Harkla Weighted 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 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!

Give your little ones a comforting hug with the Harkla Weighted Vest for Kids. Designed for ages 2 to 4, this neoprene compression vest features an adjustable 2lb weight to provide soothing pressure. Breathable and washable, it ensures a cozy fit that adapts to your child’s needs, making it a great choice for enhancing their comfort and focus. Works great when we go to the grocery store!

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

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!

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.

I purchased this for my four year old son, after it being suggested by our OT. The product fit and function were great for him, although the smell of gear oil on the product was very strong. I thought I would just hang up the item for a few days and it would be fine. 3 weeks later the product still smells like gear oil. I grew up working in a printing press, and I know gear oil when I smell it. Further exemplifying the problem, I noticed that two of my jackets that were hung up near the vest now smelled of gear oil and I can no longer wear them. I am not finicky with strong smells, I hang out with acetones, oil stains, thinners, epoxies and all kinds of harsh woodworking products. The smell from this vest is noxious and unyielding.It's 2025. Organic textiles and inert metal platings (for the weights) exist.When was the last time you bought a jacket or a pair of jeans that you had to worry about gear oil exposure to your skin? I just wont risk that for my kids, especially for a $70 product.Please do not put these things on your kid if they smell as I described. I got a headache from wearing a jacket that was barely in contact with the vest.If you are here, it means you prioritize your kids health, so maybe just buy a different product instead of taking the risk with this product.Hard pass for me.

My grandson is 5 he has autism the vest works great it helps him calm down the weight is Perfect for him it is well worth the price