Weighted blankets

[shalomew]

I just read a nice piece in a local Parent magazine on a a Mom who developed a "better" weighted blanket for herself and her child with Asperger's. I thought I would pass on the website fro those of you that might be interested.

www.cozycalm.com

[Laura F]

I have a girlfriend who makes weighted lap blankets and all sorts of helpful things for children with sensory issues. She has a great Etsy site called Cuddle Bug Kids (http://www.etsy.com/shop/cuddlebugkids).

[AmyinWI]

it's funny that you posted this. my little guy's therapist just recommended a weighted vest for him- I wonder if a blanket would be helpful in getting him to fall asleep,too!

[Alice R]

Amy, :yes:

[Rachel Jane]

My friend's son sleeps between his mattress and boxed springs.

[AmyinWI]

I looked around on different websites and the general consensus seems to be 5-10% of the child's body weight in the blanket.

I think I'll try making my own. I'm going to search for some type of pellets to try this out. I think it might help my 10yo dd settle down at night,too. Maybe I'll make her one as well- she tends to have a hard time falling asleep,and then sleepwalks nearly every night.

[Sheri]

My son used to have a weighted vest, it was amazing how much it helped him. It literally fell apart, I need to make him one, as it is he sleeps with a body pillow on top of him...not much weight but he can't rest without it. And during the day sometimes we'll find him under a huge pile of blankets. Obviously the weight=good!

[AmyinWI]

this is funny- Gabe's therapist brought over a pattern for a weighted blanket the other day. I stopped at the craft store and bought supplies- can't wait to try it!

anyone know how much weight in a vest - Gabe's about 25# right now.

[Alice R]

I have no idea if this helps you but my husband did a weighted vest and they used ziploc bags of rice. To decrease the weight, take out the bags.

[Robin in Colorado]

When my dd was about 40 lbs she had a weighted vest. 6, actually. She wore them out quickly. We started her out with 10! pounds in the vest. I had pockets in the vest that had 'envelopes' of lead pellets in them. That was the only thing we could find that could provide enough heft without bulk. Gradually, over the course of 2 years, we eliminated weight until we didn't need the vests.

She still sleeps under things. I want to make her a 'throw' weighted with rice. It's cheap.