Weighted Products
A while ago I was approached by a friend who asked me if I would be interested in making a weighted lap pad for her grandson. I did some research online and found that there is quite a lot of information about weighted blankets and leg pads and throws. However, most of what I could find is anecdotal and while there have been numerous studies of the effects of these over the years, the results vary considerably and are a little inconclusive. I was able to find out a great deal of information about how these products are made as well as guidance on how people use and benefit from them. Based on what I’ve found I think there may be cases where these lap pads and throws can provide benefit. I cannot provide medical evidence, but can only suggest you take a look for yourself and see whether you or a loved one could benefit from one of my lap pads or throws, and if you would like me to make you a custom lap pad or throw, I would be more than happy to help you.
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Following my research, I made a small lap pad for my friend's grandson and I’ve been told that he loves it. It helps him settle down at pre-school and remain calm and relaxed. I also made a maxi throw for my (sceptical) fiancé to see if it would help calm his twitching legs. The result was quite incredible. When using the throw, he says he has absolutely no urge to twitch and says that the throw has a calming, almost hugging effect.
While Keep Me Close Creations was born out of my love of sewing and the wish to make special keepsake items for people, I thought I’d add the weighted lap pads and throws into my product line because if something I sew can help someone feel good, then I simply can’t resist!
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I noted that most weighted products are filled with poly beads, although some use glass beads. Given the massive impact that plastic has on the environment I looked for an alternative and have settled on a fairly course gravel like that used in aquariums. It is natural and uncoated so no plastic waste. It’s also denser than the poly beads and when sewn into the grid of small evenly spaced pockets on my lap pads and throws it results in a product that drapes closely and snugly to whoever is using it. The back of each lap pad is fleece, selected to match whatever fabric is selected for the front of the item.
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If you look in my store, you’ll see that I offer 2 different size lap pads and 2 different size throws. The smaller lap pads are suitable for children over the age of 3; the larger for teens and adults. The throws are suitable for teens and adults. When you choose one of these items, there are several fabric choices to choose from depending on the type of weighted product you would like.
Each item will be matched exactly to the weight of the intended user, so the only other information required is to enter the weight (in kg) of the intended user. Based on the information I’ve found, the recommendation is that lap pads should weigh around 5% of the user’s body weight, while throws are around 7.5%. (blankets are worked out at 10% but I’ve not included them in my product range.)
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The guidance says that the weight of a weighted item should never exceed 15% of the user’s overall body weight. They should also NEVER be used for babies or unsupervised children or infirm or elderly adults. There is also guidance that these products should not be used by people with respiratory, cardiac or circulatory problems or diabetes.
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NB PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH AND CONSULT YOUR GP FOR ADVICE ON THESE PRODUCTS before placing your order.
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Please take a look at the shop for more details, sizes and prices, and also the FAQ page for more information.
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