Help Your Child Sleep Better With the Best Weighted Blanket for Kids

Finding a Weighted Blanket for Kids: A Buyer’s Guide

How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket for Kids

Weight

As a whole, the weight of your children determines the weight of their weighted blanket. Here is what you need to do to calculate the weight: first, calculate your child’s weight and multiply it by 10%, then add 1 or 2 pounds to get the weight of the blanket. For example, a 5-pound blanket is ideal for children weighing 30 to 40 pounds.

Additionally, there are weighted blankets available for older children between the ages of 11 and 16 that are heavier than 5 pounds. That being said, some people want their blankets to be lighter or heavier depending on their preferences.

Size

A weighted blanket’s size is also determined by your kid’s height. Choose a size that will entirely cover your child’s body up to their feet, as well as the size of their bed frame. This will make them comfier while sleeping and ensure the weighted blanket fits the bed precisely. Don’t buy a large weighted blanket that will hang on the edge of your child’s bed because it may tumble over.

Filling and fabric

Pick a type of fabric that your youngster will like. Soft material like fleece or Minky is used to make a lot of weighted blankets, but using an organic cotton blanket while sleeping can help your child stay cooler. Although the majority of blankets are filled with either micro-glass beads or poly pellets, other fillings can be utilized to add weight.

• Poly pellets

One of the most frequent fillers for weighted blankets is poly pellets. These small, round beads, which resemble very small pebbles, are known as “plastic poly pellets”. Made of 100% polypropylene, these plastic pellets have been rated as a class five plastic by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Due to the lack of a thick adequate outer shell, they may be more evident when moving and feeling — so, if your child has skin or aural sensitivity, this may not be the optimal choice. Similarly, plastic pellets are not a viable solution for environmentally conscious individuals.

• Micro glass beads

These tiny glass beads are by far the most popular fill. You need less of them to obtain the same weights as poly beads because they are heavier than other fillers and resemble huge grains of sand. 

In addition to being entirely hypoallergenic, glass microbeads are a more environmentally friendly option than poly pellets. They’re the ideal option for anyone with any aural, sensory, or bodily sensitivity as well because they will feel much smoother within your blanket.

• Steel beads

Tiny steel beads slide well against one another and are smooth. This means they work nicely for thinner shell materials and are a little bigger than glass beads. Although these beads are smooth and do not leak readily due to their larger size, some people find they can also be bumpy and noisy.

• Fine grains

You can also use millet, rice, or other fine grains as a filler, but you must take care to keep them dry, or they will absorb moisture and decay. Overall, they offer weight distribution and gentle, homogeneous movement, and they’re incredibly efficient. But, as the blanket ages or has to be washed, the drawbacks of utilizing food as fillings become clear — grains aren’t a lasting substance and ultimately will decay.

Machine-washable

What else should you take into account while purchasing a weighted blanket? You should also examine whether or not the fabric is machine-washable, as you will eventually need to clean the blanket. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning their weighted blanket to avoid damaging it.

Cover material 

The weighted blanket’s cover material is crucial because it is the component your kid will feel on their skin. Think about whether your kid would prefer a soft or sleek blanket and whether they need it to be more breathable or retain heat. The color or pattern of a weighted blanket might also be a draw for younger kids.

Breathability

Since weighted blankets are so heavy, if the blanket isn’t sufficiently breathable, sleepers can quickly become overheated. Many weighted blankets feature components and patterns that promote ventilation rather than heat retention, resulting in a cooler night’s sleep.

Types of Weighted Blankets for Kids

Box-type or pocketed

This type of weighted blanket has a series of square-shaped pockets in which the weights, such as glass beads, rice, or poly pellets, are held. In a weighted blanket, it’s like having a series of boxes that may be filled with different materials. Pocketed weighted blankets are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures.

Injected weighted blankets

We call this kind an injected or channel-compartment weighted blanket because the weights are spread throughout the blanket. This blanket contains a channel compartment that distributes the weight evenly to ensure that your child is getting the same amount of weight all over their body as they sleep. It’s also a lot softer because the fillings aren’t allowed to move as much in this style of a weighted blanket.

Wearable weighted blankets

Wearable weighted blankets that double as vests are a great option for kids who need all-day comfort. This way, you can put them to sleep if they get agitated or nervous. Also, you can dress your children in a way that’s both functional and stylish by utilizing a variety of colors, patterns, and designs.

Fully sewn weighted blankets

Another option is to get a weighted blanket that is completely stitched together and doesn’t have a removable cover. It makes the entire blanket machine washable, which is ideal for children who have problems falling asleep.

DIY weighted blankets

A DIY weighted blanket is an ideal option for those who can sew their own blankets. To make one, a sewing machine, scissors, threads, a tape measure, and pins are all the tools you’ll need. The cover can be made of chenille, cotton, fleece, or any other material.

Its fillings might range from plastic pellets to glass beads to poly-fill. Decide which type you prefer. Rice grains or dry beans can be substituted for micro glass beads or poly pellets if you’re looking for a less expensive option. All you have to do is weigh and measure your children to figure out how much filler to use and how big the weighted blanket should be.

Chenille weighted blankets

Chenille-based weighted blankets are another popular variation on this product. The primary reason for this is that chenille is particularly cuddly — and, since anything soft and fluffy can be calming, this brings comfort to any troubled sleeper. Simply put, a weighted chenille blanket can help your children sleep more soundly.

Cotton weighted blankets

You may also purchase weighted cotton blankets if cotton is your preferred fabric for clothing or bedding. This kind of weighted blanket is constructed entirely of cotton, providing the user with a cool and pleasant sleeping experience.

Even in a cold room, the fabric will not become hot and will help dissipate your child’s body heat while they sleep. Both children and adults with sensory problems can benefit from breathable, cotton-weighted blankets.

Fleece weighted blankets

The fabric known as fleece resembles the woolen coat of a sheep. Today’s technology allows for the synthetic creation of fleece from polyester, but fleece can also be produced by manufacturers using recycled plastic, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly.

Fleece weighted blankets help keep your children warm and comfortable as they sleep. Additionally, this material is quite sturdy, so your kids can use it every day for a very long time. In addition, weighted fleece blankets may be used as therapy for children with sensory processing issues or autism.

Tips for Using Kids’ Weighted Blankets

Even if there are many benefits to using weighted blankets for kids, there are a few safety tips to consider:

• It should be possible for children to remove the blankets themselves. If you’re going to let your child sleep with a weighted blanket, ensure they can take it off alone. Also, the blanket must not even come close to covering their heads and necks.
• Do not use these blankets on newborns. If your child is under 2 years of age, do not use a weighted blanket on them. They may not be able to move it on their own, which could put them at risk of injury. Even if your child is older than 2 years, keep in mind their overall height and weight.
• Get the consent of your child. Weighted blankets should only be used with the consent of your child. Before committing to using it, they should try on the blanket. Since it can help with their sensory processing difficulties or anxiety disorders, you don’t want your child to be afraid of it.
• Do not allow your child to use an adult-sized weighted blanket unless necessary. Adults can use larger weighted blankets, but if you use one, make sure your child cannot get it. The weight of an adult blanket can put your child at risk if they are too small for it.
• Never use it as a form of restriction. While toddlers can be excessively energetic, using a weighted blanket to confine them is never a good idea because it is unsafe.