How to Choose the Best Weighted Blanket for Kids and Adults

Coming home to relax and unplug after a long day is easy for some - and less easy for others. Even when we want so desperately to turn our brain off and enjoy time to ourselves, our thoughts and feelings can get in the way. Many of us can benefit from the grounding techniques and tools that are traditionally helpful for those with GAD, ADHD, autism, and many other diagnoses.

One way to calm both our bodies and minds at the same time is using weight and pressure. This can come in many forms, but one of the most popular these days is the weighted blanket! With 15+ styles of weighted blankets, everyone can find their comfort spot.

How Do Weighted Blankets Work?

Weighted blankets can calm us by mimicking the OT practice of Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) which uses weight and pressure to release oxytocin in our brains. (This is why hugs and cuddling can make us feel so happy!) Oxytocin is a chemical that plays a role in our social bonding, sense of trust, and self-soothing. It helps mothers connect with their babies, and connects us with the ones we love!

How Should I Use a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets are able to combine our natural affinity for a favorite snuggle buddy with our body’s natural longing for that calming pressure. Think of your favorite childhood blankie with an added therapeutic twist!

Weighted blankets can be used for all ages 3+. Curl up on the couch with Netflix or a book after a long day, or bring your blanket into bed for easy dreaming. Weighted blankets can also be folded and used as a lap pad during the day while at work or in school!

How Heavy Should My Blanket Be?

Correct use of your weighted blanket largely depends on your weight. Using the appropriate amount of weight in your blanket will ensure that you can snuggle under it all night safely! As a general rule of thumb most OTs recommend a blanket that is no more than 10% of your total body weight.

All of our weighted blankets are safety tested by third-party labs that ensure our products exceed government standards for flammability, lead, durability, and strength so that everyone can sleep soundly! If you’re shopping for a child, consult their pediatrician or OT before making any purchases. For more safety guidelines, click here.

Weighted Blanket Chart

 Are there other Weighted Products?

Check out our collection of weighted blankets.

If you’re sold on all the awesome benefits of weighted blankets, don’t stop there! You can bring calming weight and pressure with you wherever you go with weighted wearables! We offer hats, scarves, compression tees, vests, snuggies, and more because we know that anxiety isn’t solely reserved for bedtime ;)