7 Best Bed Tents For Kids Reviews. Ideal for privacy!

If you’re like me, you’ll do anything to ensure your child gets a peaceful, relaxing, and rejuvenating full night’s rest. And that might happen to include buying them a bed tent. It is something they can use for privacy during the day and relax at night. It’s like a whole camping experience right in the security and comfort of your own bedroom!

Sleep disorders are becoming increasingly diagnosed in children, especially among those with anxiety, depression, and who are on the autism spectrum. Some pediatricians and psychologists now recommend parents try bed tents to help ease their children’s nocturnal struggles.

Even if your child doesn’t have sleep issues, they can still benefit from having a kids bed canopy or tent set up. They make for really cool forts during the day and offer privacy – especially from pesky younger siblings.

Let’s take a look at what bed tents are, why you should buy one for your kiddo, and which ones rank high on our list of the 7 best bed tents for kids.

What is a Bed Tent and Why Buy One?

Before we jump into the best bed tents for kids, let’s talk about exactly what these things are and why you should consider buying one (or two, or three).

What It Is

A bed tent is basically what it sounds like – a tent designed to be used with a bed. The tent gets securely attached around the bed so that it stays in place as your child rests. Some of these tents come with zippered doors on both sides for easy entry and exit. They’re typically made from lightweight materials and are essentially designed for both privacy and – particularly for kids – playtime.

Advantages of Buying Tents For Kids

Bed tents lend privacy to kids who need it. Got a snoopy little sibling to keep at bay? A bed tent might resolve that issue. Bed tents are also known for calming those with anxiety, helping them sleep better at night. For kids with autism spectrum disorders, they create a barrier between the child and triggering stimuli in the environment.

There are other benefits, of course. Tents are good for guests, great to take camping in the back of a pick-up truck, are comfortable, and still provide ample space for moving about.

Best Bed Tents Reviews

1. Top Pick: Alvantor Bed Canopy

My top pick for a kids canopy bed goes to the Alvantor Bed Canopy. With this design, you get double side-doors for quick and easy access. The ribs - which are made with fiberglass - on the pop-up frame are flexible and can withstand the bending. Also, with this model weighing less than 6 pounds, putting it together isn't a hassle.

This twin bed tent measures in at 75L x 39W x 47H inches, making it a perfect fit for a bed that size. It doesn't take up much space, which makes it ideal for use in a small bedroom or even a college dorm room. And, when your kid is done using it, you can take it down in just a matter of minutes. Inside, there isn't a ton of light that shines through, which is helpful if your child wakes up due to bright lights coming from outside their window.

The downside? Well, your cats might love it even more than you or your kid do. It's a cozy, dark spot for a cat to take a nice, long nap. (Luckily, cleaning cat hair and other debris off this tent is a cinch.) The one cause for concern is the inclusion of fiberglass. While built to high standards, anything with fiberglass can still pose a risk. If a pole does somehow break, you could end up with fiberglass bits everywhere.

2. BESTEN Floorless Indoor Privacy Tent on Bed

If your children are sharing a room, the BESTEN Floorless Indoor Privacy Tent on Bed might be a good way to afford them each some privacy - especially for the older child. This twin bed tent topper can easily be set up and taken down, plus storing it in its compact form is simple enough.

Kids sleeping in drafty rooms or rooms in which big windows let in too much light can benefit from having this wind- and light-reducing tent popped up over their beds. It isn't a blackout tent, but it is still helpful if your child likes having a little light to read by.

This tent does come with some rather vague instructions, so setting it up the first time might prove frustrating. Also, the bottom flaps for securing the tent to the bed might not be big enough, depending on the bedframe.

3. Pacific Play Tents Kids Tree House Bed Tent Playhouse

Does your kid really demand their privacy? If so, the Pacific Play Tents Kids Tree House Bed Tent Playhouse is a great option, especially as a boy tent bed. (But it works just fine for girls too.) Day or night, your kiddo can hide away in this tent that tells others to "KEEP OUT!"

This cute, playful tent can be fastened down to a twin bed or anchored outside on the grass for daytime playtime. Your kid can shut themselves in using the Velcro straps after going through the T-style door. The tent's G-3 Super Poles are coated for safety, aiming to prevent breakage. You can use it as a full size bed tent.

Just be mindful that this tent - and most others - is only recommended for ages three and up. Young toddlers risk tripping and might not understand how to get in or out. Some buyers feel that the components are made from cheap plastic materials and have even had to hot glue pieces together.

4. Mengersi Galaxy Star Four Corner Post Bed Curtain Canopy

If your kid thinks having a four-post bed is cool, just wait until you put the Mengersi Galaxy Star Four Corner Post Bed Curtain Canopy up on it. It is a bed tent queen sized model, but size options exist from Twin to California King. This tent will likely appeal most to teens and young adults, especially to females. But, guys, this one can look awesome in your room too.

Inside of the box, you will find everything you need to set the canopy up: four sides, a top curtain, a hook, and a rope. You just need to have your own bedframe. You can opt to buy poles and the frame separately from the manufacturer. Otherwise, you're good to go. Just set up by installing the hook on the frame or tying it to the frame with the rope.

The fabric is somewhat thin, which might not be to everyone's liking. Some buyers claim that the hardware is cheaply made as well, leaving the pieces prone to breakage. Using the ties instead of the loops seems to help with drapery droop-age, and you might need to get creative with how you cord things up.

5. DDASUMI Warm Tent

Need something to block the cold air as your child sleeps or plays? The DDASUMI Warm Tent is able to block cold air from getting in, keeping your little one snug as a bug in a rug. It fits a full size bed, but you can place it on the floor or in the grass outside.

Consumers report that they have been able to make the tent last for at least a couple of years, suggesting a good amount of durability from the materials. Kids can play around in it without causing much damage. Older toddlers (about three years old) can safely use it on their toddler beds.

There are a few reports that the material is thin. Also, you can only get one color option, so you don't have much creative leeway here.

6. CAMP 365 Child's Indoor Bed Tent

Do you need a small, cozy, and ultra cute tent for your child's twin bed? The CAMP 365 Child's Indoor Bed Tent is inviting, making you feel as though you are surrounded by a starry night sky (or like you're in Jurassic Park if you choose the dinosaur print). It looks nice in any bedroom and is easy to put up and take down.

This tent's 90T Polyester Waterproof Fabric keeps the inside of the tent warm, blocking out cool drafts. Air gets circulated through the top vent, so the air quality will not feel stale as the night goes on.

A few buyers have noted that the ties for the tent broke within several days of ownership. Also, fiberglass will scatter about if one of the poles breaks in the process.

7. Skywin Bed Tent

Perhaps cutesy prints aren't your kid's thing. The Skywin Bed Tent caters to just about everybody, sans prints. This twin tent bed is a light-reducing model, so your child will not get inundated by obnoxious streetlights or headlights on passing cars at night.

Instead of the standard polyester fabric you get on other tents, the Skywin has pongee fabric. Pongee is thicker, more durable, and better able to keep wind and light out. The tent has a door on either side and windows fore and aft for ventilation. This soft material is breathable despite being thick.

Some customers report quality control issues. Zippers might break easily, and some buyers never received instructions. The top of the structure needs more support than what is built in.

Bed Tent Types

Bed tents come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. Some have roll-up doors while others have flaps. And some, of course, are actually canopies made for four-post beds. Let’s go over which styles you can choose from.

Privacy

Privacy beds have fitted sheets sewn to tents, usually with polyester being the chosen fabric. Some have rounded roof shapes and doors on either side. They are helpful for older kids who need privacy or those who have trouble falling asleep.

Mosquito Net

A see-through mesh net gives your child some privacy but ensures that you can still see them. They are well-suited for safari or jungle-themed bedrooms and have decorative vibes.

Tunnel

Tunnel bed tents take up about 3/4 of the bed, allowing kids to crawl through them from the foot of the bed. Offering a good deal of privacy, they’re often easier to put up than pop-up privacy tents.

Bunk or Loft Beds

Putting a tent over a bunk or loft bed can give it the appearance of a fort, castle, house, or other type of building. This can turn a double bed into a play area and is helpful for households that are limited on space.

Shaped Bed Canopy

A shaped canopy bed can be hung from the ceiling above your child’s head. They’re typically more decorative than functional and are probably best left for playtime than bedtime.

Draped Bed Canopy

Draped bed canopies can provide a lot of privacy and deliver a classically cool look. Kids can choose to open the drapes or close them for a good sense of quietude and warmth.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bed Tent

Materials

Durability varies based on materials use. Many bed tents are made from polyester, which traps in heat. If you live somewhere hot and humid, you might want to go with a breathable cloth option instead.

Size

Be sure you get a size that fits the bed. Measure the space you plan to use the tent on before you buy it. You cannot force a twin bed tent to fit neatly onto a full size bed.

Portability

Bed tents should be easy to carry around and store. Most weigh under 5 pounds. Anything heavier than that could prove more difficult to lug.

Easy Set-up

A bed tent should be easy to install, but some aren’t, especially when directions aren’t included in the box. Buying a tent that is easy to set up might cost more money but could result in more excitement from your kids.

Price

How much can you afford to spend on a tent? Most range between $70-$100, but high-quality models get more expensive. And you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to bed tents.

Floor Attachment

Tents with floor attachments tend to be all the more secure. Attaching it to the bed isn’t much of a problem since there are straps for securing the tent. But, on the floor, you need one with floor attachments for the tent to stay upright.

Benefits and Downsides of a Bed Tent

FAQ

Why Kids – And Adults – Are Taken With Bed Tents

Anyone with a sensory processing disorder will tell you that having stimuli blocked out helps reduce stress and anxiety. Children with autism, anxiety, and depression have reportedly benefitted from having a bed tent. Likewise, children who just need some extra privacy seem to do better with a bed tent, day or night.

The Alvantor Bed Canopy is an outstanding model because it is structurally sound, easy to set up, and offers all-around privacy. It can block some light out and keeps drafts from seeping in without sleeping too hot. Overall, it is a well-rounded option that can cater to children of different ages and needs.