How can you tell the difference between weighted blankets just by looking at pictures online?
You can’t.
There’s no substitute for feel and user experience when it comes to finding the best weighted blanket for your child.
The good news is that you can call off your online search.
Using our own experience, and real reviews from our HomeGenerosity readers, we have put together a list of the 6 best weighted blankets for children.
Let’s check them out!
UPDATE: We went back and checked for any new weighted blanket options for 2020 – our current 6 selections still are the best available for children.
6 Best Weighted Blankets for Kids
QUILITY Premium Kids Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover
The QUILITY Premium Kids Weighted Blanket is one of the best selling weighted blankets for children for a reason.
Offered in 7 different sizes and 6 different colors, there is a blanket for every size child.
Even better, the blanket is made entirely of breathable cotton and filled with glass beads that are placed into individual pockets to ensure an even weight spread.
Besides being one of the best selling weighted blanket for kids, it is one of the best selling autism sensory aids for sale online.
Real Review From a HomeGenerosity Reader:
“We’ve tried several weighted blankets for my 9 year old son with autism. The “quility” blanket has been our favorite. It has a lot of weight options and seems to be a higher level of quality than some of the others we found online.”
Check Latest Price On Amazon
![Luna [Cotton Weighted Blankets] Breathable Cooling...](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51a4noXUUvL._SL160_.jpg)
HAZLI 5 lbs Calming Weighted Blanket for Kids
While the HAZLI weighted blanket is designed only for a specific height and weight range, reviewers have found it to be very calming and comfortable.
A significant reason for the blanket’s success is that it is very effective at maintaining an even pressure applied across the body. Parents with children with autism and sensory processing disorder, as well as sleep disorders like sleep apnea, have raved about the blanket’s effectiveness and softness.
The weighted blanket is designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old. Weighing in at 5 lbs, it is best for a child that weighs between 40-60 lbs.
Check Latest Price On AmazonHUGGAROO Children’s Weighted Blanket With Plush Duvet Cover
You may have heard of the Huggaroo weighted blanket before. It made its way around the internet some when it was named Reader’s Digest’s “The Coziest Gift of All Time, under $200.” Its current price is well below $200, but it still makes a great gift for a child with autism.
They weren’t lying. This weighted blanket is seriously soft. Several of our reviewers have even bought the large version (58 x 80 inches) for themselves. It also comes in a standard size of 36 x 48 inches.
This blanket weights 7 lbs, so as to maximize its sensory effects, it is best suited for children between 60-80 lbs. However, parents have been known to steal this blanket just because of how comfortable it is.
Check Latest Price On AmazonHARKLA Weighted Blanket for Kids – Includes Duvet Cover
A plush duvet cover on this weighted blanket instantly vaults it to the top of the “most comfortable” list.
HARKLA also offers this blanket in six weights from 5 lbs to 25 lbs, and comes in five different colors.
What else we like: the duvet cover is removable and 100% machine washable. A great feature for even the messiest of kids.
Check Latest Price On AmazonDENSITYCOMFORT Premium Weighted Kid’s Blanket
A perfect snuggle companion for your child. Reviewers have rated this weighted blanket 4.9 out of 5 stars because of how it helps to calm down their children with autism and ADHD.
This blanket is best for children under 12 years old and comes in two sizes and two weights.
Check Latest Price On AmazonMIBIO Calming Minky Comfort Weighted Blanket for Adults and Kids – Queen Size
The MIBIO blanket comes in a queen size and is the best weighted blanket for sleeping in bed. Perfect for an adult or child with autism.
A unique feature of this blanket is the difference in its two sides. One side – perfect for chilly nights – is minky and acts like a warm hug while the other side – best for summer months – is made of woven bamboo to keep your child cool.
Bonus, if sharing, the weight of the blanket makes it hard to pull away from your partner.
Real Review From a HomeGenerosity Reader:
“My daughter liked her weighted blanket but it wasn’t big enough for sleeping in bed. This blanket is BIG! With it being weighted, it may not be the best for a hot bedroom, but it is comfortable and gets the job done.”
Check Latest Price On AmazonBenefits of Using a Weighted Blanket for Autism
A large portion of children with autism deal with sensory issues, including hyper-sensitivities or hypo-sensitivities to tastes, smells, sights, sounds, and touch.
For several years, therapists, teachers, and medical professionals have been using weighted vests, lap pads, and most recently, weighted blankets to address autism sensory issues.
Reduced Anxiety
Weighted blankets provide a form of touch therapy which simulates being hugged or held.
Studies have shown that such pressure works to release serotonin – boosting mood and reducing anxiety levels.
A weighted blanket can help the body of a child with autism switch from running a sympathetic nervous system to parasympathetic nervous system. The result is a reduction in anxiety and a calmer state of mind, around the house and at school.
Improved Focus
Studies have demonstrated that Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) from objects like weighted blankets can improve the focus of children with autism and children with ADHD. The effect is better focus in the classroom, improved in-seat behavior, increased task completion, and reduced self-stimulatory behaviors.
Better Sleep
The increase in serotonin produced by the use of a weighted blanket can work wonders for your child’s sleep.
Children with autism tend to be lacking in serotonin – a necessity for the production of melatonin that tells the body when to sleep. A weighted blanket can boost serotonin, and thereby, melatonin levels, leading to restful sleep.
Decreased Stress
Even short periods of touch pressure are noted to lead to a calming effect. Working on a physiological level, a weighted blanket can reduce stress and promote a calming-down effect.
Weighted blankets, sometimes referred to as therapy blankets or gravity blankets, have only recently become mainstream after spending years as tools used by therapists only. And according to weighted blankets reviews, these blankets are successfully leading people to a better night’s sleep.
If you’re considering purchasing a weighted blanket, below we answer some of the top Weighted Blanket FAQs for you.
What do weighted blankets do?
Weighted blankets create a calming effect while sleeping. This, in turn, helps to alleviate insomnia and other sleeping disorders, as well as clinically-diagnosed disorders such as autism.
Weighted blankets contain fillers, making them heavier and causing an effect known as deep touch pressure. This effect is similar to that received during squeezing, cuddling, holding, and hugging, all of which initiate a calming effect on the body.
What is the weight of weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets range in weight, anywhere from five pounds to 30 pounds.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
As a principle for all users, weighted blankets need to weigh ten percent of body weight, plus or minus one or two pounds. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, the weight of your blanket should be 14 pounds on average.
Can a weighted blanket be too heavy?
Weighted blanket weight should be as heavy as ten percent of your body weight, plus or minus a few pounds if desired. Anything heavier may be less effective. Instead of easing stress, the heavier weight can increase your stress levels, thus providing a negative impact instead of a positive one.
A blanket that is too heavy can also cause you to become too hot, and you may also experience breathing difficulties.
Can anyone use a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets can be used by anyone with the exception of babies. Since babies are unable to physically support them, weighted blankets are unsafe.
Caution should also be given to using weighted blankets on elderly people, due to their frailer condition.
What are weighted blankets made of?
Weighted blankets consist of several inner pockets filled with beads or discs in order to distribute weight evenly. These fillers may be made out of polypropylene plastic beads, poly pellets, glass, or discs.
The outer parts of a weighted blanket are made much like regular blankets, and most often are made from soft, breathable cotton.
Are weighted blankets hot?
While weighted blankets are heavier than other covers, it doesn’t make them overly hot.
However, if a blanket is too heavy for your body size or the cover fabric is fleece or flannel, you may experience more heat.
What size weighted blanket should I get?
Weighted blankets come in various sizes. You will want to buy one that covers your body or fits the exact size of your bed. If you buy a full-size blanket for a twin-size bed, the weight will sag off onto the floor and may affect the amount of deep touch pressure you experience.
Also, if you sleep with a partner, be sure the weight of the blanket isn’t too heavy for either of you. You may want to consider getting a smaller one just to cover you if necessary.
Those who regularly fall asleep in their chairs, or prefer to carry their blanket with them to other rooms, may want to consider a smaller, lap version.
How can I tell if I have the right weighted blanket for me?
Try out your weighted blanket for a few days. If you experience no discomfort and your sleep improves, you have the right weighted blanket for your particular circumstances.
If you experience any breathing difficulties, feelings of claustrophobia, or restricted movement, you will need to reevaluate the weight of your blanket and if it the right option for you.
Can you wash a weighted blanket?
Washing your weighted blanket is not as simple as with other blankets. If it contains plastic-type fillers, you will need to stay away from washing in hot water to prevent them from melting. Glass fillers, however, can withstand hot water.
The best plan is to follow the washing recommendations that accompany your blanket.
What other ways do I need to care for a weighted blanket?
To care and prolong the life of your weighted blanket, here are a few suggestions:
- To reduce washing, buy a weighted blanket with a removable cover. That way, you can simply wash the cover or replace it entirely.
- To limit wear and tear, fold your blanket and store it away when not using.
- Use your weighted blanket on your bed only and resist carrying it from room to room.
- Air out your blanket occasionally by hanging it outside.
- Check your blanket regularly for tears which allow fillers to leak out.
Weighted blankets can be valuable to those suffering from insomnia, anxiety, as well as many other disorders. Choosing the correct weight and size for your needs will provide you with the most benefits.
A Helpful Blanket
It doesn’t matter whether your child has autism, sensory perception disorder, or ADHD, every child (and adult) can benefit from the use of a weighted blanket.
We are hardwired to respond to touch and being held, and a weighted blanket is the best way to maintain that experience.
Whether watching TV on the couch, or reading in a chair, or sleeping in bed, one of the six best weighted blankets for autism that we have reviewed can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote calmness, and improve sleep.
The general rule of thumb when it comes to weighted blankets is that the blanket should weigh 10% of the user’s body weight. However, like anything else, you should buy what feels best to you and your child.
If you have any questions, or would like to review one of the products we have listed, feel free to e-mail us at [email protected].
Image Credit: Amazon.com