How To Make A Toddler Bed Rail

How to Make a Toddler Bed Rail: A Step-by-Step Guide

For toddlers who are learning to become independent sleepers but are still too young for a regular bed, a bed rail can be a lifesaver. Commercial toddler bed rails come in a variety of styles and sizes, but you can also build your own custom bed rail using a few simple tools and materials.

With just a few basic power tools and some lumber from your local hardware store, you can build a safe and sturdy bed rail that will help your toddler transition from a crib to a bed.

Materials

Here are the materials you'll need to make a toddler bed rail:

1x6 pine board (8 feet long)
1x4 pine board (8 feet long)
1/2-inch plywood (4 feet x 2 feet)
Wood screws (1 1/2 inches long)
Sandpaper
Drill
Countersink bit
Circular saw or miter saw
Measuring tape
Pencil

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a toddler bed rail:

Cut the 1x6 pine board to length. The length of the bed rail will depend on the size of your toddler's bed. To determine the correct length, measure the width of the bed from the inside edge of one side rail to the inside edge of the other side rail. Add 6 inches to this measurement for the overlap on each side of the bed.
Cut the 1x4 pine board to length. The length of the 1x4 pine board will be the same as the length of the 1x6 pine board.
Attach the 1x4 pine board to the 1x6 pine board. Place the 1x4 pine board on edge along the bottom edge of the 1x6 pine board. Secure the two boards together using wood screws. Countersink the screws slightly so that they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Cut the plywood to size. The plywood will form the base of the bed rail. Cut the plywood to a size that is 4 inches shorter than the length of the bed rail. The width of the plywood should be the same as the width of the 1x6 pine board.
Attach the plywood to the bed rail. Place the plywood on top of the 1x6 pine board, aligning the edges of the two pieces. Secure the plywood to the bed rail using wood screws. Countersink the screws slightly so that they are flush with the surface of the wood.
Sand the bed rail. Once the bed rail is assembled, sand it lightly to smooth any rough edges.
Finish the bed rail. You can finish the bed rail with paint or stain, if desired. Allow the finish to dry completely before using the bed rail.

Tips

If you don't have a circular saw or miter saw, you can have the lumber cut to size at your local hardware store.
You can adjust the height of the bed rail by adding or removing shims between the bed rail and the bed frame.
Be sure to check the bed rail regularly for any signs of damage. Replace the bed rail immediately if it becomes damaged.

With a little bit of time and effort, you can build a custom toddler bed rail that will help your child transition safely and comfortably from a crib to a bed.