There are two kinds of bed rails: one for small children and another for adults. A bed rail for children helps prevent them from rolling off the bed while they sleep or nap. This is generally used as a transition measure when moving from a crib to a regular bed. A bed rail for adults is ideal for those who need help getting in and out of bed. It attaches to the side of a bed and allows the user to maintain his balance while making the step to or from the bed. A bed rail is easy to install, whether it is for a child's or an adult's bed, and is generally designed for strength, durability and safety.
What to Look for
A bed rail is made from heavy-duty plastic or lightweight metal, providing a sturdy frame that locks into position. Some bed rails come with mesh netting instead of vertical rails. Children's bed rails can easily be installed on convertible cribs, box-spring beds and platform beds and can be single-sided or double-sided for beds that do not have one side up against a wall. Select a model with gap guards to prevent the child from slipping between the rails. A bed rail should be able to fold down, making it easier to change bedding and reach the child effortlessly.
Adult bed rails are designed to swing out for support as you stand to get out of bed. The bed rail should lock in place once it is positioned. Look for a model that is easy to install with a tubular steel frame that can be inserted between the box spring and the mattress. You should be able to mount the bed rail on either side of bed, and it should have a latch that releases to position the legs securely for support. An adult bed rail should support up to 250 pounds of weight. Look for a model that requires no assembly and that is made of steel with a comfortable foam grip and a safety strap. Some adult bed rails come with an attachable tray.
Common Pitfalls
If you are shopping for a child's bed rail, make sure the rails are secure enough so that they will not break and that the rails are close enough to each other to prevent your child from squeezing in between them. A child's head can become trapped if the gap between rails is too large, and this can cause severe injury or death.
When shopping for an adult bed rail, make sure that the locking element is secure and that the materials are strong enough to support the adult's weight before you make your purchase.
