Few things test a parent’s patience like a midday nap that won’t happen because sunlight floods the room, which the Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Portable Blackout Blind promises to fix with a lightweight fabric and suction cups that stick directly to glass – no tools, no permanent fixtures. We put the claims through real-world testing, looked at installation across different window types, and gathered feedback from dozens of users to see whether this blind delivers the darkness babies need.
Material: Blackout fabric · Light blockage: 100% daylight · Sizes: Small, Regular, Large, Extra Large · Attachment: Suction cups · Travel bag: Included · Weight: Lightweight (portable)
Quick snapshot
- Blocks 100% daylight (Ideal Home (home and parenting advice))
- Uses suction cups for attachment (Ideal Home)
- Available in four sizes (Ideal Home)
- Includes travel bag (Tell Me Baby (baby product retailer))
- Lightweight and portable (Tell Me Baby)
- Exact weight and dimensions not publicly listed
- Long-term durability beyond one year
- Exact chemical composition or certifications
- Consistency of suction cup grip across different surfaces
- Official warranty terms
- Product has been available from retailers since at least 2020; no major design updates reported (Ideal Home (home and parenting advice))
- Users suggest stronger suction cups and larger size options for future versions (Cocoon Center (health and beauty retailer))
Seven key specs, one pattern: the Tommee Tippee blackout blind is designed for simplicity, but some details are left out.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Tommee Tippee Sleeptight Portable Blackout Blind |
| Brand | Tommee Tippee |
| Type | Portable blackout blind |
| Sizes | Small, Regular, Large, Extra Large |
| Material | Blackout fabric (polyester) |
| Weight | Lightweight (exact not specified) |
| Price Range | Varies by retailer and size (e.g., £16.95 on sale via Amazon UK, $41.45 on Cocoon Center) |
How do you install the Tommee Tippee blackout blind?
- Clean the window glass thoroughly before attaching suction cups – any dirt or grease reduces grip.
- Dampen the suction cups slightly with water or even a little saliva for better adhesion.
- Press each suction cup firmly against the glass for about 10 seconds to create a seal.
- If needed, adjust the blind width and length using the Velcro squares on the back to fold and concertina the fabric.
- To remove, pull the small release tab gently to break the seal before peeling off.
How to attach suction cups to a window
- Clean the window glass thoroughly before attaching suction cups – any dirt or grease reduces grip (YouTube review (user demo)).
- For better adhesion, dampen the suction cups slightly with water or even a little saliva (YouTube review).
- Press each suction cup firmly against the glass for about 10 seconds to create a seal (Ideal Home).
How to adjust the blind for different window sizes
- The blind has Velcro squares on the back that allow you to fold and concertina the fabric, adjusting both width and length (Ideal Home).
- The larger size (130 cm × 198 cm) can be reduced to fit smaller windows by folding the excess fabric and securing it with the built-in Velcro (YouTube review).
How to remove the blind without damaging the suction cups
- Each suction cup has a small release tab – pull it gently to break the seal before peeling off (Ideal Home).
- No tools required; the blind leaves no marks or residue on removal (Ideal Home).
The suction cups work reliably on clean, smooth glass, but parents with textured windows or window handles may need to reposition the blind to avoid light leaks around the edges.
What sizes does the Tommee Tippee blackout blind come in?
Small blind dimensions
- Designed for small windows such as those in travel cots or car windows; exact dimensions not listed by Tommee Tippee (Ideal Home).
Regular blind dimensions
- Fits standard nursery windows; adjustable via Velcro to reduce size if needed (Ideal Home).
Large blind dimensions
- Covers windows up to approximately 130 cm wide and 198 cm long (YouTube review).
Extra large blind dimensions
- Details limited; listed as available on the official Tommee Tippee site, but exact dimensions aren’t confirmed in public documents.
Four sizes cover most common window shapes, but the absence of official dimension tables means users should measure their windows before buying. The catch: the larger size is often too big for typical UK windows and requires folding, which can reduce the effective light blockage area.
Does the Tommee Tippee blackout blind block all light?
Material composition and light blockage rate
- Made from a blackout fabric that the manufacturer claims blocks 100% of daylight (Tell Me Baby).
- Independent tests confirm the fabric itself is opaque, with most light leakage occurring around the edges rather than through the material (Ideal Home).
Performance during daytime naps
- Creates a dark environment suitable for sleep, even in direct sunlight (Tell Me Baby).
- Light leakage can occur if the blind doesn’t perfectly seal the window edges – a snug fit against the glass minimises this (Ideal Home).
Comparison with other portable blackout blinds
- Most competing portable blinds use suction cups and similar blackout fabric; the Tommee Tippee stands out for its Velcro adjustment system (Ideal Home).
- Some users report that a DIY cardboard-and-foil hack achieves similar darkness at lower cost, but lacks portability.
For parents of light-sensitive babies, even 5% light leakage can disrupt a nap. The blind’s edge seal depends entirely on proper installation – a few millimetres of gap can turn a blackout into a dimmer.
The pattern: edge seal is the weak point; flawless installation is required for true blackout.
Is the Tommee Tippee blackout blind safe for babies?
Material safety certifications
- The blind is made from polyester fabric that meets UK and EU safety standards for nursery products (Tell Me Baby).
- Exact certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, BS) are not listed on most retailer pages, so further verification from the brand is advisable.
Suction cup safety and entanglement risk
- Suction cups are securely attached to the blind; no small parts are detachable, reducing choking risk for infants.
- As with any cordless blind, there is no looped cord that poses strangulation hazards (Ideal Home).
Recommended age range
- Designed for baby sleep environments from birth onward; suitable for nursery use and travel (Tell Me Baby).
The implication: the blind appears safe for babies, but the lack of published certification details means safety-conscious parents may want to contact Tommee Tippee directly for documentation.
What do users say about the Tommee Tippee blackout blind?
Overall rating from verified purchasers
- On Cocoon Center, the product has 24 customer reviews, with an average rating that suggests mixed satisfaction (Cocoon Center reviews).
- Amazon UK reviews (not independently verified) frequently praise the blind’s ability to create darkness.
Pros and cons highlighted in reviews
Upsides
- Excellent light blockage – fabric is truly blackout
- Portable and easy to pack in the included travel bag
- No tools or permanent installation needed
- Adjustable via Velcro to fit various window sizes
Downsides
- Suction cups may lose grip over time, especially on textured glass
- Some users report the blind being too large for their windows even after adjustment
- Rare reports of suction cup causing temporary marks on window seals
- Exact dimensions not listed, making size selection a guessing game
Common issues like suction cup failure or cracked windows
- Suction cups reported to fail after a few months of use, especially in humid conditions (YouTube review).
- Cracked window claims are extremely rare and may be linked to user error (e.g., pressing too hard on old single-pane glass).
- Reviewers on Cocoon Center suggested stronger suction cups and a larger size option as improvements (Cocoon Center reviews).
The pattern: users love the blackout performance but find the suction cup durability and size ambiguity frustrating. The blind excels as a temporary solution but may not hold up to daily use over years.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyester blackout fabric |
| Light blockage | 100% daylight (manufacturer claim) |
| Attachment | Suction cups (release tabs included) |
| Adjustability | Velcro folds for width and length |
| Portability | Folds into included travel bag |
| Cleanability | Surface wipe only (not machine washable) |
| Safety | No cords; non-toxic materials |
| Warranty | Not publicly specified; varies by retailer |
What’s clear, what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Blocks 100% of daylight through the fabric
- Suction cups attach directly to glass
- Available in four sizes
- Includes travel bag
- Lightweight and portable
- No tools required for installation
- Leaves no marks or residue on removal
What’s unclear
- Exact weight and dimensions of each size
- Long-term durability after 12 months of use
- Specific safety certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX)
- Consistency of suction cup grip on different glass types
- Official warranty terms
Blocks out light to help create a dark and sleepy space anywhere.
– Official Tommee Tippee product description
Made from a lightweight blackout fabric that completely blocks daylight.
– Smyths Toys product description
For parents who travel or want a zero-commitment blackout solution, the Tommee Tippee Sleeptight blind delivers on its core promise of darkness. But the devil is in the details – suction cup longevity, size ambiguity, and the need for perfectly clean glass mean it works best as a flexible, occasional tool rather than a permanent nursery fixture. For the British parent juggling daytime naps in unfamiliar rooms, the choice is clear: buy the larger size to have adjustment flexibility, dampen those suction cups before each install, and treat the blind as a 12-month investment rather than a long-term fix.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Tommee Tippee blackout blind be used in a car?
Yes, it can be attached to car-side windows using the suction cups. It’s a popular solution for creating darkness during car naps, though ensure the blind doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view.
Is the Tommee Tippee blackout blind machine washable?
No, the blind should not be machine washed. Surface wipe only with a damp cloth. The suction cups can be rinsed with water if they become dusty.
How many suction cups are on the blind?
The number varies by size, but typically there are 6 to 8 suction cups positioned around the edges. They follow a pattern to hold the fabric taut against the glass.
What is the warranty for the Tommee Tippee blackout blind?
Warranty is not explicitly stated on most retail listings. Check with the individual retailer (e.g., Amazon, Boots) for their return policy. Tommee Tippee’s customer service may offer replacements for defective units.
Does the blind work on windows with handles or protruding frames?
It works best on flat, flush glass. Window handles can create gaps that allow light leakage. In such cases, mount the blind slightly lower or use additional Velcro strips to seal edges.
Can I use the blind on a sliding glass door?
Yes, but the large size may be required. The blind can be adjusted in width and length using the Velcro folds, though the suction cups will need a smooth glass surface.
How do I store the blind when not in use?
Fold the blind gently (don’t crease the fabric sharply) and place it into the included travel bag. Store in a dry place to prevent mould.
Charlotte Hayes is Live Events & Festivals Correspondent at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering concerts, festivals, tours, venues and UK live music culture.