As a parent, getting your child to sleep while traveling can feel nearly impossible. Between unfamiliar rooms, shared spaces, and excitement from being in a new place, it‘s no wonder kids have trouble settling down for naps or at bedtime.
That‘s where the innovative SlumberPod comes in. This portable blackout tent blocks all light to create an ideal sleep environment for little ones on-the-go. But how well does it actually work? And is it worth the investment?
I‘ve used the SlumberPod with my own kids on road trips, flights, and hotel stays. After plenty of first-hand experience, I wanted to provide the ultimate SlumberPod review.
Below I‘ll cover everything you need to know about this popular travel necessity, including:
- SlumberPod company background
- Full product specs and features
- In-depth analysis of pros and cons
- Head-to-head SlumberPod vs. SnoozeShade comparison
- Real customer reviews from around the web
- Helpful FAQs answered
- Where to buy SlumberPod & current discounts
Let‘s start by understanding the story behind this innovative brand for traveling families.
About SlumberPod and Founders
SlumberPod was founded in 2016 by mother-daughter pair Katy Mallory and Lou Childs. As a new mom, Katy struggled to help her baby sleep while traveling. She resorted to makeshift contraptions in hopes of giving her child the darkness and womb-like comfort needed to sleep in unfamiliar places.
After one-too-many restless family vacations, Katy decided there had to be a better way. She teamed up with her mom, Lou, combining Lou‘s business savvy with Katy‘s parenting experiences.
Together, they researched materials, tested prototypes, and brought in product safety experts to create the very first SlumberPod model. It launched on Kickstarter in 2017 and quickly raised over $70k.
Since then, SlumberPod has expanded its product line and won numerous awards. But the brand‘s core focus remains the same – help families survive and thrive on adventures away from home.
SlumberPod Product Lineup
The SlumberPod family of products includes blackout covers for babies, kids, pets and more. Let‘s look at the details of each model:
Original SlumberPod
The OG that started it all, the SlumberPod is a portable tent designed specifically for travel cribs and bassinets. It features:
- Special breathable fabric that‘s air permeable for ventilation
- An all-encompassing, blackout exterior that blocks 100% of light
- A flexible frame that collapses into a compact travel bag
- Carrying bag, tent poles, and other accessories included
This improved SlumberPod 2.0 version also has built-in pockets to hold small fans or sound machines. It retails for $175.
Open Box SlumberPod
The Open Box model is essentially the same as the classic SlumberPod tent. Except these tents were returned from other customers in new condition.
So you still get the high-quality tent that blocks all light. Just at a discounted price thanks to some minor box damage or other trivial issues.
Open Box SlumberPods sell for $120 to $140. Given the steep discounts and limited availability, they sell out quickly!
SlumberPod Pet
In 2020, SlumberPod took their blackout technology in a new direction with the SlumberPod Pet.
Similar portable design as the baby tents, this cozy cocoon is tailor-made for crated pets. It uses light-blocking outer fabric so dogs, cats, and other domestic animals can nap despite noise or brightness when traveling or in stressful situations.
The SlumberPod Pet runs $74.
Accessories
To make the most of your SlumberPod purchase, the brand offers helpful add-ons like:
- Replacement carry bags – $10 for baby and pet pods
- Extra frame poles – $23 per set of 2 poles
- Clip-on fan – $25 for stroller-attachable fan to increase airflow
Now that you know exactly what SlumberPod offers, let‘s look at the pros and cons.
SlumberPod Benefits & Drawbacks
SlumberPod tents provide an easy way to block light and create dark, womb-like spaces ideal for calming babies. But the product isn‘t without faults. Below I break down the biggest pros and cons based on my first-hand use:
Pros
- Blocks virtually all light even in bright rooms
- Breathable fabric prevents overheating
- Truly portable & compact for travel
- Easy, 5-minute setup with included poles
- Durable construction withstands wear-and-tear
- Great for outdoor use like camping trips
Cons
- Limited ventilation so gets slightly warm
- Only compatible with certain baby travel gear
- Denser fabric reduces noise-blocking
- Not free-standing without bassinet inside
- US-only shipping from company direct
One of the biggest complaints is limited ventilation. But SlumberPod just introduced a new fan accessory that clips onto the side pocket to improve airflow.
While the portable tent has some downsides, overall quality and convenience make the SlumberPod well worth considering.
Curious how it stacks up against competitors? Keep reading for a head-to-head comparison…
SlumberPod vs. SnoozeShade
When it comes to blackout shades for babies, SlumberPod and SnoozeShade rise to the top. Both brands started by moms and design covers to block light and allow babies to nap anywhere. But there are some key differences:
Design & Setup:
The SnoozeShade acts more like a fitted sheet that wraps around travel cribs. SlumberPod is a freestanding, pop-up privacy tent.
Light Blocking Ability:
Both claim to block 94-100% of light. But SlumberPod reviews consistently mention it creates pitch black darkness.
Portability & Travel:
SlumberPod packs into a compact tube shape perfect for travel. SnoozeShades fold up but are bulkier to pack.
Price:
SnoozeShades run about $90 while SlumberPods cost $175 and up. But SlumberPod offers more sizes, accessories, and frequent sales.
While both brands have happy customers, SlumberPod edge out SnoozeShade for better light blocking, true portability and handy accessories.
Of course specs and comparisons can only reveal so much. To see how the SlumberPod performs in the real world, we turn to buyer reviews…
SlumberPod Reviews Across the Web
Reading reviews from real moms and dads offers invaluable, transparent insight into the SlumberPod tent. Here is what buyers around the web love about this innovative sleep solution:
"This thing is perfect and worth every penny!"
Happy shoppers on Amazon praise how well the SlumberPod blocks all light. One mom said her baby slept through mid-day park outings and morning light thanks to the blackout effect.
Reviewers also appreciate how quick and easy setup is. Multiple mentioned having the pod ready to go in under 5 minutes even when rushing to put baby down for a nap.
"We cannot travel without our Slumberpod now!"
On the SlumberPod website, 93% of buyers award 5 out of 5 stars. Impressive! Customers call the pod an absolute must-have for travel that allows toddlers and babies to sleep anywhere.
Many love that the pop-up tent design works with just about any play yard, travel crib or nap setup imaginable. No need to rely on hotel cribs.
"This encloses them in their own little world."
First-time buyers mention how the pods seem almost magical in their ability to block light. One said her baby falls asleep almost instantly now thanks to feeling comforted and protected.
Other reviewers focused on how the pod contain their kids. Whether using it indoors to eliminate distractions or outside for shade, parents love the cocoon-like environment.
"Well worth the money if you do any sort of traveling!"
On third-party review sites like Influenster, nearly all SlumberPod ratings are 5 stars. Parents swear it‘s a parenting travel essential that makes vacations with babies infinitely smoother.
Many also said the high-quality materials and construction make the pod durable enough to withstand repeat setups and airline journeys. So it lasts trip after trip.
Clearly SlumberPod has won over thousands of travel-loving families. But it never hurts to get more buyer insights…
SlumberPod Amazon Reviews & Ratings
With over 850 global ratings, SlumberPod earns 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Here is a breakdown:
- 5 stars – 91%
- 4 stars – 5%
- 3 stars – 2%
- 2 stars – 1%
- 1 star – 1%
Nearly all negative feedback relates to shipping problems, damage during delivery or frustration with custom fees for international orders.
But feedback focused specifically on the pod itself and light blocking ability remains overwhelmingly positive.
Buyers highlight how easy assembly is even when rushing to put a cranky, overtired baby to sleep. They also emphasize how just how DARK it stays inside the pod – even on sunny beach vacations!
For travel-loving families, SlumberPod is an absolute essential that makes rest possible when it normally wouldn‘t be. Many call it life-changing sleep gear worth every penny.
Is The SlumberPod Worth the Money?
For frequent travelers with small kids, SlumberPod‘s higher price tag still offers great value given the benefits:
Babies Get Better Rest
Well-slept kids mean happier trips all around and less burnout for parents.
Less Gear to Pack
The pod eliminates the need to haul blackout blinds, curtains or other bulky sleep aids.
Works With All Sleep Setups
No need to rely on hotel cribs or unfamiliar beds. Use your own portable sleep gear.
Durable For Repeated Use
High-quality build stands up well to packing, flights and repeated setups.
While any $175 purchase gives buyers pause, realize SlumberPods retain resale value if you ever wanted to recoup costs. Most buyers feel the sanity, security and better sleep is well worth the initial splurge.
Just don‘t expect instant nap transition during the first few uses. Adjustment takes time, but stick with it!
Where to Buy The SlumberPod
Wondering the best place to purchase a SlumberPod? Here are my top recommendations:
SlumberPod.com
For the best selection, latest product updates, and seasonal sales – buy directly from the company website. All orders ship free in 1-6 days.
The site also has unique open box and refurbished deals you won‘t find anywhere else.
Amazon
Second to the main site, Amazon carries the full range of SlumberPod tents and accessories. No free shipping minimums for Prime members make it a solid choice.
Major Retailers
In-store and online, you can shop SlumberPods at popular retailers like BuyBuy Baby, Bed Bath and Beyond and more via the store locator tool.
Wherever you choose to purchase, use the SlumberPod reviews above to pick the right model your travels.
SlumberPod Discounts & Savings Tips
While cost savings for a premium product will be limited, here are a few legit ways to trim the price:
Buy Refurbished or Open Box
Open box and refurbished SlumberPods offer steep discounts, with inventory and pricing varying day to day. Seal the deal early, as these tent deals go fast!
Watch for Sales & Sign Up for Emails
The brand offers sitewide sales a few times per year. You‘ll get early access to promos by subscribing for SlumberPod emails online.
Save on Bundles
When purchasing accessories or add-ons like replacement bags, buying together bundled saves you 10-15%.
If you‘re feeling crafty, DIY accessories like mini clip fans also saves money long run. But splurge where needed to get the completeSlumberPod setup.
While deal hunting takes effort, this innovative sleep solution already saves sanity. Any added discounts feel like the cherry on top.
Next let‘s answer a few commonly asked questions about policies, manufacturing and more.
SlumberPod Pros & Cons
Curious about shipping times, return policy or where SlumberPods ship from? Below I answer buyers most frequently asked questions:
Where are SlumberPods Made?
The brand doesn‘t disclose exact manufacturing and assembly locations. But all orders ship directly from SlumberPod‘s US headquarters and distribution center located in Columbus, Georgia.
What is the SlumberPod Return Policy?
SlumberPod offers a 30 return window for all tents and accessories bought through its website. Items must be in new, undamaged condition.
Returns are subject to a $10 restocking fee. You arrange shipping or use SlumberPod‘s online return label system. Expect refunds within 3-5 business days once received.
How Long Does Shipping Take?
SlumberPod processed online orders within 1 day on average. Shipping speed depends on your delivery option:
- Standard Shipping: 1 to 6 business days
- Expedited Shipping: Varies by carrier – confirms during checkout
Shipping timeframe also depend on US or Canadian address. Account for customs and import times when applicable.
Is SlumberPod Safe for Baby?
SlumberPod rigorously tests all materials and design aspects to meet strict US, Canadian, EU and Australian safety standards for baby bedding and gear.
But as with any infant sleep product, babies have unique needs. Discuss your travel plans and SlumberPod use with your pediatrician if any special health concerns exist like allergies or respiratory issues.
Does it Get Too Hot Inside the Pod?
The specialized fabric does allow for airflow. But in warmer rooms or tight spaces, it can get slightly warmer inside.
Newer SlumberPods include a pocket to hold clip-on fans for improved ventilation and cooling. Without one, make sure baby doesn‘t get overheated before naps. And as always, never leave young infants unsupervised.
Will the Pod Work With Any Travel Crib?
The SlumberPod is compatible with just about any standard portable crib or play yard on the market. Some exceptions exist for odd shapes or extra small sizes.
Check the official size guidelines or contact customer service if you want confirmation about a specific model of travel gear.
I hope the thorough details in this SlumberPod review gave you all the information needed and then some! Just remember – when used properly, it can absolutely help families get some much-needed rest during trips near or far.
Here‘s to less travel stress and better adventures with your little ones! Let me know any other questions in the comments below.
