Calming Weighted Vest

The vest works through Deep Pressure Therapy, which is like giving your child a gentle, constant hug. The combination of weight and snug compression provides Deep Touch Pressure input to their body, activating the calming “rest and digest” response in the nervous system. This leads to the release of calming neurotransmitters (like serotonin) and helps reduce the “fight or flight” hormones. In practical terms, kids wearing the vest often feel more secure and grounded, which can soothe feelings of anxiety, improve focus, and reduce sensory-seeking behaviors. It’s similar to how a swaddled baby calms down – the pressure is organizing and comforting. Parents often describe that their child immediately appears more at ease and can concentrate or sit still better with the vest on. (In short: it provides a hug-like sensation that naturally calms the nervous system.)

It’s recommended to use the vest in short sessions of about 20–30 minutes at a time, or as advised by your occupational therapist. Deep pressure tends to have the most effect in these bursts. After roughly half an hour, it’s good to give the child’s body a break for at least the same duration before the next session (if needed). Many families find benefit using it 2–3 times a day during key moments – for example, 20 minutes before school to help with morning focus, 20 minutes after school to decompress, and/or 20 minutes before bedtime as part of the calming routine. However, every child is different. Some children may ask to wear it longer; if they do, you can extend use, but we suggest checking in every 30 minutes to ensure they’re comfortable and not desensitizing to the pressure. It’s not usually necessary to wear it all day – you target the vest use for when the child needs that calming input the most (like during homework, therapy sessions, or transitions). Always supervise initially and adjust timing based on your child’s responses. If an OT gives you a specific protocol (some might say 20 minutes on, 20 off, etc.), follow their guidance. And remember: it’s fine to let the child guide it too – if they remove it after 15 minutes, that’s okay, or if they request it during a
stressful moment, you can put it on even if it’s off-schedule. Over time, you’ll find the ideal pattern that works for your child.

Yes, it’s safe when used as directed. The vest is specifically designed for children, with weight amounts that are well within safe limits. We follow the widely accepted guideline that the total weight should be roughly 5% (up to 10% max) of the child’s body weight. For example, a 50 lb child would use about 2 to 3 lbs of weight, which our vest accommodates. Our weights are small packets distributed evenly, so there are no heavy pressure points. The vest’s snug fit prevents the weight from shifting around. Importantly, the vest should only be worn when an adult or caregiver is present and monitoring – it’s not for overnight sleep or unsupervised use (just as a precaution, since the child can’t communicate discomfort during sleep). The materials are soft and non-toxic. There’s no evidence of any harm to muscles or development from wearing a properly weighted vest for appropriate intervals – in fact, therapists have been using these for decades safely. The key is to not overload the vest with extra weight beyond what’s provided, and not force the child to wear it if they are clearly uncomfortable. Some children may actually seek heavier pressure, but you should consult with an OT before increasing weight beyond recommended levels. We include a guide with the vest for choosing the right weight per size and tips for safe use. Overall, when used correctly, the vest is a safe therapeutic tool. If your child has any specific medical conditions (like a cardiac or respiratory issue or low muscle tone condition), you might run it by your pediatrician or therapist, but for the vast majority of kids, it’s perfectly safe and very gentle.

It’s not uncommon for some kids – especially those with tactile sensitivities – to be unsure about a new garment. Here are some tips that have worked for other parents:

• Introduce it playfully: Make the vest part of a game. For example, call it a “superhero vest” or “astronaut suit” and let them pretend-play while trying it on. Emphasize how strong or calm it might make them (whatever appeals to your child’s interests).
• Let them explore it first: Before putting it on them, let your child touch it, hold it, even put it on a favorite stuffed animal. Children often warm up after they’ve inspected it on their own terms.
• Start without weights: You can initially have them wear the vest with no weights inserted (it will just feel like a snug jacket). Once they’re comfortable with that, gradually add the small weights – maybe one at a time – so they acclimate to the sensation.
• Short trials with choice: Have them wear it for just 5 minutes doing a favored activity (like watching a show or coloring), then take it off. Praise them for trying it. Later, gently ask if they’d like to try again. Giving them a bit of control (like “do you want to wear your magic vest now or in 10 minutes?”) can reduce resistance.
• Explain in their terms: Depending on age, you might explain “This vest is like a big hug. Remember how you said you like hugs when you’re mad? This can give you a hug even when I’m not right next to you.” Even non-verbal kids understand more than they express – a simple explanation and reassurance that it’s to help them feel good can ease anxiety.
• Wear one yourself (if possible): If you have access to a second vest or even by play-acting with a tight jacket, demonstrate wearing something similar and show that it’s not scary. Kids often mirror parents.
• Use visual aids: Some kids respond to social stories – e.g., a short picture story about a child who wears a calming vest and feels better. We can provide a simple social story you can read to your child about “Superhero Calming Vest” and how it helped another kid focus in class, etc.
• Don’t force it in a meltdown: Introduce the vest during calm or neutral times at first. If they’re mid-tantrum and you try to strap it on, they may associate it with negative feelings. Instead, build positive experiences with it when they’re in a decent mood. Over time, once they like it, they might self-identify that it helps when upset.

Many parents find that initially a child might fuss for a minute or two, but once the deep pressure “kicks in,” the child
often visibly relaxes and then doesn’t want to take it off! If after gentle
persistence over a week or two, your child still adamantly refuses, feel free
to reach out to us – sometimes discussing with an OT for personalized
strategies can help. We also have a 100-day return policy, so you have time to try these methods without risk. The key is a patient, positive approach. Most kids end up loving the secure feeling once they give it a chance.

Our vest is relatively low-profile and designed in a neutral style (navy blue/black color) that looks like a typical sports vest. For many children, yes, you can wear it under a loose shirt or
sweatshirt. The vest itself is lightweight and not bulky – the weights are small flat packets. For example, under a baggy hoodie, most people wouldn’t realize the child has a special vest on. However, under a tight t-shirt it might show some outline or the Velcro straps bulges. Some parents choose to have it over clothes because the child doesn’t mind or even likes the “vest” look (and it can look like athletic wear). Others, especially for school, layer a sweater or jacket on top for discreetness. Keep in mind breathability: if layering, make sure the child isn’t getting too warm, as the vest itself is made with breathable mesh. As far as sound, the Velcro straps make a bit of noise only when adjusting – once it’s on, it’s silent, so no one will know.
Many parents report that teachers or other parents didn’t even notice until
they mentioned it. So, you have flexibility: it can be as discreet or as
visible as you and your child want. The primary goal is your child’s comfort and willingness to wear it, so do whichever makes them more at ease. If being “different” worries your child, hiding it under a hoodie is a good option. If not, the vest just looks like a weighted workout vest or part of an outfit. We purposely avoided any stigmatizing labels or prints. In summary, yes
– you can usually conceal it under looser clothing, and even when worn openly
it’s quite innocuous in appearance.