It can be hard to create a dark enough environment to help your baby sleep, especially on the go. That is where a product like the Milliard Darkening tent comes into play.
- Creates a cozy and darker sleep environment
- Lightweight and breathable
- Great for privacy.
- Ventilated on all four sides for better airflow
- Easily stretches over most standard size pack n plays
Long story short, the Milliard Darkening Tent is a portable pack n’ play canopy tent you place over your baby’s pack n’ play to help them sleep. You do not need expensive blackout curtains or a small, dark room. Simply set the tent over the pack n’ play, and you are good to go.
We will talk in more detail about the product below in this Milliard Darkening Tent review.
How does the Milliard Darkening Tent work?
The Milliard Darkening Tent is a blackout bed tent for playards. For context, it is similar to a SlumberPod, which helps block out light during the day so you can either sleep better or have a little privacy.
The tent securely attaches to under each of the four legs of your pack n play for complete safety and peace of mind.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 13.19 x 8.27 x 3.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.25 pounds |
| Adjustable | Fits most standard playads |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Age limit | None |
Pull the corners tight
The best way to fit the Milliard Darkening Tent to your pack n’ play is to tug the corners down.
Tug the corners as far down as you can over your pack n’ play until the fabric is taut.
Depending on what size pack n’ play you have, you might need to tug a little more to make the tent fit. Nonetheless, the Milliard Darkening Tent should fit most pack n’ play models.
Benefits of the Milliard Darkening Tent
Now that we know how this particular pack and play cover works, we should explain why this specific darkening sleep tent is a good choice for you and your little one.
Better sleep
With a crib-darkening canopy like the Milliard Darkening Tent, you can now control how dark your baby’s sleeping environment is. Most babies sleeps better when it is darker, and you can now make that happen without having to modify the room.
Or, if your baby likes a little bit of light, you can open the zipper at the top to let a little bit of light inside.
Keep in mind that this particular tent does not entirely block out all light. Do not tamper with the tent to make it darker, as you might cut off important ventilation inside the tent.
Lab-tested and pediatrician-approved
Before the Milliard Darkening Tent hit the market, scientists and pediatricians checked it in USA-based labs to ensure it was entirely safe for babies. It also stays up high enough that your baby cannot reach up and pull the tent off its frame.
Temperature control
If you place any sort of crib darkening canopy over your baby’s pack n’ play canopy tent, you might worry about temperature control.
Do not worry. The Milliard Darkening Tent allows fresh air inside. Vents all around the tent allow fresh air to move through the tent. You might choose to place a fan by the air vents and push the air around better.
The vents keep the temperature around your baby’s pack n’ play the same as if the tent were not there.
Either way, your baby should stay safe and comfortable underneath the tent. Simply dress them for bed as usual, without sacrificing their comfort or yours.
It fits easily over most pack n’ plays
Like any good product for babies, the Milliard Darkening Tent fits most models. You might have to stretch the tent for some deluxe pack n’ play models, but it should still do what it is supposed to do.
Great for travel
All Milliard Darkening Tents come with a travel kit. You can pack the tent to help your baby sleep better in hotel rooms or the nursery at their grandparents’ house.
Privacy for you or your baby
Some parents might need to share a space with their baby early in the baby’s life.
If you need a little privacy, the Milliard Darkening Tent solves that problem. While the tent does not entirely block out everything, it creates a gentle barrier between you and your baby’s sleeping space.
It will also create privacy if your baby is sleeping with other siblings and those siblings need some privacy.
Stow-away zip-up top
Remember the zip-up top that helps control the light? If you decide to leave it open, you do not have to worry about your baby playing with it and possibly choking on it.
There is a nifty pocket near the opening that you can fold the zip-up top into. It is one of many ways that the Milliard Darkening Tent does not compromise safety.
What to look out for
On the other hand, you might be worried about the disadvantages of this tent. Let’s take a look.
The top sags a bit
The top of the Milliard Darkening Tent might sag a little. It does not sink so low that your baby can pull it down, but it might not look flat from the outside.
You might fix the problem by pulling on the corners and tucking them farther under your pack n’ play.
The holes might be in the wrong place
While the ventilation holes serve a great purpose, they might be at the wrong level for your baby’s pack n’ play. They might also be a little big and let in too much light for your liking.
It might be tempting in that case to cover the holes or layer a blanket over the tent. Please do not do this. The ventilation holes help keep the tent from getting too hot.
This tent will make the environment dark enough for comfortable sleep but it is not a full blackout tent.
It does not always fit over a crib
While the Milliard Darkening Tent can stretch quite far, it might not extend over a crib. Remember that the tent attaches best when the corner pockets tuck into the end poles of a pack n’ play. In that case, it might not reach a crib’s corners.
If you find that the Milliard Darkening Tent might not be for you, you can always look at these Slumberpod alternative baby sleep tents for other ideas.
- Creates a cozy and darker sleep environment
- Lightweight and breathable
- Great for privacy.
- Ventilated on all four sides for better airflow
- Easily stretches over most standard size pack n plays
Paul is a passionate dad who founded Upside Dad to share his parenting journey with other new parents. He graduated from Concordia University and worked as a test engineer for over a decade. Paul loves dad jokes and craft beer.
Learn more about Paul and Upside Dad here.