Trauma Thursday: Weighted Blankets for the Traumatized Child
Over on my personal blog, a reader told me about a product called a weighted blanket. I had been talking about my issues with sleeping after child abuse, which includes the need to cover myself in heavy blankets. The reason is that the first sign that I was about to be abused as a child was the rush of cold air against my back as my covers were removed. So, to feel safe enough to fall asleep, I need to feel heavy covers “protecting” me.
The reader posted this comment:
Have you ever heard of weighted blankets? I have one, and it helps a lot (well… sleep is still a huge issue). They are filled full of plastic beads and can weigh up to 50 lbs. I got mine from Dream Catcher’s. I am a seamstress and these things are well made and well worth the money and the wait (mine took several months to arrive). You even get to choose your own fabrics. ~ Cera
I had never heard of such a thing. I checked out the site and was impressed.
I ordered one of their blankets last month, and it arrived three weeks later. I chose one of the standard blankets, in part because I did not know how much weight I needed and in part because I did not want to wait several months like Cera did.
The site said to order a blanket that is 10% of your body weight plus one pound. I don’t know how much I weigh (weighing myself triggers my eating disorder), so I decided to order a 15-pound blanket and call it a day.
The blanket is amazing. For the first time in a very long time, I was not overheated as I slept. The blanket molds to your body, so I felt like I was being “protected” all night much more effectively than with the folded up comforter and blanket that I usually use.
If you are parenting an adopted child who has suffered from trauma and/or has issues with sleep, you might want to consider buying the child a weighted blanket. There is something soothing about feeling “wrapped” in security as you sleep. I sleep more soundly and restfully when I am wrapped up in mine.
To purchase a weighted blanket, go to Dream Catcher Blankets. They are running a sale in April. You can get a 10% discount with the promotion code “autism.”
Photo credit: JulieC
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Tags: child abuse, cures for insomnia, Foster adoption, Foster care, insomnia, Older child adoption, Trauma Thursday, Traumatized children, weighted blankets
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I never would have thought about a heavy blanket as a child. I wasn't beaten, and my heart goes out to those who were, but I did fear the dark. The heavier my blanket the better. Too bad I didn't think of this idea. If you have an issue such as this one, don't be afraid to contact for some help.
When I was a child I had a heavy blanket. But it was heavy because there was cotton wool inside. I liked it a lot. I wonder if anybody has such blankets now. I like to watch the Discovery show How It Is Made (often download it at shared files SE http://filecraft.com ). Once I watched about matrasses and blankets. Nowadays they use synthetic materials to fill in the blankets. I'm so sorry for it. The boy was right, when the blanket is heavier you feel much safer, like a child.
how do you contact Ouradopt consumerschoolboy to find out about these blankets?
Unknown father, we have written several articles on weighted blankets here at Ouradopt. Several of us own them and have seen the benefits. There is a link within the article to "Dream Catchers". If you are interested, use the code "ouradopt" to get a 10% discount when ordering. FYI, coolboy is a spammer, the link has been deleted. FM
COOLBOY , WHERE DID YOU READ ABOUT THESE BLANKETS?
just wondering 9/4/1247 pm
The site said to order a blanket that is 10% of your body weight plus one pound. I don’t know how much I weigh (weighing myself triggers my eating disorder), so I decided to order a 15-pound blanket and call it a day.
Thanks for the post. Keep the great work.
Thank you you are more than welcome. Co id. 92-007-8865
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This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article
Its really amazing blankets for children.I would like to add one thing that there are some varieties of Canadian Blankets are available for children.
I never heared about weighted blankets but now I think it should be tried.Can we see this type of blanket in Korean Blankets?
Weighted blankets are specially made and you can order them through the ad on our front page.
You can simply make a weighted pillow by filling a soft fabric with sand or sand and beans, anything heavy. If a child has issues sitting in place, or is really antsy and jittery- Placing a weighted blanket or pillow on their lap creates deep pressure which will help them cool down.
The sleep thing is sou hard. I come across that I sleep better after I choose to release a memory foam double mattress. It is almost like my body is rewarding me for letting the memory out.
My darling daughter has sensory issues and heavy blankets work wonders for her. She is able to sleep much better.
When she was younger she had a weighted vest. The small weights were in little pockets over the vest. It helped her feel calm during school. She would only wear it for a couple of hours.
AngelaW
The ones that you love the most are usually the ones that hurt you the most. - Unknown