SensaCalm Weighted Blanket Review
Grayson has had a tough couple of months- his body just won’t relax. He’s really stiff, and there’s the ever-present frustration that his body won’t let him do what he wants it to. I also mentioned before that sleep has been a major issue for us, and I asked for advice on things that may help.
My friend Lisa strongly encouraged me to get Grayson a weighted blanket from SensaCalm. She says:
SensaCalm blankets are a miracle. My son has Autism and struggles with many sensory issues. When the blanket arrived, we immediately put it on him and he was instantly calmed. He had the biggest smile on his face! We use the blanket all the time. My son will now go find it and carry it around with him to bed, to watch tv, to the car, etc. It is such a wonderful feeling to know that he has something to calm him in any and all situations.
My mom generously ordered Grayson one of these blankets a few weeks ago. They are weighted according to the age and size of the child and the company has lots of fabrics and colors to choose from.
Yesterday morning, Grayson woke up WAY too early and was obviously still really tired. Despite this, he wouldn’t go back to sleep and even when I brought him in the living room and turned on his music, he was fidgety and fussy. I put the blanket on him, and he INSTANTLY became calm and very still. This was how he stayed for the next hour and a half! Although he didn’t go back to sleep, the blanket gave his body some much-needed rest.
Later that same afternoon, when Grayson got fussy, I put the blanket on him again, and within minutes he was asleep, and stayed asleep for an hour.
So far, using the weighted blanket in the crib hasn’t worked out as well as I had hoped. I don’t know if it’s because Grayson has never slept with a blanket and just isn’t used to it, or if it’s too bulky and hot, but he wiggles out of it and pushes it with his feet to the end of the crib. However, he has been falling asleep MUCH more quickly and easily the past few nights (no idea why, but I’ll take it!) so him not using the blanket at night hasn’t been an issue.
Most families that order weighted blankets for their children have Autism or Sensory Processing Disorder (which I suspect G has) but SensaCalm’s website lists many other conditions that their blankets could benefit such as anxiety, tantrums and even Restless Leg Syndrome, which I suffer from. I’m going to have to try out Grayson’s blanket on my legs!
I highly recommend a SensaCalm or other weighted blanket to anyone with a child who has sensory issues, or even if they don’t and want something calming to help them relax. So far, it’s been a miracle product for us after just a few days!
Note: I was not contacted about or compensated by SensaCalm for writing this post. I just think they make a great product and wanted to share something that working for us!
I love how Izzy is cuddled up in the blanket next to him in the 1st photo. Can't wait to see you soon!
That is awesome!! So glad it is helping G get some chill time!
When Matt was younger he loved his weighted blanket. It went everywhere with us. It didn't really help him sleep but it gave him great comfort. As he has gotten older he seems much weaker and isn't enjoying it as much. Maybe I will pull it out tonight for him again to give him a try. Kevin is really bothered by the whole g-tube. It was a huge step for him to even play with Dragon's tube. I pray that this is something that will pass and he will be able to help me with Matthew. He already works so much so most the time it is just Matthew and I.
So great! It truly amazes me what products are out there and how they help. I too love Izzy snuggled up tight with G, I bet she slept there for 1.5 hours too!
Awesome! Thanks for the info. We haven't used this brand but had something similar in the past. I think I see one in our future.
I think this is amazing. I have been wondering how this would work out for you.I swear by using heavy blankets – I always have. For myself, I like them much better than light weight ones, so I was sure to buy heavier blankets for Matthew. They're not weighted, but they're heavier than standard blankets at Tar.get and other department stores – and they make all the difference in the world. He sleeps way better with his heavier blankets.This is terrific to see. Isn't G so cute when he sleeps?
For years we take turns sitting on Abby's legs! LOl Now our rather chunky poodle knows to lay on Abby's legs when they crawl into bed. That is a neat blanket! I saw directions on Pinterest on how to make one, but looks very time consuming 🙂 Seems like sensory processing and tactile defensiveness is very common throughout the Mito world.So glad he is getting rest, and you are too!
I actually feel like I would love a weighted blanket for myself!!! He is so cute laying with the dog! I'm so glad you found a product that worked so well for your little man. Anything that gains us extra sleep for our kiddos is well worth it!
LOVE! So glad you have that! 😉
Very cool!
Thank you, Elizabeth (and friend Lisa)what a sweet recommendation! I love that pic of the little guy sucking his thumb, he looks so peaceful. 🙂 It's interesting that he uncovers during the night. Lots of kids (and grown ups) have funny rituals they do with their blankets. Some people only cover their torso or their legs, etc.Grayson might like a blanket without the polyfil (pillow stuffing). Though we find most children prefer it, there are a few that don't. If you would like to see how he responds to one without, I could send you a wrap to try out. (smaller items have poly pellets only). Friend Lisa is welcome to one as well. 🙂 Thanks again for the nice comments, I hope you continue to have sweet dreams at your house.Donna @ SensaCalm.com