Most important, you want to protect your baby’s skin while in the sun. “Sun protection includes layers of protection (shade, sunscreen, proper sunwear), and I would highly recommend using sunscreen, even if a beach tent is being used. Both combined will add more layers of protection,” Mona Amin, DO, a board-certified general pediatrician based in Florida and member of Buybuy Baby’s Parenting Pros. When shopping for a baby beach tent, you’ll want to consider how many people you want it to fit and the amount of sun protection it offers. And, if your trips to the beach are infrequent, you might consider a beach tent that you can use in other ways, such as for shade on your patio or while tailgating. We carefully considered safety, UPF rating, ease of setup, size, versatility, design, value, age recommendations, and additional features, such as mosquito protection and storage for toys, when reviewing these products. Here are the best baby beach tents for all kinds of fun in the sun. The spacious tent can comfortably shield at least three people from the sun. While stakes are not needed for set up, the tent does come with four of them to use for anchoring on a windy day. Additionally, the tent has five attached external pockets to fill with sand for extra stability. On the inside of the tent, internal pockets are available for stashing sunscreen, snacks, and other beach gear. The tent, which only weighs 4.5 pounds when unopened, comes with a carrying bag and does not add a heavy load to your beach gear. The water resistant floor will keep your whole family and all your supplies dry during your beach day. Most important, the fabric is UPF 50+, so the tent truly helps keep your baby protected from the sun. Price at time of publication: $62 This little tent weighs less than one pound, comes with its own storage bag and two tent stakes, and pops right up. Fully opened, the tent measures 41.34 x 25.59 x 19.69 inches. It doesn’t have any padding, so you may want an extra beach blanket or changing pad to cushion the bottom. Price at time of publication: $30 Busy parents rejoice: The tent can be opened one-handed! With SPF 50+ sun protection, this 31 x 51 x 39 inch tent is a beach essential for families with small kids. Price at time of publication: $48 Price at time of publication: $40 The 7-foot canopy is pretty big, so it’s roomy enough for adults and kids to sit under at lunchtime. At 9 pounds, this tent is heavier than other options. After beach season, the canopy umbrella also works well for camping trips with toddlers, backyard use, a school field day, or wherever you need some shade. Choose from three bright colors: blue, red, or turquoise. Price at time of publication: $64 for 8’ While the learning curve may deter some people from trying it, this portable beach tent provides a lot of flexibility. It’s probably best for those with older kids since the set-up is a two-person job. Once it’s up, you’ll likely get lots of compliments from other beachgoers—the canopy has stand-out style and comes in 16 different colors. Price at time of publication: $105 This tent measures 43 x 56 x 35 inches, and has enough room for three to four children of varying ages to play comfortably in. To set the tent up you simply pop it open. Fold it down when finished, and then place the tent inside the included storage bag. Price at time of publication: $189 This tent is recommended for kids 3 and under. It only weighs 1.8 pounds and opens to 31.5 x 47.5 x 27.5 inches. If your tot is likely to stay still and play, this could be the perfect beach tent for your family. Price at time of publication: $40 When you’re not using it at the beach, you can use it for tailgating or as shade on your patio at home. It’s important to note, however, that if it’s windy, the canopy can blow away if not properly secured. Price at time of publication: $120 There’s also a mosquito net, so baby can be protected from bug bites. And, you don’t have to worry about it getting wet because the base is waterproof. It’s important to note this product is not safe for baby to sleep in. Price at time of publication: $65
What to Look for in a Baby Beach Tent
Size
You’ll want to ask yourself how many people you want to fit inside the tent before making your purchase. Some families look for a tent that can hold the entire family while others need one just for a baby. If you need a tent to shelter the whole family, you may want to look into a canopy set-up instead of an actual tent. These can typically hold more than two people while still giving plenty of beachside shade. There are also regular beach tents, which are perfect for children because some feature flaps that can be opened or closed for ventilation. Most of the time, they can hold a couple of people or several children, depending on their age.
Sun Protection
One of the most important features you need to consider for a beach tent is SPF. It’s no secret that the sun provides vitamin D for our skin, but too much time in the sun can be harmful, especially for babies. Moreover, for babies under 6 months old, direct sunlight and sunscreen should be avoided. “Keep in mind that our sweat naturally cools us down when we’re hot, but younger babies don’t sweat like adults do. Their bodies haven’t fully developed that built-in heating-and-cooling system, so they can become easily overheated and have a greater risk of dehydration,” says Sarah Adams, MD, of Akron Children’s Hospital, Ohio. “Make sure your child wears clothing that covers and protects their sensitive skin. If you can see through it, it probably doesn’t offer enough protection; hats should cover the head, neck and ears. Even for babies older than 6 months, it is important they don’t get too cold in the water because they cannot regulate their body temperature like adults.” When you’re looking for a baby beach tent, check if the tent has SPF protection so that when the baby is relaxing in the tent, they’re safe from harmful rays. If the tent you’re looking at does not offer SPF protection, there are UV protection sprays you can use instead for the tent. Or, you can put a sheet over the tent or set it up in a shaded area (if there is one available). Even with a tent, you should keep an eye on your baby for any warning signs of sunburn or dehydration, Dr. Adams suggests. “These signs include fussiness, redness and excessive crying. Hydration is key. Be sure to give your child formula or breast milk if you’re out in the sun for more than a few minutes,” she says.
Versatility
If your family does not live near the beach, finding a tent that can be used in multiple ways will ensure you get the best bang for your buck. Depending on your purchase, many tents can be used at home in the backyard or even indoors for an indoor camping experience. There’s also the option of taking the tent to the park to watch older siblings play or using it as a fun space to play with toys. If you pick a canopy, these are great for tailgating or patio use. Just set it up (be sure to use weights) and you’ll have instant shade on your favorite spot at home outdoors or while entertaining family and friends at your favorite team’s next event.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s a mom of a 12-year-old son, 9-year-old son, and 5-year-old-daughter. She used to live for beach days with her husband and a good book. Now, anything that buys her and her family more time on the beach is key. A tent is a true lifesaver, providing a space where Maya can breastfeed, nap, serve lunch, change diapers, and hide from aggressive seagulls. Keep in mind your child’s age as well, Dr. Adams recommends. “If your baby is under 6 months of age, I do not recommend any direct or indirect sun exposure because of the immaturity of their skin. They can sunburn easily,” she says. “The FDA and the AAP recommend keeping newborns and babies younger than 6 months of age out of direct sunlight. The best sun protection for these infants is to stay in the shade.” As for certain hours of the day, there are times when the sun’s rays will be strongest. “Regardless of age, you should avoid being at the beach during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest and UV rays are most intense,” Dr. Adams says. “Rather, I recommend you go to the beach for a couple of hours in the early morning or late afternoon. “Newborns under 2 months old should avoid going to the beach,” says Dr. Adams. “Always talk to your pediatrician before taking your baby to the beach at any age. And for any baby, stay off the beach during the hottest time of day or if the temperature is too hot. Babies can lose heat rapidly, nearly four times faster than an adult. Infants cannot regulate their body heat like grown-ups, so when they are left in a hot environment, they can feel heat stress. Thus, babies younger than 6 months old should be kept out of direct and indirect sunlight because of the risk of heatstroke.” If your child is over 6 months old and you need somewhere for them to nap, ensure it’s in a safe spot. “Make sure your baby is free to nap in an area away from the sun, sand and water, and that there is no reflection from the sand or water (which could cause sunburn),” says Dr. Adams. “Additionally, make sure they nap under a pop-up beach tent, baby beach tent or large beach umbrella, and on an area similar to their crib—a firm, clean surface; on their back; with close supervision.”
