41% of respondents in a survey by The Sleep Doctor said they had used a weighted blanket in the past year. The popularity of weighted blankets has surged recently, with many people using them to help with sleep, anxiety and other conditions.
Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for most adults and older children, but there are some things to consider before letting your child use one. Here, we'll answer the question of how old does a child need to be to use a weighted blanket, and give you some guidance on what to look for when choosing one.
Are weighted blankets safe for children?
It is not recommended to use weighted blankets for children under the age of two years old. For children over two, it depends on a number of factors, so caution is advised.
Before giving your child a weighted blanket, consider the following:
Size and weight of child
The general rule for weighted blanket use is that the blanket should weigh approximately 10% of the user's bodyweight. This is to ensure the blanket isn't too heavy for the user to move around freely or remove themselves if needed.
For young children, this isn't always straightforward because they grow quickly and their weight changes significantly. Make sure you regularly reassess whether the blanket is still appropriate as your child gets bigger.
Conditions that may affect safe use
Some conditions may make the use of a weighted blanket unsafe or inadvisable for children. These include:
- Respiratory conditions or breathing problems (the added weight could restrict breathing or make it harder to breathe in certain positions)
- Circulatory problems (the pressure could cause issues for children with poor circulation)
- Asthma
- Claustrophobia (the sensation of being weighed down could trigger an attack)
- Skin conditions or sensory sensitivities to certain materials
If your child has any of these conditions, please consult a healthcare professional before using a weighted blanket.
Ability to remove the blanket
It's important that the child can remove the blanket themselves. This is to prevent them from overheating or feeling trapped. Always ensure your child can lift the blanket off themselves before leaving them alone with it.
Benefits of weighted blankets for children
When used safely, weighted blankets can offer several benefits for children:
Improving sleep
Many children struggle to get enough quality sleep. Weighted blankets may help by promoting a sense of calm through deep pressure stimulation – a technique used in occupational therapy. The sensation can trigger the release of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that aid sleep.
Reducing anxiety
Children can experience anxiety just as adults can, and a weighted blanket may help to manage these feelings. The pressure from the blanket can create a calming effect, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Helping with sensory processing disorder (SPD)
For children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), the world can be a very overwhelming place. The consistent pressure of a weighted blanket can help to calm an overloaded nervous system, making it easier for children with SPD to focus and sleep.
Helping with autism
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from deep pressure stimulation, as it can help to reduce sensory overload and promote a sense of calm. A weighted blanket can be a useful tool for managing some of the sensory-related challenges that can come with autism.
Helping with ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make it difficult for children to focus and sit still. Weighted blankets may be helpful for managing some of these symptoms by providing a calming and grounding sensation.
How to choose a weighted blanket for children
When choosing a weighted blanket for your child, there are several things to consider:
- Weight: The blanket should weigh approximately 10% of your child's bodyweight. So, for a child who weighs 30kg, the blanket should weigh approximately 3kg.
- Size: The blanket should be the right size for your child's bed, but it's also important that it's not so big that it hangs over the edges and could pose a risk of entanglement.
- Material: Look for a blanket made from breathable, hypoallergenic materials that are gentle on the skin. It should also be machine washable for easy cleaning.
- Filling: Glass beads are generally considered the best filling for weighted blankets as they distribute weight evenly and don't retain heat. Avoid blankets filled with plastic pellets, sand or rice as these can be noisy or uncomfortable.
Our recommendation
At Snuggy, we've created a range of weighted blankets that are suitable for both adults and children. Our weighted blankets are made from soft, breathable materials and filled with high-quality glass beads for even weight distribution.
