There are few products that prove to be as useful to an adult as they are to a toddler, but we might just have found one. You've probably heard - and seen - plenty of the hype surrounding weighted blankets and their benefits, but what are they? And what benefits do they promise when it comes to your kids?
Studies show that the right weighted blanket offers up a whole host of benefits. Their weight makes the wearer feel comforted and secure. The pressure of a weighted blanket provides similar benefits to deep pressure therapy. They are said to aid the production of melatonin - your sleep hormone - making for a better quality of sleep. They boost your oxytocin and serotonin levels - the hormones connected to happiness and love, there is ongoing research into the ways in which weighted blankets can help to relieve stress and ease symptoms of anxiety too.
A study into children with autism found that using weighted blankets improved their sleep quality.
While the science is promising, there's the basic fact for most sleepers – kids included – lying under a weighted blanket feels good. Before we round up some of our favourite weighted blankets for kids, here are some important things to note.
A weighted blanket should weigh no more than 10% of your child's body weight
One that weighs between 5-10% of your child's body weight is the golden remit to stick within. This is to ensure that your child can lift themselves out of it safely should they need to do so. Most brands suggest that blankets are suitable for children over three years old only, but there are exceptions to this. Always read the buyer's guide if you're unsure.
Benefits of a weighted blanket for toddlers and older kids
• Releases happy hormones and feels like a calming hug.
• Promotes a calming feeling to help soothe little ones’ emotions while transitioning from a crib to a bed.
• Eases bedtime tensions and keeps duvets in place for uninterrupted sleep.
• Helps your little one fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
SHOP: The Best Cosy And Calming Weighted Blankets For Kids
Best weighted blankets for kids 2023
1 of 6Sherpa Toddler-Bed Weighted Blanket
Designed safely for children, give your child the gift of all-night cosy snuggles. This kids weighted blanket is the perfect toddler winter blanket to make chilly nights feel warm and secure. The weighted blanket features two unique weight panels, one smaller and one larger, allowing you to choose the panel that's right for your child. Featuring cloud-like Sherpa, the kids weighted blanket combines snuggly softness and high quality, so you can expect a comfy sleep for your little ones, all night long.
Blanket weight: 1.2kg
Suitable for: Children weighing 12kg and up
Notable features: Hypoallergenic and non-toxic, unique weight placement and machine washable.
2 of 6Mela Weighted Blanket
The Mela weighted blanket is available in 2kg and 3kg, making it the perfect blanket for children of all ages. The inner blanket is weighted with SGS-certified, anti-rustle weighted glass pellets to mould to your child's shape, and the 100% cotton shell is ultra-breathable, allowing for cooling airflow to maintain a just-right temperature. Includes a free, super-soft removable and machine washable cover.
Blanket weight: 2kg or 3kg
Suitable for: Children weighing 20kg and up
Notable features: Weighted with SGS-certified, anti-rustle weighted glass pellets, 100% cotton shell, super-soft removable and machine washable cover.
3 of 6Rest Easy Sleep Better Star Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket from Rest Easy Sleep Better is ultra-soft and plush, designed with a playful star print. The micro-glass beads inside this blanket are hypoallergenic and non-toxic and are surrounded by layers of padded polyester fibre for maximum comfort. Durable stitched pockets ensure an even distribution of beads to ensure consistent pressure and the best calming sensation possible.
Blanket weight: 4kg or 5kg
Suitable for: Children aged three and above
Notable features: Cotton in this blanket has been certified and produced in line with the Better Cotton Initiative, micro-glass beads inside this blanket are hypoallergenic and non-toxic and the blanket can be machine washed on a cold gentle cycle.
4 of 6Embrace Toddler-Bed Weighted Blanket
The embrace toddler-bed weighted blanket for kids uses gentle pressure designed to help your little one fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, making bedtime easier. It features hypoallergenic and non-toxic micro-glass weighted beads, which are safely and securely concealed in three layers of fabric. The unique weight placement throughout the trim, chest and foot panels of the kid's weighted blanket provides gentle pressure, easing bedtime tensions and keeping the blanket in place for uninterrupted sleep.
Blanket weight: 1.2kg
Suitable from: Children weighing 12kg and up
Notable features: Hypoallergenic and non-toxic micro-glass weighted beads, 100% cotton weighted blanket cover, machine washable and dryer safe.
5 of 6Sherpa On-The-Go Weighted Blanket
This warm outdoor baby blanket is safely designed for babies and toddlers and lets your baby feel the security of a calming hug wherever you go. This winter stroller blanket takes the warmth of snuggly soft Sherpa and upgrades it to perfectly fit in your baby's stroller. This way, they can sleep anxiety-free, even when you're far away from home. You can now enjoy crisp winter walks and ensure your baby can safely enjoy a dose of nature.
Blanket weight: 1kg
Suitable for: Babies and toddlers weighing 9kg and up
Notable features: Hypoallergenic and non-toxic micro-glass weighted beads, machine washable and dryer safe.
6 of 6Kids Calming Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket is ideal for restless sleepers, the super silent glass microbeads will ensure that they don't wake up due to excessive noise (some weighted blankets can produce quite a rattle). The cover is velvety plush, soft, and warm - perfect for those kids that need something to snuggle to when they go to bed.
Blanket weight: 2.2kg
Suitable for: Children aged three and above
Notable features: Super silent glass microbeads, velvety plush, soft and warm cover, machine washable.
How to wash a weighted blanket?
In general, weighted blankets should be washed using a cool setting with gentle detergents. However, each blanket may have special care instructions, so be sure to check the label beforehand.
If your blanket is over 10kg, we recommend taking it to a professional dry cleaner to avoid damage to your washing machine.
Can a child use a weighted blanket all night?
Children under a certain age should not be using a weighted blanket during the night due to the risk of suffocation. If you have any questions regarding the potential risks of weighted blankets, please be sure to check with your doctor.
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