Breathing exercises for toddlers at 18 months
Short answer
Breathing exercises at 18 months help toddlers begin to calm their emotions and develop early self-regulation skills. At this age, simple, playful breathing activities combined with everyday routines and clear, gentle guidance from parents or guardians make the practice effective and enjoyable for toddlers learning to manage big feelings.
Why do toddlers need breathing exercises, and when does the skill develop?
Toddlers around 18 months often experience strong emotions but have limited ability to express or manage these feelings verbally. This can result in frustration, crying, or tantrums. Breathing exercises are a gentle way to support toddlers in calming their nervous systems, helping reduce stress and creating a foundation for emotional regulation. While toddlers don’t fully understand the concept of “calming through breathing” yet, they can imitate simple breathing patterns and enjoy the calming rhythm it creates.
The development of intentional breath control begins between 12 and 24 months, but toddlers at 18 months will mostly respond to the calming presence and modeling from parents. Breathing exercises at this age are less about conscious control and more about learning through imitation, sensory experience, and routine. Parents who consistently model slow, deep breaths and use playful guidance help their child connect breathing with feeling safe and calm. Starting breathing exercises early helps prepare toddlers for more complex emotional regulation skills as they grow.
What breathing exercises are suitable for an 18-month-old toddler?
At 18 months, toddlers benefit most from simple, playful, and sensory-rich breathing exercises. These need to be short, engaging, and tied to physical actions or visual aids, as toddlers have limited attention spans and language skills. Here are some effective exercises to try:
- Blowing bubbles: Ask your child to take a big breath in and slowly blow out to create bubbles. This fun activity naturally encourages slow, controlled breathing. Parent can say: “Let’s take a big breath and blow the bubbles gently!”
- Stuffed animal belly breathing: Have your toddler lie down or sit comfortably with a small stuffed animal on their belly. Guide them to watch the stuffed animal rise and fall as they breathe in and out. Say: “Watch Teddy’s tummy go up when you breathe in… now it goes down when you breathe out.”
- Flower smelling and blowing: Encourage your toddler to pretend to smell a flower by breathing in deeply through the nose, then gently blow out as if blowing petals off the flower. Use simple words like: “Smell the flower… now blow the petals away.”
- Feather or scarf blowing: Hold a light feather or silk scarf and encourage your child to blow it gently, practicing slow breaths to keep it floating. This visually ties breath to a fun, tactile experience.
These exercises focus on sensory input and imitation rather than verbal explanation. Using toys and visuals makes breathing exercises concrete and enjoyable for toddlers.
How does the ability to do breathing exercises develop from infancy through toddlerhood?
Understanding the developmental stages related to breathing control can help parents tailor exercises and expectations. Here’s a typical progression:
| Age | Breathing Skill Focus | Example Activity | Parent’s Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 months | Responding to caregiver’s calm breathing tone | Caregiver breathes slowly near baby | Model calm breathing, hold baby calmly |
| 6-12 months | Imitating simple breath sounds | Making raspberry sounds, sighs | Encourage vocal play, imitate breath sounds |
| 12-18 months | Imitating slow breaths paired with play | Blowing bubbles, flower smelling | Use playful language, demonstrate slowly |
| 18-24 months | Following basic breathing game instructions | Stuffed animal belly breathing | Give simple cues, celebrate attempts |
| 2-3 years | Beginning to use breathing to calm with reminders | Counting breaths, blowing candles | Teach counting, connect breath to feelings |
This age-by-age guide helps parents choose developmentally appropriate exercises and support their child’s growing ability to use breath for calming. At 18 months, imitation and play are the main vehicles for learning.
What practical phrases can parents use to guide their toddler’s breathing?
Language for toddlers should be simple, sensory, and connected to playful actions. Here is a practical example parents can try during a breathing exercise session:
“Let’s take a big breath like we’re smelling a flower. Breathe in through your nose… now blow the petals gently out. Can you blow the bubbles slow with me? Take a deep breath in… and blow, blow, blow!”
Other phrases to use:
- “Watch Teddy’s belly go up when you breathe in… now down when you breathe out.”
- “Let’s blow the feather together. Breathe in… and blow it gently.”
- “Take a big balloon breath and blow it out slowly.”
Repetition and consistency help toddlers connect words, actions, and breath. Always speak in a calm, encouraging tone and keep instructions short and clear. Using playful names like “flower breath” or “bubble breath” makes the experience fun and memorable.
When and where are the best times to practice breathing exercises with toddlers?
Incorporate breathing exercises into everyday moments that feel natural and relaxed. Some ideal times include:
- Before nap or bedtime: Breathing exercises can help toddlers transition to sleep by calming their body and mind. Try “stuffed animal belly breathing” as part of the bedtime routine.
- After active play: Help your toddler slow down after running or jumping by blowing bubbles together or doing “flower smelling.”
- During diaper changes or quiet cuddle time: Use brief breathing games to add calm during routine caregiving moments.
- When signs of frustration appear: If your toddler shows early signs of distress, pause and try a quick breathing exercise like blowing on a feather or bubble wand.
Keep sessions very brief—usually 30 seconds to a minute—and be flexible. If your toddler resists, try again later. Consistency over time helps build familiarity and comfort with the exercises.
What mistakes do parents often make when teaching breathing exercises to toddlers?
Parents may unintentionally make breathing exercises less effective by:
- Expecting too much verbal understanding: Toddlers at 18 months are not ready for abstract explanations. Keep language very simple and paired with actions.
- Making it feel like a chore or punishment: Present breathing exercises as fun, playful moments, not a “discipline” task.
- Using complicated or lengthy instructions: Short, clear cues work best. Avoid multiple steps or abstract ideas.
- Forcing participation: If a toddler resists, don’t insist. Offer again later and model the behavior yourself.
- Skipping parental modeling: Children learn best by watching caregivers. Parents should breathe slowly and calmly during these moments.
Avoiding these mistakes makes breathing exercises more enjoyable and effective for toddlers.
When should parents consider getting extra help with their toddler’s emotional regulation?
If your toddler frequently has intense tantrums that are hard to soothe, or shows signs of extreme distress that don’t improve with calming strategies like breathing exercises, additional support may be needed. Warning signs include:
- Crying or screaming that cannot be calmed for long periods
- Difficulty sleeping or eating due to emotional distress
- Little interest in social interaction or play
- Delays in reaching other developmental milestones
In these cases, contact your pediatrician or a child mental health professional for advice. Early intervention can provide specialized tools and support for your child and family. For crisis help, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text.
Parents can also explore related resources such as on calming strategies for toddlers and on anxiety coping skills at this age for additional guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start breathing exercises with my baby younger than 18 months?
Yes. While babies under 12 months can’t imitate breath control, caregivers modeling calm breathing near them supports early regulation. Simple activities like gentle sighing or slow breath sounds help babies relax.
How often should I practice breathing exercises with my toddler?
Short, frequent sessions work best—several times a day if possible, especially during calm moments or when your child needs help calming down. Consistency helps build the habit.
What if my toddler doesn’t want to do the breathing exercises?
Don’t force it. Offer the activity playfully, model slow breathing yourself, and try again later. Sometimes just watching a caregiver breathe deeply can help calm a toddler without direct participation.
Can breathing exercises replace other calming strategies?
No. Breathing exercises are one of many tools for emotional regulation. Combining them with comforting touch, distraction, and a calm environment is most effective for toddlers.
How do I know if my toddler is ready to follow simple breathing instructions?
Look for signs like interest in copying actions, ability to follow brief directions, and recognition of calm moments. If your child resists or doesn’t understand, continue modeling and try again later.