How to Make a Lap Buddy to Help Fidgeting

Zarek doesn’t have a lot of troubles with fidgeting but he does need touch throughout the day to help him calm and relax. I think his Lap Buddy will help him with that and with fidgeting in class!

Our Weighted Pillow called the Lap Buddy

This summer I tested Zarek’s need of touch and found if we blocked out a snuggle time he did better throughout the day. But at school this is not an option. So I created a Lap Buddy to help him to get that sense of comfort, help him relax, and calm himself.

I got this idea from remembering Zane having a sock with beans in it in kindergarten to help him with fidgeting. But I wanted Zarek’s weighted pillow to be more fun so I made him a “Lap Buddy”.

[Tweet “Does your child need help stop fidgeting in school? Consider making a Lap Buddy!”]

Ask the Teacher!

I did ask the teacher if it would be alright for me to make it for him and she thought it was a great idea. I do recommend talking to the teacher before sending this with your child to school.

Supplies for Weighted Lap Buddy:

• Socks, Leggings, or Tights
• 2-5 pounds of Rice
• Essential Oils (optional)
• Buttons, Brads, or Something for Eyes
• Ribbon (optional)
• Scissors

How to Make Your Lap Buddy:

Directions:

Step 1: Cut leggings or tights legs off

Step 2: Tie knot in the end (tie the raw end of leggings and flip knot inside) add ribbon at this point for tongue if you wish

Step 3: Sew or glue on eyes

Step 4: Add essential oils to rice and pour into your Buddy

Step 5: Tie off end

Note: If you are using tights or leggings you will want to put both legs on your buddy for added thickness. I did this after making my Periscope after seeing how thin the fabric was.

Have you tried weighted pillows for your child to help with fidgeting or comfort?