Best Baby Beach Tents, According to Parents
Now that summer is here, we’re betting you and your family can’t wait to head out for a fun day in the sun. If you’re hitting the beach, sunscreen, hats and towels are likely on your packing list—but don’t forget a baby beach tent. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , infants under 6 months old should avoid sun exposure. So when it comes to summer sun safety, a baby tent that provides ample shade can be just as essential as sunscreen. Plus, the best baby beach tents not only offer a cool spot away from the sun, but also a (relatively) sand-free place to put baby down for a nap, change a diaper or enjoy a snack.
Not sure where to begin your search? Read on to discover our helpful tips on what to look for and browse a selection of parent-approved beach tents.
To help you find the best one for your next stay at the shore, we took the following steps:
- We researched what was being said about beach tents in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked and disliked about specific brands.
- We consulted sun safety recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
- To understand how these beach tents have worked for a variety of families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for in a baby beach tent.
- We considered features like material, size, UPF factor and functionality when choosing our picks for the best baby beach tents.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.
Overall best baby beach tent
- Easy to set up
- Ground stakes ensure the sun tent stays in place
- Comes in a variety of color choices
- Heavier than others
- Floor mat sold separately
This baby beach tent is a favorite among parents—and we can see why. It sets up in three simple steps and can be secured with ground stakes on gusty days. When you’re ready to head home, the pop-up design makes packing up easy as can be. It’s also roomy enough for babies or toddlers to roam but still leaves enough space for a parent to squeeze into. More importantly, it’s made from UPF 50+ material to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, and has mesh side panels for ventilation.
Dimensions (unfolded): 59" (L) x 51" (W) x 48" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 36" (L) x 8" (W) x 8" (H) | Weight: 7.2 lbs. | UPF rating: 50+
Our community says:
We've really enjoyed our California pop n go tent so far. It's incredibly easy to set up and take down, and it comes with a removable canopy cover with UV protection. We haven't taken it to the beach yet, but have used it in our yard on the grass and absolutely love it. The tent is spacious enough for my 7.5 month old, my husband, and me to all fit semi- comfortably. The mesh sides provide great airflow and it comes with a convenient carry bag and stakes for added stability. We don't have a mattress for it yet, but I believe there's a compatible one available. - Lindsey H., mom of one
The California Beach Co pop-up. We used it almost entirely in our own yard and when we went to outdoor events in other people's yards, but it was always super-convenient. It goes up and down so easily and so quickly! We even used it as a spot for our youngest to nap when we were at outdoor events. The official accessories were a bit expensive I believe, but it's easy enough to throw something soft in the bottom for some cushioning. - Jeremy T., dad of two
Best small pop-up beach tent
- Pops up for easy assembly
- Ventilation net allows for air to come through while protecting against bugs
- Carrying case included
- Not suitable for older children and adults
- Some parents say it’s tricky to refold
- Ventilation net allows sand to enter on a windy beach day
This easy set-up beach tent from Babymoov is a family favorite because it’s hassle-free. It pops open in about three seconds to provide a cozy hideaway and UV protection for babies and toddlers. The brand even has a handy video tutorial that explains how to close the tent and store it in the compact carry bag. It has enough head room to allow toddlers to stand up inside, but this style isn’t big enough for adults or children over the age of 5.
Dimensions (unfolded): 39" (L) x 39" (W) x 31.5" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 23.6” diameter | Weight: 2 lbs. | UPF rating: 50+
Our community says:
Easy to set up. - Stacey, The Bump survey respondent
Best beach tent with extended floor space
- Extended floor covering
- Interior gear pockets
- Mesh windows for ventilation
- Lack of ventilation when the floor cover is clipped up
This baby beach tent easily pops up into place, and the extended floor cover provides additional coverage on hot sand. But, if you’d like a little privacy to nurse or change baby, the floor extension can be clipped up to form a door. The UPF 50+ tent provides a safe haven from the sun and comes with eight heavy-duty stakes, plus pockets that can be filled with sand for added security. Best of all, that extended design folds up into a slim cylinder for transport, easily tucked away in its own carrying case.
Dimensions (unfolded): 59" (L) x 95" (W) x 54" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 43” (L) | Weight: 7.6 lbs. | UPF rating: 50+
Our community says:
It was easy to put up and had great coverage. - Kristina, The Bump survey respondent
Best sun shade for the entire family
- Smallest size has enough room for four people
- Easy to assemble
- Open sides for ventilation
- It isn't great in windy conditions
Did somebody say beach party? This large beach tent has enough space for an infant, toddler, parents and more. Made from sun- and water-resistant fabric, it’s anchored with sandbags, meaning you don’t have to spend time securing pegs. The roomy tent is perfect for days at the beach, and the open sides will keep your family cool.
Dimensions (unfolded): 90" (L) x 90" (W) x 90" (H) | Dimensions (folded): N/A | Weight: 6 lbs. | UPF rating: 50+
Our community says:
Easy to set up and travel with. - Danielle, The Bump survey respondent
Best raised baby beach tent
- Base is raised off the ground
- Lightweight
- Easy to fold and comes with a carry bag
- Smaller size is best for babies
Designed for indoor and outdoor use, this pop-up tent has a raised base meaning your little one has an extra layer of protection from bumpy, uneven ground. It’s incredibly easy to set up: simple pull from the top and it will pop into place. The roof windows unzip for increased air flow or zip up for sun protection. And the breathable mesh sides are designed to keep baby cool on warm summer days. When you’re ready to head home, press the tent down, snap it into place and you’re good to go.
Dimensions (unfolded): 49" (L) x 57" (W) x 42" (H) | Dimensions (folded): N/A | Weight: 7.7 lbs. | UPF rating: 50+
Our community says:
Easy to assemble, good size. - Maria*, The Bump survey respondent
Best baby beach tent with play pool
- Doubles as a paddling pool
- Lightweight
- Carrying case included
- Very small size
- Suitable for children up to 3 years
- Difficult to fold away, according to some customers
This baby beach tent is super easy to assemble: just pop it up and fold it down. The best part? It doubles as a mini pool! Simply add a little water inside the circular baby pool and they can splash away to their heart’s content; alternatively, empty it out and use it as a safe place for naps and diaper changes. Better yet, the ventilation net at the back allows a cool ocean breeze to circulate. (Note that its cozy size makes it ideal for just one child at a time.)
Dimensions (unfolded): 30.3" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 47.2" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 21" diameter | Weight: 1.15 lbs | UPF rating: 50+
\Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Baby Beach Tent Comparison Chart
| Overall best baby beach tent | Best small pop-up beach tent | Best beach tent with extended floor space | Best sun shade for the entire family | Best raised baby beach tent | Best baby beach tent with play pool | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best The California Beach Co Pop 'N Go Playpen | Babymoov Anti-UV Sun Tent | L.L. Bean Sunbuster Folding Shelter | Sun Ninja Beach Tent Shelter | Safety 1st InstaPop Indoor/Outdoor Plastic Pop-Up Play Tent | Monobeach Baby Beach Tent for Infants | |
| Price | $$$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $ |
| Open dimensions | 59" (L) x 51" (W) x 48" (H) | 39" (L) x 39" (W) x 31.5" (H) | 59" (L) x 95" (W) x 54" (H) | 90" (L) x 90" (W) x 90" (H) | 49" (L) x 57" (W) x 42" (H) | 30.3" (L) x 23.6" (W) x 47.2" (H) |
| Folded dimensions | 36” (L) x 8” (W) x 8” (H) | 23.6” diameter | 43” (L) | N/A | N/A | 21" diameter |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs. | 2 lbs. | 7.6 lbs. | 6 lbs. | 7.67 lbs. | 1.15 lbs. |
| UPF rating | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ |
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
You don’t want to run out to the store and just pick up any old baby beach tent. As with all the other baby gear you have in your house, you’ll want to be thoughtful about what you buy, considering safety and quality above all. Here are some questions to keep in mind as you shop for a tent or sun shade:
- Is it easy to assemble? Sure, it looks nice on the box, but is baby going to be a teenager by the time you manage to get it up? You may want to consider a pop-up tent to minimize assembly time. Otherwise, look for a baby beach tent that’s easy to set up and can be packed away quickly when it’s time to head home.
- What sun protection does it provide? Sun protection is the most important factor to consider when buying the best beach tent. Look into what type of UV protection the tent offers and, if possible, opt for one made from UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) material, which is designed to block the sun’s rays. Check whether it has enclosure options on all sides, but also ventilation—a baby beach tent can heat up pretty quickly!
- How durable is it? An ocean breeze can be quite brisk. Consider the materials the sun tent is made of and whether it will be able to withstand windy weather and general wear and tear. You’ll want to choose a high-quality, durable product to avoid having to buy a new baby beach tent each year.
About the author: Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content covering pregnancy, postpartum and parenting topics. Over a nine plus year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for five years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.
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