weighted / heavy blankets

Violetta_2

Its a nightmare isn't it. My dd has fought going to sleep since she was born. Think she's scared she's missing something. She is much better than she used to be but goes through phase's, she does have some music on at nighttime something calming and relaxing that seems to help.

pinkshoes

A Friend of mine uses a weighted blanket with her 5 year old autistic daughter. It keeps her much calmer when she gets into a panic.

She made her own, so much cheaper. She got a sewing maching through freecycle, then you're can use various things for the weight. Plenty of instructions online how to make them.

Brickwall

If he's in a single bed try double or king sized sheets. What about a sleeping bag?

darrelljon

iammumtoone wrote: »

Does anyone have any experience of weighted blankets / lap pads? I am getting desperate in trying to find ways to help my ds get to sleep. I am also wondering if a weighted lap pad would calm him / help him sit still.

They are expensive. I don't mind the cost if it would work but appreciate there are no guarantees so can't justify spending that amount if it makes no difference or he doesn't like it. I am even considering making one :eek: it wont look pretty but would hopefully be functional, anyone made their own?

The other idea I had which might be better is when I was a kid I used to love sleeping at my Nan's house as she had thick heavy scratchy blankets, I can still remember the comfort I felt with the heavy weight of the blankets on top of me. Trouble is I don't know what they were called? and where to buy them from? nowadays all bedding seems to be lightweight.

Any feedback / suggestions for weighted blankets or ideas for something similar would be great.

Thanks

Mojisola wrote: »

Ask on Freegle for old-style wool blankets or bedspreads - they will be heavier than modern bedding. Also check out charity shops.

Not sure if this is the right thing you are looking for but army wool blankets tend to be closer to 100% wool and lower amount of synthetic material. As a result, they feel very different to modern bedding. You could get Hudson Bay Point blanket if you want to spend a fair bit more. More info to get you started here
https://www.survivalmonkey.com/threads/100-wool-blankets-master-listing.34363/

meritaten

I crocheted blankets for my grandson and granddaughter and weighted them by using chunky wool and doubling the hem.
another way of 'weighting' bedlinen is to buy 'fishermans weighted line' and sew it into edges of duvet covers.
I agree that modern duvets are so light now - I have a crochet blanket on top of my own duvet - I really prefer to feel I have something covering me when sleeping.

iammumtoone

Violetta wrote: »

Its a nightmare isn't it. My dd has caught going to sleep since she was born. Think she's scared she's missing something. She is much better than she used to be but goes through phase's, she does have some music on at nighttime something calming and relaxing that seems to help.

Yes that's it, I glad I am not the only one, I keep hoping he will grow out of it. I have tried music he likes that - gives him something to dance to :rotfl: I found him dancing on the bed once :mad: Even when I make him lie down in a dark room (standing outside the door checking he doesn't move) he will then start telling himself story's, waving his arms about doing the actions!

pinkshoes wrote: »

A Friend of mine uses a weighted blanket with her 5 year old autistic daughter. It keeps her much calmer when she gets into a panic.

She made her own, so much cheaper. She got a sewing maching through freecycle, then you're can use various things for the weight. Plenty of instructions online how to make them.

Yes I have found instructions for them it is an option I might attempt to make one:eek:

iammumtoone

meritaten wrote: »

I crocheted blankets for my grandson and granddaughter and weighted them by using chunky wool and doubling the hem.
another way of 'weighting' bedlinen is to buy 'fishermans weighted line' and sew it into edges of duvet covers.
I agree that modern duvets are so light now - I have a crochet blanket on top of my own duvet - I really prefer to feel I have something covering me when sleeping.

crocheting/knitting is a step too far for me. I will keep my eye out in charity shops for crochet blankets.

Mojisola

iammumtoone wrote: »

crocheting/knitting is a step too far for me. I will keep my eye out in charity shops for crochet blankets.

Some crochet blankets will be very light - it depends what yarn was used.

If you have a local WI, you could ask if any of their members would crochet a blanket for you if you bought the yarn - take advice about getting a good heavy one.

meritaten

iammumtoone wrote: »

crocheting/knitting is a step too far for me. I will keep my eye out in charity shops for crochet blankets.

you can often find 'granny square' blankets in charity shops. they are often quite heavy compared to modern duvets. and if large enough a 'double' one placed on a single bed will feel quite heavy.


you can also look for 'Army Blankets'. they are really heavy! great in the winter though.

mgdavid

A cat on the bed will work :-)