# What is a calm down kit and what goes in it?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-a-calm-down-kit-and-what-goes-in-it
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

A calm down kit is a small, portable box of soothing sensory tools — fidgets, a glitter bottle, headphones, putty, a breathing prompt — that helps a child settle when overwhelmed. Choose items that genuinely calm your child, involve them in building it, and practise using it when calm, not only in a crisis.

*When big feelings take over, a small box of calming tools can be the bridge back to steady.*

## In short
A calm down kit is a simple, portable collection of soothing items a child can reach for when they feel overwhelmed, anxious or close to a meltdown. It works by giving the body and senses something predictable to focus on — touch, sight, sound, movement or deep pressure — so the nervous system can settle. There's no single "right" kit: the best one matches what genuinely calms *your* child.

## What goes in it
Think across the senses, and pick a handful your child actually responds to:

**Touch & deep pressure**
- A soft fidget toy, squishy ball or stretchy band
- A small weighted item or a favourite soft toy
- Putty or kinetic sand for squeezing

**Sight & calm focus**
- A glitter or liquid sensory bottle to watch
- A small photo of a loved place or person
- A simple "feelings" card or breathing-prompt picture

**Sound**
- Noise-reducing headphones for loud environments
- A small music or white-noise option

**Movement & breathing**
- A pinwheel or bubbles to encourage slow, deep breaths
- A chewy tube or crunchy snack for oral input

**Comfort & routine**
- A drink bottle, a familiar blanket, and a short, clear card showing "what I can do next"

Keep it small, in a clear box or pouch, and let your child help choose the contents — ownership makes it far more likely to be used. Practise using the kit when your child is *calm*, not only in a crisis, so the tools feel familiar when feelings run high.

## The Pinnacle way
A calm down kit supports everyday emotional regulation — it is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care. If big feelings happen often, are intense, or get in the way of play, learning or sleep, our therapists can help you build strategies tailored to your child. Explore our [occupational therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/best-occupational-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) support and ideas for your own [calm down kit](/calm-down-kit).

## Trusted sources
American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on supporting children's emotional regulation (healthychildren.org); WHO Nurturing Care framework on responsive caregiving.

**Next step —** Want a calming plan that fits your child? [Book an assessment with a Pinnacle clinician](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/best-occupational-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate).

## Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren — supporting emotional regulation: https://www.healthychildren.org
- WHO Nurturing Care Framework: https://nurturing-care.org

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Emotional: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/emotional
- Find Materials: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/find_materials
- Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment

## Related question paths

### At home & in everyday life
- What is Calming Corner Self-Management Kit, and is it right for my child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-calming-corner-self-management-kit-and-is-it-right-for-my-child
- How can I work on CalmDown Toolbox with my child at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-calmdown-toolbox-with-my-child-at-home
- How to Create a Calm Down with Your Child at Home: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-creating-a-calm-down-with-my-child-at-home
- How to Use a Sensory Integration Calm Down Jar at Home: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-sensory-integration-calm-down-jar-with-my-child-at-home
- How can I work on Calm-Down Strategies with my child at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-calmdown-strategies-with-my-child-at-home
- How can I work on Calm Down Corner with my child at home?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-calm-down-corner-with-my-child-at-home