Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-03-2019 09:49 AM

    I'm looking for feedback on the use of weighted blankets at rest time.

     

    Do any programs do this? 

     

    Is this something the program discusses with families? 

     

    What vendors do you use to purchase weighted blankets if you are using them?

     

    Thank you!

     

    Teri

     

    Teri Windisch, Director

    Children's Village at Doylestown Hospital

    twindisch@dh.org

    215-345-2678



  • 2.  RE: use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-04-2019 06:39 AM
    We have used weighted blankets occasionally for children who simply cannot relax without it.  It has always been in discussion with the parents.  Most of our weighted blankets have been provided by the parents so I can't suggest a vendor.

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    Elizabeth Weller
    Director
    Park Place Children's Center
    Anderson IN
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  • 3.  RE: use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-04-2019 10:23 AM
    Please be mindful of weighted blankets. I just purchased a 6 lb one for myself and noticed it has a warning that it shouldn't be used for children under 5 years.

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    Kelly Ann Larkin
    Executive Director
    SAzAEYC
    Tucson AZ
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  • 4.  RE: use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-06-2019 10:44 AM
    An alternative to weighted blankets are weighted vests. Children with certain types of issues find the weightedness of the blankets and vests calming.

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    Nora Krieger, PhD
    Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park, NJ
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  • 5.  RE: use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-04-2019 10:25 AM
    I am the director of a program with special needs children. Weighted blankets are great however you have to be careful with the weight of the blanket. It should be only 10% of the child's body weight. We typically have our therapists prescribe the weight of the blanket and how often is should be used. We also always let the parents know. I would recommend you check with the parent for permission and involve the child's PCP to get an order to cover you legally.

    Kim Cox, Admin Director


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    Kim Cox
    Admin Director
    UAMS/Kids First
    Lowell AR
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  • 6.  RE: use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-04-2019 10:34 AM
    Not sure with your hospital affiliation if you are State licensed but if you are, I would speak to your state licensing specialist.  The use of weighted blankets may have to be covered in your policies if your state will allow their use without a therapists involvement.  



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    Kim Spankowski
    Education Director
    Grandma's House Day Care Center
    Brookfield WI
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  • 7.  RE: use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-04-2019 10:14 PM
    Hello, Teri,
    I teach a special education preschool population, and on occasion, there are children who use/prefer weighted blankets for rest time. I have purchased them through Abilitations on the School Specialty website. I usually discuss the use of the blankets with families first, if I am introducing it during nap. Sometimes, parents bring from home. I don't recommend that every child use a weighted blanket, as some may find it uncomfortable.
    Hope this helps!
    Debbie

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    Deborah Morrow
    Kailua HI
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  • 8.  RE: use of weighted blankets at rest time

    Posted 10-07-2019 12:17 PM
    Hi,
    I have used a weighted blanket this year for the first time with a very active child who was also displaying signs of anxiety - biting his nails, chewing his shirt, etc.   I researched it and then discussed it with the child's parent and got their permission to use it in writing. It weighs 5 pounds, is very soft, and has dinosaurs on one side so it is appealing to him. He initially used it during times he was sitting at morning meeting and at nap time.  He now only uses it during nap time. This is just one strategy we've used to help him with his anxiety which I am happy to say has decreased.
    Linda