Vest On, Vest Off: How Long Should Your Child Wear a Weighted Vest?
Updated by Rivkie Berger, OTR on 11/14/2024.
5 min read
As a parent or caregiver of a child with sensory processing challenges such as sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism or ADHD, you’ve probably heard about the benefits of weighted vests. These simple tools can offer calming deep pressure input to help your child feel more grounded and focused. While it may be tempting to have your child wear their weighted vest all the time, expert advice recommends otherwise. Let’s dive in and learn how long to wear a weighted vest for and, more importantly, how to make this tool work best for your child.
What Do the Experts Say About Wearing Times?
One of the most common questions occupational therapists get is: “How long should my child wear their weighted vest?” While it can vary from child to child, research has found that the sweet spot for wearing these vests is usually 15-30 minutes at a time. This gives the sensory system the deep pressure it craves without overwhelming it.
As tempting as it may be to let your child wear their weighted vest all day—especially if they seem calmer or more focused—it’s important to avoid overuse. Wearing it too long can make the body "tune out" the deep pressure sensation and reduce its effectiveness. In some cases, kids who are extra sensitive to touch may even get overstimulated, which could lead to discomfort.
That’s why it’s best to stick with consistent 15-30 minute intervals. These short bursts help the sensory system get the calming input it needs without overwhelming your child. There are other tools, such as fidgets and rollers, that your child’s therapist can recommend if they need more calming input than wearing the vest for that time period can offer.
Navigating Social Situations
We all want our kids to feel comfortable and confident, especially in highly social settings like school. Some kids feel very conspicuous when they use sensory tools; this self-consciousness may impact their willingness to use the tools they need to self-regulate. Finding discreet options can make your child more comfortable using and wearing their sensory supports.
Involve your child in picking their weighted vest, so that they like how it looks and feels. There are so many types and styles available that look like their non-therapeutic counterparts. You can find a Denim Weighted Vest that has hidden weight pockets inside. The Stay Weighted Puffer Vest looks exactly like any other puffer vest, until you put it on and feel the added weight of it! Appealing to your child’s sense of style can increase confidence and improve the likelihood of success with their weighted vest.
Tips for Safe and Effective Use
Every child is unique, so it’s important to keep an eye on how your child responds to wearing their weighted vest. Here are some tips to help ensure the vest is used safely and effectively.
Start with 15-minute intervals
Observe how your child reacts. If they seem more focused and calm, you can stretch the time to 30 minutes. If they begin to show signs of agitation or stress then remove the vest sooner.
Measure 5-10% of your child’s body weight
Many vests have inner pockets with removable weights. Start by adding 5% of your child’s weight to the vest and stop there if it is effective. If not, you can increase up to 10% of their body weight. Anything heavier may feel uncomfortable and not provide the calming benefits you’re looking for.
Take breaks
Have your child wear the vest during specific activities, like homework or classwork, rather than for long periods. If your child starts fidgeting, feeling restless, or uncomfortable, it might be time for a break.
Get expert guidance
An occupational therapist can give you personalized advice on how to use the vest most effectively for your child’s unique needs. They can pinpoint exactly how much weight to add to it, as well as create a wearing schedule.
When Is the Best Time to Use a Weighted Vest?
Weighted vests are typically most helpful during activities that require focus and calm. Studies have shown improvement in three types of attention– alerting, orienting and executive attention– as well as on-task behavior as a result of wearing weighted vests. You might find these vests useful during
By using the vest during these times, you can help your child stay focused when they need it most.
Choosing the Right Vest for Your Child
Choosing the right vest is key to making it work. Remember, a good rule of thumb is that the vest should weigh no more than 5-10% of your child’s body weight. Letting your child help pick out their vest can also make a big difference. If they like the way it looks and feels, they’ll be more willing to wear it—and that makes everyone’s life a little easier! You can also vary the source of weight by offering weighted lap pads or weighted toys.
Timing is Everything
Weighted vests can be an incredible tool for helping children with sensory processing challenges feel calm and focused, if they are used thoughtfully. By keeping the weight within the recommended range, limiting wear to short periods of time and being mindful of how your child feels, you can maximize the benefits. Don’t forget, helping your child feel comfortable and confident while wearing their vest—especially in social settings—goes a long way in making this experience as positive and supportive as possible.
Explore our range of weighted vests and outerwear to find what works best for your child.
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Thank you! This was very helpful. I am an OT in the schools with over 20 years experience, and I still struggle sometimes with what to tell teachers when they ask me whether or not to use a weighted vest, how much weight, and how long. I have generally used the 5% rule, and have recommended that vests be worn no longer than 20 minutes at a time to prevent habituation to the input. I have also encouraged teachers to observe carefully to make sure it is not causing the child to become too under stimulated (sleepy effect).
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