How to Buy a Bed Safety Rail

Moving your child from a crib to a bed is a big step for the child and an even bigger emotional step for you. Choosing the right bed safety rail is not only going to keep your child safe, but it's going to give you peace of mind. There are many different bed safety rails on the market, and you simply need to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the location of your child's bed. If the bed is located against a wall, you may decide that you only need a single bed rail. However, some parents choose the security of a double bed rail no matter the location of the bed.

2. Check the Consumer Reports website for safety ratings. Make sure that the safety rails you consider have been properly reviewed and that there have been no recalls.

3. Compare single bed rails to single bed rails, and double bed rails to other double bed rails. Look at price, safety ratings and consumer reviews.

4. Read more than one consumer review. Other parents' comments on durability and ease of use can help you make your decision.

5. Keep an open mind. You may have decided on a single bed rail, but the bed rail that meets all your standards is a double rail. You can still use a double bed safety rail even if your child's bed is in a corner or against the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• You should always properly research bed safety rails before placing them on your child's bed.
• You must install bed safety rails properly and according to the included instructions to avoid injury.

Resources

• For reviews and comparisons of bed safety rails, go to consumerreports.org.