[REVIEW] The Best Toddler Bed Rail, No Box Spring Needed. The best options to help your child sleep safely
Are you looking to move your child from a crib to a bed, but you need a toddler bed rail with no box spring? Many toddler bed rails require parents to attach the rail to the box spring.
Fortunately there are many solutions for toddler bed rails when you don’t have a box spring!
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What should I consider when buying bed rails for a toddler bed with no box spring?
- Is the bed against the wall or in the middle of the room? Will you need two bed rails?
- Will you need a rail for top or bottom of the bed for active sleepers?
- How will your child get in and out of bed?
- Cost
- Does it look like a crib side to help your child feel more comfortable in the new bed?
Toddler bed rails that don’t require a box spring
The bed rail that works with any base- or even no base!
The Summer Double Safety Bedrail (click to view on Amazon) works with any toddler bed! Platform beds, mattresses on the floor, bunk beds,you name it. It rests on rails so that you don’t need a box spring
Looking at the photos in the customer reviews on Amazon really showed me it could work with any kind of bed!
And in fact, it worked perfectly for my daughter’s floor bed! It only took about 20 minutes to set it up. One of the features I really like is that it’s really hard to fold the rail down. That means my daughter won’t accidentally do it- it definitely takes an adult!
You can also lower the rail, which is a handy feature for when you need to change the sheets.
Pros
- Works with beds from twin to queen size
- Can be used with mattresses on the floor, slat bases, bunk beds
- No permanent attachment points
- Assemble and install in less than 30 minutes
Cons
- Comes as a double, there’s no single rail option
- Bed rail can be difficult to lower
- Only available in gray
Related Post: Trying to get your infant to sleep? Read about my recommendations for baby swings here!
Runner up- The best single toddler bed rail (no box spring)
If you must have a single bed rail, I recommend the Dream On Me bed rail from Amazon. However, it only fits on twin- size mattresses. It’s available in blue, pink, and white.
Other options
Use or make a bumper-style bed rail
Memory foam bumper bed rail
If you don’t like the look of the metal and plastic rails, check out the UBBACare Memory Foam Bumper (available on Amazon)! Simply put it on the bed before putting the sheet on, and your toddler will just roll into the cushy foam in their sleep! It comes with a machine-washable cover too. With this particular model, you may need two- one for each side of the bed.
Inflatable bed rail
Or there’s the inflatable Shrunks bed rail from Amazon. The kit includes two bed rails, a repair kit, and a storage bag. Blow it up with the included foot pump, slide them under the sheets, and you’re good to go! They also deflate for storage or travel, like when you are staying with family or at a hotel. Or if Grandma and Grandpa want a bed rail at their house that they can store when it’s not in use. Downside: They may deflate over time.
DIY
Looking for a cheaper option? Cut a pool noodle in half and put half along each side of the bed. Tuck it in under the sheet just like the memory foam version above. Cutting it in half will also stop the noodle from sliding around as much.
Pros
- Bumper rails are relatively inexpensive
- Soft
- Easy for child to get in and out of bed
- Don’t take up much room
Cons
- Does not look like a crib or traditional bed rail
- You may need to buy/ make two, one for each side of the bed
- You may need to buy “taller” sheets to make sure they fit over the bumper pillows
Do bed bumpers work?
Bed bumpers are great for parents who don’t want metal bed rails. They will prevent a child from falling out of bed in their sleep. Some parents find them more attractive or easier to use than metal bed rails.
=Related Post: 8 Simple Tips to Wash Your Toddlers Hair without Crying=
Put the crib mattress next to the bed
This is a very simple solution, but may not work in every situation. If your toddler bed is low to the ground, simply put the crib mattress next to the bed.
Pros
- Works well for low beds
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Takes up more space
- Not an option for parents who need the crib mattress for another child
Why do I need a toddler bed rail?
There are three main reasons parents want bed rails for their toddlers
- Bed rails prevent active sleepers from rolling out of bed and possibly getting hurt.
- Parents want to make the toddler bed as similar to a crib as possible. Bed rails enclose the bed so it feels more familiar to your child.
- Bed rails may discourage your toddler from climbing out of bed to play when they should be sleeping.
Possible situations where your toddler bed may not have a box spring
- Captain’s bed (bed with drawers underneath
- Bed frame doesn’t require a box spring
- Putting the mattress directly on the floor
- Day bed or trundle bed
- Mattress sits inside of the frame
Toddler bed rail, no box spring- Conclusions
I highly recommend the Summer Double Safety Bed Rail available on Amazon, as the best bed rail for toddler beds without box springs. We’ve been using it for a few months now with my daughter, and it works great! This is a huge relief since she’s a very active sleeper.
If you’re looking for other options, consider a bumper-style bed rail.
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