Best Baby Beach Tents to Block the Summer Sun
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 where to buy a beach tent for baby. Plus, we’ve selected our picks of the best sun shades on the market right now.
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 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:
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Is it easy to assemble? Sure, it looks nice in 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.
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What sun protection does it provide? Sun protection is the most important factor to consider when buying a baby 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!
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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. Choose a high-quality, durable product to avoid having to buy a new baby beach tent each year.
So you’ve brushed up on what to consider when selecting a baby beach tent—now, where to shop? Here are three great places to shop for beach gear. These online stores offer some of the best beach tents for infants and toddlers money can buy, with plenty of options to suit every lifestyle and budget.
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Walmart: This online store has a wide selection of protective baby beach tents and sun shades big enough for the whole family. Plus, Walmart has tons of affordable options too.
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Amazon: If you’re looking for top-rated beach tents (with plenty of five-star reviews to back them up!), head straight to Amazon. This online retailer has countless tents on offer, meaning you’re sure to find the perfect option for your family.
Having trouble choosing? Take a look at our list of awesome baby sun tents to help narrow your choices. From pop-up baby beach tents to sun shades big enough for the whole brood, there are options to suit every type of lifestyle.
L.L. Bean Sunbuster Folding Shelter
Fashion meets function with this trendy striped baby beach tent. Not only is it super-cute, but it easily pops up into place, and the extended floor cover provides additional coverage on hot sand. 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. It comes with eight heavy-duty stakes, plus pockets that can be filled with sand for added security.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Easy to assemble
- Interior gear pockets
- Mesh windows for ventilation
- Extended floor cover
What to consider:
- A lack of ventilation when the floor cover is clipped up
Buy it: $139, LLBean.com
Coleman Beach Canopy Sun Shelter Tent
You’ll hear a lot of “where did you get that?” when you roll up to the shore with this pop-up baby beach tent. Lightweight, portable and UV-resistant, it’s large and sturdy enough for the whole family to hide away from the sun, sand and wind. It’s made from durable, UVGuard material designed to block harmful sun rays. Can’t decide if you want the back of the baby tent to be a wall or a window? You can do both!
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- It takes less than five minutes to set up
- Easy to take down and store in bag
- Optional front privacy door is ideal for baby diaper changes
- Integrated storage pockets and a dry-line to hang wet clothes or towels
What to consider:
- May be hard to assemble on a windy day
Buy it: $60, Walmart.com
Babymoov Anti-UV Tent
This easy-peasy pop-up baby beach tent is a favorite because it’s hassle-free. It pops open in about three seconds to provide a cozy hideaway and UV protection for baby. Plus, it has enough head room to allow toddlers to stand up inside. Babymoov even has a handy video tutorial that explains how to close the tent and store it in the compact carry bag. Suitable for ages 0 to 5.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Ventilation net allows for air to come through while protecting against bugs
- Made up of durable and easy-to-clean material
What to consider:
- Some reviewer say tent instructions aren’t very helpful
- It can be tricky to fold away
- Ventilation net allows sand to enter on a windy beach day
Buy it: $40, Nordstrom.com
iCorer Instant Cabana Sun Shelter
If you’re looking for an easy-to-assemble option at a price that won’t break the bank, look no further than the pop-up baby beach tent from iCorer. This cabana will automatically open and self-expand in the blink of an eye and folds back flat in mere seconds. It comes with six stakes to hold it in place and can easily fit two people inside. And at $34, this tent is a bargain to boot!
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Mesh windows for ventilation
- Flame-resistant nylon fabric
- Weighs less than 3 lbs.
- Easily opens and closes
What to consider:
- May become more difficult to close after frequent use
Buy it: $34, Walmart.com
Monobeach Baby Beach Tent Pop Up Portable Shade Pool UV Protection Sun Shelter for Infant
This baby beach tent is super-easy to assemble: just pop it up and fold it down. The best part? This tent 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. Shade plus water equals one cool kid! 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.) Suitable for children up to 3 years.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Lightweight
- Mesh back panel for ventilation
- Add water inside to make a baby pool
What to consider:
- Very small size
- Some customers found it difficult to fold away
Buy it: $40, Amazon.com
Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Beach Tent
There’s plenty of room for picnics underneath this Insta-worthy sun shade. Made from premium, eco-friendly wood and mold-resistant UV canvas, this stylish canopy is on the pricier side but the quality construction means it’ll last a lifetime. It takes three minutes to set up and is open on all sides for breezy ventilation, while still providing plenty of shade from the sun.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Offers sun protection and ventilation at the same time
- Mold- and water-resistant material
- Marine-grade aluminum fittings
What to consider:
- Weighs 10 lbs.
- Assembly required
- Spot clean only with mild soap and water
Buy it: $299, Maisonette.com
FHzytg Large Baby Beach Tent
Seaside trips with baby will be easier than ever with this baby beach tent. Designed specifically for your tiny human, it provides a snug, shady space for your little one. It’s double-lined with an exterior UPF 50+ nylon cover and a breathable mesh interior that’ll protect baby from bugs and sand. Use the zipper to open the front cover of the tent, or close it up to offer shade for a midday nap.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Mesh windows provide ventilation for baby
- Weighs less than 1 lb.
What to consider:
- May not withstand wind when baby isn’t in it
- Small size limits access for parents
Buy it: $30, Amazon.com
Neso Tents Beach Tent with Sand Anchor
Did somebody say beach party? This sun shade has enough space for an infant, toddler, parents and more. Made from a quality nylon-Lycra blend, this tent is 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 little one cool.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Water-resistant material and rust-proof poles
- Weighs 4 lbs.
- Open sides aid ventilation
- Large enough for adults and children
What to consider:
- Assembly required
- If the poles are placed in the wrong wind direction, the tent may buckle
- Tent doesn’t have a base
- No way to keep bugs and sand out
Buy it: $100, Amazon.com
Redmon Beach Baby Shade Dome 1 Person Tent
Wayfair is another great place to find outdoor gear for the whole family. Our top pick? This compact baby beach tent by Redmon. It pops up in seconds and folds away flat for easy storage in the included carry case. Meanwhile, the clip-down front and mesh windows allow the breeze to travel through, keeping baby cool. And, like all of the best baby beach tents, this pick offers UPF 50+ protection.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Easy to fold
- Lightweight and portable
- Mesh windows for ventilation
What to consider:
- Only suitable for one child
Buy it: $50, Wayfair.com
Regalo On-The-Go Baby My Play Tent
Looking for a baby sun tent you can bring from the beach to the park and home again? Check out this indoor-outdoor option by Regalo. Designed for newborns and infants up to 15 pounds, it can be used as a bassinet at home or as a sun shade while out and about, thanks to the detachable UPF 50+ canopy. It has a padded bottom and comes with toys to stimulate baby’s senses. The best part? It’s easy to set up, folds away in seconds and is machine-washable to boot.
What we love:
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Machine-washable
- Can be used indoors or outdoors
What to consider:
- Not suitable for toddlers
- Padded base is too thin
Buy it: $60, Amazon.com
WolfWise UPF 50+ Easy Pop Up 3-4 Person Beach Tent
Beat the heat with this genius pop-up baby beach tent by WolfWise. This tent offers 360-degree ventilation, thanks to the large entrance and full-size rear door. If your little one doesn’t feel like having guests in their pad, close the doors for a little privacy. They can still see all the other beach babies through the mesh windows that let in the sea breeze. Bonus: This style can be assembled in seconds and packed away into the carry case in a matter of minutes.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Easy to set up
- Comfortably fits two adults and two kids
- Water-repellent fabric
What to consider:
- It can be difficult to fold away
- Incorrect storage can damage the poles
Buy it: $100, Amazon.com
Veer Basecamp Sundome in White/Black
Families that love the great outdoors may need something a little more robust than your average sun shade. Enter the Veer Basecamp Sundome. Designed with premium fiberglass tent poles, this sturdy option is ASTM-compliant and JPMA-certified, meaning it meets the highest standards for quality, safety, performance and functionality. It opens in one fluid motion and folds away into a handy travel case. Plus, the removable UPF 50 sun cover acts as a protective barrier against insects and the elements. Bonus features include a water-resistant bottom and mesh sides, to keep your little cool and comfortable.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Easy to set up
- Roomy interior
- Removable sun cover
- Water- and insect-repellent fabric
What to consider:
- A lot of strength needed to fold it away
- Weighs 7 lbs.
- Padded floor mat sold separately
Buy it: $189, goveer.com
California Beach Co Pop N’ Go Outdoor Baby Play Yard
This baby beach tent is a bestseller on Amazon with over a thousand five-star reviews—and we can see why. It’s roomy enough for baby to roam but still leaves enough space for a parent to squeeze into. More importantly, it’s made from UPF 50+ material to protect baby from the sun’s harmful rays, and has mesh side panels for ventilation. 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 special design makes packing up as easy as can be.
What we love:
- UPF 50+
- Easy to set up
- Accommodates adults and children
- Ground stakes ensure the sun tent stays in place
What to consider:
- Weighs over 7 lbs.
- Floor mat sold separately
Buy it: $280, Amazon.com
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