Everything you need to know about weighted blankets

Dr. Temple Grandin, an animal behaviour expert with autism, was among the first to note that deep-pressure touch calmed the central nervous systems of both animals and humans with sensory sensitivities. Her research led to the development of the weighted blanket. Filled with poly pellets, weighted discs, or glass beads, weighted blankets are heavier than standard blankets, and they apply pressure across the body to promote relaxation.

“Deep-pressure touch helps promote relaxed feelings via the release of dopamine and serotonin, helping with arousal and regulation,” says occupational therapist, Dina Barnes, from London, Ont.

“I’d suggest them for children who have trouble finding calm or self-regulating, including children with symptoms of anxiety, trauma or attachment disorders, sensory issues, as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses,” says registered therapist Heather Chandler, of Chandler Counselling, in London, Ont.

Four-year-old Dakota, who has skeletal dysplasia, which can cause joint stiffness and pain in his limbs, says he feels “safe” since sleeping with his weighted blanket, because his legs don’t hurt as badly. Four-year-old Aidan, who is on the autism spectrum, began using a weighted blanket to help him transition from his crib to a bed. “Now he loves being covered by it, and stays in bed,” says his mother, Pam. Chandler reports that one of her 6-year-old clients who has ADHD and hates being alone in his room at night told her that his weighted blanket “feels like a hug.”

When Aimée (14), who has PTSD and anxiety, started using one she said, “The weight was a shock at first, but it didn’t take long to get used to it—now I find it’s comfortable and I relax with it.” However, her elder brother, James, who has a joint ASD-ADHD diagnosis and a history of sleep disregulation, borrowed her blanket for a night, but didn’t like how it felt when he tried to toss and turn. “It was claustrophobic,” he says.

It’s a good idea to borrow a blanket for your kid to try before committing to buying one. Barnes says “Some kids don’t like feeling weighed down, and they might prefer using a lap pad or shoulder pad to a blanket.” She also notes that weighted blankets can feel too warm at night. “If that’s the case, I recommend they be switched for a comforter once a child falls asleep,” she says.

Most manufacturers stress that weighted blankets should not be used on infants and toddlers under the age of two. A child should not be too small, young or physically challenged to remove their blanket independently, and supervision is advised, particularly for children under the age of six. “Also the blanket should never cover a child’s face and kids shouldn’t be wrapped tightly in them,” says Barnes.

Adults with any of the above-named conditions may find them calming too. They’re also good for adults who have insomnia, chronic pain conditions or restless leg syndrome. After buying a weighted blanket for her son Kai, who has reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and ADHD, a frequently stressed-out mother Kathryn got one of her own. “Appointments and meltdowns can leave my world spinning, but the blanket lets me sleep; it’s a definite game-changer,” she says. Mother-of-two, Sylvia, has fibromyalgia. “Even on the meds, I experience low-grade pain throughout the night, and it’s sometimes hard to fall and stay asleep,” she says. “But the blanket helps me sleep longer and more peacefully, and that’s crucial for functioning as a parent the next day.”

Some kids like to use them periodically during the day too. Mother of 5-year-old Kai, Kathryn, says, “My son uses his weighted blanket for sleep but also to calm down after tantrums.” Kai says, “It makes my brain calm down and my body less silly.” Skylar, an anxious 10-year-old, says that when she’s overwhelmed with school stress, she likes to sit wrapped in her blanket for a while. “It can make me feel less worried about things like tests.”

Best of all, a child can learn to grab their weighted blanket themselves when they’re feeling anxious or out of control. I often spot my son Zach with his weighted blanket draped across his legs, to stop his involuntary shaking, while he’s playing video games. Barnes recommends weighted tools be used during the day as a preventative measure, and not just when a child is upset. “I recommend using them for 20-30 minutes during the day, and then removing them for at least 30 minutes, for maximum effectiveness.”

“It’s important to keep in mind, that although they can help with relaxation and self-regulation, they are a complementary tool and should not replace medication and appropriate medical supervision,” says Barnes. There needs to be more independent scientific research done into the benefits of weighted blankets, so parents should be wary of any company making claims about their use as a “treatment” or “cure” for any medical condition. In my son Zach’s case, the blanket didn’t replace his anxiety medications, but it did bolster their effects—it’s just one of many tools in our kit.

It’s generally recommended that weighted blankets weigh 10% of the user’s body weight, plus one pound. The majority of blankets are filled with poly pellets, but some customers prefer glass beads as they’re more dense, offering the same weight with less bulk. Because glass beads are tiny, breakage isn’t a concern. Whatever the filling, it must be evenly distributed for continual pressure. When it comes to the covering; children with sensory sensitivities might prefer softer, plush coverings such as bamboo fabric, fleece or minky. Companies such as Hippo Hug and Nancy Sews offer customized fabrics, which all kids love.

Since juice stains are nearly inevitable, if a kid will be using the weighted blanket to do things like watch TV or take a quiet moment to regroup, be sure your blanket is washable. (You may need to go the laundromat for blankets over 13 lbs.) Weights can be removed for washing on some blankets, like those sold through Nick’s World, which also means weights can be added as your child grows.

Ready-made and customized blanket are available online through many companies. Here are some of our favourites:

Hush, founded in 2018 is a Canadian company, and one of the leading manufacturers of weighted blankets

Gravid blankets are made with a soft microplush covering and the less bulky micro glass beads and starting at 15lb, they are a great option for older kids, teens and adults over 140lb, needing a heavier weight. Co-founder Omar Shahban, a certified kinesiologist, says he makes blankets for the masses, so overstimulated people can disconnect and relax.  “My teen daughter and I bargain with one another to get custody of this blanket in the evenings,” says Lisa. “It’s so comforting.” Orders are shipped from Toronto with free next-day service.

SensaCalm blankets have a quilted look and pillowy feel, as they contain polyfill. They are both machine-washable and –dryable. These weighted blankets can be custom-made from a wide variety of fabrics or bought from existing stock. The US-based company also makes Peaceful Pals (3-lb or 5-lb weighted animal stuffies), lap pads, shoulder pads, weighted vests and duvet covers.

Magic Weighted Blankets ships across North America. They carry fabrics such as chenille, minky, fleece, cotton and waterproof and weights suitable for users between 30 and 200lb. Prices range from $79 to $269. (Note: in Canada, products bought from US companies are subject to taxes and duty, often paid upon delivery.)

If you want to go DIY, you’ll find instructional videos and posts on YouTube and special needs blogs or Etsy. Beads can be ordered online in bulk or purchased in smaller amounts from Michael’s Craft Store.

And remember: Many loved ones of special needs families want to help but don’t know how they can be of service. You could be surprised at how enthusiastic a resourceful person with a sewing machine could be to take on this craft project. Jo Van, and Ont. based grandmother whose three grandchildren have Aspergers, works tirelessly making blankets for kids who need them. “After seeing the positive effects on my grandkids, I realized I can make this world a little better for other families,” she says.

Read more:
How to be friends with a child who has autism
Kids with strict bedtime rules sleep best: Study