OT Weighted Blanket Primer:

Is a Weighted Blanket Right for Your Child?

Weighted blankets have become all the rage recently. While it used to be difficult to find one, they are now found on Walmart, Target, and even some larger pharmacy chain aisles. Besides becoming abundantly available, the price has dropped dramatically, making them so much more affordable for most family budgets. The question remains however, “Is a weighted blanket right for your child?” Read on for more information!

Effects of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets are typically filled with poly pellets, glass beads and sand. These fillers may or may not be mixed with Polyfill or fluffy cotton. The addition of heavier materials give weight to the blanket and are intended to create, through deep touch pressure and deep pressure stimulation, a feeling of comfort, security, calmness, relaxation, and safety. Children, and adults who do enjoy them, often find their sleep or naps to be more relaxing, less stressful, and comfortable.

Variety of Weighted Blankets

There are many different varieties of weighted blankets on the market, including those made for those who want a cooler sleep, a certain theme or color, a more textured feel to their blanket, or extra softness.

Weighted blankets come in a variety of sizes and weights as well, and can be used as a wrap, lap blanket, travel blanket, and even in school, besides just at bedtime. Take the time to look around at what’s out there and then compare it to what your child seeks out or seeks to avoid.

Who Could Benefit from Use of a Weighted Blanket

If your child may have sensory processing issues, autism, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral or emotional concerns, restlessness, or even specific medical problems that may benefit from the use of a weighted blanket. Some points to consider before purchasing a weighted blanket follow:

Signals that your child may respond well to use of a weighted blanket:

1. They love sleeping or laying under piles of blankets or heavy comforters

2. They may like snuggling close to you, even partially under you

3. They enjoy crawling into tight spaces or behind furniture

4. They have difficulty relaxing and sitting still for any length of time

5. They like wearing heavy sweatshirts and sweaters, or bundling up

6. They seem to want to touch and feel materials and people constantly

Signals that your child may not respond quickly to a weighted blanket:

1. They are tactile defensive

2. They are very sensitive to touch, feeling different textures, or extra sensitive to clothing seams and tags

3. They do not like sleeping or napping under blankets

4. They do not seem to want to hug, or snuggle, and limit any touch or contact with others

What Weight Blanket is the Right One for Your Child

Most weighted blankets are between five-thirty pounds. The weight you want to buy is specific for the child (or adult) you are going to be using it for. Generally, you want a blanket that weighs 10% of the user’s weight (+/- a pound or two).

So for an 80-pound child, for example, you would look for a 10-pound weighted blanket. For a 40-pound child, you would want to find a 5-pound blanket (+/- a pound).

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.

Small Weighted Blanket

Child Weight Blanket Weight

20-pound child 3lbs

30-pound child 4lbs

40-pound child 5lbs

50-pound child 6lbs

60-pound child 7lbs

70-pound child 8lbs

Medium Weighted Blanket

Child Weight Blanket Weight

30-pound child 5lbs

40-pound child 6lbs

50-pound child 7lbs

60-pound child 8lbs

70-pound child 9lbs

80-pound child 10lbs

90-pound child 11lbs

100-pound child 12lbs

110-pound child 13lbs

120-pound child 14lbs

130-pound child 15lbs

Age Guidelines for Use of Weight Blanket

Weighted blankets are NOT recommended for children under the age of two. Weighted blankets also pose a safety risk for babies, toddlers, and other children with developmental disorders or delays – speak to your physician, OT, service provider before using a weighted blanket for these children.

Sizes of Weighted Blankets

Children who are between 6-12, in general, would be using the medium sized weighted blankets which are usually 38” x 62”.  The blanket should be sized to the child, not the bed. If the blanket is too large, it will hang over the sides of the bed, with the weight pulling it towards the floor. The blanket needs to be wholly on top of the bed for the most effective and safe use.

Ways to Use the Weighted Blanket

o   It is very important to never force a child to use a weighted blanket.  You can demonstrate on yourself and any other family members, but remember if your child has sensory processing deficits, a weighted blanket may actually feel painful to your child, or look scary.

o   When you first present the weighted blanket to your child, let them feel it, look it over, help pull it up slowly from their feet onto them, have them lay on, roll up in it, and lay down under it. Go with how they are handling it and ask them what they think and how they feel about it!

o   You can use the weighted blanket throughout the day if your child could benefit from some calm down time besides at bedtime. You may want to try wrapping the weighted blanket around them while they sit on the couch or floor while reading, doing sit-down tasks such as homework, playing board games, or when traveling.

o   Make the weighted blanket available in a crash area, or calm-down tent, or in a sensory sling.  

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Thank you for your support!