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Summer 2025 Nursery Trends: The Nursery Edit
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Tips for Creating a Calm Down Corner for Kids
What is a Calm Down Corner?
Children experience big emotions, and sometimes they need a little help managing them. A calm down corner is a special, dedicated space designed to give kids a safe, cozy spot where they can pause, take a breath, and regain control over their feelings.
It’s not a time-out area or a place for punishment — it’s a nurturing retreat that supports emotional self-regulation, mindfulness, and calmness.
By providing a calm down corner, parents, caregivers, and educators give children tools to recognize their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies that last a lifetime.
Why Every Child Benefits from a Calm Down Corner
In our fast-paced, often overstimulating world, kids can quickly become overwhelmed by frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload. A calm down corner offers a quiet sanctuary that encourages relaxation and reflection. It helps children:
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Learn emotional awareness by identifying feelings.
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Practice calming techniques such as deep breathing or gentle sensory play.
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Develop independence in managing their emotions.
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Feel safe and supported in times of distress.
Creating this space at home or in classrooms is a simple yet powerful way to foster emotional intelligence and resilience from a young age.
How to Create the Perfect Calm Down Corner: 6 Practical Tips
You don’t need a large space or expensive items to create an effective calm down corner. It’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere where children feel comfortable and cared for.
Here’s how you can build one, plus some product suggestions from Playfaire.co.uk to help you get started.
1. Choose a Quiet, Comfortable Spot
Start by selecting a quiet nook or corner away from the busiest parts of your home or classroom. This should be a low-traffic area where children can retreat without distractions.
Add soft cushions, bean bags, or a small rug to make the spot cozy and inviting. If you have space, a small tent or pop-up hideaway can enhance the feeling of safety and privacy.
Top tip; try combining an activity mat with a tent or canopy to create a soft, safe space for your little ones
2. Use Soft Lighting and Calming Colours
Lighting plays a big role in mood and relaxation. Use soft, warm lighting or a gentle nightlight rather than harsh overhead lights. Natural light is wonderful if you can position the corner near a window.
For colours, choose soothing pastels like soft blues, greens, or muted pinks that create a peaceful environment. Avoid bold or bright colours that can be overstimulating.
Here's Some PlayFaire Picks:
3. Include Comfort Items Like Plush Toys or Blankets
Soft, tactile objects help soothe and comfort children when emotions run high.
Having a familiar plush toy or a comforting blanket can make a huge difference.
We recommend cuddle+kind baby animal dolls, or Little Dutch cuddle doll Sophia!
Not only are these products soft, cuddly and calming but both products also give back to children in need!
4. Add Sensory Toys to Help Focus
Sensory input can help kids self-soothe and stay grounded. Toys with varied textures, gentle sounds, or interactive features provide gentle stimulation without overwhelm.
The Little Dutch Soft Activity Cube is a fantastic addition to any calm down corner. With its different fabrics, crinkly parts, and small activities, it keeps little hands busy and minds engaged in a calm, mindful way.
Heres a few PlayFaire picks:
5. Incorporate Books or Visuals for Mindfulness
Including simple, age-appropriate books about emotions and mindfulness can encourage kids to explore their feelings in a safe way.
Choose stories that explain feelings like anger, sadness, or anxiety and offer comforting strategies.
Visual aids such as breathing exercise charts or emotion wheels can also be great tools to guide children through calming techniques.
6. Set Clear Expectations and Teach Usage
When introducing your Calm Down Corner, it’s important to explain to your child that this space is not a punishment, but a safe, calming area where they can go to help manage big emotions. Talk about it during a calm moment and model how and when to use it—perhaps after feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Show them how to use the items inside, like sensory toys or breathing prompts, and encourage them to visit the space whenever they need a moment to reset. By setting gentle, consistent expectations, your child will learn to see the Calm Down Corner as a positive tool for emotional regulation, not a place of consequence.
Why Shop Calm Down Corner Essentials at Playfaire
At Playfaire, we curate thoughtful products that blend quality, safety, and meaning. When you shop with us, you get:
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Carefully selected toys and comforters designed with children’s emotional wellbeing in mind.
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Brands that give back, like cuddle+kind, supporting global communities.
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Soft, safe, and durable materials perfect for little ones.
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Friendly, reliable customer service to help you find exactly what you need.
Final Thoughts
Creating a calm down corner is a powerful way to support children’s emotional health. It teaches self-regulation skills, provides comfort, and promotes mindfulness — all essential for growing happy, resilient kids.
If you’re ready to set up your calm down corner, explore Playfaire.co.uk for cuddle+kind baby animal dolls, Little Dutch activity cubes, and more carefully chosen essentials to make your space warm, welcoming, and nurturing.
