Calm Toddler Tantrums with Deep Pressure Therapy | Proven Strategies

Tantrums are practically a toddler rite of passage, especially between ages 1 and 3!

Our little ones are trying to figure out how to handle those big feelings. They are learning to ask for what they need. They also have to deal with frustration—all at once.

So when things get too intense, they go through “emotional flooding,” where all rational thinking goes right out the window. Here are the usual suspects when it comes to tantrum triggers:

• Hungry or sleepy moments
• Too much excitement (or noise, lights, you name it!)
• Shifts in their routine
• Craving a little more independence

What is Deep Pressure Therapy?

Deep pressure therapy (DPT) involves applying firm yet gentle pressure to the body. It simulates the sensation of being hugged, held, or squeezed. This technique has been found to help calm the nervous system, providing a sense of security and reducing stress.

Forms of DPT include:

• Weighted blankets: Often used to provide continuous deep pressure.
• Hugging or firm squeezes: Offering physical reassurance through touch.
• Compression vests or clothing: Specially designed garments that provide consistent pressure.

This method engages the proprioceptive system. It helps regulate sensory input. It fosters a sense of body awareness and emotional calm.

How Deep Pressure Affects the Nervous System

Deep pressure affects the autonomic nervous system. It shifts the body from the sympathetic “fight or flight” mode to the parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode. When children experience tantrums, their sympathetic nervous system is often overstimulated, leading to heightened stress and physical reactions. Applying deep pressure stimulates proprioceptors in the muscles and joints, sending calming signals to the brain and body.

In particular, deep pressure:

• Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
• Reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Promotes the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked with mood regulation

Sensory Processing and Tantrums in Toddlers

Many toddlers struggle with sensory processing challenges, which can exacerbate tantrums. Sensory overload occurs when children can’t appropriately process the sensory information they get from their environment. This may manifest as irritability, avoidance of certain textures or sounds, or difficulty calming down.

Signs that a toddler may experience sensory challenges include:

• Overreaction to noise or light
• Difficulty transitioning between activities
• Constant movement or fidgeting

In these cases, applying deep pressure can help “ground” the child. It provides predictable, calming input to the nervous system.

Scientific Studies on Deep Pressure for Behavior Management

Several studies have explored the effects of deep-pressure therapy on children. This is especially true for those with autism spectrum disorders or sensory processing issues. While most research focuses on these populations, findings can be relevant to toddlers experiencing tantrums. Both groups often struggle with emotional regulation.

Notable findings include:

• A study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology highlighted that deep pressure, particularly through weighted blankets, improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety in children with sensory sensitivities. Research has shown that the gentle pressure provided by weighted blankets can stimulate the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes relaxation, thereby improving sleep and reducing anxiety.
• Research by occupational therapists has demonstrated that proprioceptive input through deep pressure stimulation helps lower anxiety and improve attention in children. This type of therapy is commonly used in children with sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and autism, as it helps regulate their sensory input, making them feel more grounded and calm​.

These studies suggest that deep pressure could be a useful tool for helping toddlers calm down during tantrums.

Why Deep Pressure Helps Calm Toddlers During Tantrums

One of the core principles behind deep pressure therapy is that it provides proprioceptive input, which helps toddlers feel more secure and aware of their bodies. This sense of grounding helps them regulate their emotions better.

When a toddler is overwhelmed by a tantrum, their heightened emotional state can lead to dysregulation. Physical contact, such as hugging or gently squeezing, provides a sense of safety, which can de-escalate the situation. The calming effects of deep pressure mimic the way babies are often swaddled to provide comfort and security.

Practical Techniques for Applying Deep Pressure

Parents and caregivers can use various methods to apply deep pressure effectively:

• Hugging: Wrap your arms around the toddler, ensuring it’s firm yet not too tight.
• Rolling with a soft ball: Rolling a soft ball over the toddler’s back or legs can provide calming pressure.
• Using weighted toys: Soft, weighted stuffed animals can offer a tactile, comforting sensation.

Understanding the Limitations of Deep Pressure Therapy

Deep pressure therapy is not a cure-all for tantrums. Some toddlers may not respond well, particularly those with hypersensitivity to touch. Additionally, it may not address the root cause of a tantrum, such as unmet needs or frustrations.

Alternative Methods to Manage Toddler Tantrums

While deep pressure therapy can be highly effective for some toddlers, it’s important to have a variety of strategies to manage tantrums. Toddlers are unique in their emotional and sensory needs, so caregivers might need to employ different approaches depending on the situation.

• Distraction Techniques: Shifting a toddler’s focus away from the source of frustration can help prevent or de-escalate a tantrum. Distraction could involve introducing a favorite toy, starting a game, or pointing out something interesting in the environment.
• Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging positive behavior through praise or small rewards can help toddlers understand which behaviors are desired. For example, if a toddler begins to calm down after a tantrum, reinforcing this behavior with positive affirmations like “I love how you’re calming down!” can be effective.
• Time-Outs and Cool-Downs: Time-outs should not be used as punishment, but rather as a way to help toddlers remove themselves from overstimulating environments. A calm, quiet space can allow them to cool down and regain control.
• Sensory Play: Engaging toddlers in sensory activities, such as playing with water, sand, or tactile objects, can help regulate their emotions and provide them with the sensory input they need to stay calm.
• Routine and Structure: Predictability can reduce the likelihood of tantrums. Keeping a consistent schedule for meals, naps, and playtime helps toddlers feel secure, which can lower the frequency of outbursts.

Conclusion: The Future of Deep Pressure in Toddler Behavioral Therapy

Deep pressure therapy has shown significant promise in calming toddlers during tantrums and supporting their emotional regulation. As we continue to understand more about sensory processing and child development, deep pressure will likely remain a cornerstone of sensory-based therapies for young children, especially those prone to overstimulation or emotional dysregulation.

The future may bring even more refined tools and techniques, such as personalized, wearable compression devices or digitally enhanced tools that adjust pressure levels based on a child’s physiological responses. Additionally, as more parents, caregivers, and educators become aware of deep pressure’s benefits, it will likely become a more commonly accepted method of managing tantrums, even for children without specific sensory processing issues.

With ongoing research, more studies are expected to validate the effectiveness of deep pressure across diverse child populations. This research will provide a clearer understanding of when and how to best apply deep pressure to meet individual sensory needs.

Resources and References

Notable Research Papers and Articles

• “The Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation on Anxiety and Arousal: Implications for Occupational Therapy,” American Journal of Occupational Therapy
• “Sensory Processing Disorders and Their Role in Childhood Tantrums,” Pediatric Occupational Therapy Journal
• “Deep Pressure Therapy in the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders,” The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Recommendations for Further Reading

• “Raising a Sensory Smart Child” by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske: A comprehensive guide for understanding sensory processing and how deep pressure can help with emotional regulation.
• “The Explosive Child” by Ross W. Greene: This book provides insights into managing challenging behaviors and emotional outbursts in children.