Picture this: your little one is screaming at the top of their lungs because you cut their sandwich wrong. (If you have a toddler, you’ve probably been there.)
Toddlers are learning and processing a whole new world around them, often leading to overwhelm and “big emotions.” Add in other factors like tiredness, hunger and frustration, and it’s a recipe for meltdowns in little kids who don’t yet have the tools to regulate their feelings.
Even the most well-behaved toddlers are not immune to tantrums, which is why having a calming corner in your home is a game-changer for children. We’re sharing tips on how to build your own center of calm so that you and your little one can both take a pause and reset when emotions are high. Additionally, we’ve found some of the best products to implement and create a space of zen for your kiddo, from aromatherapy to tea time.
Calming Corner Ideas for Your Toddler
It’s no secret that toddlers can be a handful, but having the right tools in your arsenal makes all the difference when it comes to helping them regulate their emotions. Here’s how to create a calming corner for your toddler, along with some of the best products to support their nervous system.
A toddler calming corner is a designated spot in your home to help your little one regulate their emotions and prevent overstimulation. This can look like a permanent spot in your playroom or a portable cart as an on-the-go soothing solution.
Calming corners are customizable to your space and your toddler’s needs. You can fill yours with comforting items like sensory toys, books, blankets or pillows to create a cozy, relaxing, tech-free zone. It’s a great tool to help your little one learn how to self-regulate and process big emotions.
How to Create a Calming Corner in Your Home
Step 1: Find your corner
First, pick a quiet spot in your home that can be used to help your little one find their calm. Whether that’s in the corner of a playroom or a calming cart that can move from room to room, pick the spot that makes the most sense for your family.
Step 2: Add soft textures and sensory items
Curate soft textures and sensory items for the space, like blankets, pillows, stress balls or low-stimulation toys and fidgets. Get creative here—you might already have everything you need to create the base for your calming corner!
Once you have your base set up, add relaxing elements like aromatherapy or calming sprays to help encourage relaxation and support the nervous system.
Step 3: Create visuals for your child
From breathing visuals to feeling charts, create some visual guides that can help your toddler learn to identify and work through big emotions on their own over time.
How to Introduce a Calming Corner (Without Using It as a “Time-Out”)
To keep the calming corner as a safe space and not a punishment zone, language and timing are everything. Introduce your toddler to their space during calm times as a fun and engaging space (not during the middle of a meltdown). Your toddler can even help build your calming corner and choose different pillows, blankets or decor that they like.
If you incorporate visual charts, practice using the tools with your child during times when emotions aren’t running high. Use positive language as often as possible about your calming corner, and make it clear that it’s for self-regulation and quiet time (not a punishment).
The Best Natural Soothing Aids for Your Toddler’s Calming Corner
Once your toddler’s calming corner is all set up, these products can help provide extra soothing during those meltdown moments.
Always consult your pediatrician before introducing essential oils, herbal supplements or wellness products to your child’s routine. Ensure that aromatherapy is properly diluted and always under adult supervision.
Aromatherapy to boost your calming corner’s zen factor
Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Room Diffuser
Harness the power of aromatherapy to calm your child the moment they set foot in their calming corner. Aura Cacia’s plug-in aromatherapy diffuser uses low levels of heat to vaporize your favorite essential oils and transform the space.
NOW Essential Oil Blends – Peace & Harmony
NOW Essential Oils’ Peace & Harmony blend is a calming mix of orange, peppermint, patchouli, lavender and basil oils. It’s designed to help center and balance and is purity-tested and quality-assured.
Plantlife Aromatherapy Personal Mist Calm
Plantlife’s personal calming mist promotes peace and serenity in every spray. This blend of lavender, patchouli, lemon and bergamot essential oils is 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO and free from harsh chemicals, dyes and toxins.
NOW Solutions Seasonal Changes Balancing Essential Oils Kit
Seasonal changes can play into fussy moments big-time. This natural aromatherapy kit is complete with four grounding essential oil blends: Tea Tree Oil for cleansing and renewing, Clear the Air to purify and refresh, Nature’s Shield to uplift and energize, and Eucalyptus Radiata to clarify and revitalize. This kit is cruelty-free, gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan to offer transitional support throughout each season.
Seventh Generation Disinfectant Wipes Lemongrass Citrus
Although this may not technically count as aromatherapy, keeping your space clean is essential for maintaining its soothing effects. Give your kiddo’s calming corner a quick wipe-down between cleans to kill 99.9% of bacteria from surfaces and toys. These disinfectant wipes are scented with essential oils and botanical ingredients and are free of gluten and phosphates.
Herbal stress relief
Before introducing any herbal products to your child’s routine, always follow age guidelines on product labels and consult your pediatrician.
This herbal syrup is crafted with calming ingredients like chamomile, lemon balm, magnesium taurinate and essential oils of clove fruit, anise seed and cassia bark. It’s made with natural ingredients and supports calm, focused attention in little ones.
Bach Kids Rescue Stress Relief Spray Homeopathic
This botanical stress relief spray provides quick calm for kids. Harnessing the power of plant-based natural active ingredients, this homeopathic blend is a quick remedy for temper tantrums, anxiety, restlessness and irritability.
Herbs For Kids Valerian Super Calm Nerve Support
Herbs for Kids has created this proprietary blend of chamomile, wood betony, valerian root, fennel seed, catnip herb and hops strobiles to offer calm nerve support for little ones.
Relaxing activities for you and your toddler
Lone Star Botanicals Bambini Children’s Tea
Add tea time to your calming corner for a moment of zen with your little one. This herbal caffeine-free children’s tea is made with 100% organic ingredients like lemon balm, chamomile, elderberries, orange peel, ginger and catnip to aid in relaxation and soothing.
Babo Botanicals Body Lotion Calming Lavender
Babo Botanicals’ lavender lotion is a great way to reset little nervous systems. It’s made with soothing ingredients like chamomile, rose and shea butter to nourish sensitive skin. This EWG-verified formula is made from pure flower and plant extracts and is dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, gluten-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, dairy and soy-free, and made without synthetic fragrances or colors.
Whether your toddler is dealing with overstimulation, big feelings or just having one of those days, a calming corner gives them a safe space to reset (and gives you a moment to breathe, too). Over time, it can become a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation in a way that feels supportive, positive and comforting.