A new reader, Shannon, recently left a comment about using weighted blankets with children who have sensory issues and/or a history of trauma.  Weighted blankets are expensive to purchase, but  her family was given weighted blankets by an organization called Project Linus.  According to the Project Linus website:

First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

After looking at their website, I contacted Project Linus and asked about weighted blankets.   Mary referred me to a page on their site for blanket patterns and particularly a weighted blanket called Lili’s Hug. She suggested that I make one (not likely to happen) or find somebody who sews and will make one for me.  She also said it would be worthwhile to contact a local chapter to see if they make Lili’s Hug blankets.  I may give that a try.

Does somebody want to whip up one of these blankets and let us know what you think?

Shannon also said,

Our son is “Mr. Muscle,” he is45 pounds, but he can lift my 65 pound son easily. SO, our therapist recommended that we make his blanket a pound heavier than normal (typically 10% of body weight + 1 pound for blankets). This is the BEST thing to settle him down. We also use the blanket when we are going to talk about Ethiopia during therapy, it settles him and he puts the blanket over everything but his head.

Sounds interesting and hopeful to me. Does anybody else have experience with weighted blankets?  I would love to hear from you.

~Lisa