Babies can get cranky when they’re tired so it’s important to create an environment that allows them to sleep peacefully. That’s why I’ve provided a Slumberpod vs Snoozeshade comparison for you.
These are the two leading brands in the world when it comes to creating a shaded environment for your sleeping baby by using covers or pop-up tents. Therefore I’ll be focusing on these two brands’ solution for Pack n Plays, mini cribs.
But what are the differences between the two brands? What are some of the cheaper alternatives both to Slumberpod and SnoozeShade for parents on a tight budget?
- Products in this review (with recommendation)
- What is Slumberpod and SnoozeShade?
- Similarities between Slumberpod and SnoozeShade
- Slumberpod vs SnoozeShade: Differences
- What are the Benefits of Slumberpod?
- What are the Benefits of SnoozeShade?
- Does Slumberpod Fit Cribs?
- Alternatives to the Slumberpod and SnoozeShade
- For Pack and Play – Slumberpod: Privacy Pod for Babies
- for Pack n Play – SnoozeShade Pack n Play Crib Canopy Cover
- Best Alternative for Pack and Play – Minnebaby Darkening Cover for Pack n Play
- Best for Strollers – Stroller Sun Cover – Snoozeshade Original
- Best for Car Seats – SnoozeShade Baby Car Seat Sun Cover
- Final Thoughts
Products in this review (with recommendation)
- For Pack and Play – Slumberpod Privacy Pod for Babies (more expensive option, versatile, creates a pitch black environment)
- For Pack and Play – SnoozeShade Pack n Play Crib Canopy Cover (cheaper option, creates a very breathable sleeping area)
- Best Alternative for Pack and Play – Minnebaby Darkening Cover (for ones with a tight budget)
- Best For Strollers – Stroller Sun Cover – Snoozeshade Original
- Best for Car Seats – SnoozeShade Baby Car Seat Sun Cover
What is Slumberpod and SnoozeShade?
Slumberpod
The Slumberpod is a portable sleep nook designed for babies. It looks similar to a miniature tent. This device allows you to create a shaded spot for your baby to sleep in.
You can pair the Slumberpod with mini cribs, toddler cots, and playpens. This is why I referred to it above as a great option in terms of versatility.
Slumberpod comes with poles that you’ll need to assemble. On the cover, there are places where you slot the poles into for the roof. The poles then clip into the bottom feet attached to the cover. Once your polls are in place attach the clips located on the side onto the poles.
Take a look at this video on how to properly assemble the Slumberpod.
SnoozeShade
SnoozeShade makes different types of covers for Pack n Plays, as well as for baby car seats and strollers. Click here to see their store on Amazon.
You’ll want a SnoozeShade cover for your baby’s Pack ‘n Play if you share a room with your little one. Fortunately, the brand makes a canopy for Pack n Plays that blocks out light but allows plenty of air to flow through the crib.
Their cover for strollers creates shade and blacks out the light when your baby is sleeping in his or her stroller. It’s an ideal product to prevent the wind and sun from disturbing your baby’s sleep when you’re out and about. See this image below which shows different ways of how to use it.
SnoozeShade’s is also an easy product to use. Most parents place blankets over their baby’s strollers but this can be dangerous because there’s not enough airflow. However, SnoozeShade’s is a thin fabric that stretches over the front of your baby’s stroller. Secure it even further by attaching the Velcro straps to your stroller.
If you want to protect your baby from UV rays while you’re driving then you’ll need a SnoozeShade baby car seat cover. It comes with a zipper that you can open easily when you want to take your baby out of the car seat.
Similarities between Slumberpod and SnoozeShade
The one similarity between the SnoozeShade and the Slumberpod is that their solutions for Pack n Plays, mini cribs are both designed to block out light. These devices are designed to create a safe space that’s undisturbed by sunlight, wind, or noise. Both these shaded covers are portable and lightweight so you can take them with you anywhere.
Both the SnoozeShade and the Slumberpod are safe products to use. You’ll also appreciate that both products allow sufficient airflow so that it doesn’t get too hot inside your baby’s crib or pram.
Slumberpod vs SnoozeShade: Differences
The Slumberpod is much bigger than SnoozeShade‘s products so you can fit baby carriers inside as well as playpens and toddler mattresses. Since the Slumberpod is similar to a tent you have to set it up using the poles it comes with. There is a flap on the side of the tent to allow air and light through.
In terms of price, Slumberpod is more expensive than SnoozeShade’s. So if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution for your playpen, then SnoozeShade might be a better choice.
In terms of ease of setup SnoozeShade’s is easier than Slumberpod’s which I’ll also write about later.
You may struggle to travel with the Slumberpod because there are poles that you have to carry with it. These poles can be dismantled and placed inside a tog bag so if you want to take it with you on an airplane you can.
What are the Benefits of Slumberpod?
When you have a busy baby by your side you want a product that doesn’t take time to set up. The benefit of the Slumberpod is that it’s effortless to assemble and easy to take down. It will take you less than five minutes to get the Slumberpod ready.
You’ll also appreciate that the Slumberpod is made from breathable fabric. So you can rest assured your little one won’t overheat when sleeping inside the Slumberpod. You also don’t have to worry about insufficient airflow because the Slumberpod is well ventilated.
What’s more, the Slumberpod is an ideal product if you share a room with your baby. If you want your baby close but still want your little one to be comfortable sleeping in their own space then the Slumberpod is ideal. You can set it up easily in your room so your baby can still have his or her own space but your little one will be close to you.
Since the Slumberpod is a lightweight device you can take it with you to the park. If you’re simply using it for home use, you don’t have to dismantle it. Keep it assembled so that you can use it whenever you need to.
You’ll also appreciate that this cover fits over playpens. So if your little one falls asleep while playing, place the Slumberpod over the pen to block out light.
What are the Benefits of SnoozeShade?
The SnoozeShade’s for Pack n Plays offers similar benefits to those from Slumberpod.
This Snoozeshade cover is made with breathable fabric so it won’t cause a hot or humid environment. Your baby will be able to sleep soundly because the fabric is dark so it will block out light, just not as much as Slumberpod’s.
You can fit all SnoozeShade’s into one bag because they’re compact, light and portable.
Does Slumberpod Fit Cribs?
You’ll be happy to know that the Slumberpod fits on most mini-cribs such as the Babyletto mini crib or the Delta Children Portable Crib which I wrote about in my mini crib vs bassinet article.
When it’s time for your baby’s nap during the day, you can place the Slumberpod over your child’s crib to block out the light. Since the fabric is thin it won’t be able to deter sound around the baby but it will allow you to hear when your little one wakes up or starts crying.
Alternatives to the Slumberpod and SnoozeShade
If you want a cheaper alternative to Slumberpod or a product that’s easier to set up then perhaps look into getting a SnoozeShade Pack n Play canopy. This product can be set up within minutes and even quicker than the Slumberpod. If you have a Pack n Play, then the SnoozeShade canopy will be ideal.
All you have to do is drape the SnoozeShade over your Pack n Play and tie the corners onto the legs of the crib. The Snoozeshade is also made from breathable fabric and it’s also a portable product that’s lightweight. This canopy creates a darker environment so your baby can sleep without bright light disturbing your little one’s sleep.
Another alternative to the Slumberpod is the Milliard Darkening Tent which is also designed to fit over a Pack n Play crib. The design is similar to the SnoozeShade because you pull the fabric over a crib to block out light. The difference is that the fabric is thicker on top to make it darker inside the crib.
It’s important to use thin materials to cover your baby’s pram or crib because thicker fabrics can decrease airflow and create a hot and humid sleeping environment. You want products that will create a comfortable sleeping space for your baby.
As one last option, you can opt for a blackout curtain for your windows to simply create a dark room for your little one.
For Pack and Play – Slumberpod: Privacy Pod for Babies
The Slumberpod is a dome-shaped tent. It’s made with polyester and spandex material so it stretches out easily. There are poles for the sides that you clip the tent to. This product can fit over any type of mini crib to create a private place for your baby to sleep.
On the front, there’s a door with a zipper so that you can let air in or check on your baby. It’s suitable to put over playpens too. Since this product is lightweight and portable you can create a place for your baby to sleep even when you’re on the go. The dark material blocks out light and drafts so your baby can sleep comfortably.
Product Information
- Size: 56 x 50 x36 inches
- Weight: 6lbs
- Material: Polyester and spandex
- Color: Navy blue
Pros
- Made with breathable fabric
- Exceeds safety requirements
- Fits over mini cribs
Cons
- Too big for small spaces
- Not easy to set up
for Pack n Play – SnoozeShade Pack n Play Crib Canopy Cover
The SnoozeShade for Pack n Play cribs is ideal if you share a room with your baby. With this canopy cover you can keep the light on without the risk of waking up your little one. This canopy cover is also designed to block out light during the day so your baby can nap peacefully.
There are side panels that you can open and close to allow more airflow through your baby’s crib or to allow some light through the crib.
One of the advantages of the SnoozeShade Pack n Play canopy is that it’s fully portable so you can take it with you on holidays or camping. The canopy also fits all standard size playpens and doesn’t have any complicated attachments.
Product Information
- Size: 11.81 x 7.48 x 3.94 inches
- Weight: 2.18 pounds
- Material: Mesh fabric
- Color: Black
Pros
- Light and portable
- Made with durable fabric
- Blocks out 94% of light
- Compatible with standard sized playpens
Cons
- Fabric may not be dark enough
- Zipper can get stuck
Best Alternative for Pack and Play – Minnebaby Darkening Cover for Pack n Play
The Minnebaby Darkening cover fits over a Pack n Play crib without hassles. If you share a room with your baby you don’t have to switch the lights off early so your baby can get some sleep. This is because the canopy blocks outside light which also makes it perfect for daytime naps.
This cover is made with breathable material so your baby doesn’t get hot while sleeping. Additionally, it allows sufficient airflow for safety. There is a flap and zipper on the top so you can check up on your baby without disturbing his or her sleep.
Product Information
- Size: 13.7 x 7 x 5.04 inches
- Weight: 2.05lbs
- Material: Quality breathable fabric
- Color: Black
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to fit over cribs
- Ideal to use during the day or night
Cons
- May not blackout light completely
- The top door with zipper isn’t big enough
Best for Strollers – Stroller Sun Cover – Snoozeshade Original
Looking for a baby buggy sunshade so your little one can nap during your walks? The stroller sun cover from Snoozeshade might be what you’re looking for. It’s a universal pram sunshade so it will fit over any stroller you have. This pram cover also blocks out 99% of the sun’s UV rays.
This sun cover exceeds safety requirements. Most baby products only need to meet safety standards for 3-year-olds but this cover is also safe for newborn babies. These stroller covers help babies get proper sleep during the day so your little one doesn’t get disturbed by drafts or heat from the sun.
Product Information
- Size: 9.45 x 2.36 x 6.3″
- Weight: 8.8oz
- Material: Air-permeable mesh
- Color: Black with green trimming
Pros
- Fits any stroller size
- Made with breathable material
- Blocks out 99% of the sun’s rays
Cons
- Straps may come undone
- The shape makes it difficult to attach
Best for Car Seats – SnoozeShade Baby Car Seat Sun Cover
When you travel with your baby you want to ensure your little one is protected from the sun’s rays. That’s why SnoozeShade has designed a cover specifically for baby car seats. Babies under six months of age must be kept out of direct sunlight. This cover blocks out 99% of UV light when you place it over your baby’s car seat.
The cover easily fits over your baby’s car seat and it comes with a convenient zipper so you don’t have to remove it every time you want to take your baby out of the seat. It’s made with air-permeable stretchy mesh fabric to promote better airflow.
What’s more, you can place the SnoozeShade cover over your baby’s car seat when you go to the park or when you’re camping to prevent your baby from getting sunburned.
Product Information
- Size: 7.87 x 6.54 x 3.35 inches
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Material: Mesh fabric
- Color: Black
Pros
- Easy to fit over your baby’s car seat
- For babies between 0 and 6 months
- Machine washable
- Recommended by consultants
Cons
- Can retain too much heat
- Doesn’t fit all types of car seats
Final Thoughts
If you simply want to protect your baby from the elements while he or she is sleeping in a stroller then choose a cover that will fit over the pram such as SnoozeShade’s. SnoozeShade’s other solutions for Pack ‘n Play and for infant car seats are great, too.
If you’re looking for a more versatile cover then the Slumberpod may work better.
The Slumberpod fits over cribs, toddler stretches, and portable beds. It may even fit over your stroller. It’s a portable device so you can take it with you anywhere.
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API