Our favorite ways to use blankets, pillows, and cushions!

By Jessica Jordan, MS, OTR/L

One of my favorite ways to offer proprioceptive input to my daughter or even nieces and nephews is with a blanket, cushions, and pillows I have at home. These can be referred to as pillow squeezes, blanket roll ups, blanket tugs or rides to adults, and to our children…let’s encourage them to make a burrito, taco, or go for a magic carpet ride! Follow the directions below for each guided activity.

Pillow Squeezes 

This type of proprioceptive input provided can be registered in the body as calming. 

1. Have the child lay down on their stomach or back (let them choose).

2. Place pillows along the length of body, being mindful of scratchy/uncomfortable textures touching skin. (a long pillow with the same fabric pattern is a game changer) If you don’t have pillows, couch cushions can also be used. 

3. Provide medium-heavy pressure in varied ways:

   1. Head ->Toe

   2. Toe -> Head

   3. Consistently across full body

4. This can be made into games for younger children:

   1. Making a sandwich, alligator or dinosaur bites or making a taco

   2. Taking turns between siblings or even modeling the game on a toy first

   3. Alternate between lying down on your back or stomach.

Use your own language or body language to encourage calmness. And follow your child’s lead for the length and duration of the activity. 

Blanket Roll Ups

This type of proprioceptive input provided can be registered in the body as calming. 

1. Lay out a blanket, comforter, or yoga mat (softer fabrics may be preferred). 

2. Ask your child to lay down on the blanket/mat with their head above the top of the blanket.

3. Roll up your child like a burrito. This can be done by:

   1. having your child log roll

   2. you rolling your child within the blanket

   3. you tucking the blanket around your child while they stay flat (no rolling needed)

4. You can pretend to put on toppings on the burrito/sushi roll. Have your child move on the ground like a mermaid/shark/dolphin for extra input OR have your child relax inside as long as they need! Follow their cues and lead! 

   1. If adding toppings, remember to use and apply firm consistent deep pressure on top from shoulders to toes and vice versa. 

Blanket Pulls

This provides both proprioceptive and vestibular input. The vestibular input provided can be alerting or calming, please see more information below.

1. Lay out a blanket on a hard floor surface (wood floors work great!)

2. Have your child sit toward the back ⅓ of the blanket.

3. Wrap the blanket around your childs’ hips, lower back. Shoulders, arms, and legs (note: child can sit on the blanket and hold on with both hands as well). 

4. Grasp the extra blanket fabric towards their feet and begin to pull them along the floor

   1. Move in a slow linear path for calming input

   2. Move faster in a linear path for altering input

   3. Be mindful of turns and do those slowly with ease to avoid injury.

5.  Enjoy the magic carpet ride! Giggles and smiles are often included in this activity!

**Children can take turns pulling siblings or stuffed animals for added proprioceptive input! Children can also lay on their belly while being pulled. **

Check out our YouTube page to see some of these activities done in action! Let us know how it went with your child below.