If you’re searching for the best blackout tent for your little one, it boils down to choosing between SlumberPod vs. SnoozeShade. Before you make your purchase read my in-depth comparison. Here you’ll find the answer if it’s better to go for the pricey SlumberPod or get the cheaper alternative – SnoozeShade.
Finally, a detailed comparison between the two most popular sleep tents: SlumberPod vs SnoozeShade.
In this post, I note the key differences between the best-selling SlumberPod blackout privacy pod and the SnoozeShade blackout canopy for pack-n-plays to help you make the best choice in a sleep solution for your baby.
For us, the SnoozeShade turned out to be perfect solution when we were traveling a lot. We used it to make our baby’s pack ‘n play more comfortable for sleeping in hotel rooms.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It may contain affiliate links.
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Why You May Need A Sleep Tent?
You might have a great sleeper – for now. Newborns generally can sleep anywhere during those first three months of life, but as they get older they need a dark space with no distractions to help them get a good night’s sleep. This is when blackout tents can be a real life-saver for the whole family.
SnoozeShade and SlumberPod are two most popular, safest and best quality blackout tents. You can use them at home, and they also come in handy when you travel. Some kids have a hard time sleeping in a hotel rooms – which are a completely new environment for them. There may be also too much light in the room making it harder for your little one to fall asleep.
With a darkening cover, sleeping in a pack n play will be much more comfortable for your baby. In this enclosed and cozy space they will feel more secure and it will also help them to calm down before falling asleep.
What Are The Differences Between Snoozeshade Vs. Slumberpod?
Darkening your baby’s sleep space is the goal of both of these products, so they have a lot of things in common, but let’s start with the most notable differences, which are design, portability, light penetration, air circulation and overall price.
Slumberpod Vs. The Snoozeshade – Main Differences
Design
To start with, the SlumberPod is an actual tent, with tent poles and all. This creates not only a dark environment for your little one, but the simple frame creates a dark space that feels like their own room, in a way.
It’s certainly smaller than a standard camping tent, and is not intended for outdoor use, but it can fit over many different types of beds, from mini cribs to toddler cots.
On the other hand, the SnoozeShade is a darkening cover that fits over standard rectangular playards. It’s basically a rectangular piece of mesh fabric that creates a safe and dark environment for your baby to sleep under while traveling.
Compatibility
The SnoozeShade is only compatible with pack-n-play type beds or travel cribs, but the SlumberPod is more versatile. Because of its bottomless design, you can use the SlumberPod with a mini crib, a toddler cot or even just a sleeping bag on the floor for older children (I would recommend from ages 4 and up to use without a travel crib of some sort).
The SnoozeShade, on the other hand, only works with a standard rectangular pack-n-play or some mini cribs (maximum dimensions: 41″L x 31″W), as well as travel cribs that are up to 46 inches long. This is fine if your go-to travel crib is a pack-n-play already, but not ideal if you are looking for something to use for your little ones for years ahead.
You should ensure your pack-n-play is listed as one of the suitable fits, before purchasing.
Travel cribs & pack-n-plays compatible with SnoozeShade:
- Guava Lotus
- Micralite Sleep & Go
- BabyBjorn Light
- Venture Airpod
- Maxi-Cosi Iris 2-in-1
- Babylo Liteway
- Phil & Teds Traveller
- Nuna Sena Aire
- AeroMoov
There are many more travel cots that fit under SnoozeShade. If you’re not sure if yours is compatible, I recommend you to get in touch with the SnoozeShade brand here.
Blackout
The SlumberPod blackout privacy pod is the clear winner here; it truly is a blackout tent that allows your baby to sleep in complete darkness.
On the other hand, the SnoozeShade promises to block up to 94% of light, which is really good for a darkening cover (most only offer 50% light blockage).
Both the SlumberPod and the SnoozeShade have two windows for viewing your baby, if you want to check on them while they are napping. The ventilation windows on the Slumber pod barely let any light in when you open them, while the large windows of the SnoozeShade, which have velcro ties, do allow more air and light to get in.
Size
A side comparison clearly shows that the SlumberPod is larger: its setup dimensions measure 56 inches tall and 50 inches in length.
The SnoozeShade, as a darkening cover, fits snuggly over a standard playard (making it the same size as your pack-n-play) and makes a great option if you’re only using it with babies.
But, if your older child or toddler wants to stand up in their pack-n-play, you’ll see the benefit to the sheer size of the SlumberPod.
The height of the SlumberPod means children can move about in the darkness, which can feel more comfortable for active toddlers who want to stand up in their play yard.
Portability
However, there are some benefits to being smaller: the weight of the SnoozeShade is less than the SlumberPod, which makes it easier for travel.
Both the SlumberPod and the SnoozeShade fit in standard carry-on luggage, but the SnoozeShade weighs only 2 lbs; the SlumberPod has a weight of almost 6 lbs, which ends up feeling really heavy when you’re traveling with all of your other baby gear, too.
Fabric & Breathability
SnoozeShade is made of breathable mesh material that provides good airflow while your baby or toddler sleeps inside.
The SlumberPod is made of a blackout material that is technically air permeable fabric, but can get very hot (it’s 98% polyester).
While the pod is a cozy space, many parents noted that the SlumberPod can feel stuffy (more on that, below).
The solution for that is getting this new version with fan included or buying an inexpensive fan separately.
Accessories & Storage
Both products come with bags to pack the tent or cover in for portability, but the SlumberPod has a lot more add ons: a fan pocket for use with a portable fan, a clear camera pouch for a baby video monitor and a storage pocket, too.
The SlumberPod can be closed flat for easy storage, right against a wall in any room and then popped open when it’s time for babies to sleep at night.
Cost
The SlumberPod is certainly the more expensive alternative on this list. That’s why many users saw it as in investment in their baby’s sleep and use it regularly, not just for travel.
Reviews of the SnoozeShade thought it was a great deal for the best darkening cover and many of them used it for travel, not on a regular basis.
SlumberPod Blackout Tent Review
The SlumberPod is a darkening tent, ideal for room sharing at home or for travel because it makes a separate space for your baby to sleep, even if you’re in the same room (like at a hotel for the night).
As it is fully black-out, it is the best option when room sharing with a baby; you do not have to turn off the light, but your baby will still sleep in darkness.
This blackout tent can be used with most standard pack-n-play beds, as well as other baby sleep options, like travel cribs or toddler cots.
In the SlumberPod, your child can easily stand up. There is more space to breathe and move about comfortably. This means you can use the SlumberPod tents for years, even when your child outgrows a pack-n-play.
The additional features allow you to hang a baby monitor in the camera pouch, to keep an eye on baby and see she’s safe there in the darkness.
New Version
While SlumberPod’s first blackout tents didn’t have good breathability, the new versions have ventilations windows that can be opened to increase air flow, and you can purchase a separate fan to really get the air moving in the blackout tent, and help your little one be more comfortable, too.
What Other Parents Think About SlumberPod Full Blackout Tent?
There are raving reviews of the SlumberPod Blackout Tent, many by parents who saw this as an investment in their baby’s sleep. It has tons of positive reviews and parents seem to be really happy with its quality and functionality. See it for yourself here >>
SnoozeShade Review
The SnoozeShade is the best pack-n-play cover, blocking out the most light compared to other darkening covers. It’s a reasonable price for a vacation or trip to grandma’s house, and is so portable and easy to pack.
One of the top reasons I love it is for the safety awards it has won (over 70!). If safety is important to you, I recommend this product to help babies sleep while traveling.
It’s simple to use and a very portable option. I love the breathable fabric and the mesh material makes it easy to see my sleeping baby (visibility is important if you don’t have a video monitor while traveling).
There is also a storage pouch on the side, where I can put a white noise machine or some extra baby wipes.
However, it only works with pack-n-play beds and some travel cribs, you may not be able to use this with other types of baby beds.
Because it fits securely (for safety) on a pack-n-play, your child cannot stand up inside, which can be uncomfortable for older children.
What Other Parents Think About SnoozeShade?
Over and over, reviews named this the best pack-n-play darkening cover for travel out there. At 94% black out, the SnoozeShade pack-n-play cover is a great option to help your baby sleep in a safe, more dark environment, at night.
I recommend you to check the customer reviews on your own here >>
Which Tent Is Best: Slumberpod vs. Snoozeshade?
If you’re looking for a portable option for short-term travel and you already use a pack-n-play, then the SnoozeShade is perfect for you. While it isn’t entirely blackout, this cover does make baby’s sleep space darker. I think it’s one of the best SlumberPod alternatives out there.
Besides, it is available at a great price, therefore if you’re on tight budget, SnoozeShade is better option for you.
On the other hand, if you are going to be room sharing for a long time, and are willing to pay a higher price for great sleep, then look at the SlumberPod.
You’ll be using this privacy pod for years, because it’s big enough to be used with toddlers and older children, too. And, you’re not limited to only pack-n-play sleep solutions here, but you can pair it with a various travel cribs and mini crib, too.
Although the SlumberPod is a tent, is not an appropriate alternative for camping, as it is not approved for outdoor use. The SnoozeShade, paired with a pack-n-play would be a better option in such a situation.
SlumberPod vs. SnoozeShade – FAQ
Below you can find the most common questions about these two blackout tents and differences between them – and my answers to them.
Can You Use SlumberPod For Newborn?
No, the SlumberPod is not appropriate for use with newborns. It’s best for babies from ages 4 months old and up.
It is at around 4 months of age that baby’s sleep changes, anyway. Before then, lights or other distractions usually don’t affect how baby sleeps as much as a full belly does.
But at around the 4 month mark, babies start sleeping for longer stretches of time and noise and a brightly lit room can become a problem for naps or overnight sleep. This is the time to consider using a blackout tent to help your baby sleep better.
Is SlumberPod Hot?
The biggest complaint of parents is that the SlumberPod can feel hot, even if the temperature of the room is normal or cool.
The blackout material is incredibly thick (to prevent light penetration) but that also results in the space becoming very warm.
How To Cool SlumberPod Down?
The company has adapted their original version to allow for ventilation flaps and a fan pocket to increase create a breeze and keep your child cool, so make sure you buy a new SlumberPod, not a second-hand one.
The matching fan is sold separately, but the ventilation flaps are standard in all new versions of the Slumber Pod, and you might be able to use your own little portable fan and it would work just as well.
Is The SnoozeShade Breathable?
Yes, the SnoozeShade is completely breathable, with mesh side panels that allow for better airflow.
The top complaint about the SlumberPod is that it can feel hot and stuffy, but the SnoozShade allows for complete air flow; your baby will not feel hot sleeping inside of this darkening cover.
Is SlumberPod Soundproof?
No, the polyester fabric of the SlumberPod is blackout, it reduces visual stimulation for your little one to help them sleep better, but does not minimize sound.
You will still need to be quiet if you are sharing a room with your baby.
Is SnoozeShade Safe For Pack N Play?
The SnoozeShade is safe to use with a Pack-n-Play (but not with every type of mini crib, please check the size to assure it is suitable).
However, in order to be safe, it should be snug-fitting around the frame of the pack-n-play. Do not use if it is sagging.
Also, it doesn’t allow your little one to stand up inside of the cover, making it best suited for younger babies. If your toddler seems frustrated that she cannot stand up in their pack-n-play, with this cover on, you should consider another darkening option.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. This article contains affiliate links – thank you for supporting my website!
Source of pictures: Slumberpod & SnoozeShade.
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂