Weighted blankets are a miracle for those suffering from sleep problems. They soothe anxiety, apply therapeutic deep touch pressure and help produce happiness and sleep hormones in the body.

Weighted blankets come in many weight classes, so you need to select the one that will suit you and won’t be too heavy. A weighted blanket is filled with glass beads that make it heavier than normal blankets. Weighted blankets weigh around 7-30 lbs because of the beads filled in them and the multiple layers of fabric they’re made with.

What is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is exactly what it sounds like: a blanket that has added weight. The weight typically comes from extra fabric and heavy beads made of glass, ceramic, and other materials. The idea behind a weighted blanket is to create pressure stimulation that activates the relaxation department in the nervous system and encourages the release of stress-relieving neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

Basically, weighted blankets are like long, warm hugs. Most weighted blankets for adults are about the size of a comforter, but for children, they tend to be smaller. These blankets need to be big enough to cover your whole body to provide the deep pressure sensation all over, but you don’t want them to be so big that they become a safety hazard.

Who is a Weighted Blanket Good for? 

Weighted blankets are good for a wide variety of people. Some people dealing with stress in their daily lives find that a weighted blanket helps them fall asleep and stay asleep at night, although others have mentioned that the extra weight feels suffocating, so personal preference definitely plays a role.

The most promising use for weighted blankets has actually been for children and adults with health conditions that affect the senses, such as anxiety, restless leg syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorder and more. According to Dr. Anne Zachry, a pediatric occupational therapist, weighted blankets are great for regulating a “disorganized nervous system,” which is the case for most people with the health issues described above.

How Much Weight is Right for Me?

When choosing a weighted blanket the general rule of thumb is: Choose a weighted blanket that is about 10-12% of your body weight.

Body Weight	Blanket Weight
>100 lbs	5-12 lbs
100-120 lbs	10-15 lbs
120-140 lbs	12-17 lbs
140-160 lbs	14-19 lbs
160-180 lbs	16-22 lbs
180-200 lbs	18-24 lbs
200-220 lbs	20-26 lbs
220-240+ lbs	22-29 lbs

But you can go beyond the general rule and choose a weight based on your preferences, or your doctor’s recommendations. Many people find that going for 1-2 pounds extra really hits the sweet spot for them. When the weight is just right, it gives a therapeutic touch and it feels as if the blanket is hugging them.

If a friend or family member has a weighted blanket, it is recommended that you borrow theirs for a night to try and see what would be the right weight for you.

What if I Fall Between Two Weight Classes?

Suppose if your body weight is 135 lbs and you need a 13.5 lb blanket, you will have to choose between a 12 lb blanket or a 15 lb blanket.

As a general rule, one should choose the lighter weight. But you can make a more informed decision based on your frame and body strength.

If you are small and frail, go for the lighter weight class as extra weight can be suffocating and troublesome. If you have a bigger frame and an athletic or strong body, choose the heavier weight class as the extra pressure will be soothing and therapeutic.

Does My Height Matter?

Your height determines the size of the weighted blanket you will choose, once you have narrowed down the weight. A person looking for a 15 lbs blanket can get one in the following different sizes:

• 48” x 72”
• 60” x 80”
• 86” x 92”

Now if the person is six-feet tall, getting a 48” x 72” twin size blanket will leave their feet hanging out. They will have to choose the 60” x 80” blanket. And if someone is really tall, say 6’8”, they may have to choose even larger.

How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be for Children? 

When buying a weighted blanket for a child, it’s important to get the right weight for their current size. Unlike clothes, which can be bought up a few sizes so they grow into them, weighted blankets need to be the right weight for the child’s size right now, not in a few months.

The general rule of thumb for kids is very similar to the rule for adults: weighted blankets should be 10% of the child’s weight, plus one pound. So a 40-pound child would need a 5-pound blanket.

Babies

Babies under one year of age should never use a weighted blanket, no matter what. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been linked to blankets or plush items being in the crib while the baby sleeps, and a weighted blanket is no exception. 

According to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, research shows that weighted blankets are definitely not safe for babies. If you’re having a hard time getting your infant to sleep, there are other, more effective and less dangerous, methods to try.

Toddlers

For toddlers 1-3 years old, you should consult your pediatrician before using a weighted blanket. If the pediatrician believes it could be beneficial, it is safe to use a weighted blanket for a toddler using the 10% plus one pound rule.

After a child turns 3, it is generally safe for them to use a weighted blanket without a pediatrician’s recommendation. Just be sure to follow the weight recommendations.

How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be for Seniors?

Generally, seniors should follow the same weight requirements as younger adults: 10-12% of their body weight. However, if the senior is frail, has weakened muscles or is a fall-risk, then a lower weight is recommended. Some occupational therapists recommend the lighted blanket available, while others recommend trying 6-8% of the senior’s body weight if safety is an issue.

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Best Weighted Blankets in Each Weight Category

• Best 10 lbs Weighted Blanket – YnM Weighted Blanket 2.0 Cool Heavy
• Best 12 lbs Weighted Blanket – Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket
• Best 15 lbs Weighted Blanket – ZonLi Adults Weighted Blanket
• Best 20 lbs Weighted Blanket – LUNA Weighted Blanket

Summary

The best weight weighted blanket for you should be around 10-12% of your body weight. Of course, these guidelines are not strict and it all comes down to your personal preference. You may find that a light or heavier blanket than this range is ideal for you.

As a reminder, here are our top picks for the best weighted blankets in various weight classes:

• Best 10 lbs Weighted Blanket – YnM Weighted Blanket 2.0 Cool Heavy
• Best 12 lbs Weighted Blanket – Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket
• Best 15 lbs Weighted Blanket – ZonLi Adults Weighted Blanket
• Best 20 lbs Weighted Blanket – LUNA Weighted Blanket

If you have any other tips for picking the right weight for a weighted blanket, drop us a comment below!