If you're new to parenting, you probably never heard of bed guards before. Bed guards are basically the sides of a crib for slightly older children; they are secured to the top and bottom of a bed in order to ensure that your child won't roll off their bed at night. Adult bed guards are also available for people who are ill and might roll off their bed while asleep. There are many different kinds of bed guards - traditional wooden bed guards, foam bed guards, and bed guards for adults.

Wooden bed guards are considered to be traditional in many senses of the word. They were the first form of bed guards to be designed, and are made of wood. They are safe, sturdy, and solid. Their major downside is that they can be difficult to install and uninstall. Foam bed guards are a newer design, and are made of soft, touchable foam. They are easier to install, and also are a favorite of babies who are finicky. Bed guards that are made for adults are usually metal railings that are attached to hospital beds. They can also be purchased and installed on home beds as well.

Not every bed guard is created equally, however. With traditional bed guards (wooden ones!), you have to check to see if the bottom of the crib or bed is solid or slatted. Certain baby bed guards are better fitted for solid bottoms instead of slatted, and vice versa. Parents who want their child to sleep comfortably at night should also take the color of the bed guards into consideration. It has been proven that children usually will be soothed by pastel colors such as lavender, pale green, pink, and sky blue. This has also been true with adults as well. Matching your bed guards to your room's decor also is a good way to make your baby's room look wonderful.

Bed guards also aren't equal when it comes to safety. Before you spend money on a bed guard for your baby (or yourself, if you need an adult bed guard), make sure to ask your sales expert if they adhere to your local safety standards. Reading reviews on bed guards also can tell you volumes about the safety of the bed guard that you are considering buying. Sometimes, a very highly rated baby bed guard will seem pricier than competing brands. It's up to you to make the decision to buy it. Remember, it's worth paying a little extra in order to keep your baby safe.

Lastly, remember that bed guards are also going to be used for at least a couple of years. The bed guards that you should buy should be durable, beautiful, and also safe. As long as you shop around, research a little bit, and use your common sense, you will find a spectacular deal on bed guards.