Weighted blankets are blankets that are filled with plastic pellets or glass beads. The beads and pellets add weight to the blanket that provides deep pressure to a child's body that is calming for the child.
Weighted blankets are sold in different sizes and weights, the size and weight of your child's weighted blanket will depend on your child's age and weight. Please always consult with a medical professional about which weighted products would be best for your child.
A weighted blanket should be no more than 10% of the person’s body weight. Some people will prefer heavier, but this is not recommended as it presents a significant safety risk. Please refer to chart for guidance as some children prefer a bit more weight than others – your OT or other service provider can help you determine which weight would work best.
Weighted blankets are usually used when your child is resting but can also be used during other activities such as reading or when your child is watching television too. Weighted blankets can be dangerous, it is important to always consult with your child's professional medical team. Weighted blankets are not for all children and not all children will like them either. There are factors when choosing a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets are a regular blanket but with weight and they provide deep pressure which can have therapeutic effect on children and adults who have sensory processing disorder. (SPD)
Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Children
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Improve sleeping
- Increase focus and attention
- Provides calm and relaxation
- Reduces sensory hypersensitivity
Weighted blankets are available with different fabrics to make them comfortable because for a child with sensory issues they may only be able to tolerate softer fabrics.
Children with sensory processing disorder will often experience anxiety because of the sensory input around them. Weighted blankets can help to reduce their anxiety. The deep pressure will help your child to feel calm.
Children with sensory differences can struggle with regulation and this will often cause them to have sensory meltdowns. The deep pressure provided by weighted blankets can help to regulate them. This can help to prevent meltdowns and improve their regulation.
Weighted blankets can be beneficial for many children & adults
- Sensory processing disorder
- Autism
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disorders
Weighted blankets can help reduce anxiety for children by providing deep pressure, which activates the nervous system. Studies have shown that weighted blankets can effectively decrease anxiety for children.
Many autistic children or children with sensory processing disorder find comfort in weighted blankets because they provide a sense of security. The deep pressure can also help reduce sensory hypersensitivity and overarousal.
Weighted blankets can help improve attention or focus for children who struggle with ADHD. The gentle pressure can be calming and reduce their fidgeting.
The weight and pressure of the blanket is supposed to feel like a calming hug, which can be soothing for children who may struggle with sensory input. The weight and pressure of the blanket can help increase their body awareness and provide your child with sensory proprioceptive input.
Weighted blankets offer so many incredible sensory benefits for children like improved sleep, reduced anxiety, better focus, regulating emotions, providing comfort and increasing body awareness. It is very important to always consult with a healthcare professional or your child's occupational therapist to determine the appropriate weight and size of weighted blanket for your child.
Weighted blankets can be used in a variety of settings, here are a few examples
- Calming down anxiety
- Sensory meltdowns
- During homework
- During times of relaxation
It's important to always consult with your child's doctor or Occupational Therapist before getting your child a weighted blanket especially for children or individuals with different medical conditions.
The weighted blanket has to be the appropriate weight and size for the person who will be using it and should not be used on young children who may not be able to remove it on their own.
