Deep-pressure activities can be very relaxing and calming for young children, especially when they feel overwhelmed or overstimulated. Simple sensory activities to calm children down can make a big difference. One of the most effective approaches is deep-pressure input, which gently stimulates the autonomic nervous system, helping the body and mind feel grounded and safe.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or educator, these deep-pressure activities can be powerful tools for helping to regulate your child in everyday life.
Why Deep Pressure Helps Calm Children
Deep-pressure activities apply firm, even pressure to the body—through touch, compression, or movement. This type of sensory input has a calming effect on the nervous system and can reduce dysregulation.
Every child is unique, so it's essential to first ask your child what feels good to them. Let them take the lead and respect their preferences. These activities should always feel safe, enjoyable, and empowering for the child.
Here are some easy and fun deep-pressure games that many kids love:
👉 'Story massage with animal walks':
The easiest way is to give a massage with the child lying on their belly. To make it more fun, try to incorporate a story such as:
'Different animals are visiting the child and walk all over their back'.
The elephant is a big and heavy animal. Use your palms to imitate how the elephant walks all over the back using deep pressure.
The kangaroo jumps all over the back using the palm of your hand to mimic a jumpy movement.
The snake glides over the back (use the side of the hand) ...and so on.
👉 The'Blanket Wrap'
Gently roll your child up in a blanket (keeping the head free) to create a cozy 'sensory burrito.' This full-body compression is often comforting and can provide just the right amount of pressure to promote calm. Roll the child's body up in a blanket (the head is out) to provide deep pressure.
👉 Rolling different therapy balls
Use balls of different sizes, textures, and weights to roll across your child’s back or legs. Many children love choosing their own ball and experimenting with the feeling of pressure.
👉 'Tunnel crawl'
Sit on the floor with your knees bent to form a tunnel. Let your child push or squeeze their way through your 'knee tunnel.' It’s fun, silly, and naturally offers resistance that supports sensory regulation.
👉 'Imitating animal movements'
Jumping like a frog and stomp like a dinosaur
Walk like a monkey and stretch like a cat.
Pretend to be an inchworm or walk like a crab.
👉 'Wheelbarrow walks'
Hold your child’s legs while they walk on their hands. This is great for building strength and also delivers calming deep-pressure feedback.
👉 'Hopscotch or Wall pushes'
Classic movement games like hopscotch or pushing against a wall provide proprioceptive input that supports regulation
against a wall, a heavy door, or rolling on a mat forth and back.
👉 'Pillow sandwich or cushion mountain'
Let your child lie between cushions like the filling in a sandwich or burrow into a soft pillow mountain. These playful setups apply gentle pressure in a fun and safe way.
👉 Weighted blankets, stuffed animals, or lap pads can provide calming deep pressure during reading time, car rides, or bedtime routines.
👉 A cuddle swing or hammock chair creates a secure, enclosed feeling many children love. And never underestimate the power of a warm, grounding hug—one of the simplest yet most effective ways of helping to regulate your child.
Every child is different, what feels calming to one may not work for another. Always check in with your child and offer choices. When children feel safe and in control, these sensory activities can become a joyful part of everyday life.
Blogpost by Angela Mischkulnig
Image by freepik