Does my baby need sunscreen if I use a beach tent?

While you can keep your baby shaded in a beach tent, it is possible for the sun to reflect into what you thought was a safe spot for your little one. “You can keep them [baby] in a shade tent, under an umbrella and in sun-protective clothing, but just remember that if you’re at the beach, the sun can reflect off sand or water and into your otherwise shady area,” Dr. Adams explains. “For babies 6 months or older, you can apply a baby-safe sunscreen with SPF 30-50 to all exposed areas of your little one’s body. Purchase baby sunblock with a formula labeled ‘broad-spectrum,’ which means it will protect against both UVB and UVA rays. The active ingredient list should contain only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These ingredients are considered physical sunscreens, meaning they are not absorbed—you apply, and they stay on the skin.”

How long can a baby be at the beach?

Many factors come into play when deciding how long your little one can spend at the beach safely. “This largely depends on the temperature of the day and how the baby is doing,” Dr. Amin explains. “If there is proper shade, the baby is active and playful and not showing signs of overheating (listless, sweating, chapped lips), you can stay as long as you would like. Continue to monitor the child if it’s too hot, and go into air-conditioning.” 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.

Is it safe for babies to nap at the beach?

Before letting your baby catch some zzz’s at the beach, factor in the temperature and your child’s age first, Dr. Amin and Dr. Adams tells us. “If it’s a beautiful day and [your] baby does sleep anywhere, go for it!” Dr Amin says. However, remember that newborns should stay out of direct sunlight. “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.”

The 10 Best Baby Beach Tents of 2023

A beach tent is a vital piece of beach gear to help protect your crew from the sun. These portable sun shields also create a home base for your stuff. For your next day out, there are plenty of baby beach tents to protect one, two, or multiple children.

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.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Babies:

Aiernuo Large Baby Beach Tent at Sears.com

Jump to Review

Best for Toddlers:

Schylling UV Play Shade at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Storage:

Sunba Youth Beach Tent at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Windy Days:

Sport-Brella Premiere XL UPF 50+ Umbrella at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight Canopy:

Neso Tents Beach Tent with Sand Anchor at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Beach Play Yard:

Veer Basecamp Portable Tent at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Play Tent:

Monobeach Baby Beach Tent at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for the Whole Family:

CROWN SHADES Canopy Tent at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Add-On:

DOCKATOT Cabana Kit for Deluxe+ Stage 1 Dock at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected the Best Baby Beach Tents
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

No stakes or poles needed
UPF 50+ fabric

Cons

Harder to secure on a windy day
Front cannot be closed

The Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent is our top pick because it makes tent setup struggles a distant memory. Once it’s out of the bag, the tent pops open on its own—no need to deal with complicated stakes and poles. You’ll spark some serious tent envy when other beach-goers see just how easy it is to use.

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

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 87 x 47 x 49 inches | Material: Polyester and fiberglass | Product Weight: 4.5 pounds (when not opened)}

Amazon

Pros

Mosquito netting
Lightweight

Cons

No padding

Bringing a baby along to the beach requires gear you never knew you needed. Add this baby beach tent to your must-haves to enjoy a less stressful day on the shore. Best for smaller babies who are not mobile, this tent provides much-needed safety away from the sun, sand, and bugs. The netting allows the cool shore breezes to blow while preventing your kid from getting bug bites.

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

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 41.34 x 25.59 x 19.69 inches | Material: Nylon | Product Weight: 14 ounces}

Cityhome

Pros

Can be opened one-handed
All flaps can fully close

Cons

Needs to be stabilized on windy days

A toddler at the beach is a whirlwind of activity. This pop-up tent can provide a much-needed space for a toddler (or two) to play in the shade. It’s big enough to fit a few small kiddos and their toys or provide space for a tired tyke to lay down and rest. If you’re lucky enough to get a tired toddler, the flaps fully close and vents allow for a cross-breeze and airflow so your baby can get a cool nap.

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

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 31 x 51 x 39 inches | Material: Nylon | Product Weight: 2.2 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

UPF 50+ material
No assembly required
Large storage pockets

Cons

Difficult to fold

Whether you have one child or multiple littles, this baby beach tent from Sunba Youth takes care of everyone in the family. Weighing only 2 pounds, this lightweight beach tent measures 65 x 59 x 43.5 inches, so your family has plenty of space to relax or store beach gear in one of the several storage pockets. The polyester fabric has a special anti-UV coating with a rating of UPF 50+ to protect your little one from the sun’s rays. Plus, no extra assembly is required to put the tent together, and it slides right back into the included storage bag when you’re finished.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 65 x 59 x 43.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Product Weight: 2.2 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Steel-reinforced frame
Roomy

Cons

Must be weighted down with stakes/sand/heavy objects

This rugged and durable canopy umbrella provides the best of both worlds. The shade cover and SPF 50+ fabric protect from the sun’s rays, while the tent construction is extremely durable for extra windy days. The steel-reinforced frame is super strong and the umbrella comes with two anchor cords, heavy-duty ground stakes, and pockets to fill with sand or heavy objects, which all help to provide a safe structure in the wind.

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'

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 53 x 6 x 4 inches | Material: Not Listed | Product Weight: 7 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
Compact

Cons

Costly
Tent must be anchored with natural elements

Neso Tents canopies are made for an on-the-go family. This 80 x 80 inch canopy provides shade for a family of four. At only 4 pounds, it is super portable and packable, which is a big appeal for a family lugging lots of beach gear. It’s also a great option for when you're traveling with kids, since the tent bag fits right into your suitcase. The set-up does take a little getting used to since the tent is anchored with natural elements, not stakes.

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 standout style and comes in 16 different colors.

Price at time of publication: $105

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 81.89 x 79.92 x 66.14 inches | Material: Nylon and lycra | Product Weight: 4 pounds}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Transparent mesh acts as bug shield
UPF sun/rain cover
Easy to open/fold down

Cons

Costly
Only outside-facing zipper

For families who stay busy on the go or have multiple littles, we think you’ll love the Veer Basecamp Portable Tent. Not only does it serve as a beach tent, but it can be used as a play yard once you’re home from the beach. The inside of the tent is visible from any angle because of transparent mesh, so you can keep an eye on little ones with ease. Plus, you don’t have to worry about shade as the tent includes a removable UPF 50 sun or rain cover.

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

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 43 x 56 x 35 inches | Material: Polyester | Product Weight: 7 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Bottom of tent is a mini pool
Removeable canopy

Cons

Recommended for children under 3 years old only

For the right kid, this tent could be a godsend at the beach. Not only does it provide sun protection, but the bottom of the tent is a mini pool. Fill it with a bit of water and your baby can splash the day away without the stress of playing in the ocean, just be sure to always keep an eye on your children by the water. If your tot is fearful of the water, just add some toys and a bit of sand and they’ve got a shady play place for their shovels and buckets.

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

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 31.5 x 47.5 x 27.5 inches | Material: Not listed | Product Weight: 1.8 pounds}

Amazon

Pros

Fits 6 to 8 people
Water resistant

Cons

Can blow away on windy days if not secured
Heavy

The whole family can relax in the shade with this 10 x 10 or 11 x 11 foot canopy that can stand up to more than 9 feet tall. While both sizes weigh approximately 30 to 34 pounds, the entire canopy does fit inside of a carrier, making it portable.

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

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 132 x 132 x 101.5 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Product Weight: 30 to 34 pounds}

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Pros

Stow-away mosquito net
Retractable shade

Cons

Not safe for sleep

Designed for babies from 5 pounds to 22 pounds, or newborn to 8 months, this lounger is perfect for supervised awake time at the beach. It features a retractable canopy that’s made with UPF 50+ fabric for protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

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

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions: 16.5 x 29.5 x 16 inches | Material: Polyester | Product Weight: 1.44 pounds}

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a simple tent that’s perfect for the beach, check out our best overall pick, the Pacific Breeze Easy Set-Up Tent. Once it’s out of the bag, the tent literally pops open on its own, and the fabric is UPF 50+. There’s also the Neso Tents Beach Tent, which provides shade for a family of four. At only 4 pounds, it is super portable and packable, which is appealing for a family lugging lots of beach gear.

How We Selected the Best Baby Beach Tents

We chose the best baby beach tents by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and studying the features of more than 30 products on the market. We considered design, features, ease of assembly, age recommendations, material, and value when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Sarah Adams, MD, of Akron Children’s Hospital, Ohio, and Mona Amin, DO, a board-certified general pediatrician based in Florida and member of Buybuy Baby’s Parenting Pros, for any considerations or product recommendations while reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics on swim safety.

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 setup 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 Dr. Adams. “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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my baby need sunscreen if I use a beach tent?

While you can keep your baby shaded in a beach tent, it is possible for the sun to reflect into what you thought was a safe spot for your little one. “You can keep them [baby] in a shade tent, under an umbrella and in sun-protective clothing, but just remember that if you’re at the beach, the sun can reflect off sand or water and into your otherwise shady area,” Dr. Adams explains. “For babies 6 months or older, you can apply a baby-safe sunscreen with SPF 30-50 to all exposed areas of your little one’s body. Purchase baby sunblock with a formula labeled ‘broad-spectrum,’ which means it will protect against both UVB and UVA rays. The active ingredient list should contain only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These ingredients are considered physical sunscreens, meaning they are not absorbed—you apply, and they stay on the skin.”
How long can a baby be at the beach?

Many factors come into play when deciding how long your little one can spend at the beach safely. “This largely depends on the temperature of the day and how the baby is doing,” Dr. Amin explains. “If there is proper shade, the baby is active and playful and not showing signs of overheating (listless, sweating, chapped lips), you can stay as long as you would like. Continue to monitor the child if it’s too hot, and go into air-conditioning.”
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.
Is it safe for babies to nap at the beach?

Before letting your baby catch some zzz’s at the beach, factor in the temperature and your child’s age first, Dr. Amin and Dr. Adams tells us. “If it’s a beautiful day and [your] baby does sleep anywhere, go for it!” Dr Amin says. However, remember that newborns should stay out of direct sunlight.
“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.”

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.