If you run baby gym, sensory, movement or toddler classes, your equipment is your business. It has to impress parents in the first five minutes, suit babies and walkers in the same session, and still fit in the boot of your car at the end of the day. Foam soft play does all three.
What class leaders need from soft play
- Light and portable. You might set up in a church hall in the morning and a community centre in the afternoon. Every piece should be easy for one person to carry.
- Stackable. Blocks and wedges that nest together take up less space in the car and in storage.
- Wipe-clean. You need to clean between sessions, often in a few minutes.
- Works for mixed ages. The same pieces should challenge a confident two-year-old and support a baby who has just started crawling.
Recommended kit by class type
Baby classes (from about 6 months)
For non-walkers, low shapes that encourage crawling, pulling up and tummy time work best. The Little Crawler set (£159) and Mini Climbie (£120) are both designed for this stage. Add foam play mats (from £130) so babies always have a soft, clean surface, wherever you are teaching.
Toddler gym and movement classes
Walkers need things to climb, balance on and crawl through. Good building blocks for a circuit:
- Corner Climber (from £140): five shapes for crawling, climbing and balancing
- Mini Hoop Set (£140): a crawl-through arch children love
- Mega Wave (£139): a large rolling shape for balance work
- I-Tunnel Set (£170): a short tunnel that is quick to set up
- Footbridge Set (£120): steps and a bridge for climbing up and over
Sensory and messy-free play classes
A round baby ball pit (£130 to £135, balls included) makes an easy sensory station. Soft foam cubes (£130 for 8) and the Pyramid Block Set (£99) are good for stacking, sorting and colour games.
A starter kit on a budget
A new class business can get going for around £400 to £550:
- Corner Climber: £140
- Mini Hoop Set: £140
- A round foam play mat: £130
- Pyramid Block Set: £99
That gives you a crawl, climb and balance circuit plus a baby area. Add pieces as your timetable grows. Our soft play price guide shows every option.
Tips for running classes with soft play
- Change the layout every week. The same pieces arranged differently feel new to children and keep parents booking.
- Pick one colour scheme. Matching pastel or neutral pieces look great in parents' photos, which is free marketing for you.
- Bring your own mats. Venue floors vary. Your own mats make every venue feel the same.
- Clean between sessions. A quick wipe with a mild solution is enough day to day. See our foam cleaning guide.
Running a volunteer-led group rather than a business? Our guide to soft play for toddler groups and church halls covers equipment that packs away fast. For multi-venue or franchise orders, email info@childrenssoftplay.co.uk for a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is foam soft play light enough to carry between venues?
Yes. Foam pieces are light enough for one person to carry, and blocks and wedges stack together for transport.
What age is foam soft play suitable for in classes?
Low shapes and mats suit babies from about 6 months. Climbing sets, tunnels and hoops suit toddlers aged 1 to 4.
How much does a soft play kit for a baby class cost?
A starter kit costs around £400 to £550, covering a climbing set, a crawl-through arch, a mat and a block set.