Caution Recommended Around the Use of Weighted Blankets, Vests, Toys
When it comes to regulation, there are several sensory activities that can be used to help calm a child.
Weighted materials — such as blankets, vests and toys — have become mainstream over the years. However, weighted blankets and vests are not risk-free, especially when used outside of their original purpose.
“We want to make sure we’re always focusing on safety and reducing risk.”
Elizabeth Morgan Smith, Occupational Therapist
As their use in this way has become more widespread, groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics have strongly advised against using weighted objects or blankets on or near sleeping infants.
Therefore, Wellpoint Care Network is recommending doing extra research before adding weighted items to a list of sensory activities.
“We still want to encourage all types of regulation activities,” says Elizabeth Morgan Smith, Occupational Therapist at Wellpoint Care Network. “We want people to get those embedded into their daily routine. We want to make sure we’re always focusing on safety and reducing risk.”
When it comes to weighted blankets and clothing, we would recommend only using them under the direction and guidance of an occupational therapist.
The Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists have access to a range of activities that are more targeted, specific and formal. Sometimes, those get recommended for use more broadly. People aren’t always aware of the potential risks if not used properly.
“Most of the regulation strategies we talk about are relatively risk-free,” says Melanie Heindl, Clinical Supervisor at Wellpoint Care Network. “Perhaps it’s encouraging somebody to pull around a wagon for some deep muscle work or we’re telling people to count their steps while they walk. They’re often less formal, home-grown activities that are accessible to everybody.”
Alternative activities Wellpoint Care Network recommends include:
- Touch: Massage, fidgets
- Sound: Music, silence, white noise
- Sight: Pictures, videos, lava lamps, fish tanks
- Smell: Lotion
- Taste/ oral: Gum, chewy textures, using a straw to drink
- Vestibular: Swinging, rocking
- Proprioception / Movement: Swimming, crawling, crab walk
Heindal currently provides additional advice and tips on regulation activities in Wellpoint Care Network’s Regulation Minute series (pictured), available on our YouTube channel.
