The Best Weighted Blanket for Kids and Toddlers

Weighted blankets started out in the occupational therapist offices way before becoming a typical seller on the market. Weighted blankets have been popularly recommended for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other health conditions for quite some time. 

Not only these weighted blankets cozy and comforting, but they truly provide therapeutic benefits to anxious, hyper, and restless children. We will share our top picks for the best weighted blankets for kids, what to consider when shopping for your child, and some frequently asked questions to help you find one that suits you.

Related: The Best Mattresses for Kids

Best Weighted Blankets for Kids

• Best Overall – Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket 
• Best Sensory Weighted Blanket for Kids – Roore 5 lb Weighted Blanket 
• Best Budget – RelaxBlanket Kids Weighted Blanket
• Best Cooling Weighted Blanket for Kids – Ourea Weighted Blanket

What are Weighted Blankets? 

A weighted blanket is exactly what it sounds like: a blanket with added weight, typically in the form of glass beads. These blankets provide a soft, hugging sensation that many people find comforting and relaxing, especially for those with sensory sensitivities.

Are Weighted Blankets Good for Kids? 

As long as they are used safely, weighted blankets can be great for kids. The important factor is the weight. You never want a weighted blanket to be heavier than 10% of a child’s body weight, and the child must be strong enough to lift the blanket themselves in case it falls over their face in the middle of the night.

With these safety guidelines in mind, weighted blankets can be great for kids. Some kids just enjoy the extra weight and comfort, but weighted blankets can also be therapeutic in many ways. 

Weighted blankets have been shown to help kids with:

• Sleep issues like insomnia or other sleep disorders
• ADHD
• Restlessness
• Hyperactivity
• Racing thoughts or anxiety
• Depression
• Agitation
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
• Autism
• Nightmares and night terrors

Pros and Cons of Weighted Blankets for Children

There are a lot of benefits when it comes to weighted blankets for kids. As noted above, weighted blankets can help soothe issues caused by conditions like ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and autism, plus they help many children get a better night’s sleep. 

However, there are a few drawbacks as well. First, because children grow so quickly, and a weighted blanket is most effective if it is 8-10% of the child’s body weight, you may need to buy your child several weighted blankets over the years. 

Another issue is that some kids with sensory sensitivities actually feel worse with the added pressure of a weighted blanket. Finally, weighted blankets are heavy, so they can be a pain to travel with, but many kids become very reliant on their normal bedtime routine, and if that includes a weighted blanket, they will likely want to bring it with them when traveling.

How to Find the Best Weighted Blanket for Kids

It’s always best to know everything before shopping for kids. Here’s what you should look for in your child’s weighted blanket to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for their age and weight.

Weight

Weighted blankets come in all different sizes. There is a specific weight amount of each person, especially for kids. There are weighted blankets that range in weight from five to 30 pounds. To determine the proper weight amount, you choose a blanket that is 10 percent of your body weight.

Related: How much should a weighted blanket weigh?

Therefore, if your child is 75 pounds, you choose a weighted blanket with a five to seven pound weight amount. This is the standard recommendation for all individuals, but your child may end up wanting something on the lighter side. You don’t know until they try it, but never go higher than 10 percent of their body weight.

Size

Make sure that your child’s weighted blanket is only a little bit bigger than their length and width. If your child is going to use this blanket while sleeping, there are standard bed-size dimensions offered such as twin, twin XL, and full.

Material

There are several materials that can make up a weighted blanket. The most important thing to be sure of when picking out a blanket for your child is that the materials are safe and comfortable on their skin. 

There are plenty of retailers that offer hypoallergenic, non-toxic options. Cotton is the most common surface cover of weighted blankets which offers a soft, breathable feel. You should also look for a machine-washable weighted blanket, because we all know how messy our kids can get sometimes!

FAQs

What is a weighted blanket? 

A weighted blanket is exactly what the term suggests; a blanket that has small beaded weights inside of it. The purpose of this type of blanket is to provide a consistent, soothing pressure to the person laying underneath. The most important thing to consider is the amount of weight for each individual body laying underneath it. 

How do I know my child will like a weighted blanket?

Unfortunately, you don’t know until you try. A weighted blanket has an effect on a child’s sensory process. Some children will love the weighted experience; whereas, others might hate it. It’s been proven that children with autism and ADHD; or children with sensory issues find it comforting and relaxing. There are plenty of children without any type of diagnosis that find benefits from a weighted blanket. 

If my child has no diagnosis, how should I determine if a weighted blanket would be useful to them?

If your child is constantly kicking off blankets and avoids tight interactions like cuddling or hugging, a weighted blanket may not be the best experience for them. However, if your child loves sleeping with lots of blankets and stuffed animals or enjoys playing in tight spaces, then a weight blanket may be monumental to them.

Typically, parents result in the idea of a weighted blanket when their child isn’t sleeping well. If your child has difficulty relaxing or sitting still, a weighted blanket may provide the appropriate amount of pressure to soothe them to a relaxed state.

Moreover, every child is different. Your child may show all the signs of not finding a weighted blanket appealing but they could still end up loving it. If your options are running low, we say it’s worth a shot. 

What age can my child start using a weighted blanket? 

According to the experts, weighted blankets should not be used on infants to children under five years old. In terms of weight, children less than 50 pounds should not use a weighted blanket. Also, if your child likes to chew on things, you should steer away from a weighted blanket. For younger children ranging from five to seven years old, take off the weighted blanket once they are asleep so there’s no chance of them harming themselves.

Summary

Compare the best weighted blankets for kids in our table below:

A weighted blanket may be just the thing your child needs to start relaxing and sleeping well on their own. It’s essential that you factor in the amount of weight within the blanket and your child’s age before purchasing.