Weighted blankets are like magical hugs that keep kids calm and cozy during chilly winter nights. These blankets have tiny weights inside that spread gentle pressure across the body, like a soothing cuddle. This special design makes kids feel safe, helps them relax, and improves their sleep. Perfect for cold winters, weighted blankets keep little ones warm and snug while easing restlessness or anxiety.

What is a Weighted Blanket? Your Ultimate Guide to Fabrics, Fillers, and Maintenance

A weighted blanket is a special blanket filled with tiny glass beads to reduce anxiety. It has tiny weights where glass beads are evenly spread inside. The blanket gently presses on the body, creating a soothing and cozy feeling. 

Weighted blankets, sometimes called “anxiety blankets”. They are designed to provide calming benefits for better sleep. They are especially helpful for people dealing with issues like anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, restless leg syndrome, depression, or autism.

In this blog, we'll explore the essentials of weighted blankets, including ideal fabric choices, care tips, and an alternative to Weighted Blanket.

Choosing the Best Fabric for Your Weighted Blanket

The fabric of a weighted blanket is key to comfort, breathability, and durability. Different fabrics cater to varying needs, like warmth in winter or coolness in summer. Below are some popular fabric options:

Cotton weighted blanket

Cotton is a classic choice for weighted blankets because it’s soft, breathable, and durable. It works well in all seasons. Cotton is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for kids and people with sensitive skin. Easy to wash and maintain, it’s a great fabric for everyday use.

Microfiber weighted blanket

Microfiber blankets are known for their plush, velvety texture, offering a luxurious feel. They retain warmth effectively, making them ideal for colder climates or winter months. Microfiber is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and easy to clean. 

Bamboo Rayon weighted blanket

Bamboo rayon is a popular fabric for weighted blankets due to its silky feel and eco-friendly nature. It’s highly breathable, keeping users cool and comfortable, especially in warmer weather. Bamboo rayon is also hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, making it an excellent option for hot sleepers or those with allergies.

Tencel Weighted Blankets

Tencel, made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, is a premium fabric choice for weighted blankets. It’s exceptionally soft, smooth, and gentle on the skin. Known for its moisture-wicking abilities, Tencel keeps sleepers dry and comfortable throughout the night.

 Pros:

1. Improved Sleep Quality: Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which can help release serotonin and melatonin, leading to improved sleep quality and a feeling of calm.
2. Anxiety and Stress Relief: The gentle pressure mimics a sensation known as deep touch pressure (DPT), which has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of insomnia.
3. Helps with Sensory Processing Disorders: Weighted blankets can benefit individuals with autism, ADHD, and other sensory processing issues by providing a calming effect.
4. Improved Mood: The pressure from the blanket can stimulate the production of serotonin, which can have mood-boosting effects.

Cons:

1. Too Heavy for Some: A weighted blanket may feel uncomfortable if it's too heavy for the user, causing discomfort or making sleep difficult. It’s important to choose a blanket that’s 10% of your body weight.
2. Difficult to Wash: Many weighted blankets are large and heavy, which can make washing and drying them challenging.
3. Not Suitable for All Health Conditions: People with certain respiratory or circulatory issues, such as asthma or sleep apnea, may find the pressure from a weighted blanket too restrictive.
4. Cost: High-quality weighted blankets can be expensive, especially if made with premium materials like organic cotton or glass beads. 

Weighted Blankets for Kids, Safe or Unsafe?

Weighted blankets are safe for kids above the age of 4 years. The blanket weight should not exceed 10% of your body weight. The key to safety and effectiveness lies in the careful selection of the right weight and ensuring that the blanket is used correctly.

• A 2023 study in the Journal of Sleep Research examined the use of weighted blankets for children with ADHD and found promising results. Children using weighted blankets showed significant improvement in sleep time, sleep maintenance, and reduced sleep disruption. 

• The benefits were particularly noticeable in children with the inattentive subtype of ADHD, as well as in those aged 11-14. The study recommended including weighted blankets as a first-line intervention for children with ADHD and sleep difficulties.hat
• Another 2021 study found weighted blankets effective for children and adults with ADHD and autism, improving sleep initiation, overall sleep quality, and daytime relaxation. 
• These results reinforce the potential benefits of weighted blankets for children who experience sensory processing issues or sleep disturbances.

An Alternative to Weighted Blankets for Kids: Famyo Comforters

Famyo Comforters are a better alternative to the weighted blankets. Weighted blankets might be a little heavier for kids. Famyo comforters on the other hand, provide the same warmth but are not heavier. 

Here are the following reasons that why Famyo comforters are a better alternative to weighted blankets:

1. Soft & Cozy: Made from 100% virgin microfiber, providing a fluffy, cloud-like feel for a restful sleep.
2. Lightweight & Comfortable: With 150 GSM filling, it offers the comfort of a weighted blanket without being suffocating.
3. Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic, dust-mite proof, and free from harsh chemicals—perfect for kids with sensitive skin.
4. Year-Round Comfort: Keeps your child warm in winter and cool in summer with breathable, temperature-regulating fabric.
5. Fun, Playful Designs: Choose from 8 exciting designs, including Milk & Chocolate, Astronaut in Space, Moon & Stars, and more.
6. Easy to Clean: Comes with a comforter cover, so just remove the cover, wash it and relax.
7. Perfect Fit: Sized at 87 x 95 inches, ideal for Indian king-size beds, offering full coverage for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are weighted blankets good for kids?
   Ans. Weighted blankets can be beneficial for kids, providing comfort and promoting relaxation, but they should be used carefully, following safety guidelines.
2. How heavy should a weighted blanket be for a child?
   Ans. A weighted blanket for a child should weigh around 10% of their body weight, typically between 5-12% depending on personal preference.
3. What are the pros and cons of weighted blankets?
   Ans. Pros include promoting relaxation and better sleep, while cons can be discomfort, suffocation risk, or circulation issues if used incorrectly or excessively.
4. Do ADHD kids like weighted blankets?
   Ans. Many kids with ADHD find weighted blankets helpful for sleep, as they can provide a calming, grounding effect that aids in relaxation.
5. Who should avoid weighted blankets?
   Ans. People with breathing problems, heart conditions, epilepsy, or poor circulation, as well as babies and toddlers, should avoid using weighted blankets.
6. What age can a child have a weighted blanket?
   Ans. Children over the age of 4 can use a weighted blanket, but always with proper supervision and following safety guidelines.
7. Why do girls like weighted blankets?
   Ans. Girls, like others, may enjoy the calming, cozy sensation of weighted blankets, which help reduce anxiety and promote a restful, comforting sleep.

Checkout "10 reasons why you need Famyo Comforter" blog!