Are Weighted Blankets Suitable For Kids?
Almost every parent is familiar with a series of questions and excuses that children ask for not ready to enter the dream state-such as the need to tell another bedtime story or the last glass of water in the refrigerator.
Enter the weighted blanket, which is a soft blanket filled with beads or poly particles designed to help people relax under their weight.
Dr. Markesha Miller, a licensed psychotherapist, said that weighted blankets are an excellent choice for children who are unable to sleep at night or are transitioning to sleeping alone, and can also help children with autism, ADHD and anxiety disorders.
"One thing we know about children is that they seek comfort and comfort," Miller told Shop TODAY. "When children are scared and you hug them or hug them, they will feel comforted and relaxed. A weighted blanket can provide children with this feeling in a scientific way. Therefore, compare a weighted blanket with a continuous hug."
Miller said that children cuddling in one of these relaxing blankets may be more comfortable and want to stay in bed.
Although adult weighted blankets can weigh up to 25 pounds, children's blankets are usually between 5 and 15 pounds. In order to choose the right size blanket for your child, Miller recommends choosing a blanket that weighs approximately 10% of its weight.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket provides deep contact pressure, which may have a calming effect on some children. Many blankets use beads in quilted pockets to provide even weight distribution.
Weighted blankets may have a calming effect on children, especially when they feel anxious or overreact.
If the child is too hot under the weighted blanket, one can look for a blanket with cool properties and breathable fabrics.
Although not suitable for very young children or babies, a weighted blanket may be a soothing supplement for older children to sleep.
Weighted blankets are touted as a comfortable, calming insomnia fighter that can promote better sleep. Therefore, if your child (or not too young) is struggling in the sleep department, adding a weighted blanket to their bed may help.
The only problem is that weighted blankets for adults are usually too heavy for children, especially young children. So, you need to get a weighted blanket suitable for kids
you understood. Remember, there are always exceptions to every rule. If you feel uncomfortable with a heavier blanket, look for something lighter, and vice versa. However, it may not provide the same benefits.
Health benefits for kids
Occupational therapists may recommend weighting blankets to help treat various diseases, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory overreactions.
According to a very small study in 2017, deep stress can help reduce the stress and anxiety of children with ASD and improve their academic performance.
The study defines deep stress as the feeling of being hugged, squeezed, touched, or held. Weighted blankets may help provide a similar feeling.
Deep stress can also help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A 2014 study found that wearing a vest weighting may help improve attention and behavioral problems in children with ADHD during tasks.
Researchers are studying whether weighted blankets can help children with ASD sleep better. A pilot study of two children with autism and feeling over-responsive looked at the effect of sleep quality weighted blankets.
The study reported improvements in overall sleep quality, including time to fall asleep, frequency of waking up at night, duration of sleep, and behavior when waking up in the morning.
The researchers concluded that they needed larger studies and further evidence to support these findings.
A study of 67 children with ASD found that compared with the control group, the sleep quality of the weighted blanket did not improve significantly. It is safe to use weighted blankets, and the parents and children who participated in the study prefer weighted blankets.
Weighted blankets may be an effective tool to help reduce anxiety, although this study was not specifically aimed at children. Studies have found that there is not enough evidence to recommend them as a treatment for insomnia.
What size weighted blanket is suitable for children？
Your small people definitely need a small model, especially if they are a young child, because a blanket that is too heavy may pose a risk of suffocation. The general rule is to choose a blanket that weighs 10%-4 pounds of your child's weight. For 40 lbs. Child, 8 pounds. For 80 pounds. Children wait.
But this is actually just a broad recommendation, and these products are usually not tested for child safety. Therefore, you should still confirm the problematic product with your child's doctor before letting your child try it.
Are weighted blankets safe for children?
Possibly, as long as your child is healthy and not a baby or toddler, and the blanket is the right size. Some important things to remember before buying:
1.Please consult your pediatrician before buying.
There is no official rule on when children can use weighted blankets, but most studies on weighted blankets and children have been conducted on children over 5 years of age. In addition, some toddlers may be underweight to sleep safely with a weighted blanket. (Infants under the age of 1 should not put any kind of blanket in their crib, period.) Bottom line: get consent from a healthcare professional first. In addition, the doctor may have other suggestions to manage your child's sleep problems.
2.Choose the right size for your child.
A blanket that is too heavy may pose a risk of suffocation. The general rule is to choose a blanket that accounts for 10% of your body weight. So if your little dreamer weighs 50 pounds (lbs.), you will want 5 pounds. blanket.
3.If your child has certain health conditions, please avoid using weighted blankets.
That is, asthma or obstructive sleep apnea, because the weight of the blanket may make it harder for your child to breathe.
*potential risks
It is important to choose a blanket of the right weight and size for each child. Some children may find that heavier blankets can cause claustrophobia, or sleep under the blankets too hot.
Weighted blankets are not suitable for young children and babies, because the beads in the blanket may fall and cause a choking hazard. For young children and babies, especially babies under 1 year old, thick blankets may also be at risk of suffocation.
It is important that the children only cover their bodies with weighted blankets, not their heads.
Caregivers considering the use of weighted blankets for children under school age should discuss safety issues with their pediatrician.
How to choose a child's weighted blanket？
People may need to consider the following points when choosing a weighted blanket for their children:
* Find the texture that your child likes to touch, especially when the child is sensitive to texture
* It is important that a weighted blanket makes the child feel soothed, not too hot or too heavy
* If your child is allergic, please consider looking for hypoallergenic products
* Consider cost, because larger and heavier blankets may be more expensive
* If easy cleaning is an important factor, look for a machine washable blanket
* Consider using products with sustainable, non-toxic fabrics and finishes