Calming Activities for Toddlers
Parenting toddlers can sometimes feel like navigating a whirlwind of energy and emotions. Whether it’s dealing with big emotions, sensory overload, or just the end-of-the-day meltdown, finding effective ways to help your little one calm down is essential.
Luckily, there are a plethora of calming activities designed to soothe young minds and bodies. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best calming strategies for toddlers, endorsed by experts and loved by parents worldwide.
This post may contain affiliate links. Full privacy policy and disclosure here.
![](https://tiredmomsupermom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/KRzsXbEaTIKt0cqjFF-jFg-1024x576.webp)
Calming Activities For Toddlers
- Sensory Bins:
Sensory bins are a great way to provide young children with sensory input while promoting calmness. Fill a bin with materials like rice, beans, or sand, and add scoops, cups, and small toys for exploration. Sensory bins engage the senses and offer a calming effect, helping children regulate their emotions. - Yoga Poses:
Introducing yoga poses into your child’s routine can be a fun way to promote calmness and mindfulness. Simple poses like Child’s Pose or Downward Dog help young children relax their bodies and minds. Incorporate yoga into your bedtime routine or during times of stress for maximum benefit. - Stress Balls and Squeeze Balls:
Stress balls are not just for adults; they can also be powerful tools for calming young minds. Squeezing a stress ball provides sensory input and helps release tension, making it an excellent calming activity for toddlers. You can even make your own stress balls using balloons and filling them with rice or flour. - Deep Breathing:
Teaching toddlers to take deep breaths is a simple yet effective way to calm down. Practice deep breathing exercises together, encouraging your child to take slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Deep breathing helps regulate the nervous system and lowers heart rate, promoting relaxation. - Sensory Bottles:
Sensory bottles, also known as discovery bottles or calm down jars, are mesmerizing tools for calming little minds. Fill a clear bottle with water, glitter, and small objects like pom poms or pipe cleaners. Watching the objects float and swirl can help toddlers regulate their emotions and calm down during times of stress. - Quiet Time Activities:
Create a calm down corner in your home where your child can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed. Fill it with soft blankets, stuffed animals, and quiet activities like reading books or listening to audio books. A quiet space provides a safe place for toddlers to relax and recharge. - Weighted Blankets:
Weighted blankets and weighted stuffed animals can provide comfort and security to toddlers who have difficulty calming down. The gentle pressure of the blanket mimics the sensation of being hugged, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Use a weighted blanket during nap time or bedtime for a soothing sleep experience.
![](https://tiredmomsupermom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/rcCddRl5Rt6XGSIBnFJNEA.webp)
Bottom Line
Incorporating calming activities into your toddler’s daily routine can make a world of difference in their emotional well-being.
From sensory play to deep breathing exercises, there are countless ways to help your little one relax and unwind.
Remember to observe your child’s preferences and adjust activities accordingly. With patience and consistency, you can create a calming environment that nurtures your child’s emotional responses and promotes a sense of peace and tranquility