Weighted Vests

Center of Development O.T. 372-2567

Weighted Vests: weighted vests are often used to help children receive the proprioceptive sensory input and deep pressure input they need during the day and they work very well in the classroom setting.

The best vests are those chosen by the child, in a style that does not look different from normal vests worn with clothing. The easiest way to adapt a normal vest is to sew pockets into the inside of the vest. It is best if these are a total of 8 pockets with two on the top back and front, and two on the bottom back and front so that the weight is evenly distributed from top to bottom and front to back. You can velcro or safety pin the top of the pocket so that weights (large washers) can be added as needed. Buy a vest that has some room for growth as well. I get the largest and heaviest washers at Lowe's that equal about 1/4 each.

How much weight? 10% of a child's body weight is the max. evenly distrubuted among the pockets. The main concern is that the weight is even, so each pocket should have the same amount of washers. For example: a 60lb. Child would need 6lb of weight which would equal 24 washers or 3 washers in each of the 8 pockets.

How often to wear? The best schedule for wearing in 20 minutes on, 30 minutes off. The main concern is that the vest is off more time then on. The child should move some with the vest on for the best input to joints. But can be very beneficial if worn also during some high concentration tasks, especially for students having a hard time attending to sit down work or are fidgety in their seats. It is best to combine the weighted vests with a sensory diet routine that involves vestibular, proprioceptive, and deep touch input every 2 hours at least. A move and sit seat wedge can also be used for to help students attend longer in their seats. These are cheapest through Abilitations 1-800-850-8602

I would highly recommend finding a vest you like and making the pockets inside, or asking a seamstress to help!

Heidi Clopton, OTR/L