guarantees the safest place, as it prevents your toddler from rolling out whilst sleeping at either end of the bed.
- "If possible, put one side of your toddler's bed against the wall. This prevents the need to buy multiple bed guards, and offer a natural guard instead.
- "Make sure the bed guard is properly fitted. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and test its strength by pushing on the guard from inside the bed. If the bed guard falls or moves, it hasn't been safely fitted, and should be fixed before your toddler uses it.
- "Don't cover the bed guard in fabrics or clothing. This could make the bed guard dangerous, as it could prevent your child from being able to breathe when against the guard. Always make sure that the bed guard is completely breathable, and there's nothing preventing air from getting in and out.
- "Take the bed guard with you if you're going away, even if it's just for a night. Being in a different bed is likely to throw your toddler off when it comes to safely manoeuvring around their surroundings, so bringing the bed guard with you to make sure they sleep safely and soundly is vital."
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About our experts
Dean Smith, director of For Your Little One, is an expert in the baby, toddler and parent industry, knowledgable in everything from baby furniture to toddler and parent care.
Keeley Black is a baby safety expert and has been working with children for 19 years with a qualification in NVQ 3 Children, Learning and Development, BA Hons Social Work and is trained in safer sleeping. She also has a babysitting busiess called SafeCircle Sitters.
About the author
Chloe is a Digital Reviews Writer and Coordinator for Immediate Media's Parenting team. She researches and writes articles, recommending the best products for parents, ranging from best sleep aids to best playpens. She has a First-Class Honours Psychology degree where she developed a strong interest in child development.
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FAQs
Are Bed guards safe for toddler beds? ›
Bed guards and rails are aimed at toddlers, with the recommended age usually being from 18 months to 5 years. Many manufacturers advise not using a bed rail on a sleeping surface that is more than 60cm from the floor, so they wouldn't be suitable for the top bed of a bunk.
How can I make my toddler bed safer? ›- Make sure you can add guardrails to the bed to prevent falls. Fit the guardrails against the mattress and frame, so there are no gaps.
- Don't give your child a pillow before age 2. ...
- Don't place the bed under a window.
- Don't use an upper bunk bed or other raised bed for children under age 6.
Harrogate Bed Rail [White, 771] - YouTube
Are bumpers or rails better? ›These bed rails provide the extra protection you and your baby will need. A bumper is easy to install and is portable, giving it an advantage over other bed rails. Inflatable bumpers, specifically, are lightweight and can be folded down into a small square.
Do toddler beds need a guard rail? ›The purpose of bed guard rails for toddlers is to keep children from slipping and falling from the bed while they are sleeping. Bed rails can also assist them in transitioning from a crib to a bed. Toddlers are erratic sleepers; that's why bed guard rails are necessary.
Do you really need a toddler rail? ›This is typically the time most kiddos switch to a bed, and those low rails are easy to scale in comparison to the taller ones on a crib. The main reason rails are necessary is because toddlers are such wild sleepers, as What To Expect's website pointed out.
Are toddler guard rails safe? ›The CPSC goes on to advise that bed rails should never be used with children under 2 years old, due to the increased risk that younger children might get trapped between the rail and their bed.
Do pool noodles work as bed rails? ›Jade explains that “instead of buying expensive bed rails,” she uses pool noodles to keep her toddler from falling out of bed. Per Jade's instructions, all that's needed for this toddler bed trick are three pool noodles and some duct tape.
How do I get my 3 year old to stop falling out of bed? ›- 1 Place The Mattress Directly On the Floor.
- 2 Get Two Firm Guard Rails.
- 3 Keep Large Cushions Right Beside The Bed.
- 4 Keep The Bed Next To The Side Of A Wall.
- 5 Place The Bed Into A Corner.
- 6 Roll Up A Beach Towel And Place It Underneath The Mattress.
If your child experiences a knock, bump or blow to the head, sit them down, comfort them, and make sure they rest. You can hold a cold compress to their head – try a bag of ice or frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel. Seek immediate medical advice if symptoms such as mild dizziness and a headache get worse.
Should a toddler bed be against a wall? ›
One poster advises to either have the bed at least 30cm away from the wall of have a rail on both sides of the bed to help prevent this.
Should a toddler bed go against the wall? ›Once your toddler graduates to a toddler bed or a kid-size bed equipped with bed rails, it's important to remember not to place their beds close to a wall.
How do I keep my toddler in bed at night? ›Simply say, “It's time for bed,” take their hand or pick them up, and walk them back to bed. After several nights of 30+ immediate trips back to bed, the toddlers get the point and quit. Many people combine this with a positive reward system, such as a sticker chart for every night that a child stays in bed.
How do you put a guard rail on a toddler bed? ›Toddler bed rails | How to Install Bed Rail | Bed safety guard rails
How do Bed guards work? ›DS has a bed guard. It has a metal pole in the shape of a D that goes under the matress, this has straps that attach to it and a metal plate on the end of those. You put the plate upright the other side of the mattress to hold the whole thing on - but it's not often necessary as the D shape pole itself is often enough.
What age can you use bed rails? ›Use with children and small adults
The majority of bed rails on the market are designed to be used only with individuals over 1.46 m in height (4' 9”), which is also the height of an average 12-year-old child.
Bed rails should be used when your child is about 2 until age 5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing bed rails. If they leave a gap or loosen during the night, your child could get trapped, so use the rails strictly according to the instructions and check them each night before use.
Are foam bumpers safe for toddlers? ›Foam, Inflatable, and Portable Bed Bumpers
They go under the sheet, and most toddlers find them really cozy. Foam bed bumpers are made of firm foam in a soft, washable cover. They are a gentle and convenient way to prevent the older or more confident toddler from creeping too close to the edge of the bed.
When Is the Right Time to Switch to a Toddler Bed? Approximately one-third of toddlers transition to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old, and another third transition between ages 2 and 2.5. In general, most toddlers make the move from a crib to a bed between the age of 18 months and 3 years old.
Are bed rails the safest option? ›However, accident data shows that bed rails sometimes don't prevent falls and can introduce other risks. Poorly fitting bed rails have caused deaths where a person's neck, chest or limbs become trapped in gaps between the bed rails or between the bed rail and the bed, headboard, or mattress.
How far off the ground is a toddler bed? ›
We recommend a quality low profile mattress (5”) for young children. So with a 5” mattress, the sleeping surface will be at a total height of 16 3/4 off the ground.
How far apart should toddler bed rails be? ›Safe slat distance: The distance between slats must be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) to protect infants from falling out and toddlers from trapping their heads between the slats.
Are rail guards safe? ›While they're generally deemed safe, it's important to carefully choose your rail guards to make sure the ones you choose don't pose any problems. If you opt for guards that tie into place, make sure the ties never hang low enough for baby to grab.
Can you use bed rails without a box spring? ›Adjustable bed frame
– If you have an adjustable foundation, you will not need a boxspring.
Most toddlers have the ability to hop over the crib rail when they're about 35 inches tall and between 18 and 24 months of age. Of course, some babies are very agile and will attempt to climb out sooner (at which point they should be moved to a bed).
Are bed bumpers safe? ›The risks of crib bumpers
Padded crib bumpers can cause suffocation, strangulation and entrapment, and there's a heartbreaking statistic to prove it: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) connected 113 infant deaths to padded crib bumpers between 1990 and 2019.
There are a number of alternatives to bed rails, including removable bolsters, trapeze bars and concave mattresses.
How do you secure a pool noodle to a bed? ›To make the bed barrier, Jade says to duct tape all three pool noodles together in the shape of a triangle. Jade demonstrates in the following footage that she puts the pool noodle barrier underneath her toddler's mattress protector, keeping it steady and secure on the bed so “it doesn't slip and slide.”
How do you make a bed rail at home? ›DIY TODDLER BED RAIL - YouTube
Can a baby falling cause brain damage? ›It's normal to worry, but rest assured that most minor bumps to the head don't cause a serious brain injury or require emergency medical attention. However, there are rare instances where a more serious traumatic brain injury can result.
How do I stop my 2 year old from rolling off the bed? ›
Create a barrier that prevents your child from rolling out of bed. Try rolling up a long blanket or beach towel and tucking it under a separate sheet that you have laid over the mattress, this makes it a lot more difficult for your toddler to roll out.
What is falling out of bed a symptom of? ›A troubling sleep disorder that causes sleepers to physically act out their dreams by kicking, screaming or falling out of bed may be more common than reported, according to Loyola University Medical Center sleep specialist Dr. Nabeela Nasir. The condition is called REM behavior disorder.
Can a toddler get brain damage from hitting their head? ›The most common serious head injuries in young children are caused by falls and abuse (inflicted head injuries), such as shaken baby syndrome. Serious head injuries may involve injuries to the brain. The more force that is involved in a head injury, the more likely it is that a serious injury to the brain has occurred.
How long after hitting head can concussion symptoms start? ›"For some people, the symptoms after a concussion may not become apparent until later in the day," says Beth Kolar, advanced clinician at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, part of Main Line Health, who explains that delayed concussion symptoms may present 24 to 48 hours after and injury.
How long should a toddler stay awake after hitting their head? ›Watch Your Child Closely for 2 Hours:
Allow your child to sleep if he wants to, but keep him nearby. Wake him up after 2 hours of sleeping. Check that he is alert and knows who you are. Also, check that he can talk and walk normally.
Place the bed in a safe spot
Make sure your toddler's bed is positioned away from any potential hazards that could lead to injury. Place the bed at least 2 feet from any windows, heating vents, radiators, wall lamps or window blind cords.
Your 1- to 2-year-old should still sleep in a safe, secure crib. Before a child's first birthday, blankets are not recommended because of the possible risk of SIDS. But at this age, it's OK to put a light blanket in your child's crib.
Can a 2 year old overheat in bed? ›Overheating can increase your baby's risk of cot death. A baby can overheat when asleep because of too much bedding or clothes, or because the room is too hot.
What kind of pillow is best for toddler? ›It's best to err on the side of caution and pick a toddler pillow with a down-alternative filling, like cotton or polyester. Firmness. Even if you love a soft pillow, first-time pillows for toddlers shouldn't be overly plush. Instead, pick something that's soft but still firm enough to provide proper support.
Can a 2.5 year old sleep with a blanket? ›When can my toddler have a blanket in bed? Once your child reaches 18 months, it's fine for him to sleep with a thin blanket or lovey. But if he's in a crib, make sure the blanket and stuffed animal are small enough so that he can't use them to climb over the side.
Is it OK for toddler to sleep with blanket over head? ›
If they are comfortably resting, then I would not be concerned. A toddler has the ability to reflexively remove an obstruction from her face if it is threatening her breathing,” Burgert explains. But not everyone is comfortable with little ones' airways being potentially blocked — parents or pros.
How do I get my 4 year old to stay in bed all night? ›Start with a calming bedtime routine. Then offer a comfort object, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. Turn on a night light or leave the bedroom door open if it will help your child feel better. Make sure your child is safe and well and leave the room.
Should you lock toddler in room at night? ›Experts say: it's not OK to lock kids in their rooms
In case of a dangerous event in your home, like a fire, your child may not be able to get out of the room. Locking a toddler's bedroom is a violation of many fire codes. It's also a red flag for child protective services.
The purpose of bed guard rails for toddlers is to keep children from slipping and falling from the bed while they are sleeping. Bed rails can also assist them in transitioning from a crib to a bed. Toddlers are erratic sleepers; that's why bed guard rails are necessary.
Can a 2 year old overheat in bed? ›Overheating can increase your baby's risk of cot death. A baby can overheat when asleep because of too much bedding or clothes, or because the room is too hot.
Do toddlers really need bed rails? ›This is typically the time most kiddos switch to a bed, and those low rails are easy to scale in comparison to the taller ones on a crib. The main reason rails are necessary is because toddlers are such wild sleepers, as What To Expect's website pointed out.
Are toddler guard rails safe? ›The CPSC goes on to advise that bed rails should never be used with children under 2 years old, due to the increased risk that younger children might get trapped between the rail and their bed.
At what age are bed rails safe? ›Portable Bed Rails for Children: Portable bed rails are intended for children (typically from 2 to 5 years of age) who can get in and out of an adult bed unassisted. For more information about these products, please visit the CPSC website.
Are foam bumpers safe for toddlers? ›Foam, Inflatable, and Portable Bed Bumpers
They go under the sheet, and most toddlers find them really cozy. Foam bed bumpers are made of firm foam in a soft, washable cover. They are a gentle and convenient way to prevent the older or more confident toddler from creeping too close to the edge of the bed.
Bed rails should be used when your child is about 2 until age 5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing bed rails. If they leave a gap or loosen during the night, your child could get trapped, so use the rails strictly according to the instructions and check them each night before use.
What temperature should a toddler's room be at night? ›
Toddler Room Temperature
The ideal room temperature for toddlers to sleep in is 18°C to 22°C (65°F to 70°F). It is important to check your child's room to make sure it is neither too hot nor too cold. As soon as your child is six months old, consider teaching how to say “hot” and “cold” in sign language.
Symptoms of heat stroke in kids
A body temperature that rises dangerously high – above 104˚ Fahrenheit. Absence of sweating. Confusion, disorientation. Flushed, hot and dry skin (skin may be wet)
That said, keeping the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees F is a good range in the summer and winter. When the room is too hot, research has shown that it can increase your baby's risk of SIDS; when it's too cold, baby can easily become uncomfortably chilly and wake up unnecessarily.
Should a toddler bed have sides? ›The sides of your toddler's cot should be removed when they are age two. What is this? If you have a particularly adventurous 18-month-old you may find yourself doing this a little earlier. Some children will show a knack from climbing out of their cot as soon as they find the best way to do it.
Are rail guards safe? ›While they're generally deemed safe, it's important to carefully choose your rail guards to make sure the ones you choose don't pose any problems. If you opt for guards that tie into place, make sure the ties never hang low enough for baby to grab.
Do toddlers fall out of bed? ›Yes, they will likely fall. But prepared parents can control the difference between a frightened boo-boo and something far worse. “Even if the kid rolls off onto hardwood floors, they might bonk their head, but that's a very, very small concern,” says Kroeker.
Are bed rails the safest option? ›However, accident data shows that bed rails sometimes don't prevent falls and can introduce other risks. Poorly fitting bed rails have caused deaths where a person's neck, chest or limbs become trapped in gaps between the bed rails or between the bed rail and the bed, headboard, or mattress.
How high should the rails be on a toddler bed? ›Convertible cribs and toddler beds are required to have side rails at least 5 inches taller than the top of the mattress. If you're using a bed without a built-in rail, be sure to install separate guardrails that are at least that tall.
Are bed bumpers safe? ›The risks of crib bumpers
Padded crib bumpers can cause suffocation, strangulation and entrapment, and there's a heartbreaking statistic to prove it: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) connected 113 infant deaths to padded crib bumpers between 1990 and 2019.