The sun is shining and it’s time to hit the beach! But as a parent, there’s a lot more to think about than just bathing suits and beach towels.
Going to the beach with young children means packing some extra essentials to keep them safe in the sun and surf.
One tool that many moms swear by is a baby beach tent. These clever inventions are a convenient way of keeping your little one safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
At A Glance: Our Top 10 Picks for Best Baby Beach Tents
- ModFamily Baby Nook Travel Bed and Beach Tent
- Schylling UV Play Shade
- Shade Shack Beach Tent
- SUNBA YOUTH Beach Tent
- Pacific Play Lil Nursery Tent
- Ultralight Sun Shelter for Babies
- Monobeach Pool Baby Tent
- Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
- Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent
- Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
What Is The Best Baby Beach Tent?
There are several things you have to consider before choosing the best baby beach tent.
Different people have different needs. That’s why I scoured the web to find the 10 very best beach tents on the market right now.
I included the main features of each tent, the pros, and the cons. This way you can easily choose what’s best for you and your baby.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick ModFamily Baby Nook Travel Bed and Beach Tent
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Schylling UV Play Shade
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Shade Shack Beach Tent
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | SUNBA YOUTH Beach Tent
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Pacific Play Lil Nursery Tent
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Ultralight Sun Shelter for Babies
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Monobeach Pool Baby Tent
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
#1 ModFamily Baby Nook Travel Bed and Beach Tent
Features
- UV Protection 50+
- Portable travel bed and beach tent combined
- Pop up design
- Small carry pouch included
- Fully ventilated
- Polyester material with fiberglass poles
Things We Love About It!
The ModFamily Baby Nook is a travel bed and a beach tent combined. It’s the perfect place for your little one to take a nap during a long day at the beach. It includes an inflatable mat that is super thick and comfortable; you’ll be wishing they made them in adult size!
This model has transparent mesh windows that allow the air to fully circulate around the tent. This helps to keep your baby cool, as well as being handy for peeking through to check on them. It also makes sure no mosquitos or other insects can get inside.
The ModFamily Baby Nook has a pop-up design, so it’s ready pretty much straight out of the bag. The handy carry case also means that it’s super easy to transport. The fiberglass poles that form the structure are also lightweight enough that it’s really easy to carry.
Like any good baby beach tent, this one additional UV protection of SPF 50.
Pros
- Pop up design
- Comfy travel bed and tent combined
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
- Some parents said it’s tricky to pack down and put away
Overall Thoughts
This is an ideal place for your little one to nap at the beach. The travel bed is super comfy, the ventilation is great, and the pop-up design means it’s quick and easy to set up.
#2 Schylling UV Play Shade
Features
- UV Protection 50+
- Pop up design
- Big enough for multiple toddlers
- ‘Go Anywhere’ travel bag included
- Comes with tie-down pegs and sand pockets
- Fully ventilated
Things We Love About It!
The Schylling UV Play Shade is spacious enough that it can be used for several babies or toddlers at the same time. It’s also big enough that it’s possible to discreetly breastfeed or change a diaper inside too.
Despite its spacious size, this tent folds down super small, making it easy to transport. It also comes with pegs included, as well as sand pockets. Simply fill these with sand for extra security on breezy days.
The Schylling comes with 50+ UV protection and is also waterproof so it’s a great place to hide out during an unexpected summer shower.
The pop-up design means this tent is ready to go in seconds, and it’s also easy to pack down too.
Pros
- Large enough for multiples
- Provides a private, discreet space
- Waterproof
Cons
- Too small for larger adults
Overall Thoughts
This baby beach tent checks all the boxes for a comfortable place to chill for your baby. It’s also great if you have multiple kids, as there’s enough room for several little ones to wriggle around.
#3 Shade Shack Beach Tent
Features
- UV Protection 30+
- Fully ventilated
- Pop up design
- Carry case included
- Large enough for the whole family
- Lightweight at less than 4 lbs
Things We Love About It!
The Shade Shack is one of the most spacious baby beach tents on the market; The whole family can fit inside. It’s a great place for naps, diaper changes, and moms who prefer to breastfeed in private. It’s also great for bigger kids and grownups who want a little break from the sun’s rays.
This model has a zinc coating that provides 30+ UV protection. It’s also fully ventilated with windows throughout the tent. There’s the option of unzipping both sides of the tent for an extra breeze too.
The Shade Shack is hailed as having the fastest assembly time of all baby beach tents on the market. The pop-up design means this thing is up in lightning speed.
For extra sturdiness, there are sand pockets on the outside which you can fill on windy days. The tent also comes with stakes to secure it to the ground
Pros
- Spacious enough for the whole family
- Super quick pop up design
- Unzips on both sides
Cons
- This tent has no bottom layer
Overall Thoughts
We love how spacious the Shade Shack is. It’s great for long days at the beach and provides a little shade and privacy for the whole family.
#4 SUNBA YOUTH Beach Tent
Features
- UV protection 50+
- Spacious enough for 2-3 people
- Pop up design
- Carry case included
- Fully ventilated and wind resistant
- Super lightweight at 2.2lbs
- Sand pockets and stakes included
Things We Love About It!
The SUNBA YOUTH’s frame is made from a durable, stretchy metal material that pops up in seconds. Just open the bag, and you’re ready to go. It’s also super easy to pack away too, so you can concentrate on having fun at the beach.
This is another spacious tent that can easily accolade several toddlers, or be used for adults too. Despite its size, this entire tent weighs just 2.2 lbs. It comes with a handy carry case and is compact enough to carry with you in your beach bag.
The ventilation features of this model are really effective. There are built-in transparent mesh windows that let the air circulate around the tent. They also keep the bugs out when it’s fully zipped up.
This model has a full floor section, so you have a fighting chance of keeping out the sand. The floor mat also extends outside the front of the tent. This makes it perfect for sitting out in the sun while your baby naps in the safety of the tent right next to you.
Pros
- Handy pop up design
- Floor mat extends outside the tent
- Spacious enough for 2-3 people
- Affordable price
Cons
- Some parents say the tent pegs are too small
Overall Thoughts
This baby beach tent is a great all-round purchase at an affordable price. It also offers enough room for a little extra privacy and shade for adults, as well as babies.
#5 Pacific Play Lil Nursery Tent
Features
- UV protection 30+
- Fully ventilated
- Fully transparent mesh walls
- 3 feet x 3 feet
- Carry case included
Things We Love About It!
The Pacific Play Lil Nursery is an attractive brightly colored tent that toddlers will love spending time in.
The entire side panels of this tent are made from transparent mesh. This lets your baby or toddler see everything that’s happening on the beach while they take a break from the sun’s rays.
It’s also an awesome feature for parents too since it’s easy to look inside and check on your child.
These mesh panels mean this is also one of the most breathable tents on our list. The ocean breeze is allowed to circulate through, without dragging in any sand, bugs, or other debris.
The base of this baby beach tent is made from an easy to clean polythene fabric, so there’s no need to worry about spills or messes.
It’s also lightweight and comes with a handy carry case so it’s easy to transport around.
Pros
- Mesh windows let your baby see outside
- Excellent ventilation
- Brightly colored design
- Affordable price
Cons
- The mesh windows provide less privacy
- Non-pop-up design
Overall Thoughts
Toddlers will adore this beach tent. There’ll be no more tantrums when you tell them it’s time to take a break from the sun! And at the bargain price, this tent is a steal.
#6 Ultralight Sun Shelter for Babies
Features
- UV protection 50+
- Ultra lightweight and portable design
- Highly breathable ventilated fabric
- Two-way zippers: open from inside and outside
- Pod chamber fully protects the baby from sun, wind, sand, and bugs
Things We Love About It!
The Ultralight is exactly what it says it is; ultralight! When you’re lugging around all kinds of baby gear already, this makes trips to the beach so much easier.
This small, pod-shaped beach tent provides the perfect place for young babies to safely nap and chill. The fabric of the tent is designed to block harmful UV rays with an SPF of 50+.
It’s also extremely well ventilated, letting the ocean breeze flow through. The mesh windows keep a fresh atmosphere inside and let your little one see what’s going on around them.
The doors to this tent are installed with two-way zippers. This means it can be opened from the inside and the outside. It also comes with two anchor pegs so it can be securely fixed to the ground.
Pros
- Ultralight and easy to transport
- Small and compact
- Protects baby from all the elements
- Affordable price
Cons
- Too small for multiple babies or adults
- Your child is likely to outgrow this after one season
Overall Thoughts
The Ultralight is the perfect choice for parents with small babies. This compact tent provides the perfect little pod of safety for your little one at the beach. It’s also super affordable too!
#7 Monobeach Pool Baby Tent
Features
- UV protection 50+
- Built-in mini pool
- Pop up design
- Carry bag included
- Stakes included
- Suitable for children up to 3 years of age
Things We Love About It!
If your little one could choose their own beach tent, we’re pretty sure this would be the one. The Monobeach comes with a little mini pool for your baby to have fun in! Pretty cool right?
The tent has a flat base ring where your baby can chill in the shade, and the center ring makes the pool. Simply dig a hole in the sand and pop the base of the tent on top and fill with water.
Your baby will love being able to play and splash about, and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing it’s much safer than the ocean.
The Monobeach has a pop-up design, so as soon as you take it out of the bag, it’s ready to go.
The fabric of the tent is embedded with UV protection 50+, so your little one is safe from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s also well ventilated and lets the ocean breeze flow through the interior.
Pros
- Built-in baby pool
- Pop up design
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Not suitable for children under 7 months
- Not large enough for multiples or adults
Overall Thoughts
All toddlers will adore this beach tent with its built in pool. They get to have just as much ocean fun as the bigger kids at a super affordable price.
#8 Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
Features
- UV Protection 50+
- Lightweight and compact
- Breathable polyester fabric
- Water repellent
- Fully ventilated
- Internal storage pockets
- Sand pockets and stakes included
- Carry case included
Things We Love About It!
The Pacific Breeze is one of the sturdiest baby beach tents on the market. The solid yet lightweight frame is made from durable plastic and fiberglass. It’s designed to withstand even the most blustery days.
The outside of the tent also features deep sand pockets that you can fill for extra weight. There’s also a set of solid pegs included in the box to make sure it stays put.
We love how spacious this tent is. It’s big enough that even a relatively tall adult can sit beside the baby on a beach chair and enjoy some shade.
Despite being so sturdy, this tent isn’t heavy to carry. At just over 4lbs, it’s light and convenient to transport in the carry case.
Although this tent doesn’t pop up, it’s still super easy to assemble. Most people have this up within 30 seconds of opening the bag. It’s also just as easy to pack down and put away, so you can enjoy more time with your family at the beach.
The floor of the Pacific Breeze is made from an easy to clean polythene material, so there’s no need to worry about spills.
Another great feature of this model is the handy storage pockets inside the tent. They’re useful for storing personal items and keeping food and drink free from sand.
Pros
- Very sturdy even in breezy conditions
- Big enough for 2-3 people
- Additional storage pockets inside
Cons
- More expensive
- The front of the tent doesn’t close
Overall Thoughts
If you plan on using your baby beach tent on windy days, this is a great choice. It’s one of the sturdiest tents on the market. It’s also got tons of cool additional features. We think it’s worth the slightly higher price tag.
#9 Oileus X-Large 4 Person Beach Tent
Features
- UV protection 50%
- Pop up design
- Lightweight at 4lbs
- Sturdy fiberglass poles
- Extra large space
- Carry case included
- Sand pockets, stakes, and guy lines included
Things We Love About It!
If you’re heading to the beach with the whole family, you can’t go wrong with the Oileus X-Large beach tent. It measures 92″ x 45″ x 45″, and can comfortably fit 2 adults and 2 children.
It’s perfect for sheltering from the sun to eat a picnic, chill out or take a nap. The whole family will appreciate this beach tent.
You might think a tent this size is tricky to set up, but thanks to the pop-up design, it’s easy and instant. Simply unzip the bag and you’re on your away.
The tent comes with stakes and guy lines to make sure it stays up and in place on windy days. There are also sand pockets on the exterior for extra stability.
Like all good beach tents for babies, this model has UV protection which blocks 99% of the sun’s harmful rays.
It’s also extremely breathable and well ventilated. Two mesh windows allow the sea breeze to enter. These can be covered by the fold-down window shades for additional privacy when you need it.
The Oileus also has spacious storage compartments inside that are ideal for storing picnics or valuable personal items.
Pros
- Extra spacious to fir the whole family
- Pop up design
- Great ventilation
Cons
- There’s no front closure on this tent
Overall Thoughts
This is the ideal beach tent for bigger groups and larger families. It provides a space not just for baby, but for everyone to take a break from the sun.
Despite it’s the larger size, it’s super easy to assemble and pack away. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport. A solid choice for a long day at the beach.
#10 Fisher-Price On-the-Go Baby Dome
Features
- UV protection 20+
- Portable covered play and napping space
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- Sun protection canopy
- Folds down flat for easy transportation
- Two animal-themed toys
Things We Love About It!
The Fisher-Price On The Go Baby Dome isn’t your traditional beach tent. This is a multipurpose play area and napping station that your little one will love. It has all the awesome features you need in a baby beach tent, and more.
The Baby Dome is designed for babies aged up to 8 months old and works both indoors and outdoors.
You can take this to backyard cookouts, inside play dates, the park, and of course, the beach. The dome folds down easily and has a handle so it’s super easy to take from place to place.
There’s a sun protection canopy overhead, with two hanging animal toys to entertain your little one. The canopy can be used as a sunshade or pulled all the way down to fully protect against sand, wind, and mosquitos.
Pros
- Works for all kinds of space indoors and outdoors
- Play area and napping station combined
- Fold-down design with handles is easy to transport
Cons
- Not a traditional tent
- Can only be used for young babies
Overall Thoughts
The Fisher-Price On The Go Baby Dome offers much more than just protection at the beach. You can take this anywhere. If you buy this when they’re young, you’re bound to get plenty of use out of it.
There you have it. The 10 best baby beach tents on the market! Still not sure which product you should choose. Check out our guide below:
Buyer’s Guide to Buying a Baby Beach Tent
What to Expect in This Buyer’s Guide:
- What Are Baby Beach Tents?
- Why Not Just Use An Umbrella?
- What to Consider When Shopping for a Baby Beach Tent
- Baby Beach Tent Safety Tips
What Are Baby Beach Tents?
Baby beach tents are essentially a mini tent designed to shade your little one from the sun. Most have an open front, and three enclosed sides, with enough room inside for your little one to comfortably chill. Some models do more than just accommodate your baby though. It’s possible to buy a beach tent big enough for the whole family too.
Why Not Just Use An Umbrella?
Umbrellas are the most common way of blocking out the sun on the beach. But unfortunately, they are not always as effective as a baby beach tent at protecting your little one.
- An umbrella has to be adjusted
As the hours go by on the beach, the sun moves across the sky. This means you have to regularly adjust an umbrella to stay in the shade. When you use a baby beach tent, there’s no need to adjust anything; you have sun protection all day long.
- Protection from the Wind
Beaches are generally pretty breezy places. On windier days, they can be downright blustery. An umbrella offers nothing in the way of wind protection for your little one. At worst, umbrellas can be a real hazard in the wind, as they can be picked up and blown over easily.
- Protection from the sand
When the wind picks up, the sand inevitably gets picked up too. It’s so easy for sand to blow onto your baby, potentially going into their eyes or mouth. A beach tent is a safe and enclosed space that is fully protected from harmful flying particles of sand.
- Privacy
Some moms prefer to breastfeed in a private space, and some parents would rather change their baby’s diaper in private too. A spacious baby beach tent is the perfect solution as it offers extra privacy. It’s also a great place for any member of the family to discreetly change into or out of bathing suits too.
All in all, a beach tent provides a much better level of protection from the various hazards at the beach than an umbrella. It also has the added bonus of privacy that’s difficult to find on a busy beach.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Baby Beach Tent
There are heaps of baby beach tents on the market, so choosing the right one for your baby can be a little overwhelming. Here are a few important things to consider before you decide which tent is best for you.
- Does it Have Good UV Protection?
Lower quality baby beach tents simply provide shade for your baby. But the sun’s rays are so powerful that it’s important to go for a tent that has added UV protection too. This provides an additional ‘sunblock’ for your little one to help keep them safe. Make sure the manufacturer of your baby tent specifies that it has UPF protection.
- Does it Have Good Ventilation?
Make sure you choose a model that has highly rated ventilation systems. Tents can get super hot and stuffy in the sun. Always read the reviews to make sure the model you choose has the best level of ventilation possible. Look out for mesh air panels that still block the UV light, but let the airflow through.
- Is it Easy to Put Up and Take Down?
No one wants to start a day at the beach with a complicated tent assembly. Luckily, a lot of baby beach tents have a pop-up design, so there’s nothing to it. These models are generally pretty easy to take down and pack away too, so you can get on with having fun in the sun.
- Does it Have Pegs?
The last thing you want is the tent collapsing in the wind with your baby still inside. Avoid this by choosing a model that has anchor points and pegs included, to keep it sturdy and secure.
- How Big is It?
Are you looking for a beach tent just big enough for your baby? Or would you prefer a larger model big enough for you to get in too? If you plan on using the tent as a discreet place to breastfeed or change diapers, make sure you choose a more spacious tent.
Baby Beach Tent Safety
Like all baby products, safety is the most important factor to consider. Here are a few tips on how to use a baby beach tent safely.
- Try it at Home First
When you first get your baby beach tent, it’s a good idea to have a trial run at home first. Try setting it up in the living room or backyard so you’re confident with the process. It’s also a good opportunity to check that there are no potential hazards like sharp edges or dangerous attachments.
- Keep It Secured
Just like a normal tent, baby beach tents need to be anchored securely to the ground. Most models come with stakes included, but if not, use heavy objects to weigh down the corners. Make sure to keep an eye on the structure throughout the day, especially if the weather is breezy.
- Keep it Ventilated
We all know how hot regular tents can get in the sun. If used incorrectly, a baby beach tent is no exception. That’s why keeping it well ventilated is essential.
A good baby beach tent will have good ventilation features to make sure your baby doesn’t overheat. Make sure to keep vent panels open at all times. Also, check the inside temperature of the tent regularly to make sure it’s not hotting up. If it’s uncomfortable or stuffy for you, it could be dangerous for your baby.
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