How Weighted Lap Pads Calm Sensory Overload?

by | Sep 13, 2024 | English | 0 comments

A little boy hugging a weighted

It can be hard to deal with sensory problems in autistic children. But with tools like the weighted lap pad from Kidscalma, we can make them feel calm, focused, and safe. A weighted lap pad isn’t just a comfortable blanket. It’s a therapy tool that gives your child the sensory input to control their emotions and behavior.

Let’s explore how a product like the Weighted Lap Pad for Kids from Kidscalma can become your new favorite tool for helping your child manage sensory overload, anxiety, and fidgety behaviors.

How a Weighted Lap Pad Works

How a Weighted Lap Pad Works

A weighted lap pad offers what experts call deep pressure stimulation, which has been shown to soothe the nervous system. Think of it as a gentle hug, providing comfort and grounding when your child feels overwhelmed by sensory input. The pressure from the weight helps increase the production of calming neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can improve mood and focus​.

Does your child find it hard to sit still in the classroom or during meals? Weighted lap pads can help by giving the body the sensory input it craves. This input helps children who are under-responsive to sensory stimuli feel more present and grounded, while also calming those who are over-responsive and easily distracted.

The Perfect Companion for Sensory Overload

The Weighted Lap Pad for Kids by Kidscalma weighs 4 pounds and is ideal for children between 40 and 80 pounds. The soft and cuddly teddy bear has glass beads that are safe for children with allergies. It gives your child the right amount of pressure to calm them down when they feel too excited. Whether in the classroom, at home, or on the go, this weighted lap pad helps your child de-escalate and concentrate on the task at hand.

Let’s be real: sensory overload can strike anywhere—whether your child is trying to do homework or sitting quietly during story time. The Kidscalma weighted lap pad is very soft and plush. It feels like a hug, so your child can calm down more easily. It’s the perfect companion for needing extra support to self-regulate.

Nico playing with magnets

Encouraging Focus and Calm

For many parents, keeping their children engaged in tasks like reading, homework, or family dinners can be an uphill battle. This is where a weighted lap pad shines. With the comforting weight resting on their lap, your child will likely feel calm and centered, reducing their need to fidget and move around.

The Weighted Lap Pad helps your child stay present by giving them sensory feedback. This helps them focus better in situations where they need to focus. Whether it’s during a class, at the dinner table, or during quiet play, this tool offers just enough weight to encourage stillness without making your child feel restricted. 

Safety and Comfort, Wrapped in One

As parents, we know that safety is a top priority when choosing any product for our child. You’ll be glad to know that the Weighted Lap Pad for Kids is designed with both safety and comfort in mind. It’s tested to meet federal safety standards like the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety (ASTM F963-17) and The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). It’s also lead-free, phthalate-free, and non-flammable, so you can feel confident that your child is safe.

What about durability? Strong stitching and embroidered accents (no buttons to worry about!) ensure that this lap pad can withstand daily use while remaining soft and comforting. The hypoallergenic glass bead filling also ensures there’s no unwanted odor, making the bear instantly lovable for your child.

How to Incorporate a Weighted Lap Pad into Daily Life

Incorporating a weighted lap pad into your child’s daily routine is easy. Whether they’re feeling anxious about a new environment or struggling to stay seated during activities, the lap pad provides a quick, non-invasive way to give them the sensory input they need.

Here are a few tips for using the Kidscalma Weighted Lap Pad:

  • Choose the Right Weight: A weighted lap pad should be about 5-10 percent of the child’s body weight.

  • Introduce Slowly: Some children may need time to get used to the sensation of a weighted pad. Start by using it for short periods, like 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as your child becomes more comfortable.

  • Classroom Companion: Place the weighted pad on your child’s lap during seated activities like reading or writing to encourage focus.

  • At Mealtime: Fidgeting at the dinner table? A weighted lap pad can help your child feel more grounded and calmer, allowing for smoother meals.

  • Does your child feel anxious or overwhelmed? The soft feel and gentle pressure can help them calm down.

Hugging Weighted Lap pad

Final Thoughts: Creating a Calmer Environment

As caregivers, we know how hard it can be to handle too much sensory overload. But together, we can make those difficult moments easier for you and your child. The Weighted Lap Pad is a helpful tool that helps kids feel good about themselves. It’s fun and friendly. With its gentle weight and soft, adorable design, this lap pad can make a big difference in how your child handles sensory challenges daily.

We’re all working together, and finding solutions like weighted lap pads can make your child’s environment more calm and helpful. So, are you ready to make your child’s day calmer?

The Kidscalma Weighted Lap Pad for Kids is more than just a tool to feel different things. It’s a comforting, calming companion that can help your kiddo focus, better manage their anxiety, and control their emotions. Add this plush teddy bear weighted lap pad to your toolkit today and watch your child feel more at ease, wherever they are!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do weighted lap pads work?

Weighted lap pads work by applying deep touch pressure, which can help calm your nervous system and alleviate sensory overload and anxiety. They’re great for improving focus too!

What weight should a weighted lap pad be?

A weighted lap pad should ideally weigh about 5 to 10% of the user’s body weight, and for younger kids, around a 4-pound pad is often a good choice. This way, it provides the right amount of comfort and calming effect!

Are weighted lap pads safe to use?

Absolutely, weighted lap pads can be safe as long as they’re made from hypoallergenic materials and comply with safety standards like ASTM F963-17 and CPSIA. Always check for those certifications to ensure safety!

Where can I buy a weighted lap pad?

You can easily find weighted lap pads at stores that focus on educational and therapeutic products, or check out popular online marketplaces for a variety of options.

What features should I look for in a weighted lap pad?

When choosing a weighted lap pad, make sure it has the right weight and size for comfort, hypoallergenic materials, durable construction, washable covers, and appealing designs for kids. This will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience!

Eddie Corletto

     Hey there! I’m Eddie Corletto, the passionate mind behind kidscalma.com. A proud father of an autistic teenager. A special education teacher with over ten years of experience in the classroom. I hold a master’s degree specializing in Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders. I am deeply committed to supporting autistic children and their families. Kidscalma is my platform to share both my professional and personal experiences. I specialize in creating helpful resources for parents and educators supporting children on the Autism spectrum, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other learning disabilities. When I’m not in my classroom or writing, you might catch me hiking with my family or cycling around the scenic roads of California’s Central Coast. I believe our children can achieve amazing things every day. Connect with me on Facebook or subscribe to my blog for more insights and resources!

Toilet Training Autistic Children

How Weighted Lap Pads Calm Sensory Overload?

Eddie Corletto, M.Ed. Special Education
Published September 14, 2024

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