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Everyone loves summertime, and it is a suitable time for you to get down to your local beach. If you’re looking to introduce them to water, there are a few baby beach essentials you would need. The best baby beach tent will provide shade for your baby and protect them from the harsh sun rays. Here, we have listed some of the best-selling baby beach tents for you. Also, we give you detailed information about selecting the right beach tent and tips for using them.
Madison Loethen, a motherhood, home, and lifestyle content creator, says, “Taking your baby to the beach is a great way to encourage exploration and stimulate their senses. And while you unwind and enjoy your time, keep in mind that having a good shaded shelter is so important for a day at the beach with your little one.”
Top Picks
11 Best Baby Beach Tents To Protect Babies From Sun In 2024
1. Best For Four People: Zomake Pop-up Tent
A large tent with spacious interiors, Zomake’s lightweight tent is an excellent choice when you need to accommodate around four people, including the baby. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.
Pros
- The tent’s spacious interiors can hold adults as well as multiple babies, making it the ideal baby beach tent for twins.
- It features UPF 50+ coating for protection against ultraviolet rays.
- The tent’s material is also water-resistant and can withstand contact with sea water at the beach.
- It has a pop-up style design and folds into a compact sized pack.
- The travel-friendly beach tent ships with a carry bag to store and carry the tent.
- It features three large mesh windows for plenty of ventilation.
Cons
- The large frame of the tent can make it difficult to collapse and may require some extra effort to fold.
"I find the tent's pop-open feature super convenient. I have taken it to the beach, backyard parties, and other outdoor activities. The folding instructions seemed off, but once I got it, the process became quick. Overall, a good buy for casual outdoor use."
Point to consider2. Best Water-Resistant: Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 6,672 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
The Pacific Breeze tent provides plenty of space and sun shadeto keep the baby protected for an extended period of time. You can check out this review video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- The tent is made from breathable polyester, which allows plenty of ventilation. The material is water-resistant and offers UPF 50+ protection.
- It has sandbags at the base—fill the pockets with sand to add extra weight to the tent and keep it stable. You also get anchoring pegs.
- There are pockets within the tent to store items. The manufacturer ships the tent with a carry bag.
Cons
- There is no front cover on the tent, which means one side is always open and can let in the sand and other things from the beach.
"I bought this tent for a beach trip and found it super easy to both set up and dismantle. Besides shielding me from the sun, it stayed put when there was a strong breeze. It may be a bit heavy, but it's a quality beach companion nonetheless."
3. Best Tent With Extendable Floor Mat: Sunba Beach Tent
This tent from Sunba is ideal for parents who dislike spending a lot of time opening and installing a tent. To find out more about this pop-up beach tent, check this video review out.
Pros
- The pop-up function is fast. Remove the tent from the bag, and it pops open immediately.
- The floor mat of the tent is extendable. It expands the available play area and also creates that extra space for the parents to stretch out their legs.
- The tent has a UPF 50+ layer and a well-ventilated baby sunshade.
- The tent features one large mesh window for ventilation.
Cons
- It will take some practice to learn how to collapse and fold this tent correctly.
"This compact tent provides ample space for my little one to play, and the setup is not too daunting. Moreover, its compact design makes it easy to store and carry. Just bear in mind folding it back might require some time to get used to. Despite that, it's a valuable addition to our beach gear."
Zomake Pop-up Tent Best For Four People | Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent Best Water-Resistant | Sunba Beach Tent Best Tent With Extendable Floor Mat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions LxWxH | 94.5 x 71 x 39.5 inches | - | 43 x 59 x 43.5 inches |
| Shape | Round | - | - |
| Weight | 2.27 Kilograms | 4.45 Pounds | - |
| Color | Lake Blue 3-4 Person | Blue | Blue |
| Dimensions | 94.5"L x 71"W x 39.5"H | 86.6"L x 49.2"W x 47.2"H | - |
| Material | Polyester | Polyester, Fiberglass | Polyester, Metal |
| Base Material | - | Pe,polyester | - |
| Frame Material | - | - | Metal |
| Weight | - | - | 2.2 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,657 | 6,672 | 587 |
| Price | $89.99 | $59.99 | $32.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Visibility: Pacific Play Tents Lil Nursery Tent
The Lil Nursery Tent is compact and has the perfect size to accommodate your baby.
Pros
- There is a mesh cover on the sides of the tent to allow the circulation of the air and also improve visibility.
- The front can be closed with a mesh cover.
- The time-tested tent comes in four color combinations.
Cons
- It does not come with any anchoring points—no pegs and no sandbags.
- Some users report the tent’s frame snaps when there are heavy winds.
- The UPF rating is 30, which is less when compared to the other tents.
"This tent has been helpful in protecting my baby and the new puppy during the summers and beach vacations. Although the bending hooks can be irritating, the enhanced ventilation, easy portability, and ease of set-up more than make up for it."
5. Best For Portability: Aiernuo Large Baby Beach Tent
This lightweight baby sun shelter cum tent offers the best protection from sunlight and is highly portable.
Pros
- It is made from high-quality nylon, which is durable, breathable, and water-resistant.
- The tent weighs only 1.1 pounds (approximately 500 grams) and is easy to carry in a shoulder bag.
- The tent comes with a UPF 50+ rating. It also has a mesh panel on the side to shield the baby against insects.
Cons
- The space within the tent is sufficient for just one baby. Also, the tent may be rendered useless if your baby outgrows it.
- The inside of the tent may get crammed for the little one if you place baby’s essentials, like clothes and a diaper bag.
Remember6. Best For Newborns: Baby Nook Beach Tent
A compact and travel-bed style tent that is best suited for younger infants and newborns who spend most of the time sleeping or lying down.
Pros
- A transparent sheet covers the front of the tent, which lets you keep an eye on the baby.
- The tent is made from polyester fabric with a polyurethane coating that has a UPF 50+ protection.
- The manufacturer ships an inflatable mat that fits inside the tent, thus providing a comfortable place for the baby to sleep.
- The tent features four mesh windows, which offer a high degree of ventilation.
Cons
- A baby can outgrow the tent quickly. The compact shape of the tent can make it unsuitable for toddlers.
- There is not enough space inside the tent to place any other items. It can also be difficult for a parent to change the diaper of the baby inside the tent due to the inadequate space.
"This lightweight and compact tent has been a great find for those park days and poolside naps. To my pleasant surprise, it came with a self-inflating pad, and the mesh windows made it easy to keep an eye on the little one. The assembly instructions were slightly vague, but the mat has been worth it."
7. Best Easy-To-Assemble: OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent
Here’s a spacious toddler beach tent with a one-step assembly process to save time. This Outdoor Master pop-up beach tent is best for parents who want one that can accommodate more than one toddler.
Pros
- The tent pops into position in a matter of seconds. It does not require in-depth expertise- just tug at the tent’s frame on the top, and it sets in shape almost immediately.
- The three mesh windows on the tent offer plenty of ventilation. Each window can be closed with a screen.
- The front of the tent can be zipped closed for privacy when you want to breastfeed, making it the ideal infant beach camping gear.
Cons
- The fabric of the tent is a bit thin. Some users felt that it does not stand well against strong winds.
"The best part about this tent is that it can easily accommodate our family of four. It protects us from the sun and is robust enough to withstand heavy wind. Although not the easiest to dismantle, the convenience and comfort make up for it. I also liked the mesh pockets!"
8. Best Tent With Pool: Monobeach Baby Beach Tent
Featuring a fun design, this infant beach tent with an integrated pool is ideal if you are looking for a safe spot for the baby to play on the beach. Even if your baby loves splashing water around, this tent will work great.
Pros
- The tent floor is scooped out to create a mini pool. You can fill it with water and let the baby play. You can also use the pool as a mini sandbox.
- The canopy and the pool are separable. It extends the use of the pool at other places beyond the beach.
- The canopy of the pool has a UPF 50+ rating, making it one of the most efficient baby beach shade solutions.
Cons
- It can be a bit difficult to clean the pool since sand can get into its nooks and corners.
- The pool can seem small for older infants and toddlers.
"This product is a staple for beach trips with my child as it helps create a personal splash area at a safe distance from the sea. Folding it, however, requires two hands. Still, the fun it brings to my child has made it worthwhile."
"This product is a staple for beach trips with my child as it helps create a personal splash area at a safe distance from the sea. Folding it, however, requires two hands. Still, the fun it brings to my child has made it worthwhile."
9. Best Pop-Open Design: iCorer Beach Tent
The iCorer beach tent is compact and opens to set up in a matter of seconds. The small shape also makes the tent quite portable.
Pros
- No unfolding or in-depth expertise is required to open the tent. Remove it from the bag, and the tent pops open within no time.
- There are sandbags at the base of the tent. You also get anchor points to attach stakes for added stability.
- The tent is made from flame-resistant nylon fabric and also offers UPF 50+ protection.
- The tent features a double type-B, dense interwoven mesh window for adequate ventilation.
Cons
- The folding process of the tent can require some practice. Many users found this process difficult.
- The tent can be a bit light for windy beaches.
"This tent pops open in just a few seconds and provides much-needed shade on a sunny beach day. It's proven to be perfect for keeping my baby shaded and wind-protected. Refolding it can be tricky, but I can't imagine our beach trips or backyard parties without this tent."
10. Best For Dust And Bug Protection: Bend River Baby Tent
The Bend River is best suited for babies who may need a nap even on a beach.
Pros
- The tent is made from durable polyester that has a UPF rating of 50+.
- A transparent fabric at the base of the tent allows the infant to see outside even when they are lying down.
- The front of the tent can be zipped closed for protection from dust and bugs.
Cons
- A few users found the tent a bit difficult to fold.
11. Best For Ventilation: Campela Baby Beach Tent
A spacious beach tent ideal for older toddlers, Campela Baby tent offers great space with excellent portability.
Pros
- There are two windows on the side walls that allow easy visibility of what is outside. The rear of the tent also contains a mesh fabric, which improves ventilation.
- The side windows and the rear mesh can be covered with flaps for privacy.
- This widely tested and trusted waterproof baby beach tent is made of polyester and provides UV protection.
Cons
- The UPF rating is 30+, which is low when compared to the competition.
- Some users found the tent difficult to fold.
- A few users noted that the tent could get too hot from the inside on a hot, sunny day.
Quick tipWhat Is A Baby Beach Tent?
A baby beach tent is a reliable and useful addition to your beach gear. It is a small, foldable outdoor tent made from polyester or other durable material. The tent is usually three-sided and may also have tiny mesh windows or vents for air circulation. The purpose of the baby beach tent is to provide shade to the baby or a toddler from the harsh sunlight.
The types of beach tents differ based on their features. Some tents can only accommodate the baby while others are big enough to let the parents join in. A few tents allow the baby to lie down and even feature a mosquito net for added protection. Having a checklist of features that you want in a baby beach tent helps you choose one that works the best for your baby.
How To Select The Right Baby Beach Tent?
Here’s a baby beach tent buying guide that highlights the vital features you must look for before finalizing your purchase.
- UV protection: The tent’s surface should have a layer of protective material that can bounce away the UV light. Several tents feature the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, which is similar to the sun protection factor (SPF) rating of sunscreens. A tent with some UV protection is also better than the one that offers no UV protection at all.
- Ventilation: The tent should be designed for adequate ventilation inside. Many tents come with small windows for ventilation.
- Pop-up style design: Prefer tents that pop open when unfolded. They save a lot of time that you otherwise spend on installation of the tent at the beach.
- Portable: A good beach tent should be foldable, which makes it easy to carry. Lightweight is also an essential feature.
- Anchor points: You do not want your tent to fly away at a windy beach. Choose tents that have anchor points, where you can slide a metal or plastic peg to hold the tent to the ground. Some baby beach tents come with built-in sandbags that you can fill with sand to add extra weight.
- Durability: The fabric of the tent and its other parts should be firmly stitched together. It lets the tent withstand the winds on the beach.
Tips For Baby Beach Tent Use
Follow these beach tent safety rules to keep injuries and accidents at bay.
- Never leave the baby unattended: Adult supervision is always essential even if the little one is nestled comfortably inside a tent. Babies can roll, crawl out, or get into a position that can jeopardize their safety.
- Set the tent at a safe distance: Waves can come splashing at a speed that even the most durable beach tent may not withstand. Therefore, position the tent at a distance where the waves are unlikely to reach. A spot closer to the land is a good idea.
- Check if the tent is well-grounded: Before you place the baby, check if the anchor points and stakes are in a firm position. Give the tent a slight shake to be sure it is well-set and will not collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a beach tent for a baby?
A dedicated beach tent is not an essential item, but it offers a cozy space for your baby to relax and can provide plenty of UV protection.
2. Are beach tents safe for babies?
Beach tents protect your little one from direct sunlight and harmful UV rays. However, they are not suitable for babies below 12 months.
3. What are beach tents made of?
Baby beach tents are generally made of nylon fabric, polyester, or 190T polyester.
4. Which color beach tent is the coolest in hot weather?
Light-colored tents, such as white and yellow tents, are ideal in hot weather as they reflect light and don’t absorb much heat. However, they may not block UV rays effectively.
5. Are beach tents water-resistant?
Beach tents made of heavy-duty nylon or polyester material are water-resistant. And most UV-protected beach tents are waterproof.
6. Is a beach tent washable?
Beach tents are not machine washable. It would be best to clean the tent with a sponge without using harsh detergent. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the tent.
The Bottom Line
Baby beach tents make it easy to have a great time with your child at the beach. The list of the best baby beach tents was compiled after carefully considering all relevant factors. Choose a beach tent that can house the baby, their siblings, and possibly the parents. You can enjoy the beach with your child once you have ensured that the baby beach tent is securely installed. Among our top choices are the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent, which offers UPF 50+ protection and features sandbags for stability, and the Monobeach Baby Beach Tent, which has an integrated pool for your baby to splash around. The Zomake Pop-up Tent is also a great option as it is easy to install and carry.
Infographic: Things To Remember When Using A Baby Beach Tent
It is essential to ensure your baby’s safety and comfort when taking them out for a beach day. A beach tent for babies keeps the baby safe from prolonged sun exposure and provides a safe spot to take naps. The infographic below provides tips to ensure maximum safety for your baby when using a tent.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Why Trust MomJunction?
After in-depth research, Vibha Navarathna, our experienced writer, and reviewer of baby-related products, has curated this list of the best baby beach tents. This list has been selected after considering all your requirements. She has scoured through trusted websites for the best products by keeping your child’s safety in mind. The best-selling products on the list are durable, water-resistant, breathable, have mesh closings, and are easy to assemble. Vibha has also listed the pros and cons of these baby-friendly beach products, along with a few tips on using beach tents for a baby.
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