For many people, weighted blankets have become a routine part of good sleep and healthy life. Research shows that weighted blankets benefit people with stress, insomnia, autism and among other problems. Let’s explore what are the benefits of weighted blankets for 2, 3, 4, 6, 10 year olds, as well as how they work.
What are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets are a type of heavy blanket that are used to aid sleep and reduce stress and to manage other common symptoms of mental health problems, autism spectrum disorders, dementia... Normally, weighted blankets weigh between 5 and 30 pounds.
A weighted blanket with the pressure from the extra weight like a therapeutic technique that is called pressure therapy or deep pressure. The first major release, weight blankets were most popularly used as therapeutic tools. Gradually, they have become a mass-market product with many different user objects.
Weighted blankets made of an extra heavy, thick woven fabric or filled with glass beads, rice, bean or poly pellets. There are many sizes and it's so important to select the right weight for your children.
How do weighted blankets work?
When we get deep pressure stimulation, our nervous system relaxes. If used correctly, weight blankets provide satisfaction with deep pressure stimulation. It has been suggested to have a positive effect on stress relief, insomnia, overstimulation, restlessness, The positive features are similar to being hugged or held.
Furthermore, deep pressure stimulation by using weighted blankets may help relieve the perception of pain, improve sleep quality and immune system. Therefore, people get stronger and happier.
Specially, the pressure comes not from another person but from a weighted blanket wrapped around your body. This type of pressure stimulation is similar to weighted vests which often provide deep pressure stimulation to help owners. Many sleepers said that a weighted blanket provides a sense of security, reduces anxiety and leads to a more relaxing sleep experience.
What are the benefits of weighted blankets for kids?
There is still a lot of research to be done, there is some evidence that weighted blankets for kids can reduce insomnia, night terrors, anxiety, restlessness, night-walking and so on.
Historically, weighted blanket for kids with autism, weighted blanket for children with anxiety which are concerned. This product has been used for autistic kids with sensory processing disorders.
On the other hand, parents reported that their neurotypical children get better sleep by using a weighted blanket. A study in 2014 showed that both children and parents preferred to use this item for sleeping.
Like vests or stuffed animals, weighted blankets for 3 year olds, 5 year olds or even 10 year olds, are a great option for bringing for your child a sensory experience that may improve sleep, decrease anxiety, increase focus for a variety of kids.
However, before buying a weighted blanket, you should talk to your child's pediatrician or therapists who can help you determine whether a kid weight blanket could be a helpful tool to improve children’s sleep.
It is important to note that you should use a handy guide from the pediatrician about your child's need to find the right weighted blanket for them.
There are a myriad of suggestions for weight, size, length of use or health problem, but you have to find just the individual to what your kid needs.
Are weighted blankets safe for kids?
To improve your kid's sleep quality, you need to make sure they've been evaluated by their pediatrician or therapist. If you want to use a weighted blanket for a baby, you have to know that most manufacturers or suppliers state that these blankets shouldn't be used for children under 2 year olds. They may still be too small to take themselves from the weighted blankets if needed and may be at risk of suffocation. In addition, small pieces, seams or the filling are choking hazards. Most manufacturers often recommend the blanket for children between the ages of 4 and 14.
To sum up, you need to be careful if using weight blankets for children under 2. These items may be considered safe for children over 2 if you select the correct size of blanket.
How to choose the best weighted blankets for kids?
A weighted blanket for kids often 4 or other age range. Parents also should talk with your kid's doctor before buying a weighted blanket.
Normally, a type of weighted blanket includes ball bearings, glass beads, plastic pellets or other materials in its design. It makes a weighted blanket heavier than common blankets.
Besides age range, when trying a weighted blanket for 2, 4, 6 or 10 year olds, parents go over what to consider about materials, pricing, weight, size, breathability and other details of some of the top models.
1. Material
Most weighted blankets sold are designed with pellets, beads, and other items to achieve the desired weight. Not only cozy and warm during chilly times of the year, these blankets but also quite comfortable during the spring, summer, and fall.
2. Pricing guide
The price of weighted blankets depends on the size and weight of the weighted blankets.
3. Weight of sleeper
The ideal sleeper weight is 80 pounds, but there’s some blankets for kids who are slightly lighter or heavier. Parents can select from a variety of different colors for the blanket, as well as a multi-tone option that incorporates them all.
4. Takeaway
An appropriately sized weighted blanket may be able to help for both the autism spectrum or has a sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or just a hard time falling asleep.
From experience parents who have kids with autism, sleep disorder, weighted blankets isone of these options is a great fit for your kiddo. Here’s to everyone in the family getting better rest!
