When it comes to choosing the right weighted blanket for children, safety and effectiveness must always come first. Not all weighted blankets are created equal, and knowing what to look for can make all the difference. To help you choose with confidence, here are 3 key questions every parent should ask.
1. Is it Truly Bead-Free and Filling-Free?
This is perhaps the most critical question for a child's weighted blanket. Many traditional weighted blankets rely on internal pockets filled with glass beads or plastic pellets to achieve their weight. While functional and more affordable, this design can pose several risks:
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Uneven Pressure: Beads can shift and clump, leading to inconsistent pressure that might not deliver the desired calming effect. This also creates "dead zones" where the weight disappears.
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Noise: Shifting beads can make noise, potentially disrupting a child who is trying to settle down or sleep and a sensory nightmare for some children.
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Safety Hazard: Over time, stitching can wear, or fabric can tear, leading to small pellets potentially escaping. For young children, this presents a serious choking hazard.
2. What Materials Are Used, and Are They Children Friendly?
Children's skin is sensitive and often warmer. When they spend hours under their blankets, the materials used directly impact their comfort, sleep quality and health.
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Chemical Exposure: Are the fabrics free from harsh chemicals, dyes, or toxins that could irritate sensitive skin or be harmful over prolonged contact? Check certifications such as Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, guaranteeing it is free from harmful chemicals.
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Breathability: Will the material cause your child to overheat, which can disrupt sleep and discomfort? As a rule of thumb, natural fibres are more breathable. Know your child - do they sweat under the blanket, are they a hot sleeper, do they have sensitive skin? For example, the minky is a synthetic fabric made of 100% polyester microfiber, super soft and warm but not very breathable.
3. Does Sizing Really Matter? (Yes, it does!)
Many people mistakenly think a weighted blanket should drape over the entire bed like a normal quilt. However, for a weighted blanket to be effective, the weight needs to be concentrated on the body, not spread out over the mattress. The recommended weight is around 10% of the child’s body weight.
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Incorrect Sizing Impacts Effectiveness: A large blanket, even if it has the correct total weight (e.g., 3kg), can dilute the therapeutic pressure if it's too big. If too much of the blanket hangs off the sides, the weight is dispersed, and the "deep pressure" effect is lost. It is also dangerous to have an oversized weighted blanket over a child. Please ensure a child can easily and can always be able to lift off the blanket.
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Weight-to-Body Ratio: The blanket should ideally be sized to fit the individual's body, providing that comforting even pressure. This means your child gets the right pressure, not just a heavy blanket.
Other considerations may include if the brand is backed by experts & professional, recognised through industry awards and if the product is parent-approved.