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Let’s Talk Wear Schedules

The wear schedule for weighted clothing should be determined by an Occupational Therapist or other health care provider. Our founder Jennifer is an Occupational Therapist. Our hoodies were designed using Occupational Therapy weight guidelines for 5-10% of a person’s body weight using averages for certain age groups.

It is very important to follow a wear schedule when using weighted clothing. Wearing weighted clothing for specific periods or during particular activities can help optimize its effectiveness. For example, wearing weight during therapy sessions or activities where sensory input is needed can enhance its therapeutic benefits. You do not want to wear weight all the time as it can lose its effects.

So how do you determine a wear schedule? A wear schedule is determined by the Occupational Therapist and is based off an individual’s goals and needs.

An individual is first assessed, and the therapist determines if weighted clothing is appropriate and beneficial. Next, a trial period is done to see how the individual responds to wearing the weighted clothing usually in clinic with a weighted item they have. Behavior changes and function are noted while wearing the weighted garment. The individual is than monitored and adjustments are made as needed. For example, adjusting the weight, the duration of time and any other issues that arise. Lastly, as the individual becomes accustomed to wearing the weighted clothing and experiences benefits from it, the therapist may encourage integrating it into daily routines or specific activities where it can be most beneficial at home, school, and in the community.

At Dress Up to Calm Down, we have the individual in mind. We know that sensory is individualized which is why we designed our products to have removable weights. Allowing individuals to use the weight in moments of need and be able to take them out to be used as a regular costume or hoodie when not needed. We recommend 30-45 minutes groupings 2-3 times a day at most. Start with a small amount of time if new to weighted clothing and then gradually increase the amount of time by 5-10 minutes to see how the individual is tolerating it.

Take aways-use our products on an as need basis, breaks are NEEDED! If your child has moments of the day that are really challenging, try wearing the weighted garment then. Wear schedules are individualized based on the indiviudals needs and should be monitored under the supervision of a Occupational Therapist.

Please reach out to us if you have any other questions regarding wear schedules! We are here to help!

Navigating the Holidays: A Guide to Managing Overstimulation for Kids with Sensory Issues and Anxiety

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for children with sensory issues and anxiety, it can also be a time of overwhelming stimulation. The bright lights, loud music, crowded gatherings, and new experiences can trigger sensory sensitivities, leading to stress and discomfort for both the child and their family. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help parents and caregivers navigate the holidays and create a more sensory-friendly environment for their children.

1. Plan Ahead: Anticipation and preparation are key when it comes to managing overstimulation. Before attending holiday events, communicate with hosts and organizers to understand the environment. Ask about the level of noise, lighting, and potential triggers. Armed with this information, you can better prepare your child and decide which events are most suitable for their sensory needs.
2. Create a Safe Space: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending one, designate a quiet and comfortable space where your child can retreat if they become overwhelmed. This safe space should be equipped with sensory-friendly items like noise-canceling headphones, a weighted tool, or fidget toys to provide comfort and relaxation.
3. Establish Routines: Maintaining familiar routines during the holidays can offer a sense of predictability for children with sensory issues. Try to stick to regular meal and sleep schedules as much as possible. If changes are necessary, communicate them to your child in advance, and consider using visual schedules or timers to help them understand and adjust.
4. Dress Comfortably: Holiday outfits are part of the fun, but uncomfortable clothing can exacerbate sensory challenges. Opt for soft fabrics and tagless clothing, If your child has specific clothing preferences, respect their choices to ensure they feel comfortable and confident during holiday events.
5. Limit Stimuli: In crowded or stimulating environments, it’s essential to be mindful of sensory input. Consider using sunglasses to reduce bright lights, noise-canceling headphones to minimize auditory stimuli, or a hat with a brim to limit visual input. Experiment with different tools to discover what works best for your child.
6. Educate Others: Share information about your child’s sensory sensitivities with friends and family. Help them understand the importance of creating a sensory-friendly environment and offer guidance on how they can support your child during holiday gatherings.

While the holidays can pose challenges for children with sensory issues, careful planning, communication, and understanding can transform this season into a more enjoyable experience for the entire family. By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive environment that allows your child to participate in holiday festivities while respecting their unique sensory needs.

How Weighted Costumes Can Transform Halloween for Sensory and Anxious Kids

How Weighted Costumes Can Transform Halloween for Sensory and Anxious Kids

Halloween, with its spooky decorations and bustling crowds, can be an overwhelming experience for many children. For those with sensory sensitivities or anxiety, navigating this holiday can be especially challenging. However, there’s a solution that can help make Halloween a more enjoyable and manageable experience: our weighted costumes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the struggles these kids face during Halloween and how weighted costumes can be a game-changer for them.

Children with sensory processing disorders or anxiety often experience heightened sensitivity to stimuli in their environment. This means that the sights, sounds, and textures associated with Halloween can be particularly distressing for them. Crowded parties, scratchy costumes, and sudden noises can lead to overwhelming feelings of discomfort and anxiety.

The Impact of Halloween on Sensory and Anxious Kids:

1. Sensory Overload: Halloween decorations, flashing lights, and eerie sounds can easily trigger sensory overload in sensitive children. This can result in meltdowns, withdrawal, or even refusal to participate in Halloween activities.
2. Costume Woes: Traditional Halloween costumes can be a major source of discomfort for sensory kids. Many costumes are made from materials that feel itchy or constricting, causing distress and making it difficult for them to enjoy the festivities.
3. Social Anxiety: Trick-or-treating or attending Halloween parties can be anxiety-inducing for these children. Navigating social interactions, especially with strangers, can lead to heightened anxiety levels.

The Benefits of Weighted Costumes: Our weighted costumes offer a simple yet effective solution to alleviate some of the challenges faced by sensory and anxious kids during Halloween. Here’s how they can make a difference:

1. Calming Effect: The added weight from our costumes can provide a comforting, grounding sensation for children. This deep pressure touch has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
2. Sensory Integration: Our weighted costumes can provide a more regulated sensory experience. The gentle pressure can help filter out extraneous sensory input, allowing the child to focus and enjoy the Halloween activities.
3. Increased Body Awareness: The added weight encourages children to be more aware of their bodies, which can contribute to a sense of control and security in overwhelming environments.

In conclusion, for sensory and anxious kids, Halloween can be a daunting experience. However, by incorporating a weighted costume, you can empower them to enjoy the festivities with a greater sense of comfort and ease. These specially designed costumes offer a practical solution to the challenges they face, providing a pathway to a more enjoyable and inclusive Halloween celebration for all children.

By acknowledging and addressing the unique needs of sensory and anxious kids, we can make Halloween a memorable and positive experience for every child, regardless of their individual sensitivities.