You might be wondering what weighted blankets for kids are. Weighted blankets are regarded as therapeutic blankets and they weigh between 5 to 30 pounds.
These blankets work by exerting pressure (from the excess weight) which mimics a therapy called deep pressure stimulation.
In this therapeutic technique, hands-on pressure is used to relax the nervous system in order to improve mood, lessen anxiety, and even relieve pain.
With weighted blankets, deep pressure stimulation doesn’t have to be hands-on because they give the same pressure by wrapping the blanket around the body.
There are 2 types of weighted blankets, they are Knitted style and Duvet style. In Duvet style weighted blankets, plastics, glass beads, ball bearings, or other heavy things are used to add weight to the blanket.
In the Knitted style, dense yarn is woven together to give it a heavyweight. Your kid can use a weighted blanket anywhere he/she likes to relax.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets For Kids
There are many benefits of weighted blankets, some of them are:
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Provides security and comfort
Weighted blankets work in the same way as tight swaddles for kids. This helps children feel snug and cozy. Kids and even adults find out that the blankets help them sleep quickly and deeply by promoting a sense of security.
Improves the quality of your child’s sleep
Deep pressure stimulation boosts the production of serotonin, a hormone that boosts mood. It also reduces cortisol – the stress hormone and increases the levels of melatonin – the sleep hormone.
All these help your child sleep better and improve their sleep quality.
Soothes anxiety and relieves stress
The symptoms of stress and anxiety interfere with sleep, but a weighted blanket helps kids with this condition sleep better.
Calms the nervous system
An overactive nervous system makes it difficult for kids to fall asleep by causing anxiety, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, and even shortness of breath.
Weighted blankets for kids calm the nervous system and activate the relaxing parasympathetic nervous system by distributing an equal amount of weight and pressure across your child’s body.
All these prepare your child for sleep.
Kids Who Will Benefits From Using Weighted Blankets
Kids with autism spectrum disorders
Weighted blankets help kids with autism sleep well by activating the sense of touch. Your child will focus on the deep pressure of the blanket instead of other sensory stimuli in the surrounding.
This pressure provides comfort and allows children to relax even in over-stimulating situations. Weighted blankets are the best options for children with autism.
Kids with anxiety and depression
These conditions affect sleep negatively. And lack of sleep, in turn, aggravates the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Weighted blankets for kids will help stop this vicious cycle.
ADHD
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) will benefit from weighted blankets as it helps them reduce hyperactive moments and improve attention.
It reduces the frequency of falling off tasks, fidgeting, and leaving their seats. Weighted blankets for kids also relieve sleeplessness caused by ADHD.
Sleep Disorders
Children suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders get relief by using weighted blankets for kids. They reduce sleep onset time and the frequency of waking up in the night.
Chronic pain
We all know that one of the common home remedies for chronic pain is massage therapy.
Studies have shown that starting massage with light pressure, and increasing gradually to moderate pressure, and then to deep pressure during massage therapy will reduce pain reflexes in people with chronic pain.
The extra weight of these blankets can help children going through chronic pain by keeping their legs in place and reducing the feelings of pain.
Kids undergoing some medical procedures
Weighted blankets for kids are helpful during some medical procedures like tooth extraction. This study showed that weighted blankets reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents during a molar extraction.
The use of weighted blankets during these medical procedures reduced anxiety.
Weighted Blanket Guides For Kids
Weighted blankets for kids are safe but it is not advisable to use these blankets on kids less than 2 years of age because of the risk of choking.
You have to make sure your kid is strong enough to lift the blanket off themselves when they wake up in the morning. Kids with the following medical conditions should not use weighted blankets:
- Chronic circulatory issues
- Chronic respiratory problems
- Asthma
- Low blood pressure
- Type II diabetes
- Claustrophobia
The weight of these blankets may restrict the flow of air and worsen these conditions.
Before you buy a weighted blanket for your child, you have to make sure it suits him/her. It is advisable to get one that is equivalent to about 10% of their body weight, plus 1 to 2 pounds.
So, if you have a 30-pound toddler, you should get a weighted blanket of 3 to 5 pounds. For a 110 pound teenager, you need an 11 to 13-pound weighted blanket.
You know your child better, you can decide to go slightly higher or a little lighter.
They sell weighted blankets in weights ranging from 5 pounds to 30 pounds and they also come in standard bed sizes like twin, full, queen, and king.
Child or travel-size weighted blankets for kids are also available. So choose the one that you know is right for your kids, paying more attention to the weight.
Also, note that weighted blankets are more expensive than regular blankets. The more expensive it is, the more durable the weighted blanket. It may even come with other features like breathability.
Even though weighted blankets are safe for kids older than 2 years old, there are very few risks you should be aware of so that you can protect your child better.
As we’ve said above, don’t use weighted blankets for kids younger than 2 years old, they might suffocate under. Also, you should always consult a pediatrician before using weighted blankets for kids.
Criteria for Choosing The Best Weighted Blankets For Kids
When buying a weighted blanket for your child, there are some things you have to consider, we also put these factors into consideration before creating this list.
Pocket size
Go for weighted blankets with smaller pocket sizes because they last more. Cheaper blankets have larger pockets because it needs less stitching.
However, these larger pockets make the beads or fillings shift more thereby leading to less pressure and uneven distribution of weights on the child.
Fabric feel and quality
Low-quality fabrics won’t give your child a sense of comfort but a softer and high-quality blanket will. The quality of the fabric is measured in grams per square meter (GSM).
A weighted blanket for kids with a high GSM count will give a velvety feel.
Looks
Buy a weighted blanket that looks good on the couch or bed.
Stitching
Look for weighted blankets that reinforce their stitching if not the beads will leak out of the pockets.
Return policy
High-quality blankets should have return policies and better warranties.
Size and color options
If you are buying weighted blankets for kids, you should go for colors and sizes that are kid-friendly.
Washing
Some blankets can be hand-washed only and hanged to dry, and this can cause inconvenience to some people. Some weighted blankets are machine-washable, and a lot of people prefer this.
Other types of weighted blankets for kids come in 2 pieces, one is the main blanket and the second piece is the cover. The cover is easily removed and washed separately from the main blanket.
So choose the one that suits you best.
Filling and bead materials
Plastic beads don’t weigh much, so you may have to add more weight to the blanket and this can result in a bigger blanket. Glass beads on the other hand are heavier, non-toxic, smaller, and make less noise when your child moves.
So we advise you to go for weighted blankets with glass beads because, even though plastic beads are cheaper, they have a few disadvantages.
Plastics contain propylene, this chemical contains little amount of fire retardants and other toxins that are unhealthy for children. It can even worsen the symptoms of allergies in kids who have it.
Plastic beads are loud and can wake up your child when they move. This is a great concern for children suffering from sensory disorders.
Other types of fillings for weighted blankets you can consider are:
- Steel shot: This option is less common than glass or plastics but they are durable, smooth, don’t collect dirt nor accumulate allergens – however, they are noisy. Another good thing with this filler is that they are larger thereby reducing their risks of leaking through the stitching.
- Micro glass beads: This is our favorite filler, they are more expensive but they are quiet, hypoallergenic, and environment-friendly.
- Knit blankets: We also love this completely different way of adding weight to blankets.
Knitting makes the blanket larger instead of adding pellets to the pockets in the blankets.
Knit-weighted blankets for kids eliminate the problem of the beads shifting and making noise.
A lot of people prefer the look and feel of knit weighted blankets but they are more expensive.
- Smaller pockets and added filler: A lot of companies sew smaller pockets to reduce the amount of shifting that occurs when using weighted blankets.
When the beads inside the sewn pockets shift to one side, you can have uneven pressure or too much pressure in one area and no pressure in another area.
So, it’s advisable you go for weighted blankets with smaller pockets or brands that add fillers to their pockets to stop this shifting.
Best Weighted Blanket For Kids
1. Harkla kids weighted blanket
This is our favorite weighted blanket for kids and tops our list for a lot of reasons. First and foremost, it is affordable, removable, and has a super-soft removable duvet cover.
This removable duvet cover is a good feature because toddler blankets need regular washing. And it is stitched all over to keep the weighted beads evenly distributed.
This company has amazing customer care support service and you can get this blanket in low weights as little as 5 pounds. And it is safe and suitable for kids above 2 years.
2. YnM kids weighted blanket
If you are looking for the best budget-friendly weighted blanket for kids, then choose this brand.
One thing we love about this product is that it has more than 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon. It is the lowest-priced weighted blanket for kids on our list but that doesn’t affect the quality in any way.
YnM kids weighted blankets are available in weights ranging from 5 to 30 pounds and they even come in a variety of fun prints.
You can buy a duvet cover in soft minky fabric or cotton to increase your child’s preferences and even increase washability. This weighted blanket for kids has multiple compartment designs.
They help to keep the glass beads evenly distributed for a soothing weight.
3. Bearaby nappling
Does your kid love stylish blankets? Then go for this, it is the most stylish weighted blanket on our list. And it is a great choice for parents who are looking for organic and cozy weighted blankets.
This beautiful blanket looks like an artisan-knitted afghan than a kind of therapeutic tool.
If you or your child wants the benefits of a weighted blanket but with a look of a stylish throw, then this is our great choice for you. One amazing feature about this brand is that the weight comes purely from the weight of the cotton instead of other fillers like beads.
Parents who are concerned over breakage or uneven distribution of the beads over time find the Bearaby nappling a great choice.
It is important we tell you that this blanket isn’t warm enough to be used as the only bed covering during summer due to the open-weave knit design.
And it is only available in 8-pound weight although the adult option has heavier weights. So this 8-pound weighted blanket might be too heavy for your smallest kid.
4. Mosiac coolmax weighted blanket
If your kid is older, then go for this, it is the best-weighted blanket for older kids on our list.
One disadvantage of weighted blankets is that they can be too warm for sleepers that run hot. As children get older, they find their weighted blankets too warm.
This brand offers a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that is similar to athletic wear.
Mosaic weighted blanket for kids is available in many sizes and can provide your older child the soothing benefits of a weighted blanket while keeping them comfortable and cold.
This weighted blanket is good for kids and teens suffering from ADHD.
5. Magic weighted blanket minky dot
This is the softest weighted blanket for kids on our list. This super-soft minky dot blanket has a sleek design that makes it easy to wash. It is also durable over time and this is a big advantage if it will stand up to kid-level use.
Even though it is a bit more expensive than other weighted blankets on our list, it holds up well to daily use and even washing. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors kids will love.
6. Abilitations fleece weighted blanket
This brand makes products just for children with special needs and it is also a popular choice for schools, therapy centers, and rehabilitation centers.
This company also sells un-weighted blankets. You buy the weights (they are sold separately) and custom-fill them.
7. Weighted idea kids weighted blanket
This amazing weighted blanket for kids comes in a variety of colors, textures, sizes, patterns, and even weights starting as low as 5 pounds.
It is made with 100% cotton thereby promoting breathability while your child is sleeping. Weighted idea is hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals.
It is recommended you purchase a duvet cover to protect it since this weighted blanket has to be spot cleaned and line dried to maintain its quality.
8. Tranquility kids weighted blanket and cover
Is your child at least 10 years old and weighs around 90 pounds? Then get this amazing 9 pound weighted blanket for him/her.
It comes with a super-soft cover that is machine-washable, and it can also be tossed into the dryer. Glass beads fill this weighted blanket and this helps in distributing the weight evenly to ensure that your child sleeps safely and comfortably.
9. Sivio kids weighted blanket
This product is for big kids who weigh between 30 to 100 pounds. It is safe for them and comes in several weight options.
Sivio kids weighted blanket can be washed in a washing machine and it comes in a variety of colors, including a quilted design that evenly distributes the weight of the glass bead filling.
This weighted blanket has loops on each corner so that you can easily attach a duvet cover without worrying about the blanket moving out of place.
10. Layla weighted blanket
This brand has a reversible model constructed with a two-sided cover. One side has 300 thread count cotton for a smooth and cool feel while the other side is made with plush minky materials.
The versatile design of this product promotes warmth and insulation during colder times of the year and the weighted blanket doesn’t feel excessively hot when the sun is out.
Layla weighted blanket is filled with micro glass beads that are padded with polyester batting. This helps give extra cushioning to the body.
The batting also adds extra insulation and ensures the blanket doesn’t make any noise when the beads shift within their baffles. This blanket is best suited for teenagers because the least weight is 15 pounds.
The entire weighted blanket can be easily washed and dried in a machine thereby making cleaning easy and convenient. Another amazing thing about this brand is that it has durable hexagonal stitching that keeps the blankets and glass beads intact after multiple times of laundry.
It has a 5-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial with a full refund if you don’t like it.
Weighted Blankets For Sensory Kids
Long before weighted blankets became popular for adults with anxiety and insomnia, weighted blankets were mainly used in a therapeutic setting for children.
It was and still is used for children suffering from sensory processing disorder, sleep problems, problems with self-regulation, and autism spectrum disorder.
Below are some of the best weighted blankets for kids with the above-mentioned conditions.
1. Southpaw weighted blanket
This weighted blanket for kids has an amazing design and other interesting features that earned it the top spot on our list for sensory kids.
It is specifically designed for kids with a sensory processing disorder and it comes in 3 and 4-pound sizes for little kids.
Also, it has beads that can shift around instead of being silky or fluffy. It also has layers of non-toxic steel shots between firm sheets of fabrics. This gives it an even and very smooth texture and promotes an even weight distribution.
If your child is disturbed by uneven weight or shifting, or the textures of certain blankets disturb them, then we advise you get this soothing blanket.
Occupational therapists highly recommend this brand for kids with autism and it is used in school settings and many therapies. It is available in 3 pounds weight and thereby suitable for the youngest user.
2. Mosaic light aqua weighted blanket
This weighted blanket for kids is available in a range of weights from 5 to 20 pounds. It is a great choice for older kids who need a heavier blanket but not fleece or flannel because they will be too hot.
It keeps children relatively cool at night while helping them to sleep well.
3. Gravity kids’ blanket
This is a good option for grown-up kids with sensory problems. It weighs 10 pounds and has a machine-washable duvet cover for easy cleaning.
Gravity kids’ blanket also comes with 3 pounds weighted stuffed dog toy for kids to cuddle with.
4. Luna kids’ weighted blanket
This wonderful product has over 6,700 five-star reviews on Amazon. This is a tried and true option for parents who have tried other weighted blankets and are not satisfied.
It comes in a variety of weights ranging from 5 to 25 pounds. It has kid-friendly patterns including colorful dinosaur prints. And it is the best cooling blanket on our list.
Luna kids weighted blankets offer breathability even on hot nights. It is filled with fabrics and non-toxic glass beads to give it weight and also to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed.
This blanket is machine-washable and hypoallergenic.
5. Therapedic 6-lb. kids’ weighted blanket with Elephant plush toy in Gray
This is a great choice for younger kids because it just weighs 6 pounds. Then it comes with a 2-pound matching stuffed elephant for kids to cuddle and have more snuggly comfort.
You can find the pink version on Amazon and it comes with a stuffed unicorn.
6. Sommerfly sleep tight weighted blanket
This brand is co-founded by a practicing occupational therapist. It has varieties of weights from 5 pounds to 25 pounds.
The pellet weights are equally distributed all through the night. This ensures your child sleeps calmly and deeply.
7. Sleep therapy weighted blankets for kids
This product is specifically made for preschoolers who are at least 3 years old and weigh 35 pounds or more. The sleep therapy weighted blanket that weighs 4.5 pounds will help them sleep calmly.
It comes in two colors, pink and grey and it is filled with glass beads that are distributed evenly throughout the blanket’s quilted pattern.
The outer is covered in fleece fabrics and micro mink to provide extra softness.
What we love best about this product is that you can toss the whole blanket into the washer and dryer without it getting damaged.
8. Casper sleep weighted blanket
This is one of the best weighted blankets for teens who weigh between 100 and 200 pounds.
It comes in 3 different cover color options and they are all made with breathable cotton. This helps to prevent overheating and the covers are easy to remove for quick washing and drying.
9. Sweet zzz organic weighted blanket
This blanket is a rare option because most weighted blankets are made using synthetic materials but it is made from organic materials.
The cover is made from a blend of organic cotton and rayon from bamboo. This makes this weighted blanket breathable and it has glass beads for added temperature neutrality.
Due to this, this weighted blanket is suitable for people who live or sleep in warmer climates. However, the cover is cozy enough for cold weather.
The cover has an amazing design, one side is silky-smooth while the other side has a fleecy texture. Sweet zzz organic blanket has different weights ranging from 7 to 25 pounds.
This product comes with a 50-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty.
10. Buzio weighted blanket
This brand is made with glass beads that are odorless and colorless. It comes in 5, 7, and 10-pound weights. Buzio is made with 100% cotton and has anti-leakage protection that keeps the beads in place and prevents them from leaking out of their pockets.
It is machine-washable on air dry and has a lifetime warranty with a 30-day refund policy.
Conclusion
We hope this post helps you understand the importance of a weighted blanket and how to choose the best one for your child. Remember to consider your child’s weight when purchasing weighted blankets for kids.
