Are weighted blankets safe for children?

We only recommend weighted blankets for children aged 4 years and older. There are certain risks to using a weighted blanket on younger children, so we don't recommend them for babies and young toddlers.

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket for children?

There are a handful of great benefits that have been scientifically linked to Deep Touch Pressure (DTP). They're the same benefits you get from a long hug or a baby gets from a swaddle. When children rest, nap, or sleep under a weighted blanket, they're reaping all of these benefits that naturally help to soothe, relax, and calm them.

The weight from the blanket helps to increase all of our body's natural hormones, like serotonin and melatonin, while decreasing cortisol, which is responsible for those feelings of stress and anxiety.

I'm not sure if this will help. Will it be good for my child?

If you have a wild one or a difficult sleeper, you should definitely try a weighted blanket for them (and yourself!). If you find your child liked sleeping in a sleep sack as a toddler, enjoys cozying up in small spaces, has a hard time sitting still (even after wearing them out!), or is described as a "wild child", a weighted blanket might be the perfect solution.

Which weight is right for my child?

While we recommend around 10% for adults, we've found that children can benefit from a weighted blanket that's around 10-20% of their bodyweight. As always, we recommend talking to your pediatrician first and making sure to properly adjust your child to the weighted blanket before leaving them alone with it. We only recommend our weighted blankets for children who are 4 years of age or older.

What age can my child start using a weighted blanket?

We only recommend that children ages 4 and up use our weighted blankets. Why? Toddlers aren't strong enough to move comfortably under a heavy blanket. This can be a risk if the blanket covers their face and they can't remove it. Weighted Blankets are simply too heavy for younger children to use.

Although all of our blankets are breathable, the added weight can prove to be too hot for a young child, leaving them at the risk of overheating. The negative far outweigh the positives when it comes to younger children and weighted blanket.

SIDS is by far the most important reason why we do not recommend our weighted blankets for children younger than 4. If you're looking for some help to get your younger ones to snooze all night long, we'd recommend looking into sleep sacks and swaddlers designed specifically for younger children, and we always recommend talking to a pediatrician for the best advice.

When's a good time for my child to use their blanket?

Whenever they need extra calming - during nap time, during night time, while doing homework or after school, while reading, etc. There's no bad time - well, maybe when going to the bathroom!

Is it easy for my child to adapt to the added weight?

Yes, and the process isn't much different for children than it is for adults. We recommend using the weighted blanket during the day at first for shorter periods of time.

Try putting it on their lap during a story and asking them how it feels. If it feels comfortable for them, you can try using it during nap. Always start with draping the blanket over only half of their body first (up to their legs), and slowly make your way up to their shoulders when they feel comfortable.