Sensory tools are specially designed to help with self-regulation by engaging our senses. In Typically sensory toolkits are used in therapeutic and educational settings with many people choosing to build their own sensory toolkit at home. In this series we will be sharing our favourite sensory tools with you.
While many are familiar with sensory tools for aiding with neurodiversity, the applications are actually further reaching. With research showing that sensory modulation interventions (e.g. sensory rooms, sensory toolkits) can promote meaningful therapeutic engagement and create a culture shift in acute inpatient mental health settings towards person-centred, recovery-orientated, trauma-informed clinical practice.
Sensory modulation interventions have been shown to moderate arousal, allowing people to develop an awareness of their emotions, as well as equipping them with strategy and tools for emotional regulation (Sutton et al., 2013).
In this post we will discuss some of the weighted sensory tools our clients – and we – have loved and recommend. And a little bit about each item. It is important to remember when building a sensory toolbox or sensory diet that different sensory systems may need to be addressed at different times. Check back for future posts about sensory diets.
Weighted Sensory Tools
Weighted tools help to provide sensory input and are sometimes described like a big hug or grounding force. The input from this can help to improve proprioception. Which is how your body feels in space and in relation to other people and objects. Proprioception is our sense of body awareness.
A literature review found that weighted blankets can be effective in reducing anxiety (Wong et al., 2024), and can provide the user with a sense of security.
Before purchasing please research each item and follow the safety guidance accordingly. While
2. Winthome Queen size Weighted Blanket for Adult with Premium Glass Beads
Available as a 6kg or 8kg blanket, the Winthome Queen size has proved popular with some of our clients using these blankets on the couch. Clients appreciate the bodyweight guide and the double stitching.
3. Sivio Reversible Sherpa 7kg Weighted Blanket for Adults, Queen Size
Two sensory benefits in one; 7kg of weight and supersoft covering makes this one of our top recommendations.
For further information about weighted blankets please click here
Weighted lap blankets or lap pads
Weighted lap blankets or lap pads are essentially smaller weighted blankets and tend to be lighter. Useful for travel, helping an overactive or overtired person settle in their chair, or just as some sensory feedback while working at a desk.
The kaisa lap blanket is larger and heavier than the other blankets we have listed here. This blanket is better suited to Adults. We love the velvety material, and the design. Clients have enjoyed being able to use it over their legs in winter and have found it very cosy.
2. Hugge Education 1-2.5kg Kids Weighted Lap Pad Blanket – Kids & Adult Sizes –
British made hugge, is an excellent choice for blankets that have a variety of weights and sizes for children, teens and adults. Covered with oeko-Tex certified Minky Fabric on the front and 350gsm cotton fabric on the reverse. Filled with food contact safe HDPE plastic pellets, this lap pad has been recommended by many of the families that we work with. With parents expressing appreciation for the clear size guides.
3. yescool Weighted Lap Pad 2 Pounds
Clients love the variety of designs the yescool weighted lap blanket, and are happy with the pricepoint.
Weighted compression vests
We will write another post about compression sensory tools, but we feel that weighted vests fall into the weighted sensory tool category. While it is harder to find sensory vests for adults, there are some kids vests that go up to larger sizes. Here are our top 3.
With sizes for 2 – 10+, sizes range from small to large and have 6 removable weights. The vest is completely adjustable and has proved popular with some of our younger clients.
2. Sentire-Sensory UK – Blue Adjustable Weighted Vest – Compression Vest – For Kids 2-10+
Another highly recommended vest is the sentire-sensory UK compression vest. Each size has varying weights, ranging from 2 – 3.5lbs
3. Weighted Vest for Sensory Issues | Adjustable Weight Vest
This adjusted weighted sensory vest has proved popular with people who prefer a smoother fabric.
Miscellaneous Weighted Sensory Tools
As with many things, there are often items that don’t neatly fall into categories. The following three tools are popular with the families we work with:
Freddie the frog comes with it’s own travel bag giving an extra sensory function to this shoulder wrap.
Available in sizes 25-60cm and varying designs, the weighted plushies can be a useful travel buddy or sensory toy to add to your toolbox.
3. ODOXIA Weighted Lap Pad for Kids
Technically a weighted lap blanket, the odoxia weighted lap pads come in various designs that can be a playful way to incorporate sensory tools into routine.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
