Every parent knows how important a good night's sleep is for a child. And you notice immediately when things go wrong: a child who sleeps poorly at night is more tired, grumpier, and less themselves during the day. Poor sleep can mean many things. Sometimes it’s due to ADHD, anxiety, or overstimulation; other times it’s just a busy period when your child can’t relax. Whatever the reason, as a parent you want just one thing: for your child to sleep well again.
More and more parents are discovering that a weighted blanket can help with this. In this article, we calmly explain how such a blanket works for children, which children it is suitable for, from what age it can be used, and what to consider regarding weight and safety. This way, you can make a well-informed decision yourself.
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Sleep is one of the most important building blocks in your child’s development. According to experts, children between 5 and 12 years old need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night. In practice, most get only 9. And that’s a shame, because a child who sleeps enough at night is more alert and focused during the day, and feels calmer and happier. Good sleep affects everything: learning, playing, and simply having a good day.
A weighted blanket, also called a weighted blanket, is a blanket that, as the name suggests, is heavier than a regular duvet. Your child simply sleeps under it at night, but the blanket feels a bit heavier than they are used to. And it’s precisely that weight that creates the effect. More and more parents are choosing a weighted blanket for children because their child noticeably sleeps more calmly under it.
Curious if a weighted blanket suits your child? With our free decision aid, you can find the right size and weight for their situation in just a minute.
Now that you know what a weighted blanket is, we can explain how it works exactly. The weight of the blanket applies a subtle, even pressure on your child’s body. This technique is called Deep Pressure Stimulation. For a child, this pressure feels like a firm hug: secure and safe. The nervous system senses the pressure and calms down, which soothes the brain’s sensory processing.
Several studies show that this pressure stimulates the production of serotonin and melatonin (the happiness and sleep hormones) and lowers the stress hormone cortisol. And that’s great, because these hormones help your child relax, fall asleep faster, and sleep more deeply. Want to know exactly how this works? Read our explanation about how a weighted blanket works.
Basically, any child who has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping in general can benefit from a weighted blanket. Additionally, the blanket is often used by children with ADHD, sensory processing issues, high sensitivity, or autism. These children often experience the most benefit.
Does your child sleep poorly, toss and turn a lot, or stay awake for a long time at night? Then a weighted blanket might help. Many children breathe more calmly under it and sleep more deeply, waking up more rested.
Occupational therapists often use weighted blankets as a tool for children with ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), or autism spectrum disorder. The extra weight provides so-called proprioceptive input to the brain, which calms the nervous system. For a child who gets easily agitated, this can make the difference between restlessness and relaxation.
Children who get overstimulated quickly often benefit from a weighted blanket as well. After a busy day, it’s hard for them to process all the impressions. They get tired and lose concentration. Good sleep helps process these stimuli, and the deep pressure of the blanket makes it easier to relax and fall asleep.
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with sensory stimuli and often sleep poorly as a result. The deep pressure of a weighted blanket stimulates the body to produce serotonin, a substance that plays an important role in feeling calm and maintaining a stable mood. A calmer body means a calmer night for many of these children.
Our lightest child blanket is suitable from about 3 years old, provided your child can remove the blanket independently. We do not recommend weighted blankets for babies and young toddlers because the blanket is simply too heavy. If you’re looking for a light weighted blanket for your toddler aged 3 or older, always choose the lightest version and use the blanket under supervision. Our lightest blanket of 2 kg is suitable for children weighing about 18 kg or more.
Is your child sleeping under a weighted blanket for the first time? It helps to build up slowly. Follow these steps:
Try the blanket together during the day first, for example on the couch or during a nap. This way you can gauge your child’s reaction well.
If that feels good, try the blanket in the evening. Slowly pull it up from the feet and ask your child how it feels. If it’s comfortable, move the blanket further up to the chest.
Let your child sleep directly under the blanket, without another duvet underneath or over it. This way, the calming effect of the deep pressure is greatest.
Never force your child to lie under a weighted blanket. You can only encourage them by discovering together how the blanket feels.
Does your child also need some extra calm during the day? Wrap them in the blanket on the couch, for example while reading or watching TV.
Yes, as long as you choose the right weight and your child is strong enough to remove the blanket themselves. For young children, use the weighted blanket as the only duvet—do not stack it on top of a regular duvet—and supervise during naps. If your child has breathing or heart problems, consult a doctor or therapist before starting. Better to ask once too often than too little.
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Helps your child sleep faster, longer, and deeper
Suitable for children from 3 years old
100 days trial sleep. The same rule of thumb applies to children as to adults: take about 10% of your child’s body weight as a starting point. If your child likes deep pressure, many occupational therapists recommend adding 0.5 to 1 kg. On the collection page, you’ll find a handy weight chart by age and body weight, and in our article about choosing the right weight for a weighted blanket, you can read exactly how the rule of thumb works.
A weighted blanket can go in the washing machine, but not every washing machine is suitable for the weight. A weighted blanket cover is a practical solution: it weighs little, can be washed easily, and dries much faster than the blanket itself. Want to know more? Read our article How do I wash a weighted blanket?
Whether a child sleeps well under a weighted blanket is ultimately personal. Every child is different, and that’s exactly why you should try it out calmly. Unsure about the right choice? Use the decision aid, which gives you advice on size and weight in a minute. And because getting used to it takes time, you can try the blanket at home for 100 nights. If your child doesn’t sleep well under it, just send it back.
Find the weighted blanket that suits you right away.
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Safety first: our bedding carries the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification. This means that every component – from the fabric to the zipper and filling – has been tested for harmful substances and is 100% safe for your health.
Did you know? Products that come into direct contact with the skin, such as bedding, must meet the strictest OEKO-TEX® requirements (product class I).
This way, you not only sleep better but also more peacefully!
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