Product Review: TTS Airpro Dark Den

Over the last couple of month's my home setting has been growing and now I have 4 beautiful baby boys to look after during the day. Having children all at the same age can work very well in a home day care as the resources and activities can be focused more towards the whole group. I have recently been focusing on expanding the resources for them and in particular sensory play. 

We were recently a sensory tent by TTS Group, a piece of equipment similar to what I had in my day nursery. I have been looking into getting one for a while as they are a great resource for little ones if you do not have the space for a sensory room. This tent in particular stood out to me as it is easily inflated rather than using the plastic poles. 

This image shows the tent really well it was hard to get a good picture in our house due to the lack of space once it's up. TTS describe the tent as a 'simple cube can be transformed physically or just by the childrens’ imaginations. It is easy to set up and pack away. There is a window for viewing as well as the back panel up for greater access. The fact that the area can be dark or light gives it added usage. So, whether it is a dark cave, under the sea, or a time machine great fun and super learning opportunities will be had.'

Our babies love using the tent and get excited every time they see that it is set up in the room. At the moment it has only been set up as a sensory tent but it could also be used as a cosy space, role play area, cave or general place to draw attention to invitations to play. The babies love passing through the small door and Tinnie also like to get through the back even if I've tried to push it against a wall.

After using the tent for a while I would say it is a great product. It's fast and easy to pack away and takes up very little space when collapsed. The only down side I have found is that when the back is completely open it can bow at the sides but this does not affect it's use and it is very easy for little ones to get through this way. You can she what I mean from the first photo at the top of the post.

I plan to use the tent outside during the summer as shaded area for the babies to relax in and as they get older to adapt it into a role play area too which I can put away in the evenings. This is an ideal piece of equipment for childminders and would highly recommend it if you are looking to build on your sensory equipment.

**Please note the lights are not included**

Links to Development Matters
Personal, Social and Emotional Development:
• Seeks to gain attention in a variety of ways, drawing others into social interaction.
• Builds relationships with special people.
• Interacts with others and explores new situations when supported by familiar person.
• Engages other person to help achieve a goal, e.g. to get an object out of reach. 

Communication and Language:

• Has a strong exploratory impulse. 

• Concentrates intently on an object or activity of own choosing 

for short periods.

• Pays attention to dominant stimulus – easily distracted by 

noises or other people talking.

Physical Development:

• Crawls, bottom shuffles or rolls continuously to move around.

• Passes toys from one hand to the other.

• Holds an object in each hand and brings them together in the middle, e.g. holds two blocks and bangs them together.

Airpro Dark Den £59.94inc VAT
Dark Den Accessory Kit  £68.34inc VAT