Top 7 Best Bed Tents For Kids In 2023

Many adults enjoyed sleeping in tents when they were kids. With a tent sealing them away from the world, a child’s imagination can transform it into a secret hideaway, providing comfort and excitement. It can create the feeling of adventure in the great outdoors or the security of a small castle or fortress.

Bed tents are a great way to make kids’ nights more personal and fun by giving them their own space and letting them control their own privacy. A good bed tent is more than just a tent, it’s a way for your kids to exercise autonomy and self-determination. Bed tents can also help children who need sensory deprivation when they sleep or need help managing anxiety.

That’s why we scoured the web and put together this list of the top 8 best bed tents for kids in 2023. These products have been chosen for their good blend of high-value features, including materials, versatility, durability, and overall value per dollar cost.

The Best Bed Tents In 2023

First up on our list is this twin-sized bed tent from Privacy Pop, a well-known maker of bed tents. The Privacy Pop bed tent is designed for ultimate security and is perfect for kids who suffer from anxiety while sleeping. The Privacy Pop is simple, durable, and will fit most standard twin-sized beds.

The zip and mesh sides circulate air so the tent breathes well and can be partially opened if you need a source of light. Zippers on both sides allow entry and exit from either side of the bed. 2 panels on the front and back open to reveal a mesh window.

The Privacy Pop is made from a durable polyester fabric that is double stitched at the seams to prevent tearing and designed to filter out ambient light. Now you can create a private oasis of security anywhere.

It is designed for twin mattresses so it works great for kids, older teens, or college students that need a more comfortable and secure sleeping situation. There are also larger models designed for full and queen size mattresses.

The Pop Private is an under-the-mattress style tent so you need to place the mattress inside the tent while setting it up. It rests directly on the bed frame and does not require any special attachments. The tent frame itself is made from a flexible composite material that can twist and fold up when not in use. The bed tent comes with a convenient carrying case with a handle.

Assembly of the Privacy Pop is very easy. All you have to do is unfurl the tent, place the mattress inside, and you are good to go.  Shoppers can even add on expert setup if they wish when checking out, just to save themselves the trouble.

The DDASUMI is a bed tent ideal for beds without a floor. The DDASUMI is very large and has ample interior space, perfect for older kids who might need a bit more breathing room.

The tent is made from a flexible yet durable polyester fabric that is specially designed to trap heat effectively. It is perfect for cold nights when the air conditioning just might not cut it. The tent stands 53” high and 82” long. It is designed for twin and full-size mattresses.

The tent frame is made from a fiberglass material that is flexible and durable. The design is pretty convenient and can easily be assembled and disassembled. There are large mesh windows on three sides that have a zipper cover so you can modify the amount of light you let in. The tent comes with a convenient fabric storage bag and all components except the frame poles are 100% machine washable.

The DDASMUI is a bit larger than a lot of other bed tents so it may not serve as well if your child needs extra privacy and security. It will work wonders however if your kid wants a spacious place where they can do activities and play with friends. We especially like how it has three separate windows and how it’s designed with the shape of an outdoor tent.

The DDASUMI is a bit lacking in color with only a couple of options. If your child does not care too much about the color though, then there are a lot of things here that they will love.

Many children love playing with trains, and plenty of these train lovers are fans of the show Thomas & Friends, which features the titular train engine and his compadre of locomotives. Parents who have children who are dedicated show watchers may want to consider a Thomas the Tank Engine bed tent!

The Sunny Days Thomas & Friends pop-up tent is everything a kid obsessed with trains could love. It’s made from a durable fabric made for indoor and outdoor use and is four feet long, big enough to fit multiple children for playdates and the like. The tent can be used standalone on the floor as a play place or it can be put on a bed frame and be used as a privacy tent.

The popup design is simple to set up and store when not in use. The EZ twist storage design secures the tent in storage mode and it lies flat so you can easily fit it in a cupboard or closet.

Plus, the unique train-shaped design has ample interior room and multiple entryways make access easy and convenient. If you have a kid who loves Thomas, tents, and all things train, then this is the perfect solution.

The first thing to notice about the Alvantor bed tent is its unique cylindrical design that is like sleeping in a capsule. The Alvantor has a patent-pending double zipper design that allows entry from both sides of the bed. It also has a durable popup rib frame made from fiberglass rods that provide extra strength and stability.

The cylindrical design is nice as it avoids creating point pressures along the frame that can wear down the canopy over time. Plus, the Alvantor is great for someone who needs a secure and private sleeping space. It’s made from a high-quality pongee fabric that breathes well and is soft to the touch.

We especially like the addition of anti-mosquito nets and dark gray color that filters out ambient light. It is a great choice for sleepers that need more sensory deprivation to get comfortable.

This dual-purpose tent can be used on or off the bed and is best used by toddlers who are transitioning from a crib to a bed. The Pacific Play tent is made from mesh panels to provide air circulation and features a colorful graphic like a treehouse from back in the day.

The fitted outer skirt fits a full mattress and stands 42’ high, with plenty of interior space. The bed tent can be used as a play area during the day and as a private sleeping space at night.

The mesh panels are made out of a 190T polyester taffeta that is rip and tear-resistant. The frame poles are double coated to prevent breaking or splintering, which can be dangerous.

The entire tent is easy to assemble and folds up quickly for storage. It is also very affordable compared to some other bed tents we have covered.

Pacific Play Tents also offers a number of other tent designs, from fantasy-themed designs to cute little cottages.

Featuring a stylish design and high canopy, the Besten bed tent is great for older kids who want some privacy to carve out their own unique space. The drape-style doors open wide so they can let in as much light as they want and close it completely when they want some privacy.

The Besten is pretty big and has a high canopy, so it won’t fit that well if your child’s bedroom has a low ceiling. Similarly, you may want to avoid pairing it with too-tall bed frames or remove any bed risers.

The tent is designed to block drafty wind and circulates fresh air in virtue of its mesh fabric construction. It makes a good nook for studying, reading, relaxing and sleeping. There are three doors to allow access on the left, right, and front of the bed.

We especially like how easy the tent is to set up when used with a mattress for teenagers. The canopy is relaxed and can be modified to provide more security if your child wants it. It also has some useful pouches inside where they can stash their books, tablets, and whatever else they need.

FeelingLove indoor privacy tent is a perfect canopy tent that features solid construction that will serve you for a long time. The tent is large and well–decorated with string lights, creating a joyful and ambient environment.

The tent also comprises a string of lights and two hanging lights to offer you ample lighting to complement and brighten the purple color.

You won’t have any difficulty setting up this tent. Plus, it’s versatile both for use on the bed and off the bed.

FeelingLove tent also comes with a warm and cozy material that transforms your bedroom into a paradise. By keeping the warm room with this product you get to save on electricity bills since you don’t have to turn on the heating system.

The tent is designed with durable material that provides an excellent atmosphere. It’s perfect for children and teenagers who share a room with siblings or students sharing a dorm.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for College Students

Bed Tent Buying Guide

The most basic question to answer is why you need a bed tent. Do you need it just as a toy to keep your kid occupied and entertained, or do you need one to give them a feeling of security and privacy? If the former, then bed tents with lots of extra features like windows, attractive designs, and cool fixtures might be a good idea. Some bed tents pull double duty and can work as outside tents.

If the latter, then all you really need is something simple that is durable and machine washable. Bed tents designed for security and comfort filter out excess sensory stimulation so kids can sleep relaxed and undisturbed, minimizing the interruptions that can it tricky to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

Keep in mind that even though we are covering bed tents for kids, bed tents are suitable for people of all ages. Adults with sensory processing disorderVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source may also appreciate a bed tent that creates a secure sleeping area.

Mattress tents go around the entire mattress and enclose the entire bed. These kinds of tents are usually a single piece of fabric and some rigid structural pieces. The real benefit of these kinds of tents is that they provide a more secure enclosure and can be folded up when not in use. There are fewer pieces as well so you are less likely to lose something.

Even though polyester does not shrink, is more durable, and is more water-resistant than natural fibers, polyester fabrics can sometimes have trouble breathing. This means they can trap heat and become stuffy or they do a poor job of insulating heat from the cold. Some people also have a polyester allergy, though this condition is rare.

Pairing a warmer bed tent with cooling bedding can decrease the chances of sleep interruptions from heat buildup, and we have written a number of helpful buyer’s guides on potential products:

• Best Cooling Sheets for Hot Sleepers
• Best Cooling Pillow
• Best Cooling Mattress Topper

Regardless of which material you choose, you will want something that is machine washable. This goes double if you expect your kid to use the bed tent every night. One thing to watch out for, though, is that polyester can shrink if washed repeatedly on high heat settings.

At the same time, there are bed tents that are more like single-person compact tents that don’t offer much interior space and are designed to be portable. In contrast, there are also bigger tents with more spacious interiors that give a lot of room for activities, letting the bed tent function like a daybed.

At What Age Can I Give My Child a Bed Tent?

While crib tents do exist, we suggest waiting to give your child a tent until they’re using a toddler bed lower to the ground. The purpose of a crib tent is to keep an adventurous baby or toddler from climbing out of their crib and hurting themselves, but a crib tent isn’t without its potential risks.

A crib tent can hurt the child if it becomes inverted or detached from the crib. There’s also the fear that in case of a house fire or another emergency, the crib tent can make it difficult to remove the child from their bed. Some parents may even want to wait to give their child a bed tent until they’re pre-school age and older and sleeping on a standard mattress for kids.

After you have given your child a bed tent, we suggest regularly checking it for wear and tear, to ensure any mesh, fabric, and zippers are in good condition and that any needed ties are secured. This task can be accomplished while washing and changing the sheetsVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source every week.

Alternatively, parents can instruct older children to check the condition of the bed tent themselves and to alert their parents if they spot anything amiss. It’s a simple step that can be added to any child’s routine of making the bed.

Parents can also consider the similarly designed canopy bed, which can create a closed-off sleeping space with a more traditional look, particularly if it’s paired with other accessories like a bed skirt. It’s excellent for children who enjoy a fairy tale aesthetic in their bedroom.

SEE ALSO: How Much Sleep Do Kids Really Need?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bed tent?

Everything you need to know is right in the name. Bed tents are tents made specifically for beds. They can be used to promote security and privacy when sleeping or they can be used just for fun.

There exist bed tents for both adults and children. The best bed tent is lightweight, durable, machine-washable, and filter out unnecessary external stimuli. Some bed tents are large and are more like camping tents in terms of their size, materials, and features.

How do you use a bed tent?

It depends on the type of bed tent. Bed frame tents attach directly to the bed frame usually by a series of clips or vices you tighten. The benefit of these kinds of bed tents is that you can remove them easily if your kid wants to change up their sleeping situation. Bed frame tents also tend to have larger interiors and more space for activities.

Other bed tents go around the entire mattress. These kinds of bed tents require you to place the mattress in the tent. Mattress-covering bed tents give a much tighter enclosure and won’t be knocked loose if the bed frameshifts a bit and they are also easier to store as they have fewer detachable parts. But mattress-covering bed tents might be too restrictive for some and make them feel claustrophobic.

Are bed tents safe?

Yes, provided they are set up and used correctly, bed tents are safe for young children to use. That does not stop your child from taking something dangerous inside the tent, so you should always make sure you know what is in there.

As long as there are no sharp objects or things that can be swallowed, bed tents are perfectly suited for children over the age of 2-3 (and adults for that matter!). You should not use a bed or crib tent for an infant child, though.

Which material is best for bed tents?

In our opinion, the best fabrics for bed tents are either a mesh fabric or a polyester fabric. These kinds of fabrics tend to be the best material for tents. They are durable, resistant to water, resistant to puncturing and tearing and do a good job filtering out light and excess stimuli. The one drawback with polyester is that it can have trouble breathing, especially cheaper polyester fabrics.

There do exist natural fiber bed tents like cotton. These can be better for people who are sensitive to synthetic fibers. In general, bed tents made from natural fibers are more expensive than ones made from synthetic fibers.

How often should I wash my bed tent?

You should wash your bed tent every time you wash your sheets, so at least once every week or two. The good thing about polyester bed tents is that they can be tossed in the washer with other things. You should avoid drying polyester tents on high heat settings though as repeated dryings can make them shrink.

How much should I spend on a bed tent?

A solid bed tent for kids will generally run you between $60-$100, though there are some pretty good models for around $50. Bed tents over $100 tend to be very high quality or have special unique features like extra openings or dual layers. You should probably avoid any child’s bed tent less than $30. These tend to be low-quality and are not worth the purchase.

Last Thoughts

Everyone could use a good bed tent that complements the best mattresses. These nifty devices are a perfect way to give yourself some more privacy when sleeping or just add some ambiance to your child’s room. Whether your child needs a bed tent to feel more comfortable sleeping or needs something for entertainment, a bed tent is a great way to meet those goals.