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Forbes
10 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
The Best Toddler Bed Rails To Keep Them Snug In Bed
The transition to a toddler bed or a big kid mattress is exciting and even a little bittersweet. After all, it's a sign that your baby is growing up. To help prevent your toddler from falling out of bed once they've made the switch, the best toddler bed rails securely attach to the bed without any gaps between the rail and the mattress, and they're sturdy enough to keep your child in the bed. After researching the top options and talking to pediatricians about toddler safety, my top pick is the Totcraft Toddler Bed Rails Guard, because it's incredibly versatile and secure. It can attach to a variety of bed types, offers a drop-down rail and is available in multiple sizes. The best toddler bed rails help create a safe and secure sleep environment. 'While not every toddler needs one, [bed rails] are highly recommended for most children during this transition, especially those who are active sleepers or who are new to sleeping in an open bed,' says pediatrician Daniel Ganjian. A toddler bed rail can also help give kids the sense of security they felt in their crib by making their toddler bed seem like less of a wide-open space. We curated a list of the best toddler bed rails, including the Delta Children Inflatable Bed Rails, which are ideal for traveling and the Comfybumpy Extra Long Toddler Bed Rail, which works well for larger beds. Amazon Dimensions: 35.5 x 19.5 inches | Material: Metal and mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple sizes, multiple colors, swing-down rail With multiple sizes and colors, the Totcraft Toddler Bed Rails Guard is a versatile option that can fit many bed sizes, from toddler beds to king size beds. You can choose a standard height or taller height, which is ideal for thicker mattresses or for just having some extra peace of mind. The rail also fits a variety of bed types, including those with wooden slats, a box spring or a wooden base. Multiple installation modes help ensure you get the most secure fit. You can install it with hook and loop sticky straps or screw it into a wooden frame. When it's time to get your toddler in and out of bed, the rail folds down, which also makes changing the sheets easier. The fabric is machine washable. Amazon Dimensions: 33 x 23 inches | Material: Mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: No-tool assembly, multiple colors Though not quite as versatile as our top pick, the Dream On Me Lightweight Mesh Bed Rail is ideal for twin size beds. The rail has a reinforced anchor system and a stabilizer bar to help ensure it stays snugly on your child's bed. It weighs 2 pounds and assembles without any tools, making this an ideal option for travel, too. I also like that this rail, like many others, has mesh sides to help with breathability. It's designed for mattresses that are less than 5 inches, however, so check your measurements before purchasing. That's more typically a crib mattress height than a kid bed or an adult mattress, of course. It's available in a variety of colors to match the décor of your toddler's room. Amazon Dimensions: 59 x 19.5 inches | Material: Metal, plastic, mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple colors, pull-down rail Toddlers with larger beds can benefit from an extra long bed rail to help prevent them from falling out at night. The Comfybumpy Extra Long Toddler Bed Rail is 59 inches long and fits any bed size from twin to king. Sometimes, I worry that my kids will slip past shorter bed rails and still fall out of bed, so I like the security of this longer option. Many parent reviewers with restless sleepers seem to also appreciate this rail, because it helps keep their kids secure. It also has mesh sides for breathability and is available in four colors. This is a versatile option that's designed to fit beds with slat bases, box springs or wood bases, attaching via Velcro straps or screws. A pull-down rail makes it easy to get in and out of bed, which is especially important with such a long rail. Amazon Dimensions: 43 x 20 inches | Material: Metal, mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple sizes, swing-down rail, no-tool assembly With a reinforced anchor safety system, the Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard is designed to stay sturdy even if you're moving its gate up and down a lot. It has an all-steel frame and sturdy anchoring straps. Locks on both sides ensure it stays secure while in the upright position. It's only available in white and gray, so you'll have less versatility with this option when it comes to matching the décor of your home. However, there are multiple length options. It's designed for use with a mattress and a box spring and fits mattress sizes up to queen. The rail also has a gap guard to help prevent gaps between the rail and the bed. 'Ensure the design prevents any gaps between the rail and the mattress where a child could get trapped,' says Ganjian. Amazon Dimensions: 48 x 7 x 5 inches | Material: Plastic | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Deflate for travel, grippy bottom, tool-free assembly If you're traveling and need to pack a bed rail in your kids' luggage, it doesn't get much more portable than inflatable bed rails. The Delta Children Inflatable Bed Rails come in a two pack and include a foot pump, making them ideal for travel. They function a bit differently than regular bed rails. Instead of sticking up above the bed, they tuck under a fitted sheet to make bumpers on the sides of the bed. A grippy bottom helps them stay in place. Because they don't come up as high as traditional bed rails, they may not be the best option for really restless sleepers. However, for kids who need a gentle reminder to stay in bed while traveling, they're a great tool to have. They fit twin, full, queen and king beds. Amazon Dimensions: 52 x 7 x 5 inches | Material: CertiPUR-US foam, jacquard fabric cover | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Non-slip top and bottom, tool-free assembly Similar to our travel pick, the Hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers For Toddlers slide under a fitted sheet and create a soft bumper to gently keep your child in bed. They're made of foam and have a machine-washable cover, making them soft and cozy. They're nice and long, too, helping ensure your toddler won't wiggle past them. The bumpers are designed for twin, full, double, queen and king beds, and you can choose to purchase one or a pack of two. Non-slip strips on the top and bottom help them stay in place. If you're planning on using these bumpers every night, make sure you regularly check them so they don't slide out of place. Amazon Dimensions: 36 x 18 inches | Material: Metal and mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Drop-down rail, no-tool assembly One of the shortest rails on our list in both length and height, the Munchkin Sleep Toddler Bed Rail is ideal for smaller beds or families who want a rail that only covers part of the bed. While many of the other rails on our list fit beds up to king size, this one is ideal for twin, full and queen beds. It has a mesh panel for breathability as well as a drop-down function that makes it easy for kids to get in and out of bed. You can install this rail on platform and non-platform beds, and it has safety straps to help give it a snug fit. A metal frame also helps ensure it's sturdy. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted is committed to making it easier for you to find the products that are right for your family. As parents ourselves, we spend countless hours researching and testing products, including the best mattresses for kids and the best toddler pillows. To select the best toddler bed rails, I conducted thorough research and reporting. Here are a few key factors to consider when shopping for toddler bed rails for your child. You need to choose a bed rail that is appropriately sized for your toddler's bed. 'The rail should cover a good portion of the bed to provide adequate protection. However, ensure there is enough space at either end for the child to get in and out safely,' says Ganjian. If you want a rail that covers the majority of the length of the bed, it's best to choose one with a drop-down feature so your toddler can safely get in and out of bed. 'The most crucial aspect is how securely it attaches to the bed,' says Ganjian. 'Look for rails that have a strong anchoring system, whether it's straps that go under the mattress, a sturdy frame that slides under the mattress or a pressure-fit design that holds firmly.' When you're installing the rail, make sure there are no gaps between the bed and the rail that could trap your child. Read the instruction manual closely to ensure you are using the rail correctly and safely. Once the item is installed and in use, 'periodically check the bed rail to ensure it remains securely attached and that all components are in good working order,' says Ganjian. Additionally, Elias cautions parents not to use a toddler bed rail for bunk beds. 'Pediatricians do not recommend bunk beds for toddlers, so a bed rail should not be used as a safeguard for a top bunk or a higher-than-average bed,' she says. Choose a bed rail that is designed to work with the specific type and size of bed you have. This will ensure you can install it correctly and safely. Many toddler bed rails have straps that go under the mattress to help secure it in place. These are often very sturdy. Some also offer an installation option that allows you to screw the rail into a wooden bed frame. For travel bumpers, look for grippy panels that help keep the bumper in place, and regularly check them to make sure they're not moving around. 'Some bed rails are easier to install and remove than others, which can be a factor if you plan to travel with it or move it between beds,' says Ganjian. If you want quick assembly, check for rails that offer tool-free installation. At What Age Do Kids Need Toddler Bed Rails? 'Children typically need bed rails when they transition out of a crib, which usually occurs between 18 months and 3.5 years old,' says Ganjian. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), kids should move out of their crib once they're 35 inches tall, the top rail of the crib reaches their nipple height or they're attempting to climb out. 'Once they are in a toddler bed or a regular bed, a bed rail is usually necessary until they are around 4 or 5 years old, or when they consistently sleep without falling out,' says Ganjian. Do I Need A Bed Rail For A Crib? When a crib is in crib mode, no, you do not need a bed rail. If your crib can transition to a toddler bed, a bed rail can be helpful to keep your child from falling out of bed. Many transitional cribs come with a bed rail or have a specific rail that's compatible with the bed for when you're ready to convert it to a toddler bed. How Do I Keep My Toddler From Falling Out Of A Toddler Bed? One of the best ways to keep your toddler from falling out of bed is to use a bed rail. A floor bed is an option, too. 'For some children, placing the mattress directly on the floor can be an alternative to a bed rail, especially for very active sleepers or those in smaller spaces,' says Ganjian.
Boston Globe
08-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Trump's tariffs hit baby product industry hard, threatening parents with price hikes, shortages
Advertisement But with new tariffs more than doubling the cost of Chinese imports, prices on baby necessities are rising fast. And manufacturers and retailers are suddenly slamming on the brakes, halting months' worth of shipments, a move that economists warn will lead to shortages of strollers, cribs and other necessities as early as this month. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'Baby products are not only critical, they're required by law in many cases, like car seats,' said Lisa Trofe, executive director of the JPMA, which is expecting overall markups of about 30 percent. Infant furniture sold in the U.S. now faces average tariffs of about 129 percent, according to an analysis by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Other highly taxed items include toys (113 percent) and infant clothing (41 percent), S&P found. Advertisement Inflation has already squeezed parents over the past five years, with groceries up 28 percent, day care up 23 percent, and baby food and formula up 10 percent. Delta Children, the country's largest crib and children's furniture brand, paused nearly all shipments from China early last month, as soon as the White House announced higher tariffs. Although the company makes some products in Wisconsin and Kansas, it relies heavily on near-daily shipments from Chinese factories that supply its cribs, bassinets, strollers and high chairs. Without those new products coming in, inventory is quickly running low. 'We're going to end up with bare shelves in another couple of months if things don't change,' said Joseph Shamie, the president of Delta Children. 'We are doing our best to hold price increases to a minimum, but I've got to start making some tough decisions soon: How much more can we possibly raise our prices? What do we do next?' The industry, Shamie said, has spent decades working with Chinese factories and testing facilities to ensure its products are safe. As of 2008, cribs, toys and other children's products sold in the U.S. must undergo testing at third-party safety labs, mostly based in Asia. Today, China has more than 300 such testing laboratories for children's products, nearly four times as many as the U.S. does, a federal database shows. 'Juvenile products are among the most highly regulated products in the United States,' Trofe said. 'There are so many safety, compliance and quality requirements, and to move somewhere else would take years and require significant capital investments that companies just can't make right now.' The electronics section of a Costco in Marina Del Rey, Calif., on April 4. Mark Abramson/NYT The turmoil has been particularly acute for an industry that was able to carve out significant relief from tariffs during President Donald Trump's first term by citing care and safety concerns. At the time, high chairs, car seats, play yards and toys were all exempt from 25 percent tariffs on China. (Although cribs, bassinets and parts for car seats were not.) Advertisement This time, the White House has made no such exceptions, despite lobbying from House Democrats, manufacturers and trade groups. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during a congressional hearing Wednesday, said an exemption for car seats and other children's necessities is 'under consideration,' though he did not offer details on timing. In the meantime, manufacturers say they are struggling with mixed signals and heightened uncertainty. 'For the last three weeks, we've been like chickens with our heads cut off - just scrambling, trying to figure out what to do if these tariffs never come down,' said Casey Ames, founder of Harkla, a company in Boise, Idaho, that sells products for children with special needs. 'We'd planned for tariffs, but we didn't plan for a full-on trade war.' Ames raised the price of the company's flagship sensory swing this year, from $89 to $99, to offset early tariffs, but he paused orders altogether after duties jumped to 145 percent. He has considered moving manufacturing to the U.S. but said there is no way the numbers would work: A sensory swing that costs about $30 to manufacture in China would easily cost four times as much to make in the U.S. 'Nobody is going to pay $200 for a swing,' he said, 'even if it's made in America.' The increasing availability of less expensive children's products in the past few decades has leveled the playing field among parents, allowing families of all income levels to afford toys, electronics, high chairs and strollers, said Daniel Cook, a childhood studies professor at Rutgers University at Camden who studies consumer culture. But the specter of suddenly higher costs - on top of rising prices for groceries, child care and other essentials - means many parents may soon be priced out of certain categories of products altogether. Advertisement 'If these tariffs stay in place, there's a good chance there's going to be a stronger bifurcation of children's haves and have-nots, of families with and without,' Cook said. Trump last week appeared to shrug off concerns that parents might be hit with higher costs and shortages. 'Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, you know? And maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more than they would normally,' he told reporters at the White House. The Trump administration has said higher costs may be a necessary hurdle in reviving U.S. manufacturing and bringing back factory jobs, though it has not elaborated on how new tariff-related price increases may clash with its goal of boosting the national birth rate. More than 1 in 3 adult Americans under 50 without children say affordability concerns are a major reason they are unlikely to become parents, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Newell Brands, the parent company of Baby Jogger and Graco, has raised prices for its strollers, car seats and Pack 'n Play play yards by about 20 percent so far this year to offset the first couple of rounds of China tariffs. Although it has moved production out of China for its other brands - which include Rubbermaid, Sharpie and Yankee Candle - executives said the situation has been trickier to navigate with children's items. Advertisement 'The one piece that is most challenging is baby gear,' CEO Chris Peterson said in an earnings call last week, adding that the company bulked up on inventory ahead of tariffs. 'At some point, we will begin to run out of inventory. … When that happens, because the whole industry sources from China, we would expect that we and the rest of the industry will take additional pricing to offset the tariff cost.' The company's stock has lost 49 percent of its value so far this year, putting it in line with other children's manufacturers that have posted similar drops in the financial markets. Dorel Juvenile - whose brands includes Maxi-Cosi, Cosco Kids, and Safety 1st - is down 59 percent this year, while clothing giant Children's Place has fallen 48 percent. Kids2, the parent company of Ingenuity, Baby Einstein and Bright Starts, owns its own factory near China's Jiujiang Port, and is increasingly paying for import duties itself, by shipping extra strollers, baby gates and bouncers to warehouses in California. Many of the company's largest customers, including Walmart, Target and Amazon, have canceled orders they would normally pick up in China because of new tariffs, according to Mark Mintman, Kids2's chief financial officer. (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.) The Evenflo LiteMax NXT infant car is demonstrated during ShowStoppers on the sidelines of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, on Jan. 7. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images 'A lot of folks have just parked their containers, waiting for cooler heads to prevail,' he said. 'We're begrudgingly keeping the goods flowing.' But, he added, the strategy comes with a cost: The company expects to raise prices by at least 20 percent. Advertisement Until this year, educational toy company Learning Resources was able to bring most of its products into the country duty-free, thanks to an exemption on toys. But now, with all Chinese imports subject to a 145 percent tax, CEO Rick Woldenberg says his $2.3 million annual tariff bill could balloon to $100 million. 'The rug has completely been pulled out from under us,' he said. The Chicago-area business has moved about 16 percent of its manufacturing from China to Vietnam and India in recent years, though it hasn't been enough to offset the pain. 'Even if I eliminate every other expense - rent, electricity, health insurance, postage - I still can't cover that $100 million,' Woldenberg said. The prospect of rising costs has left many parents scrambling. Anastasia Moore's baby shower isn't for another couple of weeks. But the 32-year-old, who is having her second child at the end of June, has already snapped up most of the big-ticket items on her registry, including a crib and a convertible car seat her newborn won't use for at least another year. Given the product shortages and shipping delays she faced during the coronavirus pandemic, when her first child was born, Moore says she's being especially cautious now. She's even stocking up on bottles and formula in case breastfeeding doesn't work out. 'Sure, you can buy used children's clothing, but you can't buy a used car seat or pacifier or bottle nipples,' said Moore, who does marketing for a tech company in Stafford, Virginia. 'There are so many little things we're having to panic-buy.'
New York Post
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- New York Post
Pronatalist or trying for a second, growing families should grab this stroller deal now
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Nothing shows support for the bid for bigger families like a double stroller. Far too often, expensive, bulky, and always-in-the-way, a two-seated carriage is not just a vessel for the two-under-two crew. It's also a status symbol, and potentially, a signal of procreation. For some pronatalists or parents planning for a second, the double stroller is considered an essential. In the current climate, this could be the final chance for growing families to grab a double stroller deal that doesn't drain their 401 Ks. Take this model by Delta Children, for example. Sleek, safe, and under $100, the Jeep Scout is currently at its lowest price in 30 days. Shoppers seem to be stocking up, with hundreds of Amazon sales in this last month alone. But, the chances of that deal sticking around are slim. Advertisement It's true, raising a child is not cheap. But, for many, it feels like it's getting more expensive. With the new tariffs on China, manufacturing experts have predicted that strollers, car seats, and other baby essentials could become more expensive and harder to find. Roughly 90% of baby paraphernalia is made in Asia, and the majority in China, per the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Hoping to beat the upcharge, parents are gearing up, urgently buying in bulk, and hunting for the best deals to snag before the surge pricing kicks in and inventory starts dipping. Fortunately, relief could be near. Earlier this week, the President endorsed $5,000 baby bonuses for new mothers, telling Post reporters that the cash incentive sounded like a 'good idea.' The President's pronatalist ally, Elon Musk, has also chimed in on the subject of faltering fertility. Musk, a father of fourteen with four women, has stirred controversy over his social media posts on the topic. 'Low birth rates will end civilization,' the tech billionaire warned on X last Tuesday, responding to a post that showed data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics on decreasing birth rates. Wherever you stand, whether you're aiming to push a baby-making policy or just hoping to survive in this economy, now could be the time to double up on your stroller and double down on savings. Amazon Politics aside, the Jeep Scout is much than a stroller, it's a statement. Flaunting sixteen wheels for extraordinary balance and swift turning, two UV canopies, generous cup-holders, and more storage than my first New York City studio, it's a practical investment for any parents-of-two. Still slim enough to maneuver tight sidewalks, but spacious enough for two to sit comfortably. You may be tempted to have another baby just to buy one. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
