Kids also suffer from anxiety much in the same way as adults do. It makes it hard for them to shut off their brains long enough to calm down before they go down for a nap or sleep through the night.
If this sounds like something you have to grapple with every day when trying to get your child to sleep, getting a weighted blanket for kids might be just what the doctor ordered – pun intended.
Several studies have shown promising results on the effects that these special blankets have in creating a sense of calm and comfort to help lull children to sleep, particularly when they are overstimulated.
The most critical factor to consider when choosing a weighted blanket for kids is ensuring that it is the right size and weight. This guide explores how to choose the best ones.
1. Best Weighted Blanket for Kids – #1 Bestseller
The outer layer is made from 100% cotton, making it breathable and plush with non-glue polyester padding layers on the inside. It also has two polyester layers infused with millions of micro glass beads for weight.The Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket is a top choice for many parents. It is designed using high-quality materials and sewn together using advanced technology to produce the best weighted blanket for kids we’ve come across so far. It is extremely comfortable and soft-to-the-touch, providing the comfort and warmth of a gentle hug to lull your child to sleep through the night. This 7-layer weighted blanket comes in a variety of sizes, making it ideal for single, twin, or full-sized beds.PROS
- Available in multiple sizes
- Made from high-quality materials
- Comes with a removable cover
CONS
- May cause overheating
2. Best Weighted Blanket for Children With ADHD
The LUNA Kids Weighted Blanket is designed to do just that. It has received an overwhelmingly large number of positive reviews from parents whose children have the aforementioned conditions.Occupational therapists generally recommend weighted blankets for kids with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and SPD to help calm them. Research has found them to have a somewhat organizing effect on the central nervous system. The outer layer is made from cotton fabric, while the inner layers consist of solid fibers fused in a hypoallergenic, chemical-free, and earth-friendly construct. The inner core has non-toxic glass beads that provide the weight needed to calm your child and promote better sleep.PROS
- Made from non-toxic breathable material
- High-quality sewing at the seams for durability
- Available in multiple colors and designs
CONS
- Weight distribution may not be ideal for some kids
3. Best Weighted Blanket for Kids With Anxiety and Mood Swings
The Weighted Idea Kids Weighted Blanket has proven to be an effective remedy to allow children to sleep longer, deeper, and more soundly through the night. It reduces the number of nighttime awakenings, which means that they wake up feeling fully rested and refreshed.If your child suffers from phobias, anxiety, persistent mood swings, and exhibits poor focus and concentration on tasks, it could be a sign that they aren’t getting the required amount of sleep at night. It is made from 100% premium breathable cotton, which works wonders to prevent excessive perspiration and overheating. The core has non-toxic, hypoallergenic food-grade plastic beads for weight, infused in breathable microfiber layers to prevent leakage.PROS
- Puts children to sleep within minutes
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Promotes deep and restful sleep
CONS
- It may size smaller than what’s indicated. It would be better to get a slightly bigger size if possible
Weighted Blanket for Kids – Guide for Picking the Right Size
It’s important to mention at this point that before you pick a weighted blanket for kids, you need to ensure that you consult with an occupational therapist (OT) first. That way, they can confirm the most appropriate size and weight of blanket you should get based on the age of your child. The general rule of thumb is to get a blanket that’s small enough to cover your child’s body completely, but not too large that they end up getting entangled in it as they toss and turn during slumber. It should be able to properly cover their body from the neck down without having too much left. It should also not hang over the sides of their bed. The fact that it is weighted may cause it to slide off the bed and end up on the floor in the middle of the night. It’s always a good idea to get a size lower than that of their mattress. So, if they have a full 54”x75” bed, for instance, get a twin 39”x75” – sized blanket.Weight Considerations
Keep in mind as well that the weight should not be more than 10 percent of the child's body weight. They should be able to move easily under the heavy blanket and toss it out of the way if they needed to. Suppose your child weighs between 30 – 60 lbs. A 5-pound weighted blanket will suffice. If, on the other hand, they weigh between 61 – 100 lbs. Then a 10-pound blanket is ideal. These figures are not set in stone, though. So, purchasing a blanket that’s a pound or two heavier or lighter does not make a huge difference in the larger scheme of things. Experts, however, don’t recommend getting weighted blankets for infants and toddlers. The risk of suffocation is higher for kids in this age group.Better Sleep Equals Better Health
Weighted blankets for kids offer a sense of calm and comfort, which is necessary to help them fall and stay asleep. This, in turn, leads to improved mood, focus, and concentration. You’ll be surprised at the world of difference a good night’s rest makes. The three weighted products detailed in this guide come highly recommended by several parents and OTs alike.Featured Image Legacy
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