Steady Neuro

Belly Breath Buddy

A calm breathing app for iPhone and iPad that helps children practise slow belly breathing with a simple visual guide — useful for autistic and neurodivergent kids who benefit from low-pressure prompts.

On this page

Big feelings can build quickly — especially when a child is already tired, hungry, or overwhelmed.

Belly Breath Buddy helps children practise slow belly breathing with a friendly cartoon cat. A simple animation makes each breath visible, so kids can follow along without lots of instructions.

The goal isn’t to force calm in the moment. It’s to build a repeatable calming skill they can reach for when they need it.

Download Belly Breath Buddy for iPhone & iPad
Works offline · No ads · Simple, low-pressure design

What this helps with

This app is designed for children who benefit from gentle, visual guidance — including autistic and neurodivergent children who find verbal coaching overwhelming during stress.

It can be helpful for:

  • Bedtime wind-down
  • Overwhelm and big feelings
  • After-school decompression
  • Transitions between activities
  • Building a daily regulation habit

Before and after practising belly breathing

Before

  • Breathing stays fast and shallow
  • Hard to slow down in the moment
  • A parent has to coach every step

After

  • A simple visual rhythm for each breath
  • Slower breathing feels more achievable
  • Kids learn a repeatable calming routine

See Belly Breath Buddy in action

Belly Breath Buddy start screen with friendly cat and breathing prompt Belly Breath Buddy breathing animation with expanding circle over the cat's belly

How it works

  1. Open the app and start a breathing session
  2. Breathe in as the circle grows over the cat’s belly
  3. Breathe out as it gently shrinks
  4. Repeat for a few slow breaths

The visuals do the coaching — one clear pace, one breath at a time.

Try this first: practise when things are already calm (for example, before bed). The skill works better later if it feels familiar.

Why a visual breathing guide can work better than instructions

When a child is dysregulated, extra words can add pressure.

A visual guide gives the body something steady to follow:

  • one pace
  • one action
  • one breath at a time

That can make it easier to shift from escalation toward regulation — especially for children who struggle with listening or processing language when stressed.

Make it part of a small daily routine

This works best when it’s familiar.

Simple routines that help:

  • Before bed: 6 slow breaths
  • After school: 4 slow breaths before snacks or screens
  • Before a transition: 3 breaths before shoes / car / dinner

Keep it short. The point is repetition, not perfection.

Frequently asked questions

Does it work on iPad?
Yes — it works on both iPhone and iPad.

Does it work offline?
Yes. Once installed, it works without an internet connection.

Is it for calming down in the moment or practising?
Both. Practising when calm is the fastest way to make it useful during big feelings.

Is this suitable for autistic children?
Many autistic children benefit from low-pressure visual prompts, especially when language feels hard during stress. This app is designed to be simple and gentle.

If you want a calm step-by-step approach to teaching breathing (so it’s easier to use later), start here:

How to Teach Calm Breathing to an Autistic Child

Ready to practise a calm breathing rhythm?

Download Belly Breath Buddy on the App Store