HarklaWeighted Vest for Kids - Neoprene Compression Vest - Ages 5 to 9 - Adjustable Kids Weighted Vest with 2lb weight - Breathable and Washable Compression Vest - Medium

For reference:My son is 26 months old, but petite…he was a 26 weeker micropreemie. He is 23 lbs, 30” tall and wears 12m clothing. We bought the SMALL.Very adjustable and will fit for years to come!!!NO annoying tags or rough edges!NOT hot! Very breathable!My son has developmental delays and issues with sensory processing, emotional regulation, and overstimulation (common for a micropreemie that’s now a toddler). He also has a speech delay; he says 2 words - “dada” and “ba(ll)”. He is cognitively intact, going through a developmental spurt, experiencing change such as moving into a big boy bed, and has a lot to “say” but he can’t actually communicate beyond two words and two signs. Frustration can go from 0 to 100 FAST.Maybe autistic and/or ADHD (he exhibits signs and is very high risk given his extreme prematurity but it is hard to tell this young).His developmental pediatrician at the NICU follow-up clinic first mentioned a vest to me. Then our OT said a compression vest might help with his focus. Then our PT suggested “weight work” or a weighted vest to help slow him down and provide sensory input.So I spent a night reading and researching, eventually deciding on the Harkla weighted compression vest.Wow. I notice an immediate difference. He can actually focus longer and doesn’t get frustrated as easily. He can self-regulate better.We wear it daily during focused developmental play, and often to his doctor appointments. We leave it on ~20-30 minutes at a time and limit use to an hour or less per day total.I have no basis or comparison but people who do have commented favorably.His speech therapist asked me to send her a link to it.His PT wanted to know the brand, and commented on how it was superior to some of her other patients’ vests… easier to put on, secure, easy weight adjustment options, very sturdy weight bags, and how he doesn’t get overheated at all (we live in Arizona, this is huge).His OT knew it the moment she saw it…”Harkla is the best, but not cheap.”His normal pediatrician commented on how he didn’t realize they made therapeutic ones that could fit a child of my son’s size (he may be 26 months but wears 12 month clothing and this is able to be fitted to him very securely).I am very pleased with the usability, helpfulness, and quality. My son tolerates it just fine. It seems costly for neoprene, Velcro, and mesh… but isn’t everything expensive now?

My grandson is 3 and he is autistic. He went to school today and wore his vest and the teacher said it was a game changer. I am so glad we ordered this. Excellent seller! Item is super high quality and arrived so fast.

My son loves his safety vest and we recently had to order a large. We have had the same brand for both small and medium sizes and he loved those as well. The material does not tear easily when washed and fits snug so that your little one feels calm when weights are inserted and worn correctly! I would choose this brand every time!

looks like good build quality but couldn't get our son to wear it.

I wanted to wait till after my son has tried this a few times before reviewing. The first day this arrived before putting on, my 5 year old son thought this resembled a police vest. (My two cousins and one of their partners is a police officer, so he thought this was the coolest before trying it on.) He at first said it felt like a hug, then shortly after he wasn't interested. It took a few days for him to get used to it, but tonight when he wore it, he didn't complain much except for how uncomfortable it was to lean against the weighted bags while sitting down. My son is very hyperactive like his older brother and his father, the weighted vest worked for his brother, so I figured I'd give it a shot. My son is in Pre-K and has been having problems in school with sitting still, staying focused, and anxiety. Tonight, while wearing it he was able to sit still, remain calm, and pay attention to his school work for over and hour!!!.I just received this vest and he hasn't had the opportunity to try it for a long period of time, so I will try to update again later, I also ordered a size up so that he will fit this for a while longer. It isn't too baggy, but I can tell he will be able to use it for another year or so. Right now, I'm happy with this purchase, and I hope it continues to stay that way. :-) my only complaint is that the weighted bags bulge out in their loose pockets making it uncomfortable to lean against.

My youngest likely has ADHD or some sort of other sensory processing issue according to a child psychologist, his pediatrician and an OT. We will seek diagnosis when he is a little older. He cannot sit still, he is impulsive and will bite and scratch others at school. While he relates to others and makes eye contact, he is so hyperactive and impulsive that it negatively impacts his quality of life. It’s easy to day “well, he’s 2!” but when you are a mom and especially if you’ve had other kiddos, when you know something is wrong you just know. When my son wears his vest, there is an immediate difference in his ability to slow down and focus. He can play with toys and enjoy them. It’s a remarkable, almost shocking change. He can sit still and enjoy singing songs and eating a meal without throwing things and melting down. We have a vest for home and preschool and couldn’t do without them. These will only work when he’s going, the OT tells us, and we will likely be looking at meds when he’s older. And that’s just fine with me. This vest is washable, durable, and life changing. If you are reading this review and on the fence, buy it!