For many children with sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, and/or autism spectrum disorder, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming. Sensory input that most people process unconsciously can feel intense, distracting, or even distressing. As a Fort Myers occupational therapist can tell you, deep pressure touch can have a calming, organizing effect on the nervous system. Weighted items, such as blankets, vests, clothing or accessories, are one practical way to provide this beneficial sensory input.

What Are Weighted Items?

Weighted items are therapeutic tools designed to provide deep pressure touch stimulation through added weight. These products come in many forms, including:

Weighted Blankets

• Blankets filled with plastic pellets, glass beads, or other materials to add weight
• Available in various sizes and weights (typically 5-25 pounds for different ages)
• Used during sleep, rest time, or for calming breaks throughout the day
• Some feature different textures or fabrics for additional sensory input

Weighted Vests and Compression Garments

• Vests with weight evenly distributed in pockets
• Usually weighing 5-10% of the child’s body weight
• Often worn during transitions, learning activities, or periods of dysregulation
• Compression garments provide similar deep pressure through tight-fitting fabric rather than weight

Weighted Lap Pads and Shoulder Wraps

• Smaller, more portable options for seated activities
• Can be used discreetly in classroom or therapy settings
• Often designed with child-friendly patterns or textures
• Shoulder wraps provide pressure across the shoulders and upper back

Weighted Stuffed Animals and Fidgets

• Plush toys with added weight to provide comfort and sensory input
• Weighted fidget toys that can be manipulated while providing proprioceptive feedback
• Often used during transitions, in therapeutic settings, or for self-regulation

Weighted Clothing and Accessories

• Items such as weighted hats, belts, or shoe inserts
• Can provide more subtle sensory input throughout daily activities
• May be less noticeable in social settings

How Weighted Items May Help Your Child

As your Fort Myers occupational therapist can explain, weighted items work on the principle of deep pressure touch stimulation, which research suggests can influence the nervous system in several beneficial ways:

Regulation of the Sensory System

Children with sensory processing challenges often have difficulty filtering and organizing sensory input. The consistent, deep pressure provided by weighted items may help:

• Decrease tactile defensiveness (oversensitivity to touch)
• Improve body awareness (proprioception)
• Support the integration of sensory information

Calming and Focusing Effects

Many families and therapists report that weighted items can help:

• Reduce anxiety and stress responses
• Decrease hyperactivity and fidgeting
• Support focus during structured activities
• Aid transitions between activities
• Promote more restful sleep

Supporting Motor Skills and Body Awareness

The added resistance provided by weighted items can:

• Enhance awareness of body position in space
• Provide feedback during movement activities
• Support core strength development
• Improve motor planning abilities

When and How to Use Weighted Items

The effectiveness of weighted items varies from child to child, and proper usage is key to safety and success. It’s a good idea to talk to your child’s Fort Myers occupational therapist before incorporating these tools, but here are some general points to keep in mind:

Appropriate Times for Use

• During transitions between activities
• When engaged in focused work or learning
• During times of stress or overstimulation
• As part of a sensory break
• During rest or sleep (in the case of weighted blankets)

Duration Guidelines

• Weighted vests are typically worn for 20-30 minutes at a time
• Allow a break of at least as long as the wearing time before reapplying
• Weighted blankets for sleep can be used throughout the night, but should be easily removable
• Lap pads and smaller items may be used for longer periods but should still provide breaks

Weight Recommendations

While individual needs vary, general guidelines include:

• Weighted blankets: Typically 10% of body weight plus 1-2 pounds for children
• Weighted vests: 5-10% of body weight, distributed evenly
• Lap pads: 2-5% of body weight
• Always follow the specific recommendations of your child’s occupational therapist

Important Safety Considerations

Weighted items, while beneficial for many children, require proper supervision and professional guidance from a Fort Myers occupational therapist. Know that:

• Weighted items should never restrict movement or breathing
• Children should be able to remove weighted items independently
• Young children (under 2-3 years) generally should not use weighted products
• Children with respiratory, cardiac, or certain neurological conditions may need to avoid weighted items
• Products should be regularly inspected for damage or leaking fillers

Signs That Weighted Items Are Helping

When weighted items are used appropriately, you might observe:

• Improved attention and focus
• Decreased fidgeting or stimming behaviors
• More organized movement patterns
• Better emotional regulation
• Smoother transitions between activities
• Improved sleep patterns

Signs That Weighted Items May Not Be Appropriate

Watch for these indicators that a weighted item may not be right for your child:

• Increased agitation or distress
• Attempts to remove the item
• Sweating or overheating
• Changes in skin color
• Complaints of discomfort
• Increased rather than decreased activity level

The Research Behind Weighted Items

The science behind weighted items continues to evolve. While many occupational therapists and families report positive outcomes, research results have been mixed:

• Some studies show improvements in attention, anxiety reduction, and sleep quality
• Other research has found limited measurable effects
• Individual responses vary significantly
• More research is needed to determine which children benefit most and under what conditions

Current best practice suggests that weighted items can be beneficial tools when used as part of a comprehensive sensory diet developed with professional guidance.

Talking to Your Fort Myers Occupational Therapist

Always consult with your child’s Fort Myers occupational therapist before introducing weighted items. They can help:

• Determine if weighted items are appropriate for your child’s specific needs.
• Select the right type, weight, and duration.
• Integrate weighted items into a comprehensive sensory diet.
• Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
• Identify any contraindications based on your child’s health history.

At our multidisciplinary clinic, our FOCUS occupational therapists work closely with speech therapists and behavior analysts to ensure that sensory strategies, including weighted items, support your child’s overall developmental goals.

Alternative and Complementary Approaches

Weighted items are just one tool in a comprehensive sensory approach. Other beneficial strategies include:

• Heavy work activities (pushing, pulling, carrying)
• Deep pressure massage
• Joint compression techniques
• Movement and exercise programs
• Sensory-rich play experiences
• Environmental modifications
• Oral-motor activities

Creating a Sensory Diet

Your child’s pediatric therapy team at FOCUS Therapy can help develop a personalized “sensory diet” – a carefully designed schedule of sensory activities that help your child stay regulated throughout the day. Weighted items may be one component of this plan, along with movement breaks, tactile experiences, and environmental accommodations.

DIY or Store-Bought?

While commercial weighted products are widely available, some families choose to create DIY versions:

• DIY weighted blankets can be made with fabric and poly pellets.
• Lap pads can be created from durable fabric and dried beans or rice.
• Weighted stuffed animals can be adapted by adding weight to existing toys.

If creating DIY weighted items, safety is paramount:

• Ensure materials are securely contained.
• Distribute weight evenly.
• Use durable materials that can withstand regular use and cleaning.
• Follow the same weight guidelines recommended for commercial products.
• Have your therapist check your DIY item before use.

Supporting Your Child’s Sensory Regulation

Weighted items can be valuable tools for supporting sensory regulation, attention, and comfort for many children with sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, or autism spectrum disorder. However, they are most effective when:

1. Selected and introduced with guidance from your child’s Fort Myers occupational therapist
2. Used as part of a comprehensive approach to sensory and developmental support
3. Monitored for effectiveness and adjusted as needed
4. Combined with other sensory strategies and therapeutic approaches

Every child is unique, and what works well for one may not work for another. By working closely with your child’s therapy team, you can discover the right combination of tools and techniques – potentially including weighted items – to help your child thrive.

FOCUS offers pediatric occupational therapy in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

Anxiety and stress weighing heavily at night? A new blanket might help, Jan. 16, 2025, Harvard Health Publishing

More Blog Entries:

ABA for Self-Advocacy: Helping Children With Autism Express Their Needs