Benefits of Weighted Blanket for kids with needs
A Special thank you to Weighted Creations for supplying weighted blanket and lap pad product for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own.
Have you heard of a weighted blanket? For a parent of a kid with special needs; it can be a heaven send. A blessing you never would have imagined. So lets talk about why.
Imagine you have had a rough day. You come home and finally after more hours struggling with the kids, getting homework done, dealing with fighting, complaints about dinner, struggle with kids to get to bed, and finally they are all quiet in their rooms. You take this time to curl up in a big cozy blanket and just sit and relax. Imagine the tension and stress leaving your body. Imagine your mind clearing and you are able to think once more. Imagine having that momentary recharge to where you are better able to handle the next task on your list.
That is just a slight glimmer of a look into how a weighted blanket can help kids with needs. It helps to calm nerves, stress, anxiety and help the child process emotions, anxieties, and the bombardment to their senses.
Benefits of a Weighted Blanket
The benefit of a weighted blanket has been noted to be useful in the treatment in both kids and adults for
- Depression
- PTSD
- ADHD
- Autism
- Sensory processing Disorders
- ADD
- Alzheimer’s
- Anxiety Disorder
- Aspergers Syndrome
- Bi-Polar Disorder
- Epilepsy
- FAS
- Insomnia
- Cerebral Palsy
- Dementia
- Down’s Syndrome
- Parkenson’s Disease
- Pervasive Development Disorder
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Rett Syndrome
- Sensory integration
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- And lots more!
For Children, using a weighted blanket can help them understand their relationship to the world. How their movements work, their body positions. It also offers calming affects and helps the child process information and handle their emotions. Sometimes it can even stimulate sensory input that a child needs to handle situations or environments. You can learn more by visiting neeweightedproducts or even OT-Innovations.
Another interesting tidbit is that you get a different weight of blanket or lap pad based on the weight of your child. To get an idea of how heavy you need your weighted products to be visit especialneeds.com.
My experience with a weighted blanket
As a parent to a child with special needs; I have come to truly appreciate our weighted creations. Miss Jade has been unique since she was born. We were always told to not worry because children all develop at different stages. But come 18 months old and she only had a 3 word vocabulary and was severely behind in other areas, I knew we had to do something. That is when we began this long journey.
Fast Forward a few years. Miss Jade is now 4 going on 5 years old. And we are finally reaching a point where both her therapists and parents a like agree there is something more than just typical delays. Otherwise we would have more progress and Jade should be caught up by now. We’ve been doing some research and conducted a sensory profile. Although we don’t have an “official” diagnosis yet; it is believed she has sensory processing issues, and a possibility of a few other issues.
But I will save that post until after we get the official diagnosis. It is now just in the process of getting the proper referral to the right doctor so insurance will pay for the testing. Oh the joys right?
Much of my comfort the last few weeks has come from Miss Jade’s therapists and also my friend Jeri. She has been a great resource of knowledge as she manages three children with sensory processing disorders and special needs. She is the one who introduced to me the idea of using a weighted blanket.
Jeri also just recently started her own hand crafted business called Weighted Creations. In her own research to find weighted blankets, weighted vests and weighted lap pads for her own children; she found the prices to be astronomical. So she learned how to create them herself. And she wanted to offer the option to other families in need at a much more affordable price.
Thanks to Jeri’s kindness Miss Jade now has an adorable Tinkerbell Weighted Blanket and equally adorable Sea Horse Lap Pad.
Miss Jade has an issue with textures. And an obsession with fabrics. Jeri’s selections were absolutely perfect! The faux minky is the exact material Jade is obsessed with. And she immediately took to her new blanket and Sea Horse Lap Pad.
So much so that she has refused to allow any other stuffed animal or doll to reside with her in her bed. She used to insist on sleeping with 3 stuffed animals and dolls each night. There had to be at least three. If they were not present; she would not sleep.
Now She is able to sleep in a deeper sleep with her weighted blanket on top and cuddled up with her weighted lap pad. She used to be a tremendously light sleeper and anything would wake her up. Now she sleeps deeper and is much happier and better able to manage trials in her daily life.
As a means of comfort; Miss Jade can also be found to carry her weighted blanket around the house. And insists on it being present when she is having down time or watching a movie. We find it ironic she reaches for the blanket instead of the lap pad for carrying around the house. But she’s always been unique and dances to her own tune.
Jeri is truly wonderful to help us out. She runs a newly created blog called Weighted Creations that discusses life raising three children with needs. She also just launched her Etsy store where you can purchase your own Weighted Creations blankets, Weighted Creations vests, and Weighted Creations Lap Pads. She has a unique twist to the lap pads and you can get then in basic lap pad style or in the adorable dinosaur.
After she special created Jade’s sea horse she decided it wasn’t something she wanted to mass produce. That darn tail. lol. So I guess we lucked out. But you can still get the Dinosaur in the adorable girl patterns too. You can also chat with Jeri on Weighted Creations on Facebook.
Jeri is offering you, a very special 15% discount on your orders; just for reading our story. Simply use the discount code dinojade when you send Jeri a message telling her you want a special order. Everything is created via special order through conversing with her so she can get you exactly what your little one needs. But just know the discount code is only good until March 24, 2014.
Also Jeri is offering one of our readers a chance to win your own weighted lap pad for kids! You can choose between regular lap pad or the dinosaur lap pad and you can choose the fabrics too! The weighted lap pad Giveaway is live from March 14- March 28, 2014. Giveaway is open to USA. Plus the first entry is simply to comment on this post, so go ahead and do that now so you don’t have to come back.
How can a weighted blanket benefit your child?
Do you know someone who could use a Weighted Creation?
That lap pad is fantastic. My youngest son had some sensory issues when he was younger (actually he still does, but they are a little better now) and he slept with a weighted blanket for a long time.
This is my first time hearing of a Weighted Blanket. I love all the issues it can help treat. This is definitely worth trying.
My son used to have a weighted blanket and we also considered a vest as well. The blanket was a god-send, he used it pretty much everyday.
I think a weighted lap pad would offer my son comfort. I also think my niece could benefit from a lap pad.
She looks very happy with her weighted blanket. I’ve heard a lot about the benefits of weighted blankets for children with special needs but I hadn’t ever heard about Alzheimer’s patients benefitting. I’m going to mention this to my siblings- my dad has Alzheimer’s.
How wonderful! We’re looking something for my son and also my youngest daughter to help deal with sensory issues. My son used to have a weighted vest at school that helped calm him.
I didn’t even know that weighted blankets existed! I think it’s awesome that companies are creating products to help special needs kids!
I have never used a weighted blanket with my daughter, but I can see the benefits, and may have to look into it.
wow I have never heard of this before. What a awesome concept and for so many uses!
This is EXACTLY what my5 yr old son needs! He is also special needs & he could really use this to calm him. It’s been especially hard with his Dad driving long haul recently. This could make a world of difference for him!
I have heard great things about weighted blankets. My kids have ADD and Sensory issues, so they have been recommended for us in the past.
I have been looking into buying these for Isaac and Ashlynne for a few years now due to some of their special needs… I just couldn’t afford it and I don’t sew… I am so glad jade loves it. And it’s adorable!!!
We were first introduced to the idea of weighted lap pads when our son started tutoring. He had fallen behind in reading and our teachers have a hard time getting him to sit still in class. Our tutor had the same problem – he’s very fidgety. We’ve been looking for a weighted lap pad ever since but price has been a challenge. We’re very excited to enter this giveaway and check out Jeri’s Etsy Store. Thank you so much!
I could see this being really helpful. When my son was a toddler, we used to put a weighted vest on him and it was great for him. I could see many kids benefiting from a weighting blanket.
Amber, your daughter looks so comfy and cute in her weighted blanket! My youngest daughter (6) carries her blanket around the house everywhere and I was hoping she would either retire it or let me get a new one for her. Blankets are like a security for kids.
I’ve never heard of a weighted blanket. I suffer from bipolar disorder so I wonder if it could help me. However, I hate to have heavy things on me. But hey, it’s worth a try.
I’ve never heard of a weighted blanket. My son has ADHD and I wonder if it would help.
I never have read anything about the weighted blanket but it makes a lot of sense. I think they could bring comfort to most children at different times in their life. I will have to pass on this info to a few people I know would be interested.
My son is 11 and got his first weighted blanket for christmas. Before his blanket he was using 7 blankets for pressure but he would sweat so bad and throw them off then wake up in a hours of the night and stay up. How that he has his blanket he sleeps right threw and only needs 2 other blankets besides his weughted blanket.
This is such a great post! i have been where you are~ people looking at me like I was crazy when I said “Something is wrong with my baby.” It took us until they were 7 to get a proper diagnosis. By then it was too late to do the early intervention therapies for Autism. Now I have 2 Autistic 10 year olds that are way behind where they should be. I wish I had tools like this at my disposal when they were little. It would have helped. Best of luck with Jade!!
I’d never heard of a weighted blanket, but I can see how they would be beneficial.
Such a neat blanket!! I have a friend who has a daughter with autism and she has a weighted blanket that she takes everywhere!
I’ve never heard of a weighted blanket before but the concept makes total sense. It’s like a perpetual hug!
The way you described it just makes it so logical why kids would like it. I’m glad Miss Jade is finding it to be companion!
WOW, I never knew how much impact it can have. Glad your Princess is sleeping better and facing her days better because of it.
My son would totally love a blanket like this. He always wants piles of blankets on him. This would be a good comfort solution.
I have never heard of this genius creation!!! It all makes sense to me for sure. So great for kids and ME — I could use one for my anxiety!
My friend’s daughter uses one of these in her classroom at school. My husband thinks I’m crazy but I can’t sleep without several blankets or a really heavy comforter. I don’t always need the warmth but I need the weight.
My son would benefit greatly from a lap pad. We just started using a weighted blanket that I made for him!
I’ve seen these before – but none as cute!! What a great thing she’s doing with her store!! I’m passing this on to my friend.
My first time learning about these weight blankets. They are really stylish looking and see to make a difference. I’ll look into learning more about them.
I like taht it has a calming effect and that it helps process emotions and sensory.
I’d be interested in trying one for my 4 year old. She doesn’t have any diagnosrd issues, but i’ve wondered before if she may.
I have never heard of weighted blankets until I read this post. I can’t believe there are so many things that it can be used for including helping those with Autism, Depression, and ADD.
My 9 year old daughter has autism and sensory processing disorder (hyposensitvity) as well as several delays. We received her first diagnosis at 18 months (although the dr had said she would eventually catch up and was just developing more slowly than most) and it was a huge help in helping her to be able to be more successful in daily life. A friend made her a weighted blanket years ago, but the design didn’t work as well as we’d hoped. With hyposensitvity, the added pressure, texture, and weight are all very soothing to my daughter. She would love to win one!
I have never even heard of a weighted blanket before, but I could see the good it does.. I am glad your daughter is able to benefit from it.
I don’t have any kids yet but I personally love using a weighted blanket – so comfortable and I have to agree with its benefits as well.
Aww, that’s too bad the tail’s hard to make because it is sure cute!
I can see how a weighted blanket could help. It sounded comforting just reading about it.
My daughter benefits from a weighted blanket… I know she would love a lap pad too!! I love the Dino in girly colors!
I tried to make my own weighted blanket for my son but that did not turn out too well.I would love to have one for my Jack who is 5 and has classic autism. I really think it would be calming for him.
I’ve never heard of a weighted blanket but this sounds like it would be good for all ages. Your daughter is adorable.
I’ve heard wonderful things about weighted blankets; they sound very helpful and calming. Your daughter is gorgeous – I love the last photo of her, her smile is beautiful!
Thanks for this fascinating post! I haven’t heard of this type of sensory stimulation helping children with a variety of disorders – very interesting.
My youngest has Down syndrome but we’ve never had a need for something like this.
I do know of a few other parents that have used different weighted products.
My grandson recently received his autism diagnosis. Excited to learn more about these to help him calm his meltdowns
What a great product and so cute! It’s good to know products like this are out there to help.
I just learned it helps with restless leg syndrome. I am certain to try one asap. GReat review.l
What a doll.. she is adorable and I love that blanket; the amazing benefits just one weighted blanket will have for kids and the family.. they look amazing ..thanks for sharing
I had no idea but what a useful tool for so many parents. So glad there are advocates like you educating us all!
I love how this weighted blanket helps kids to understand their relationship to the world. They are a great resource.
I’ve never heard of a weighted blanket! I’m glad there’s something like it to bring your little one comfort!
I loved learning about weighted blankets during therapy school. Love that it helps a child calm down 🙂
I’d never heard of weighted blankets before but I’m glad I read this. Mr. Man’s little brother is autistic so I’ll definitely let his mom know to look into this. Thank you!
My son has sensory issues and I’ve never really thought of getting him a weighted blanket. I’ve heard of them, but didn’t think he would like one. Now that these are so much cheaper, I just might give them a try.
My middle son has one and he loves it. I have to admit that the family uses it too! Its so nice and relaxing, we had the blanket custom made too.
I’d heard so many great things about weighted blankets and vests. I’m so glad there is a company that you can look up to find great products like these!
This sounds like a great product. I will be passing this along to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. They are parents to my handsome nephew who has autism.
I have two children with Autism who both have extreme hyperactivity, meltdown and sleep issues. Weighted items have helped them with all of these issues.
Wow amber your daughter is gorgeous.
My son is 3 with SID and autism. Anything to make their lives easier is worth a try. Thank you for sharing your story.
My two boys have sensory processing disorder. Our therapists have mentioned my boys would benefit from weighted blankets and lap pads. I have been seeing if I could make them with my very limited sewing experience since they sure are expensive.
I have three children with Sensory Issues and I do brush them and do joint compression. I really am interested in weighted blankets for them.
My boy can’t sit still at circle time – and he can’t control it. He has to move, wiggle, twist, stand, did i mention move? At his preschool they have a weighted lap “seat belt”, which was the first time I had heard of weighted bars/blankets/wraps, but it seems to really work on getting them to sit still. We are in the beginning stages of a diagnosis, but this would be awesome.
Our daughter has Down Syndrome and Autism. She does not sleep well, her record is 41 hours up. The doctor has recommended medication. I would like to try a weighted blanket. I’m am curious if it would work for her.
i am most interested in its uses for sensory integration and anxiety in my kids
Oh this would be so wonderful for my nephew who has low functioning autism with major sensory issues. He was non verbal until about age 6, and with his wonderful ABA workers, he is now talking. He has alot of anxiety and is up and down and moving around all the time. He has to be feed with a feeding tube due to his mouth sensory issues but has had an occupational and speech therapist working on his eating for about 5 years now, but still nothing. I think this weighted blanket would be so great for him too. I know my sister has looked into them, but has not been able to afford one.
I’ve never heard of a weighted blanket before but the idea is amazing…I can see how they work…beautiful post
My son has sensory issues. This would be awesome for him!!
These are great! I’m going to be purchasing one for sure!
Tabitha has autisim. I would love one of these blankets and lap pads for her. Sometimes she just needs the comfort of someone holding her, but her sister needs me too. I can see this as being very helpful for her
This is a really insightful post. I really didnt know about weighted blankets or items, but I really think my daughter could benefit from something like this for her adhd and sensory issues. Thank you for sharing!
My son has SPD and we were recommended the weighted blanket. I do also know that he wears weighted vest ins chool
My son is an aspie with ADHD and sensory issues. He likes having 8 or 9 blankets on his bed, but it gets so hot. I think the idea of a weighted blanket solves the issue of too much ‘heat’. We have never tried a weighted blanket, just lots and lots of blankets.
My son has autism and SPD and we have used a weighted blanket for years.
I have never heard of weighted blankets but I think the idea behind them in great. I think the one that you chose for her is pretty!
I think this would help make a child that much more comfortable in his/her surroundings! I definitely see the benefits of it!
I love this article. Great insight on how a cuddly blanket or pal can help with spd. My son has spd and would love to see if this could help with that and his other disabiliies. Thank you for this article.
I remember when I first started hearing about weighted blankets and thinking how wonderful they must be. I didn’t even know how many different conditions might benefit from one. I love the comfort they provide!
This is so adorable and so beneficial, my child is starting kindergarten next year I bet he would love this!
My niece is almost 5. She has sensory disorder, insomnia, and other spectrum issues. I’d like to get her a lap pad to see if it helps calm her panic attacks.
I had never heard of a weighted blanket before love the idea and the overall design
Wow! I can think of quite a few children and adults that need one of these..I love that the blankets help for such a long list of health issues. This will truly be a BLESSING for many!
Weighted blankets sound very useful. Thanks for sharing!
I received a great blessing today. You’re mom brought her blanket blanket to work. She shared with me the benefit she receives with the use of the blanket at night. I have restless legs. I have not been able to sit in my chair at work for long periods of time without discomfort for years. I placed the blanket over my legs the entire work day. Words can not express how greatful I am for the experience of calm for the entire day. I am so excited, I’m going to get a blanket for home, because at night it is the worst. The lap blanket would be perfect for work. This is so awesome awsome awesome.
i appreciate your article. I’m going to look into getting one for my son. you have cute kids!
I grew up poor US 3 sister in full size bed I remember one winter mom’s put every quilt an even our coats on top of us to keep us warm it was so heavy barely could turn over but even now having a lot of heavy covers bring me comfort an makes me think of home so I think weighted blanket would be good for me ty