Soothing sleep for every kid.
Hailed as a tool to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve sleep, weighted blankets have skyrocketed in popularity over the years. Although research is limited, early studies and feedback from parents and caregivers suggest that kids, in particular, may benefit from the grounding sensation these hefty quilts provide. If your little one has sensory needs, trouble settling in bed, or you'd simply like to teach them mindfulness, a weighted blanket might be the ticket.
We spoke with the experts to better understand the benefits and potential drawbacks and how to pick the best weighted blankets for kids.
Benefits of weighted blankets for kids.
Whether for children or adults, weighted blankets are designed with a similar intention, to mimic the feel of a soothing hug by using deep pressure stimulation, or deep pressure therapy (DPT). One recent study1 suggests weighted blankets may be helpful for encouraging sleep and relaxation, especially among children with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
While these blankets have only recently started to be studied for their benefits and impact, there is a ton of anecdotal evidence from parents, psychologists, and educators confirming that weighted blankets make a big difference in the day-to-day lives of children—especially (but not limited to) those who have ADHD or ASD, or who are highly sensitive.
Benefits include:
Teaching self-care: According to therapist Lily Thrope, LCSW, the comfort children experience from a weighted blanket can be helpful in developing their own coping strategies. "It is similar to an adult mindfulness practice—when the child chooses to utilize the weighted blanket, they are consciously choosing to care for themselves, which is a valuable lesson to teach them at a young age. Self-care routines [early on] can lead to a stronger sense of confidence and allow them to set better boundaries in adulthood."
Reduced feelings of anxiety: "Many times, children with anxiety, ADHD, and autism have sensory needs that are unmet throughout the day," explains psychologist Anjali Ferguson, Ph.D. "Some of these kids can experience a sense of calm with deep pressure, which may stimulate the release of serotonin to calm the nervous system. This calmness can allow better focus, more regulation, and improved mood."
Improved sleep: "Given the deep pressure effects, these blankets can calm the nervous system and stimulate relaxation to promote sleep," says Ferguson. In one small study from 20212, parents of children with ADHD reported a significant improvement in their child's sleep routine after implementing a weighted blanket. If your child runs hot, you might want to consider a cooling weighted blanket specifically.
Things to consider when picking a weighted blanket for kids.
Both Thrope and Ferguson recommend speaking with a medical professional before making a purchase, to confirm that it's safe for your child to use. Weighted blankets are not recommended for children under 50 lbs., and most manufacturers recommend waiting until your child is 3 or 4 years old before trying one out. These blankets should never be used on infants.
Thrope says that in addition to picking a safe weight for your little one, the best type of weighted blanket for a child is one that they enjoy. "Try to find a blanket the child will identify with positively, such as their favorite color or in the shape of an animal they love. If the weighted blanket feels like a favorite object, the child is more likely to turn to it when things feel challenging and learn to lean into taking care of themselves when they have big emotions."
How we picked:
Quality
We prioritized blankets that are high quality and durable, paying close attention to any sustainability certifications. This is a tough category in terms of eco-friendliness, but our "best organic" pick delivers.
Variety
Whether your priority is keeping your hot sleeper cool or your sensory kiddo engaged, we found the best weighted blankets to fit these different needs.
Reviews
We read countless reviews and included blankets that are well loved by parents, caregivers, and of course the kiddos that use them.
Price
Weighted blankets can be expensive, but we made sure to include a range of price points without sacrificing quality.
What size weighted blankets do kids need?
When it comes to measuring a weighted blanket, the general recommendation for both children and adults is to pick a weight that's 10% of your body weight. For little ones, it's extra important that they can lift the blanket off themselves without your help—so, depending on your child, you may consider going slightly lighter than 10%.
You'll likely find most kid-sized weighted blankets in 5- or 10-pound weights. However, there are some in-between weights available, too, or lower weights for lap pads. Here's a weighted blanket size guide so you can begin to gauge the appropriate weight for your child:
Children 50 to 60 pounds: Blanket 5 to 6 pounds
Children 60 to 80 pounds: Blanket 6 to 8 pounds
Children 80 to 100 pounds: Blanket 8 to 10 pounds
Children 100 to 120 pounds: Blanket 10 to 12 pounds
FAQ
Can weighted blankets benefit kids with anxiety?
Can weighted blankets benefit kids with autism?
Who shouldn't use a weighted blanket?
The takeaway.
Early research and significant anecdotal evidence suggest that weighted blankets can help your child fall asleep easier, feel less anxious, and maintain a positive mood. If you're interested in introducing a weighted blanket to your child's routine, Ferguson and Thrope agree that it's smart to ask your pediatrician for guidance—and Ferguson emphasizes that it's important to remember that every child is different. "As with many things in childhood and development, you may have to try a few to find the right fit for your child. Remember each child has individual needs that may be different from the next," she says. If reading this has made you want a weighted blanket for yourself, check out our full list of the best weighted blankets for every budget and preferenc
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