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 5 and 12 years old need 10 to 11 hours of sleep per day. Usually, they only get 9. And yet, a child who sleeps enough at night is more alert and focused during the day, and feels calmer, more balanced, and happier.

A weighted blanket, also called a weighted blanket, is a blanket that, as the name suggests, is weighted. This blanket can be used like a normal duvet that your child sleeps under at night. The difference is that the blanket is heavier 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 exactly 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 received by the nervous system and has a calming effect, which properly stimulates sensory processing in the brain.

There are various studies showing that weighted blankets increase the levels of happiness and sleep hormones (serotonin and melatonin), while the stress hormone (cortisol) is reduced. This is due to the weight and pressure of the blanket. And that’s great, because happiness and sleep hormones help your child relax, fall asleep faster, and sleep more deeply.

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 a better night's rest. In addition, weighted blankets are often used by children with sleep problems, trauma, ADHD, sensory processing issues, high sensitivity, and autism. They will benefit the most.

Children with general sleep problems

Is your child sleeping poorly? Then a weighted blanket can help. Using it helps your child breathe more calmly and sleep more deeply.

Children with ADHD, SPD, and autism spectrum disorders

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

The extra weight of these blankets provides so-called 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 is very difficult to cope with stimuli. Due to overstimulation, children become tired and lose 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 body and mind, helping your child sleep better.

Children with autism

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle with sensory issues. In addition, they often have sleep problems. Due to the Deep Pressure Stimulation of a weighted blanket, the body produces serotonin. Serotonin is an important chemical in the brain related to the feeling of 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 then be too heavy.

Is your child sleeping 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. Meanwhile, ask your child what they think of it. Does it feel good? Then move it further up to the chest.
3. Let your child sleep directly under the blanket, so without another duvet. This way, the calming effect of Deep Pressure Stimulation on the skin is 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 the body.

The weighted blanket is safe when you use the correct 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 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?’