Calm Down Timer
A gentle breathing exercise to help your little one relax. Follow the circle: breathe in as it grows, breathe out as it shrinks.
Choose a duration
02:00
Ready when you are
A calming tool for children. Not a substitute for professional guidance.
How it works
The circle grows as your child breathes in (4 seconds) and shrinks as they breathe out (4 seconds). This slow rhythm activates the body's natural calming response.
When to use it
Try it during tantrums, before bedtime, or any time your child feels overwhelmed. Even one minute of focused breathing can make a big difference.
Make it a habit
Practice together! Kids learn best by watching you. Sit side by side and breathe with the circle. Track your family's calm moments with Aanvi.
Love planning ahead?
Track every milestone with Aanvi
From first kicks to first steps, capture and share your family's precious moments in one beautiful timeline.
Common Questions
- How long should a calm-down break be for a toddler?
- A common guideline is 1 minute per year of age (3 minutes for a 3-year-old), but research suggests focusing on the child's emotional state rather than a fixed timer. The break should last until the child has genuinely calmed down, which may be shorter or longer than the age-based rule.
- What is the difference between time-out and calm-down time?
- Time-out is punitive, isolating a child as a consequence. Calm-down time is a co-regulation strategy where the child (often with a parent) goes to a comfortable space to manage big emotions. Calm-down time teaches emotional regulation skills rather than just stopping behavior.
For educational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with questions about your child's health.
Related tools
Related guides
When Do Babies Sleep Through the Night?
"Sleeping through the night" doesn't mean what you think it means. Here's what the research says, what's realistic, and what actually helps.
Baby Sleep Regressions: What's Actually Happening
Your baby was sleeping fine. Now they're not. Here's what each sleep regression is, which ones are real, and what you can do about them.
Baby Bedtime Routine: How to Build One That Works
A bedtime routine doesn't need to be complicated. Here's what to include, what order to do it in, and how it changes as your baby grows.