Last Updated on November 3, 2020 by Dean Anderson
If you’re heading to the beach this Summer and you have children then you may be considering taking a baby sun tent. All the family can hang out by the water and sand with the added protection that a UV tent affords.
On it’s own a baby sun shade tent is not going to stop you from getting sunburned. But as part of your armory which will no doubt include sunscreen and suitable protective clothing it will offer additional protection from the sun as well as bugs and the wind.
Here we review 4 and reveal the best baby beach tent for 2017.
1. Schylling Infant UV Playshade – Waterproof with good UV protection
This tent is the perfect size for a baby or small child, where they can play in it, relax, or take a nap. You can even close it up entirely because it has a Velcro door for privacy. However, when the tent is opened, there’s unlimited room for sticking your legs and feet out of the door. This means you can use it to breast feed or others can sit with a baby inside it if they need to. This also has UV protection and is easy to set up.
Pros
- Has high UV protection
- Comes with carrying case
- Can use inside or outside
- Easy to set up
- Waterproof
Cons
- Air flow isn’t great
- Only big enough for a couple of toddlers/babies
- Need to roll up the cover over the mesh screen at the back to prevent chance of sunburn
The air flow isn’t great with this one but if you have the door open, you can at least get some wind if you’re near the beach. The item is also waterproof and can be used virtually anywhere, so it’s a cool item to have to keep young babies safe from the sun. Potential buyers need to be aware though that this is just for the kids and not large enough for a family to sit in on the beach.
2. Pacific Play Tents Lil Nursery Tent – A choice of colors with built in floor padding
This tent comes in many different colors, so you can customize it to the gender of your child. It has mesh panels on both sides, so you’re able to move air through it. It also has a roll up door, in case you want to open it up. Since it’s made from heavy duty material, it’s also easy to clean if you need to, in the case of an accident or spillage.
Pros
- Cleans up easy
- Comes in many colors
- Has mesh panels for good air flow
- Flame retardant
- UV Treated SPF30
Cons
- May need to be weighted down
- Some reports of the poles snapping when assembling
Since this one is designed just for a baby, it may need to be weighted down so the wind doesn’t blow it. However, you can place your cooler or diaper bag in it, so that it stays in place. There is also a little bit of padding on the floor of this tent for added comfort which makes it a great place for baby to take a nap while being protected from the sun.
This is a decent beach tent but there have been some reports of the poles breaking so take care when assembling.
3. Pacific Breeze EasyUp Beach Tent – Roomy and easy to setup
This tent is a little bit larger than the previous 2 reviewed, so you can sit with your baby, or all your children can sit together in the shade and use it. It’s lightweight and has an open design that makes it quite roomy for more than one person to use. It doesn’t however have a door to completely close yourself in.
The Pacific Breeze is easy to set up and it’s also very well constructed. Additionally, it has pockets for storing important items, like sunscreen, books or cell phones.
Pros
- Open design makes it roomy
- Lightweight
- Big enough for babies and older children
- Easy to set up
- Has pockets for storage
- Instructions for assembly sewn into
Cons
- Could be cramped for adults
There is some argument on if two adults can sit comfortably in this side by side. However, it is a great size for babies and children to enjoy, when they are lying around or trying to read a book. As well as the beach it can even be used by the pool or in the backyard, but as you would expect it’s not really ideal for camping.
This is a very well made and lightweight product at just under 3lbs, in that respect it justifies the price. Buyers like how easy it is to setup and how well ventilated it is. It will be interesting to see if this competes with the cheaper but similar Coleman.
4. Coleman Compact Shade Shelter – Plenty of room, well made and can be zipped up for privacy – the best baby beach tent on test
This is also a family size shelter that has an open design. One difference and advantage over the competition is that the tent can be closed off for privacy. This means it doubles as a changing room, ideal at the beach.
The numerous storage areas and clothes hanger is definitely a plus point. The kids can paddle then when they’ve finished, zip up the tent to get changed then the wet clothing can be hung on the clothes line. The door incorporates heavy duty zippers so should stand up to repeated use.
Besides that, the unit is able to fold up rather small and has room for a whole family. It does however weigh twice as much as the Pacific Breeze but this is a small price to pay for the touches of quality it offers.
Pros
- Has zippered doors
- Comes with 4 storage pockets
- Incorporates a clothes line for hanging wet clothing from
- Lots of room
- Folds up small
- Comes with 6 sandbags
- Can also use as a changing room
Cons
- Sandbags may not be heavy enough to keep it from moving around in extreme conditions but fine for summer use
- Weighs almost 8lbs
This model has 6 sandbags that come with it that are designed to weigh it down. However, that may not be enough to keep it from moving around in really windy conditions. Still this is the only model on test that offers any kind of facility to keep the tent put and thus puts it ahead of the rest.
What we really like about the Coleman is all the little extra touches. The storage pockets, quality zips front and back, the clothes line and the ability to fully close up for some privacy when changing. Even an adult can use it for this purpose. A great UV tent for baby while also offering advantages for parents.
Which is the Best Baby Beach Tent For This Summer?
All of these beach tents are great for a baby or toddler as a sun shade. Some offer much more though and are also great for the whole family to relax in.
If you’re only worried about your little one, the Schylling Infant UV Playshade is a good option especially because it protects from UV rays and is easy to assemble and use. It is also big enough for mom to go inside to breastfeed or change diapers. Given the value for money price this is our runner up.
The Coleman Compact Shade Shelter is the best for large families or more than one child. It can be opened up or closed for privacy, and there is enough room and storage for everyone. It also has good UV protection while sandbags help to keep the tent on the ground in windier beach conditions.
The Pacific Play Tents Lil Nursery Tent is a little bit bigger and is the best for airflow in the smaller tents. It comes in different colors, so you can get the color you want, and there are also mesh inserts to stay cool. However the reports of the poles breaking from numerous reviewers on Amazon.com makes it impossible for us to recommend this product.
Finally, the Pacific Breeze EasyUp Beach Tent is the easiest one to set up. It just requires extending the poles and pulling a few ropes. It is also lightweight enough to take anywhere. However it’s the most expensive on test so despite the great build quality and looks it loses out to the cheaper Coleman beach tent.
Eight years ago, I took a risk and left a miserable office job to follow a lifestyle career that involved my love for the great outdoors. I’ve taken my love for camping, hiking and travel to the next level by running my small campground with a friend near Portland, Oregon. It’s for way less money but this has truly been a dream come true and the running involves lots of family and friends.
The next evolution of that was to get online and start allcampingstuff.com. At our campground, I spend a lot of time setting up camping equipment for customers and disposing of the garbage products they leave behind. If I can help just a few people with advice on good camping gear, then this website venture will be worth it.
So, if you want to avoid the duds and spend your money wisely you’ve hopefully come to the right place.
