How to Choose a Weighted Blanket for Kids | Top 3 Benefits

Weighted or gravity blankets were initially common in therapy and psychiatry clinics. However, they are gradually penetrating the mainstream market with more and more people investing in them for the benefits they carry. In this post, you will learn how to choose a weighted blanket for kids and the benefits to reap from these bedroom products.

With these blankets, your child diagnosed with autism or insomnia can enjoy a good night’s sleep which means better sleep for you too.

Some studies have found that weighted items such as vests and blankets are beneficial to both adults and children. For example, weighted blankets for kids are useful as sleep aids or just something a child can hold and find calming.

What are Weighted Blankets and How Do They Work?

Weighted blankets are heavier than regular comforters and throw blankets. They should be 10% of the user’s weight but you can get them a little heavier or lighter as long as you can easily move them off your body.

These blankets are weighed down by glass beads among other types of fillers that promote deep touch pressure which calms the user’s arousal levels by self-regulation.

Deep pressure stimulation increases dopamine and serotonin production by the body leaving you calm and relaxed. Further research also shows that the blanket’s weight and gentle touch on the body stimulate some parts of the limbic system responsible for fear and emotion regulation.

These blankets are suitable for people with sensory processing disorders – they are hypersensitive to touch. Fortunately, weighted blankets can desensitize them. This post focuses on how to pick a good weighted blanket for kids.

Why Invest in a Weighted Blanket for Kids?

Parents, especially those with autistic children and those diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, are increasingly turning to the weighted blanket for kids.

One of the primary reasons why parents invest in these blankets is for their children to enjoy the deep touch pressure (DTP). Here are the additional benefits that you can reap from a weighted blanket for kids:

1. Better sleep and less anxiety

The deep touch pressure from weighted blankets has been proven to reduce anxiety, allowing children to sleep well. For this reason, they are an excellent gift for kids who feel anxious at night, in new places, or in the classroom.

2. Easier transition

Transition, especially in school, is a huge challenge for children with autism. Most of them become overexcited and uncontrollable when moving from one activity or level to another. Fortunately, a weighted blanket for kids provides a smooth transition among children with special needs as desired by parents, teachers, and schools.

3. It’s a calming tool for children with special needs

Children diagnosed with sensory issues are most likely to exhibit sensory overload leading to meltdowns anytime they don’t receive immediate attention. Here are some of these disorders and how a weighted blanket for kids can help:

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects millions of children globally, with some carrying it into adulthood. The condition is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness, inattention, and a combination of all these symptoms in some cases.

Fortunately, the best weighted blanket for kids is designed to self-soothe these kids, thanks to the deep pressure soothing effect from the blanket filling – pellets, glass beads, and more. These blankets have been proven to minimize tantrums and sensory overload effects among ADHD kids.

• Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, is a developmental disorder characterized by nonverbal communication, repetitive behavior, and compromised social skills among others. Not every child on the autism spectrum has a sensory processing disorder but those who can find great help with the best weighted blanket for kids.

With a weighted blanket for kids with autism, the children have more awareness and how to sleep on their own. The deep touch pressure mimics your hug which encourages them to sleep by themselves.

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Children who experience post-traumatic disorder ( PTSD) at a young age are likely to encounter difficulties expressing themselves and communicating with others. The condition can trigger extreme anxiety episodes or manifest as behavioral issues.

Luckily, the deep touch pressure from weighted blankets can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders, leaving the baby calm and relaxed. DTP works by reducing the production of cortisol – the stress hormone – leading to calm and relaxation.

Tips on How to Pick the Best Weighted Blanket for Kids

For a parent with a child with sensory problems, an ordinary blanket is never enough when it comes to quality and peaceful sleep. The weighted blankets for kids are the key to calming down the baby during a meltdown and helping them to sleep better.

But how do you select the right weighted blanket for your baby? A good start is to check out the weighted blanket for kids chart, where you can get information on various products for different conditions and ages. Besides, here are some significant factors that you should consider:

• Fabric

Weighted blankets are made from various fabric types ranging from flannel to soft cotton and satin-cotton among others. The secret is finding what works for your baby. If your baby tends to sleep hot, a breathable fabric such as cotton works better compared to flannel.

• Fillers

Weighted blankets come with a range of filler types such as glass beads, poly-pellets, and steel shot beads. Whatever you choose, ensure that it is eco-friendly and non-toxic for your kid.

• Weight Distribution

A weighted blanket can work effectively when the filler weight is evenly distributed – it is the key to ensuring an even distribution of DTP. Too much weight on one side exerts excessive pressure on the side of the body which compromises the blanket’s efficiency.

The secret to picking a well-balanced weighted blanket is going for one with individually stitched pockets as it retains the fillers. With such blankets, the fillers don’t run to one side or fall off the other as the baby moves while asleep.

• Machine-Washable

Like the ordinary blanket, you will need to clean your baby’s weighted blanket at some point. For efficiency, you should select a machine-washable one – it makes work easier compared to hand-washing.

• Weight

Weight is a critical factor to consider when choosing weighted blankets to ensure user safety and ease of use. These blankets weigh between 5 and 30 pounds and the suitable weight should be 10% of the user’s body weight – you can add a pound or two. However, you can consider up to 20% of the baby’s overall weight as some babies crave more weight.

The guidelines below generally work for most kids:

Child’s Weight	Age	Weighted Blanket
22-35 lbs	3 years	5 pounds
36-45 lbs	4-5 years	8 pounds
46-70 lbs	6-10 years	12 pounds
71-140 lbs	11-15 years	16 pounds
141 and up	16 years and above	25 pounds

Safety Tips to Remember When Using Weighted Blankets for Kids

As your kids enjoy the affordable weighted blankets and the potential benefits, there are a few precautions you should remember:

• The child should be able to remove the blanket by themselves and ensure their head and neck aren’t covered.
• Never use weighted blankets on babies two years and below as they lack the ability and motor skills to move the blanket themselves.
• Please don’t use the blanket on the child without their consent.
• Never use an adult weighted blanket on a baby.
• Never use the blanket as a restraint.

Wrapping Up Weighted Blankets for Kids

Weighted blanket Amazon is the ideal way to find the best-weighted blanket for your baby. The digital marketplace allows unlimited access to affordable weighted blankets in different sizes, designs, and types.

Thanks to DTP, these blankets are the key to ensuring that your baby sleeps faster and better by themselves. If you have been considering investing in an affordable weighted blanket, then weighted blanket Amazon is a one-stop-shop for reliable brands. Alternatively, these blankets are also readily available on other mainstream platforms for easy and unlimited access.