Can the teddyDen Guardrail Go on Either Side? Here's How It Works!
One of the most common questions we get about our teddyDen kids' bed is: "Can I put the guardrail on either side?"
The answer is YES! And that's one of the things we love most about the teddyDen.
Whether you're setting up your little one's first big-kid bed, placing the bed against a wall, or transitioning to a higher bed as they grow, the teddyDen is designed to give you flexibility.
Let's explain how the guardrails work, how to position them correctly, and how you can customise your teddyDen to suit your child's sleeping space.
1. Can the teddyDen Guardrail Be Installed on Either Side?
Absolutely!
Every teddyDen comes with one removable guardrail included.
Both the left and right side rails of the bed frame have two pre-drilled insert holes, allowing you to position the guardrail on either side.
This means you can choose whichever side best suits your bedroom layout.
But there's one important assembly detail to know!
Important: The Direction of the Insert Holes Matters
If you're using just one guardrail, the side rail where you want to install it must have its two insert holes facing upwards.
On the opposite side, where no guardrail will be installed, the side rail must be rotated so the unused insert holes face downwards towards the floor.
Why?
This prevents the unused holes from being exposed on the top of the bed frame, helping to stop little fingers from getting caught in them.
It's a simple but important safety detail built into the teddyDen's flexible design.
2. Can I Install Guardrails on BOTH Sides?
Yes, you can!
If you would prefer a guardrail on both the left and right sides, the teddyDen can accommodate this too.
Instead of turning one side rail so the insert holes face down, you simply install both side rails with their insert holes facing upwards.
This allows a guardrail to be inserted on each side.
Because every teddyDen includes one guardrail, you will need to purchase one additional guardrail for this configuration.
This option is particularly useful for families who want guardrails on both sides of their child's bed.
Low Position: Your Options
| Configuration | Guardrails needed |
|---|---|
| Left side only | 1 (Included with teddyDen) |
| Right side only | 1 (Included with teddyDen) |
| Both left and right sides | 2 (2nd purchased seperatley) |
Remember: Any side without a guardrail must have its insert holes facing downwards.
3. Can the Guardrails Be Used in the HIGHER Bed Position?
Yes! And this is where the teddyDen gets even more versatile.
The teddyDen has two height configurations:
-
Low Position – Starting at 10 cm: Designed for younger children transitioning into their first big-kid bed.
-
High Position – Starting at 23 cm: A raised bed configuration that can be used as your child grows.
When converting your teddyDen into the higher position, the bed frame is flipped and reassembled according to the assembly instructions.
The side rails can still be positioned with their insert holes facing upwards, allowing guardrails to be fitted on either side.
What Happens to the Included Guardrail?
One of the clever features of the teddyDen is that the included guardrail can be repurposed as a headboard in the higher bed configuration.
So instead of needing a separate headboard, you can use the same upholstered guardrail that came with your bed.
If you'd also like a guardrail along one side of the higher bed, you can purchase one additional guardrail.
If you'd like guardrails on BOTH sides while keeping the headboard, you can purchase two additional guardrails.
That means your higher teddyDen can have an upholstered headboard and guardrails on both sides!
A note about the headboard insert holes: In the higher configuration, the headboard mounting holes may remain visible when unused. Unlike the side-rail holes, these cannot be concealed simply by rotating the side rails.
4. How Many Guardrails Do I Need?
Here's a simple guide to choosing your teddyDen setup.
| Bed configuration | Total guardrails | Extra guardrails to purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Low – Left or right side | 1 | 0 |
| Low – Both sides | 2 | 1 |
| High – Headboard only | 1 | 0 |
| High – Headboard + one side | 2 | 1 |
| High – Headboard + both sides | 3 | 2 |
The teddyDen comes with one guardrail as standard, so you only need to purchase additional guardrails if your preferred setup requires them.
You can also position the included guardrail on a side of the higher bed instead of using it as a headboard.
5. One Simple Feature, So Many Possibilities
What makes the teddyDen special is that you don't need a completely different bed frame as your child's needs change.
By adjusting the bed height, changing the orientation of the side rails, and repositioning the guardrail, you can create a setup that works for your family.
And because the upholstered front and back end panels are the same height, the design remains beautifully balanced.
Our Biggest Assembly Tip
Always decide where you want your guardrails BEFORE assembling the side rails.
If you're fitting a guardrail, the insert holes on that side must face UP.
If you're not fitting a guardrail, the insert holes on that side must face DOWN.
It's that simple!
For safety, always follow the supplied assembly instructions, check that each guardrail is correctly secured, and use a compatible mattress no thicker than 18 cm when using the guardrail. The teddyDen is recommended for children aged 3 years and older.
Ready to Customise Your teddyDen?
Whether you prefer one guardrail, two guardrails, or a headboard with guardrails on both sides, the teddyDen gives you the flexibility to create the setup that works for your family.
Shop Additional teddyDen Guardrails
Watch Our teddyDen Assembly Video
Because a little flexibility makes a big difference as they grow. ♡
