You want your child to feel safe, secure, and calm. But what if your kid struggles with anxiety, ADHD, or sensory processing issues? This is where weighted hoodies come in. Weighted hoodies are a fantastic product that has been gaining popularity recently, and for good reason. They provide deep pressure stimulation, which has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what weighted hoodies are, how they work, why they're so helpful, and what to look for when buying one, and whether they might be right for your child.
You can skip to check out our list of Weighted Hoodies here.
What is a weighted hoodie?
Weighted hoodies are a type of clothing, similar to a regular hooded sweatshirt, that contains weights sewn into them, typically around the shoulders, neck, and upper back. These weights provide deep pressure stimulation, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. The weights are usually made of small pellets, like plastic beads, and are evenly distributed throughout certain areas of the hoodie.
Weighted hoodies come in a range of weights, typically from 1 to 5 pounds, and are available in various sizes to fit children of different ages and sizes.
Weighted hoodies can be worn as a standalone garment, or layered on top of other clothing. Some have a removable weighted insert, allowing you to adjust the weight as needed. The hood provides additional comfort and can be worn up or down depending on your child's preference.
So why might a kid benefit from wearing a weighted hoodie?
Benefits of wearing a weighted hoodie
The deep pressure provided by the weight in these special sweatshirts can have a large number of potential benefits for children, particularly those with anxiety, ADHD, or sensory processing issues.
Here are some of the ways in which a weighted hoodie may be helpful:
Calming the nervous system:
Deep pressure stimulation has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and helps promote relaxation. For more information on deep pressure stimulation, read our explanatory article here:
Providing comfort:
The deep pressure provided by a weighted hoodie can feel like a gentle hug or a comforting weight, which can help provide the user with a sense of security and calm. This can be especially useful for sensory seeking kids, but other kids may still find comfort in it too.
Promoting focus:
Some children with ADHD or sensory processing issues may benefit from the added weight and pressure, which can help them feel more grounded and focused when needing to focus on less-desirable tasks like homework.
It's important to note that while weighted blankets and hoodies can be incredibly helpful for some children, they're not a magic solution for everyone. It's also important to use them appropriately and with guidance from a healthcare provider. We'll discuss this further in the next section.
What to consider when buying a weighted hoodie
If you're considering purchasing a weighted hoodie for your kid, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
Weight:
Weighted hoodies typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, and it's important to choose a weight that's appropriate for your child's size and needs.
There are no definitive guidelines on how much they should weigh, but studies that included weighted vests used 5-15% of the person's body weight. To be safe, the weight of the hoodie should be no more than 10% of your child's body weight.
Size:
Like any piece of clothing, it's important to choose a weighted sweatshirt or hoodie that fits your child properly. Be sure to check the sizing chart before making a purchase and you may have to measure your kids' chest size, waist, arm length, and torso length. Since there's a product out there for just about everyone, from xs-xl, it's really just a matter of finding the best fit for your needs.
Quality:
Look for a weighted hoodie that's well-made and durable, with the weights evenly distributed throughout the width of the hoodie. It's also a good idea to buy from a reputable brand with a commitment to quality when searching for a product you'll love. You may have to read some reviews and ratings to see what other customers write and verify they are happy with their product.
Removable weight:
Many weighted jackets and sweatshirts are designed to have removable weighted inserts, which allow you to adjust the weight as needed. This can be helpful if your kid needs more or less pressure at different times to find the perfect fit.
Cleaning:
Sweatshirts with adjustable or removable weight will often be machine washable, but you may not be able to machine wash all of the sweatshirts available, so if that's important to you then make sure to double-check it before purchasing.
Price:
Last, but certainly not least, you'll want to consider the price of the clothing. Not all sensory tools are cheap, but there are some that are more affordable than others.
Before purchasing a weighted hoodie, it's also a good idea to talk to your child's healthcare provider to ensure that it's appropriate for your child's needs. They can provide guidance on the best weight, as well as any potential risks or side effects to be aware of.
Are weighted hoodies right for your child?
While weighted hoodies can be helpful for both younger kids and older children, as well as adults, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before purchasing a weighted hoodie, it's important to consider whether it's the right choice for you or your child. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Does your child have sensory processing issues or anxiety?
If so, a weighted hoodie may be helpful in providing a sense of calm and security.
Does your child have ADHD or difficulty with focus and attention?
Some children with ADHD and/or Autism may benefit from the added weight and pressure, which can help them feel more grounded and focused at school.
Is your child comfortable wearing a hoodie?
If your child doesn't typically like wearing hoodies, they likely will not be receptive to the idea of a weighted hoodie, and you should look at other weighted devices like should wraps, blankets, or lap pads.
Have you spoken with your child's healthcare provider?
It's important to get guidance and feedback from a healthcare provider before purchasing a weighted hoodie, to ensure that it's appropriate for your child's needs.
Overall, while weighted hoodies can be a helpful tool for some children, they're not a replacement for therapy or other treatments. It's important to use them appropriately and with guidance from a healthcare provider. If you're considering a weighted hoodie for your child, be sure to do your research, consider your child's needs, and talk to a healthcare provider to ensure that it's the right choice for your family.
Other Products
There are many types of weighted products available, like blankets, vests for kids that don't like long sleeves, stuffed animals, lap pads, wraps for the neck and shoulders, and more. If your kid doesn't like hoodies or sweatshirts but wants something for proprioceptive feedback, you can look into alternative options.
Conclusion
Weighted hoodies can be a helpful tool for parents looking to provide their children with a sense of calm and security. The deep pressure provided by a weighted hoodie can have a range of potential benefits, from promoting relaxation to helping kids with focus and attention. However, it's important to use them appropriately and with guidance from a healthcare provider.
When choosing a weighted hoodie, consider details like: the weight, size, and color, quality, and whether it has removable weights. And remember, while weighted hoodies can be helpful for some children, they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. Be sure to talk to your child's healthcare provider before making a purchase to make sure that it's appropriate for your child's needs.
Overall, if you're considering a weighted hoodie for your child, it's worth exploring this unique and innovative product. With a little research and guidance, you may find that a weighted hoodie can be a fun and valuable addition to your child's sensory toolkit.
What is a good weight for a sweatshirt?
They typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, and it's important to choose a weight that's appropriate for your size and needs.
There are no definitive guidelines on how much a hoodie should weigh, but studies that included weighted vests used 5-15% of the person's body weight. To be safe, the weight of the hoodie should be no more than 10% of your body weight.
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