For many parents, bedtime can be a battle. Kids can be hard to settle, others have problems sleeping through the night, and other kids struggle with both. One thing that most parents agree on is that hugging a child to sleep while you stay in the comfort of their own bed works so well. But it’s hard when you have other kids, partners, and tasks to take care of. How many of us have tried to slip silently out from under a child only to have them wake up and be upset?
As parents, we are always looking for simple-to-use and non-invasive techniques to help our kids sleep better. Weighted blankets seem like the perfect solution. Providing even weight across the user which settles the body, these types of blankets have become mainstream in their popularity.
While the trend is popular, studies are still examining their effectiveness. That said, early reviews are showing a positive impact on children's sleep habits. A 2023 study in Occupational Therapy International found that “weighted blankets improve children's sleep and could be used as an alternative to pharmacological sleep interventions.”
With that in mind, it’s important to know that weighted blankets aren’t appropriate for everyone. Health Canada has indicated that infants and children under the age of two shouldn’t sleep with a blanket at all. Many occupational therapists go further, saying weighted blankets should never be used for babies and children under the age of four, as they could struggle to move the blanket independently, potentially causing suffocation.
In addition, weighted blankets are also not recommended for those with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and for those with circulation issues, as the weight can prevent blood flow when lying still.
So with those things in mind, there are three key things to consider when choosing a weighted blanket: weight, washability and what it’s made of.
Weight
Most occupational therapists recommend buying a blanket that is ten to 15 percent of body weight as a maximum. That said, weight is a personal choice, as the maximum isn’t the same as the ideal weight – your child may need more or less weight to be comfortable.
Washability
Weighted blankets often come with a cover; however we all know that kids have accidents all the time. You can wash most weighted blankets at a laundromat and tumble dry, but we recommend using it over the top of a sheet and under a regular bed blanket to cut down on the need to machine wash. This will also significantly increase the life of the blanket.
What It’s Made Of
There are several things to consider in this category. So, let’s break it down:
The fill. Most weighted blankets are filled with plastic or glass beads, which provide even pressure across the entire blanket. However, if your child has a form of pica where they chew on non-food items, you might look for companies that use disks, rubberized chains, or even heavy scrap fabrics as fill.
The material. Most weighted blankets are made up of layers: the fill, the batting, and the cover. While you can’t see the batting, you should look for blankets that use a tightly woven cotton (preferably double-stitched between the pockets to help keep the filling secure). There is nothing worse than a cheaply made blanket falling apart and leaving little beads everywhere.
The feel. This is very personal, but it will influence whether your child will use the weighted blanket. Some children prefer the cotton cover, while others want a soft shell on top. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find the perfect feel for your child in a store-bought blanket. It is easy to cover the blanket in a twin or double duvet cover so they can get exactly what they want.
Finally, don’t be discouraged if a weighted blanket doesn’t solve your child’s sleep problems overnight. It can take up to a month for it to become part of their nighttime routine.
Nanica is a mother of two adorable, but fearless, turkeys (kids), who think sleep is optional. A crazy cat lady, and wife to one super smart nerd, she is loving every experience Calgary has to offer.
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