Weighted blankets and toys are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to calm down. Whether you have a child with special needs or caring for an adult with sensory issues, weighted sensory products are still the best way to start your sensory journey this 2020.

To start the year right, let’s talk about two weighted products that are proven to soothe and enrich children and adults with autism, ADD, ADHD, sensory challenges, and behavioural and learning challenges.

Highly recommended by the team here at PSB, two of our sensory faves are definitely the weighted blankets and, our newest product, weighted plush toys. Whether you’re starting your own sensory room or putting together a sensory kit, these are the perfect items to add to your list.

Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Deceptively simple and oh-so-comfortable, did you know that weighted blankets mean more than just a good night’s sleep? From insomnia to autism, weighted blankets are extremely beneficial.

Here’s a quick checklist of popular benefits of weighted blankets:

• Research shows that several children with autism lack Serotonin also known as the “feel good hormone”. In the simplest of terms, serotonin helps us relax and gives us restful sleep.

As everyone knows, sleep is very important for growing children and a full 8 hours of sleep is also recommended for adults,   as well. Weighted blankets are known to increase Serotonin levels that, in turn, help relax the body and then give the individual a deep, healthy, restful sleep.

• Children and adults with OCD, ADD, ADHD may have increased anxiety levels. Weighted blankets has been known to calm the nervous system and minimize the individuals tossing and turning. In short, weighted blankets make a person feel warm and secure, and therefore is an effective tool to calm the senses down.

• Both children and adults with insomnia are highly recommended to use weighted blankets as treatment. With its relaxing effects and aid in increasing serotonin, any level of insomnia can be effectively treated with weighted blankets (sometimes combined with other forms of treatment).

• For children who have trouble sitting still during car rides, plane/train rides or even school assemblies or programs, bring along a smaller-sized weighted blanket and this may help them sit still.

• Adults with restless leg syndrome may find that weighted blankets can be a tremendous help! Calming down irritable nerves and helping adults get a full, restful sleep. As we all know, well-rested adults mean productive adults.

PSB has picked out only the best quality weighted blankets chosen for its weight, size, color and high-grade materials. Check out our shop and buy your very own weighted blanket today.

Another crowd favourite among the PSB team is our newest addition to our sensory products, Weighted Sensory Plush Toys.

Benefits of Weighted Sensory Plush Toys

More than just a cuddly little buddy, weighted plush toys offer a great way to treat sensory processing disorders, ADHD, ADD and OCD for both children and adults. What’s amazing about these products is that they are seemingly like any other toy. They don’t feel like a treatment tool. To everyone else, these are just like your every day stuffed toy.

Let’s examine the benefits of weighted plush toys:

• Individuals with sensory processing disorders or autism may find it difficult to self-soothe, weighted sensory plush toys is an ideal self-soothing tool when they feel a “sensory overload”.

Carrying it like a baby, hugging it, playing games with it or simply holding on to it, it’s weight and warmth makes it an effective self-regulating tool.

• As mentioned above, weighted plush toys are completely non-invasive. Children will simply love it because it looks like every cuddly stuffed animal. They won’t feel out of place or different from the other kids.

• Sometimes we’re not always around when children or the adults we are caring for need a hug. Becuase weighted plush toys are heavier and, therefore, feel more lifelike than ordinary plush toys, hugging a weighted plush toy offers comfort and calming effects like no other plush toy can.

• Just like a weighted blanket, weighted plush toys aid in sleep and relaxation. Used together, a weighted blanket and a weighted plush toy, will increase serotonin (feel good hormones) greatly and allow individuals to relax and get a good night’s sleep.

• Easy to bring anywhere – weighted plush toys are simply an adorable way to treat whatever sensory issues your loved one is dealing with.

PSB’s Sensory Weighted Plush toys come in a variety of weights – from 1 kg to 3 kg, depending on your needs. Look out for this new product coming your way very soon!

Let’s all start 2020 right by using the right tools to treat sensory issues. If you’d like to talk to our team about this further, don’t hesitate to contact us.