How to Choose the Best Weighted Blanket for a Child With Anxiety

If you're looking for a way to help a child with anxiety feel more relaxed and comfortable, a weighted blanket may be a good option. Weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle, evenly distributed pressure that can help relax the body and mind. Science has shown that weighted blankets can offer benefits for people with anxiety, autism, insomnia, and other conditions. When choosing a weighted blanket for your child, it's important to consider the weight, size, fabric, and fill material. In this blog post, we'll show you how to choose the best weighted blanket for your child with anxiety.

What is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is a type of blanket that is filled with materials such as plastic pellets or glass beads. The weight of the blanket provides gentle pressure on the body, which can have a calming effect. Weighted blankets are often used as therapy for people with conditions such as autism, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia.

How Does a Weighted Blanket Help With Anxiety?

The pressure from the weighted blanket is thought to stimulate the release of serotonin, a hormone that plays a role in regulating mood and sleep. Serotonin levels are often low in people with anxiety. By increasing serotonin levels, weighted blankets can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

What Science Says About Weighted Blankets

There is some scientific evidence to support the use of weighted blankets for anxiety. A study published in 2016 found that people who used a weighted blanket during an fMRI scan had reduced activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that regulates fear and anxiety. Another study found that people who used a weighted blanket reported feeling less anxious than those who didn't use one.

What Weight Should a Child's Weighted Blanket Be?

The weight of the blanket should be 10% of the child's body weight plus one kg. For example, if your child weighs 22.7 kg, their weighted blanket should weigh around 2.7kg-3 kg. It's also important to choose a size that will fit your child's bed comfortably.

Weighted blankets can offer many benefits for children with anxiety. When choosing a weighted blanket for your child, it's important to consider the weight, size, fabric, and fill material. Look for a weight that is 10% of your child's body weight and a size that will fit their bed comfortably.