Summer is probably the best time of the year for many because hey, nothing beats escaping the miserable cold isn't it? Best of all , it's time for those family beach excursions!
However, one very important thing for these outings is - sun protection. If you think sunscreen is the only baby beach gear you need, you're wrong. A baby Beach Tent is equally important when going to the beach with your little one. Not only does it provide sufficient shade to shield your baby from getting sunburnt, a good baby beach tent also keeps those blasting winds and annoying bugs at bay, apart from providing a sand-free space for baby to nap, eat a snack or change a diaper.
1. Why A Baby Beach Tent Is Necessary
Sun protection, sun protection and sun protection.
Let's face it, the sun can be pretty brutal these days. A baby beach tent will significantly reduce the chances of any sunburnt, heatstroke and sand rashes that babies and toddlers are more prone to, which is due to the fact that they have way more delicate and sensitive skin than us adults.
Yes, sunscreen will be able to give a certain layer of protection but often, that is not enough. Moreover, you should never apply too much sunscreen on your little one because over-applying may irritate their skin (again, due to their delicate skin). And with professionals advising highly against applying sunscreen on babies 6 months and below, a baby or toddler beach tent (as some would call it) is the perfect solution to adequate sun protection for a day out at the beach.
Not to mention, it can double function as a play area for when you visit a friend's house that is not baby-proofed so that you can have peace of mind that baby is confined in a safe area instead of roaming around dangerously.
2. How To Choose The Best Beach Canopy for Infants and Toddlers
A. UVA/UVB Protection
While all tents provide shade to a certain degree, you will be surprised at just how many that do not have adequate ultraviolet light protection. Yes, we are talking about the harmful sun rays, commonly known as UVA and UVB. If you want the best beach shade tent for your little one, then be sure to check the tent is UVA and UVB protected.
B. Good Ventilation
A good baby beach tent will provide adequate ventilation so that baby/toddler can stay cool and not overheated in after playing out and about in the sun. We recommend getting those with vented screens around the sides because if you get those with a vented top, there will be no shade and sun protection for your little one.
C. Size
If your beach tent is specifically for your baby only, we recommend getting a small beach tent because this way, it is easier for you to carry amongst your many other baby beach supplies. However, if your older toddler will be sharing the same tent, a big beach tent will be appropriate. Whatever the size is, you would want to look for one that is strong and sturdy because with beaches, you never know when a strong gust of wind will blow!
D. Ease Of Use
If you're like us who absolutely despise tents that require multiple tools to set up, then you would want to choose a pop up beach tent for baby. A pop up beach tent is, in our opinion, the easiest to put together, not to mention very lightweight hence it is one of the best, portability wise. However, keep in mind that an easy pop up beach tent as such usually cannot accommodate multiple children, so again, think of how many users there will be before choosing your baby beach tent.
3. Top 8 Best Beach Tent For Babies (in no particular order)
1. Schylling UV Play Shade
The Schylling UV Play Shade is one of the best canopy tent for beach that we'd highly recommend if you are one of those that are particular about UV rays. Made from a special material that is certified to exceed SPF 50, you can be sure that your little one is worry free from the harmful UV rays.
It has a patented design that pops up in seconds, making the Schylling one of the best pop up beach tent that requires no adjustments to be made. Packing it is a breeze likewise - it easily folds up and goes right back into the 'Go Anywhere' travel pouch that comes with it which can be slung over your shoulder for easy portability.
While it is the perfect size to fit multiple toddlers, we note that it may be too small to breastfeed so that may present some inconvenience for breastfeeding mothers. Also, it only has one open flap and one vented side mash so ventilation may not be the best especially on a very hot day.
Nonetheless, when it comes to the best beach canopy for wind, the Schylling UV Play Shade does not disappoint. It has tie down pegs and sand pockets to keep it securely in place wherever you are, so you will never have to worry about it getting swept away by strong wind.
2. Nido Mini 2-in-1 Travel & Play Tent
If you're looking for an infant beach tent for your newborn or baby below 6 months old, the Nido Mini 2-in-1 Travel & Play Tent will be a pleasant delight to add to your beach bag.
This baby beach tent uv protection is one of the top in its category in terms of blocking off harmful UVA and UVB rays, in addition, it keeps sand, wind and mosquitoes away with its retractable mesh so that baby stays protected from the elements. If there is no mosquitoes and the like, simply roll the mesh up for better ventilation and the canopy will keep your little one shaded.
As pictured left, this newborn beach tent has a pop up design that makes it easy to set up in a few seconds. Folding and unfolding is so easy, making the Nido Mini ideal for travelling.
Apart from being an infant beach tent, you can use it for naps and playtime at home or on the go too wherever you are as it comes with a removable mat and 3 toys for baby's comfort and fun. As its name indicates, the Nido Mini 2-in-1 Travel & Play Tent makes for an excellent infant travel bed too for when you go for your overseas travels.
3. Monobeach Baby Beach Tent Pop Up Portable Shade
The Monobeach Baby Beach Tent Pop Up Portable Shade spells FUN from just its looks - yep, this is a baby beach tent with pool! Not only does it shade your little one from the sun, it also adds a fun element for him/her!
Designed for children under 3 years of age, it features a mini pool at the bottom to allow baby plays in the water instead of going to the seaside. Not only is this safer, it also lets your little one cool his body down after playing out and about on the sand.
As pictured left, the half tent can be removed to become just the base with the mini pool if the sun is not particularly strong. Otherwise, as with any best beach tents, baby is well protected from the sun's harmful rays with its SPF 50+ canopy.
This half tent for beach pops up automatically and features a two-way zipper, curtain and mesh for ultimate ventilation. The only downside we can find? The Monobeach Baby Beach Tent Pop Up Portable Shade can only fit one baby at a time - considering the fun mini pool it has, it may cause a slight turbulence if you have multiple kids scrambling around to get their share of fun out of it!
4. Overcrest Portable Beach Pop Up Tent
Another best beach tent for infant and babies is this Overcrest Portable Beach Pop Up Tent that is made of high premium 190T nylon fabric with high breathability and wear resistance.
Similar to the Nido Mini, this is a small beach tent that is very lightweight (under 1 pound!) and can be zipped all the way up to effectively protect baby from ultraviolet (UPF 50+) and mosquitoes and the likes. What's different though, its that the Overcrest has 2 tent pegs to keep it securely fixed on the ground/sand, making it one of the best beach tent for wind.
If you know us, you will know it's all about convenience when it comes to baby gears. The Overcrest is the same - it employs a self-expanding or pop up design that can be folded down in seconds, into a compact package to make for great portability.
However, one thing you should note about a beach cabana tent like the Overcrest Portable Beach Pop Up Tent is that it can only accommodate one child at a time. At the very least, it is not a big beach tent where you can lie inside with your little one so for breastfeeding mothers, this may be an issue. If this concerns you, we suggest getting a large beach tent like those reviewed below.
5. Pacific Play Tents Lil Nursery Tent
For a little more space and privacy, a beach tent like the Pacific Play Tents Lil Nursery Tent is a good choice. Bigger than the usual pop up cabana beach tent, it measures 3 feet wide and 3 feet tall so you can use it to change diapers when needed.
Two mesh side panels are incorporated to provide ample ventilation and visibility while the rest of the walls are SPF30 UV treated to protect your child from the sun. The mesh door secures with velcro and the
