If you’re looking for a bit of a luxury feel and a standard of craftsmanship that will stand the test of time, the Kids Weighted Blanket from Gravity Blankets is handmade in Europe from 100% certified cotton and features a weighted filling of fine, evenly distributed glass beads. The blanket comes with a cover that’s designed to be either ‘summer’ or ‘year round’ so you can choose which you prefer, and the fact that this is removable makes it a more practical choice for laundering. Something we especially liked about the Baloo weighted comforter is its 100 per cent cotton exterior and interior and that it’s made with only natural and chemical-free materials. The result is a breathable, super-soft blanket that helps you adapt to changing temperatures for a comfortable night’s sleep. However, it’s important to note that all of our brains have very specific sensory preferences, she adds. “If you choose to try a weighted blanket, be aware that weight may be too intense of a sensory experience for your child, based on their neurological system’s preferences. There are a myriad of recommendations for weight and size and length of use, but it’s truly individual to what each kid needs.” Weighted blankets are typically filled with thousands of tiny glass beads that apply light pressure to the user. This pressure can have a soothing, calming effect on the body, says Nichola Henderson, a holistic life, self-development coach and wellness specialist. The blanket may be machine-washed on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble-dried on low heat. Seven color options are available, including single- and two-tone designs. The blanket is also sold in medium (15-pound) and large (18-pound) sizes intended for adults.

In short: It depends on your child’s weight. The average 8-year-old weighs somewhere around 55 lbs. Of course, each child is different, and there is a wide range of what’s “normal.” For most 8-year-olds who are in the ballpark of 55 lbs., a weighted blanket of 5 to 8 lbs. should be suitable. From the studies that have been done, there is a common theme that weighted blankets may be a useful tool to help with anxiety symptoms,” says Henderson. “There have been various studies in different scenarios, from patients in a psychiatric facility to patients receiving chemotherapy. Results have shown that anxiety levels were reduced by up to 60 per cent with the use of the weighted blanket.” However, experts agree more research is needed. How do I choose the right one/weight for me? This pretty but neutral weighted blanket comes in a calming shade of grey, with white stars and would look as at home in a kids’ bedroom or downstairs on the sofa. It’s made of five layers, which give it a super-soft, comfy feel: a layer of hypoallergenic microbeads, two layers of polyester wadding, a cotton top layer and a 100% microplush bottom layer. The weighted feel and tactile surface gives a feeling of calm and restfulness to help your child relax and sleep more easily. It comes in two weights - 2kg and 3kg - to cater for both younger and older children. This 3.2kg, nine-layer blanket from CosiHome has a removable plush microfleece cover, which makes it a good choice for year-round comfort and a practical option, too as it’s easy to wash. The outer cover is made from 100% breathable cotton, which gives a soft outer layer to the breathable internal padding and non-toxic weighted beads.My son has ADD. We got him one last Christmas and it’s been worth every penny.” GrannySmith86 Our verdict However, they did find that both kids and parents favored the weighted blanket, with parents rating their child’s sleep as better when using a weighted blanket. They also reported that their children were calmer when using a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are only suitable for children of three and up so shouldn’t be used for younger toddlers. For older toddlers and preschoolers look for very lightweight, small blankets that are around a tenth of your child’s body weight. We think the aden + anais weighted blanket, which has a 1.2kg version is a good choice for this age group. Who should not use a weighted blanket?

The blankets are typically filled with tiny glass or plastic beads to provide the pressure. Glass beads are most popular because they're more dense than plastic pellets. Weighted blankets aren’t just for bedtime either – lots of people like to use them to snuggle up on the sofa too. Are weighted blankets OK for children?However, there are other methods to help with soothing to give that fourth trimester comfort that don’t carry any risk for the baby.

Some weighted blankets come with a removable cover for easy washing, but it's important to follow all washing instructions on your own blanket.Henderson recommends practising deep belly breathing when using a weighted blanket, to help activate our “rest and digest” response. “The mind’s focus is then on the sensation of the blanket and the breath, not any thoughts that had been racing beforehand, meaning it can also be used as a mindfulness tool when used in this way,” she explains. What is the science behind weighted blankets? Mosaic produces a wide array of weighted blankets that vary by color and fabric. The Minky Weighted Blanket has the softest design, making it an excellent choice for children who enjoy snuggling with blankets or find plush fabrics soothing.