A weighted blanket for your child? This is what you need to know

Sleep is one of the most important factors in a child's development. According to experts, children between the ages of 5 and 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep per day. Usually, they only get about 9. And while a child who sleeps enough at night is more alert and focused during the day, they also feel calmer, more balanced, and happier.

A weighted blanket, also known as a weighted blanket, is a blanket that, as the name suggests, is weighted. This blanket can be used like a normal duvet, under which your child sleeps at night. The difference is that the blanket has a heavier weight than what your child is used to.

This weight provides the benefits. The weighted blanket can help with various sleep problems.

Now that you know what a weighted blanket is, we can explain how it works. The weight of a weighted blanket provides subtle pressure on your child's body. This science is called Deep Pressure Stimulation.

Due to the constant subtle pressure on the body, similar to the feeling of a firm hug, the child feels secure and safe. The deep pressure is processed by the nervous system and has a calming effect, thereby properly stimulating sensory processing in the brain.

There are various studies that show that weighted blankets increase the levels of happiness and sleep hormones (serotonin and melatonin), while decreasing the stress hormone (cortisol). This is due to the weight and pressure of the blanket. And that is nice, because happiness and sleep hormones help your child relax, fall asleep faster, and sleep deeper.

The weighted blanket is suitable for all children who have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping in general. A weighted blanket can be used by any child to achieve better sleep. Additionally, the weighted blanket is widely used by children with sleep problems, traumas, ADHD, sensory processing issues, or high sensitivity and autism. They will benefit the most from it.

Children with general sleep problems

Does your child sleep poorly? Then a weighted blanket can help. By using it, your child breathes more calmly and sleeps deeper.

Children with ADHD, SPD, and autism spectrum disorders

Weighted blankets for children are a tool that occupational therapists often use and recommend for children with ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), and autism spectrum disorders to help them calm down.

The extra weight of these blankets provides what is known as proprioceptive input to the brain, which has a calming effect on their nervous system.

Children with sensory processing issues and high sensitivity

Children with sensory processing issues and highly sensitive children also benefit from using a weighted blanket. Especially after a busy day, it can be very difficult to cope with stimuli. Due to overstimulation, children become tired and lose their concentration.

Good sleep helps children process these stimuli. Deep Pressure Stimulation encourages children to sleep better. This form of therapy has a calming effect on both body and mind, allowing your child to sleep better.

Children with autism

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with sensory issues. Additionally, they often have sleep problems. The Deep Pressure Stimulation of a weighted blanket helps the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is an important chemical in the brain when it comes to feeling calm and having a stable mood. Children with autism often have low serotonin levels.

How old should my child be to use a weighted blanket?

Our lightest blanket is suitable for children from 18 kg. For babies and toddlers, we advise against using a weighted blanket, as the blanket would be too heavy.

Is your child going to sleep under a weighted blanket for the first time? Then follow these steps:

1. Before your child sleeps with a weighted blanket for the first time, try it out together during the day. On the couch or during a nap, for example. This way, you can gauge your child's reaction well.
2. If that feels good, try the blanket in the evening. Slowly pull the blanket up from the feet. In the meantime, ask what your child thinks of it. Does it feel good? Then move it further up to the chest.
3. Let your child sleep directly under the blanket, without any other duvet. This way, the calming effect of Deep Pressure Stimulation on the skin is the greatest.
4. Never force your child to lie under a weighted blanket. You can only encourage them to use one by showing how a weighted blanket works.

Does your child need extra rest during the day? Then you can wrap him or her in the blanket. Let him or her sit comfortably on the couch with the blanket around their body.

The weighted blanket is safe when you use the right weight. Additionally, your child must be strong enough to remove the weight of the blanket themselves.

You can wash a weighted blanket in the washing machine. Unfortunately, not every washing machine is suitable for the weight of the blankets. If this is the case, you can choose a nice weighted blanket cover. This one doesn't weigh much and can be washed in the machine without any problem. Additionally, a cover dries faster than the blanket. Want to know more about the washing process of a weighted blanket? Read our article ‘How do I wash a weighted blanket?’