When feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated by certain situations (ie: appointments, busy environments) And, for some kids, I may make cards that I can show them a picture of 3-4 choices they can choose from, which is really helpful for kids with frequent sensory needs or the younger crowd that isn’t too verbal yet. If your child refuses, keep it visible for a period. Use it yourself. Sit it next to them while playing. Talk about what it is and why it might help them (without pressuring them too much, the point is to educate.)

In the workshop, I’ll uncover these secrets that can make like feel easier and less frustrating, as your child is finally able to calm down, focus, and much more. Many weighted lap pads are made from a fabric such as cotton or Minky Dot fleece, but you can also get lap pads made from wipe clean, water resistant fabrics. These can be good for meal times.For those highly sensitive to sensory stimuli, however (i.e. they seek to avoid it and shy away from touch and things like heavy blankets), the weight of a lap pad mayfeel too much and end up overstimulating the tactile system. Circle time at school, daycare, or the library (for kids that keep getting up, rolling over, or are disruptively fidgety) A weighted lap pad, animal, or buddy are all used as sensory tools. Typically, people who experience sensory overload and sensory sensitivity use sensory tools. These sensory tools help people feel more calm or organized. They help to eliminate feelings of restlessness, otherwise known as sensory overload. Furthermore, it has been found that a little bit of weight spread across your lap, can help you feel calm. For instance, think about the comfort of having a pet or a cat laying on your lap. A weighted lap buddy can feel just like that. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of how to use a heavier blanket safely. Firstly, heavier blankets should never be used as a restraint or to incumber movement. It is vital that children and adults can freely take the blanket off without special effort whenever they want to remove it. Young children are not likely to have this ability, and many older children, or even adults may also not have this ability. Ensure the person using the heavier blanket has the ability to voluntarily remove it.

A weighted lap buddy can be used just about anywhere. Furthermore, they are easily transportable. Although, their weight may make them heavy to carry from one place to another. But, some kids that seek out proprioception avoid tactile sensations and there’s no getting around that weight can also stimulate the tactile system. Mealtimes (for the kids that keep falling out of their chair, fidgets constantly, or is always get up out of their seat) Heated and Scented Bolster Weighted Lap Pad– If your child likes warmth, this weighted lap pad is microwaveable, it’s also reversable for two different textures and has a fun bolster shape. And, it’s budget friendly! The first thing to know is that a blanket with added weight is a type of sensory tool. It provides deep pressure (proprioception) through the skin. Deep pressure or proprioception, is one of eight senses that you have. Children and adults use blankets that are weighted. Additionally, people with and without sensory sensitivities, use them. What are the benefits of blankets with weight?As a general rule of thumb, weighted lap pads are for children that are growing normally without any significant health concerns at age 3 or older.Use 5% of your child’s body weight as a guideline to determine the appropriateweight the lap pad should have. For example, if your child is 60 lbs. then a 3 lb. lap pad would be a good fit. Discuss any concerns or exceptions to these “rules” with your child’s doctor. So avoid using a weighted lap pad in conjunction with other weighted aids or the weight could become too heavy and intense. Infants and toddlers should not use weighted tools or toys. Infants and toddlers do not have the muscle strength, muscle coordination or awareness to move something that is even a little bit heavy. Therefore, weighted lap animals or pads pose a suffocation risk to an infant or toddler.

You may be wondering whether it is safe to use a heavier blanket during the whole night. When is doubt always consult with your occupational therapist or doctor if you are unsure. Everyone is different. Remember that a blanket with added weight has a positive effect even after just 20 minutes. How much weight should be used for both lap pads and blankets? It is important to know that blankets with more weight come with inherent and serious risks. A child in Canada died while using a weighted blanket in a classroom. Please read the coroner’s recommendations about safe use. Weighted lap pads often prove incredibly calming for many kids & adults with sensory processing conditions,as the extra weight helps provide the extra stimulation (or proprioceptive input) that sensory seekers crave. Jumbo Weighted Lap Pad– This is a larger and non-descript weighted lap pad. Perfect for kids 5 and older. Does the child seem to shy away from heavy objects, jumping activities, or seem lethargic or apathetic often?Simple Hand Sew Washcloth Weighted Lap Pad– Learn how to use some needle and thread, two wash clothes, and two bags of beans to make a simple lap pad. Weighted pads or lap pads can be expensive, so making your own is a great option! How to make a DIY Weighted Lap Pad

Also always keep in mind that a weighted lap pad should never be too heavy for the user to move off their lap themselves. When weighted lap pads are effective, they help kids sit still better and can be a great support in the classroom, library story time, or the dinner table! Basically anywhere your child has trouble sitting still. ALWAYS respect when a child doesn’t want to use a weighted lap pad anymore. And, the weight shouldn’t be so heavy that they can’t remove it from their lap themselves. (See the weight guidelines below).When playing in a sensory bin (for kids that don’t like to get messy, this can be calming input that helps them explore the texture of the sensory bin) Similar to a weighted blanket, but on a smaller scale, a weighted lap pad contains weighted pellets, or beads, to give it extra weight. This makes them a great sensory tool to be used during the day as a calming aid in the home, school or workplace. You can also use lap pads on trips out in the car or on visits to the dentist. Use 5% of your child’s body weight as a guideline to determine the appropriateweight the lap pad should have. For example, if your child is 60 lbs. then a 3 lb. lap pad would be a good fit. Discuss any concerns or exceptions to these “rules” with your child’s doctor. *** For bedtime/sleeping (for kids that have a hard time getting to sleep or falling asleep, allow them to hold or place it where it feels comfortable. But, not recommended for children under 3 during sleep)