14 Gentle TV Shows That Actually Calm My Toddler in 2025
A nervous-system-safe watchlist for sensitive little souls.
A Note From a Mom Who Gets It
If you’re here, you’re probably like me — trying to raise kind, grounded kids in a digital world that moves way too fast. And while we all want to limit screen time (or even cut it out completely), sometimes we just need 20 calm minutes to cook dinner or reset -especially if you’re parenting with no village. But here’s the truth: not all kids shows are created equal, and a lot of them overstimulate our kids and leave them more hyped up and dysregulated than ever before. Some even leave our kids crying after we shut it off – unable to concentrate or calm down afterwards. Sound familiar?
I have scoured the internet for “low stimulation and appropriate show” lists and often found lists online that claimed certain shows were calming or even appropriate, were definitely the opposite. I quickly realized that some peoples version of “calm” or “appropriate” didn’t quite match mine. So I intentionally curated this small, safe list that we have come to treasure. These are the shows we come back to again and again. No show is truly perfect, but these come close in my opinion. They are well vetted, well loved, and yes, they really do make a difference.
Why I Curate My Kids Screen Time
Screen time in our house isn’t just background noise, it’s a tool. After seeing how overstimulating many mainstream shows were for my toddler, I realized how much of a difference it made when we chose calming, intentional shows instead. I started paying close attention to how certain programs impacted my kids’ mood, focus, and regulation afterward, and the results were honestly shocking.
Our children aren’t just passively watching. They’re learning and absorbing the language, behaviors, and underlying messages of what they see — often more than we realize.
So I started keeping track of which shows actually settle my toddler. The kind that support emotional development, model regulation, and that I can feel good and guilt free about when my kids watch an episode. Some people have claimed that I’m picky or am “over thinking it”, but I truly have noticed a difference in my children’s behavior when their screen time is carefully curated. It is shocking how many kids shows not only re extremely fast paced, but include inappropriate language or actions that our kids are learning from.
13 Gentle Toddler TV Shows That Soothes, Not Stimulates
Not all screen time is created equal — some shows overstimulate, and others soothe. These are the ones that actually help. This isn’t about being perfect or screen-free. It’s about protecting their nervous systems and choosing shows that feel like an extension of the kind of environment I’m trying to create in our home: gentle, safe, and emotionally nurturing.
1. Little Bear
I’m starting off with our all time favorite – the show we come back to again and again. Soft music, gentle storytelling, and old-school animation. This show feels like a hug. It has been my son’s go-to show for well over a year and the story lines have so many sweet memorable moments, songs and little traditions in them that we often replicate here at home. The characters are so loveable, and the story lines and background music are perfect. It is a true 90’s classic, and it is definitely #1 on our list!
Best for: Wind-down routines, cozy quiet time.
2. Sarah and Duck
This oddly mesmerizing gentle narration show is one of the strangest, yet most calming things I’ve ever watched. My toddlers absolutely LOVE this show, and I have sat and laughed with them many times at the quirky little story lines and funny character moments. The episodes are short, simple and perfect for a small guilt-free TV break. Think dry British humor meets calm simple visuals.
Best for: Morning calm or sensory-sensitive toddlers.
3. Stella and Sam
I am SO GLAD I found this show, especially now having two kids who are learning to bond. The language, behavior and overall tone of the characters (brother and sister) are so gentle, kind and loving. This is a nature-based sibling duo show, exploring the outdoors with slow pacing and soft music. The story lines are adorable and my kids can’t get enough of it. It’s slow, gentle, and exactly the type of show I’ve always been searching for.
Best for: Imaginative quiet time and outdoor-loving kids.
4. Tumble Leaf
I think out of all the shows on this list, this has to be hands down my favorite of all. It is truly a perfect little nature inspired masterpiece. The pacing is slow, the narration is soothing, and the music is soft and melodic. It’s one of the rare shows that feels like it was truly designed with a child’s nervous system in mind. You will absolutely not regret sitting down and watching this with your kids. It’s a keeper.
Best for: Calming sensory input and creative spark.
5. Guess How Much I Love You
This show is not only adorable, but it’s so beautifully done! Forest creatures explore love, friendship, and discovery. It’s based on the classic book, and it really is a truly guilt-free treat I feel safe putting on for my kids every single time.
Best for: Bonding moments and slower-paced afternoons.
6. Franklin
An old classic that I watched growing up, and you might have too! Franklin the turtle teaches friendship, empathy, and problem-solving with a slow, steady rhythm. It’s similar to the vibes of Little Bear, with a little more “real world” issues in it.
Best for: Replacing loud cartoons with something wise and warm.
7. Trash Truck
This sweet, slow-moving animated series follows a little boy and his best friend — a giant trash truck. It’s full of outdoor adventures, quiet storytelling, and thoughtful friendships. We love this show because the pacing is refreshingly calm, and it celebrates curiosity, imagination, and connection with the natural world. This is another beloved favorite of my sons!
Best for: Kids who love trucks, quiet adventures, and soft storytelling.
8. Leo the Wildlife Ranger
We recently discovered this show on amazon prime and my son absolutely adores it. Leo the Wildlife Ranger explores animals and their habitats with his sister, and alot of the animals are endangered. One thing I really love about it, is that each episode is laid out the exact same way so kids know what to expect every single time, but each animal is different. It’s educational, but with soft voices and visuals. The episodes are short – perfect for a small TV break.
Best for: Curious toddlers who love nature and animals.
9. Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
If you know you know. Mr. Rogers is still totally unmatched in emotional intelligence in today’s television world. I grew up watching him, and there is something so special about sharing this show with my kids because believe it or not, it still resonates in todays world now more than ever. If you don’t know who the classic Mr. Rogers is, please enjoy an episode with your kids one day. To put it simply – he teaches kids how to feel.
Best for: Helping toddlers learn about big emotions safely.
10. Puffin Rock
This nature-based, Irish-narrated show is a huge favorite in our house when we just need calm TV down time. It includes quiet ocean sounds, little puffin adventures, and soft narration and it really is a guilt-free watch. It’s gentle, the language is appropriate and friendly and adorably playful.
Best for: Bedtime or gentle sensory days.
11. Tractor Ted
Tractor Ted is a real-life farm show featuring animals, tractors, and the daily rhythm of country life. With calming narration and slow, predictable scenes, Tractor Ted is surprisingly soothing — especially for kids who love machines or watching things “go.” It’s filmed on real farms and moves at a toddler-friendly pace without overstimulation.
Best for: Nature-loving toddlers, vehicle enthusiasts, and kids who thrive on slow, real-world visuals.
12. Miffy
This adorable, simple little show is actually based on the beloved book series, Miffy. It offers gentle stories, minimal dialogue, and soft animation that feels like a deep exhale. There’s no noise, no chaos, just kindness, curiosity, and simplicity. It’s the kind of show that gives your child’s nervous system space to rest… it really is just slow and simple.
Best for: Quiet time, sensitive toddlers, and parents who love soft, book-like animation.
13. Daniel Tiger’s NeighborhoOD
This show is a little bit more energetic and lively, but it is inspired by the beloved and classic Mr. Rogers. It offers emotional tools through songs and relatable toddler scenarios learning how to manage big emotions, relationships and every day routines. It’s a favorite here in our home, and we have several books related to the show as well in our collection. We often use the songs from the show in our every day lives when we are dealing with big emotions to help our kids calm down and relate to the characters which is always such an awesome tool in parenting!
Best for: Teaching waiting, disappointment, kindness, sibling bonding, gaining confidence and more.
14. Ms. Rachel
I think by now we all know who Ms. Rachel is, and if you don’t – thank me later! I HAD to include her in this list because she truly is one of a kind and has been a pillar in our little home. Although her videos are highly engaging and direct, they are done in a way that supports speech and development and learning – so I feel like there is a perfect balance for stimulation vs purposeful engagement. We LOVE Ms. Rachel in this house, and as soon as her voice comes on my kids come running!
Best for: Intentional screen time, especially for language delays or early talkers.
Screen Time Choices Are Complex
At the end of the day, every family operates so differently and there really is no perfect formula for screen time. In my humble opinion and what I have come to learn as a parent myself, is that what matters most is how your child responds. Some need total stillness to regulate — others benefit from light, silly joy. This list isn’t about judgment or perfection, it’s about creating a home that supports your child’s nervous system.
We personally have found this list is safe and predictable for our family and our kids needs. I am sure this list will continue to grow as my kids get older – but for now, I can confidently say this list is our safe retreat when we need intentional screen time! They aren’t “perfect” by any means, but so far they have worked for my family. I hope even just one of these shows gives you a moment of peace, a deep breath, or a calmer connection with your child.
Let me know which show your little one loves most. I’d love to keep building this gentle library for other parents, too!
PS. If you’re craving more tools to create a grounded, peaceful rhythm at home — especially on the hard days — you might love this: 5 Toddler Habits That Make Our Days Feel Calmer. Because we all know this season of motherhood isn’t exactly easy, but little habits help in big ways!
With love,
