Are you wondering whether it’s safe for your child to use a weighted blanket?

While weighted blankets seem to be all the rage, you want to be sure it’s the right choice for your child.

This post takes a look at the pros and cons of weighted blankets for kids but should not be construed as medical advice.

What Is A Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets are a type of blanket that is extra heavy. They come in a range of different weights which make them suitable for both adults and children. The weight comes from plastic pellets or glass beads placed within the blanket.

Weighted blankets are used for therapeutic purposes and can help people feel calmer by providing stimulation of deep tissues within the body.

The pressure from a weighted blanket can help to simulate the feeling of being hugged or swaddled which can reduce anxiety and in some cases improve sleep.

Weighted blankets are especially useful for those with ADHD and autism.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe For Kids?

Weighted blankets are safe for older children (4+) but are not safe for toddlers or babies.

Babies and toddlers may find weighted blankets too warm and they may have difficulty removing the blanket if they become too hot.

Weighted blankets can also pose a suffocation risk for young children and babies.

While you can purchase weighted baby sleep sacks, this does not mean they are safe and they are not recommended by the Lullaby Trust.

Weighted blankets should only be used for children of four years and older.

As a general rule of thumb, to be safe, the blanket weight should not exceed 10% of the child’s body weight.

This means a weighted blanket that is safe for an adult, might not be safe for a child.

Always buy a weighted blanket specifically for your child to use and ensure it has an appropriate weight-to-size ratio.

Before allowing your child to sleep under a weighted blanket, ensure they are able to remove the blanket themselves.

The child’s head and neck should not be covered by the blanket.

If your child has any underlying health issues, you may want to check with a medical professional before purchasing a weighted blanket.

Tips To Help Keep Your Kids Safe

Tips for Helping Children Sleep Better

What Are The Benefits Of A Weighted Blanket For Kids?

While research overall on this subject shows results to be inconclusive, there are some studies that show signifcant benefits for children who are old enough to use a weighted blanket.

• Promote calmness and relaxation whether that’s during the day or at bedtime.
• Weighted blankets can help children fall asleep more easily, especially those who are restless or prone to anxiety at bedtime and can also help some children sleep for longer periods.
• Non-invasive and non-medical.
• Reduces stress and help with self-regulation.

Children with autism and ADHD often find weighted blankets more beneficial than neurotypical children.

Occasionally, some children may take a little while to get used to using a weighted blanket.

In this instance, it might help to start using it for short periods so they can gradually become acclimatised.

While weighted blankets are a helpful aid for promoting calmness and sleep, it is important to maintain a good bedtime routine which includes time for winding down, reading and a bath.

You’ll also want to ensure your child’s bedroom is set up for good sleep with blackout curtains and an appropriate temperature.

Many parents also choose to limit screen time for an hour before bed.

While weighted blankets are beneficial for many children, not all children will find they alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety as each child is different and what works for some, might not work for others.

5 Top Tips For Helping Children Sleep Better

How Do I Wash My Child’s Weighted Blanket?

From tummy upsets to sticky fingers, if your child is regularly using a weighted blanket, you might find it ends up needing washing sooner rather than later.

Most weighted blankets will come with their own set of washing instructions.

Some will have a removable cover that can be washed, whereas others might only be suitable for spot cleaning with warm soapy water before being hung up to dry.

If your child has come to rely on a weighted blanket for good sleep, you might want to consider purchasing a second or spare blanket for when the first is being cleaned.