A weighted lap pad or blanket is a small, heavy blanket the size of a tray. It is heavy because it is usually filled with something that gives it weight, such as glass beads or poly pellets.
Many people with sensory processing challenges find using weighted lap blankets at school, home or work can help you:
- Sit still for longer time periods;
- Self-regulate;
- Concentrate better;
- Organise better;
- Spend more time on a task; and
- Transition better from one task to the next.
This is because weighted lap pads give a form of Deep Pressure Touch therapy, that is unobtrusive and convenient.
So, what is Deep Pressure Touch therapy? And how can it help you?
Deep Pressure Touch Soothes the Body and Calms the Mind
Deep Pressure Touch works on the body in three ways.
Step 1
Firstly, it calms the “flight or fight” response by switching off the sympathetic part of the autonomous nervous system.
Step 2
Next, it triggers the parasympathetic nervous system. This slows your heart rate and your breathing.
It helps your muscles relax. And you will feel calm and peaceful.
Step 3
Thirdly, it causes the body to release a number of hormones and neurotransmitters that make you feel happy and reduce anxiety.
The end result is that your body literally feels less anxious and your mind is focused and calm.
The Deep Pressure Touch of a weighted lap blanket lying across your knees also gives your body proprioceptive input.
This helps you know where your body is in space. And – so – a weighted lap blanket can help you sit up straight for longer.
Who Can Benefit from Using a Weighted Lap Pad?
The Deep Pressure Touch therapy benefits of a weighted lap blanket that help reduce anxiety, improve sensory processing and give an increased sense of peace and calm are particularly helpful for people:
- On the autism spectrum;
- With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD);
- Who have anxiety;
- With sensory processing issues; and
- Who suffer from dementia.
But weighted lap pads or blankets are not for everyone.
Who is a Weighted Lap Pad Not Useful For?
People who struggle with tactile input may well not find a weighted lap pad helpful. This includes people who:
- Don’t like the feel of certain types of fabrics;
- Hate wearing extra layers of clothes; or
- Dislike the feeling of a heavy blanket or duvet on them.
So, in summary, weighted lap pads are a convenient and portable way to get the benefits of Deep Pressure Touch therapy to help you focus, concentrate, sit still for longer, organise better and transition from one activity to the next.
Please click here if you would like to see our full Calming Moments weighted lap pad range.
Or browse the products below.
Browse Our Best Sellers
What Our Customers Say:
The blanket looks like it will last a long time, quality is good.
Customer service fantastic! Manufacture and dispatch extremely prompt. Product is of excellent quality. Only drawback is that the material used has a faint urine-like smell, so I’m going to wash it per instructions.
Very good. Fast delivery. Is very good quality used every day at school for my son. And washed weekly and colour hasn’t faded.
Actually had one of these already but it was taken from me at security when I tried to take it on board with my for an international flight 😥 but now I have this one which is even better because one side is cotton, which feels better for me sensory-wise. Definitely something I use every day and I'm really glad there was a 5kg option because every other site I've been to only has little ones for kids. I'd 100% recommend it to anyone, worth all of my money (twice!)
This shoulder wrap is so well made and it really helps me unwind. It instantly helps to relax the shoulder muscles and then after about 10 minutes of wearing it I feel a sudden whole body relaxation effect kick in. I highly recommend it.
I use this ALL THE TIME. I bring it to work, I use it anytime I'm sitting at home, I use it to help me settle down at night when I go to sleep. This instantly calms and grounds me. The material and weight is perfect.
The quality is excellent, and it was made and posted very quickly. My son loves the textured fabric and lap blankets are much easier to move around the house and use in different locations than full size weighted blankets. We absolutely love it, thanks you!
It is perfect, my daughter who has sensory concerns sleeps better, this is her 2nd blanket from Calming Moments has she has grown.
We could not be happier with the results from buying this sensory sheet. Little miss asd sleeps so much better. The quality of the sheet is amazing and we plan on getting a back up sheet.
Amazing service, very quick and My 6 year old loves it.. has really helped him concentrate in the classroom to have on his lap while working.
Fantastic! That’s what describes the experience I have had. All my questions where answered, great communication either email or phone and the weighted lap pad was a massive hit with my daughter. I know I will be coming back to get more items for my daughter.
Well made, high quality fabric and stitching. Excellent email communication. This is the second lap pad I have purchased, my first one keeps getting “borrowed” by my kids.
I purchased the weighted blanket because my best friend pointed out that I may have anxiety because I told the only thing that could get me to sleep was by putting a pillow or some weight on my legs. It didn’t occur to me until she mentioned the weighted blanket and toys. I then tried out the lap weighted blanket over my legs while I sit on the couch, at my desk or when I sleep and I feel that exact soothing, calming feeling I need. Thankyou!
I bought this for my son who has some problems regulating his emotions etc since buying it if he feels overwhelmed he goes straight to the blanket and he is calm in 5 minutes. Best thing I bought him
It's been great as a sensory tool. Sometimes she pulls it off the bed and uses it like a sensory sock.
I bought the Purple and Shiny Weighted Snake to use with my ASD students at school, but my 11yr old (neurotypical,but prone to anxiety) son found it and has adopted it as his own. He loves the weight, but also the sensation of letting the beads trickle from one end to another. And I think the 3 different fabric textures is a great feature. Very well-made too, as with all Calming Moments products.
My order was made and despatched quickly, status updates were sent so I knew exactly what was happening with my order. The Sensory Narwhal Plush Weighted Toy was exactly as advertised, it looked and felt fabulous. It was a gift for someone and they were delighted with it. I was very pleased that it is a locally made product, the quality of the product and the customer service were all exceptional.
I bought this sensory weighted turtle for my son.he loves it and the texture is soft and has great quality.
I highly recommend this product.
I love that I could make my own combination that reflects my personal choices and tastes.
My 7yo daughter loves her Narwhal. She has called it "Sprinkles". Lovely quality and weight. It's just gorgeous!
My 9yo son loved his turtle immediately. It is SO soft and the weight is lovely. I kind of want one for myself!
I love that we were able to tailor the lap pad to my son’s interests and sensory needs. I also love that there are different weights for different ages which helped me chose the right weight for him. Would definitely buy from here again.
This product is beautifully made. I loved being able to choose the colour. We use it for reading and to help with concentration for tasks like handwriting and siting at the table for meal times. The quality of calming moments products is excellent. My son also uses a weighted blanket made by Calming Moments for sleeping which has stood the test of time.
Recommended By Occupational Therapists
“I cannot speak anymore highly of your products! The craftsmanship is perfection and the prices realistic!
I have placed many orders with you and your communication, timeliness of delivery and – of course – product quality is second to none!”
- Amy H from Amy’s OT
As Seen On:
