The Science of Calm (Without the Scary Science): How to Help Babies Stay Calm, Settled and Ready to Explore in Baby Classes

If you’ve ever taught a baby class and you've felt an energy shifts, you know one minute everyone is happily engaging, the next you’ve got little faces crumpling, quick breaths or babies pulling tightly into a parent ,you know how quickly a room can go from calm to “not quite right.”

So many people, baby class teachers say that babies are unpredictable.
They really aren't, their bodies and nervous systems are simply still learning how to cope with the world, and when things become too loud, too bright, too fast or simply “too much,” they can't tell us, so they physically show us.

And when I say “regulated,” all I really mean is this:
a baby who feels calm, settled and safe enough to explore.

I'm not a great one for scientific jargon and complicated theories, I'm talking about babies feeling comfy and safe in their bodies.

And that, not the content, not the props, themes or performance is what truly matters in baby classes, or does to me anyway! 

Once you know what to look for, and what gently nudges babies back to feeling settled again, everything becomes smoother, easier.  Your classes feel calmer, parents relax and babies learn far more easily.

Ready to talk about how to help babies stay calm in class without turning it into anything complicated or intimidating?

What 'too much' is like for babies 

People picture overstimulation as a full meltdown, but the real signs show up long before that. Babies subtly, quietly, show their discomfort.
They only shout when we’ve missed the signs.

The early, subtle signs 

• turning their head away
• staring into space avoiding eye contact
• stiffening their little body
• faster breathing
• a tiny frown
• sudden wide eyes
• clinging tightly
• rubbing their face or ears
• yawning (not tired, just overwhelmed)

None of these signs are a baby “being difficult.”, these are indicators of a baby that is simply trying to cope.

And if nothing changes 

• crying appears “out of nowhere”
• arching away
• rejecting everything offered
• startling at noises

Again this is not bad behaviour and it's not the parent's fault, it's simply a baby expressing they are overwhelmed

If you want to read about why babies process things this way, here’s my blog on the developmental side of class planning:
How to Plan a Baby Class That Supports Brain Development

Why Baby Classes Often Become Overstimulating (Without Anyone Meaning To)

Most overstimulation in baby classes doesn’t come from poor teaching, it comes from a place of love, from a teacher that is trying too hard.

1. Feeling pressure to entertain

Teachers often think every second must be filled.
But babies don’t need constant entertainment — they need space.

2. Themes take over

A rainbow theme becomes bright props, fast pace, loud music, lots of movement. Absolutely lovely to an adult in theory and in planning but easily overwhelming for babies.

And I'll say it again, I love themes, they are great, as long as they don't dictate everything in the class

Themes should make sense for babies, not just on social media. That’s how I designed every themed lesson plan inside Blueprint, developmental first, decorative theme second.

3. Rooms come with sensory clutter already

Village halls with bright lights, echoey acoustics and colourful walls can overwhelm babies before class even starts. Just think would you like to lie on the floor and stare up at a slightly flickering fluorescent light strip?

4. Adults bring their own emotions into the room

Babies are masters of understanding tones, breath, tension, they know when words don't match emotions.  If the adults feel rushed, stressed or anxious, the babies will feel it too.

5. Social media makes everyone think things should look “busy”

Instagram and Pinterest has created a “more is more” culture.
But babies will always learn best with less.

What Helps Babies Stay Calm and Regulated in Class

1. Slow down

Slowing down creates space for learning, connection and regulation.

2. Use familiar songs

Repetition builds safety and memory.
(And if you want to make sure you are using music legally in your baby classes, here’s my blog about music in classes Using Music in Baby Classes Legally )

3. Keep sensory input simple

Babies process better when the environment makes sense.

4. Build in Pauses

Engage → pause → engage → pause.
This rhythm is regulation in action.

5. Lower your energy

Your voice, your breath, your transitions, the babies are watching, feeling and matching your energy so it might be the fifth class of the day for you and your endorphins are in full flow but you need to match them where they are, build the energy slowly and surely 

6. Support the parents

A regulated parent creates a regulated baby. Your reassurance shifts the entire room.

7. Reduce, don’t add

When a baby tips into overwhelm, more stimulation won’t help, they need less

If you want to find out more about choosing sensory equipment wisely, here’s my blog on fibre optics Fibre Optics: Pros and Cons

How Teachers Can Stay Regulated Themselves

Babies will notice, react to your nervous system 

1. Arrive grounded

Give yourself a time buffer before class starts, take time to breath, focus on the classes ahead. Rushing equals dysregulation.

2. Breathe more, talk less

You don't have to talk all the time, don't be afraid of silence, observe the class, follow their leads, don't rush them on because you 'have to follow your lesson plan' 

3. Don’t overload your plan

Your not there to perform, you're there to teach, to support, to inspire, to connect and a busy busy lesson plan that you know is crammed with content and will probably run over is not conducive to calm delivery

4. Hold boundaries gently

Warm and firm can exist together.  Move on when you need to, your class, you're in charge, reestablish control as and when needed, don't get distracted by the chattering

5. Reflect, don’t criticise

A tough class doesn’t mean you’re failing, it's a learning opportunity and everyone as tough classes no matter how experienced they are.  Everyone has days when they feel they can't do it anymore. 

Inside Module 6 of The Baby Class Blueprint, I teach this side of the work in depth.  Self regulation, leading with love and professionalism, warm ups and cool downs, vocal care, boundaries, reflective practice and how to navigate the real day to day moments like crying babies.

Why Calm Teaching Works

Calm isn’t quiet, calm is regulated.

• Babies explore more confidently
• Parents relax
• The class flows smoothly and with ease
• You feel grounded and in control
• Real learning has space to happen

This is the kind of teaching that actually supports early development not the busy, overstimulated version.

When you understand regulation, your teaching changes forever.
Your classes become safe, steady and supportive. Parents relax and babies thrive. 

And if you want to learn how to teach from this place of purpose, confidence and genuine understanding, that’s exactly what I teach inside The Baby Class Blueprint.