You might have heard about a weighted blanket before, however, how much do you actually know about it? Did you know that it can help children who are experiencing autism symptoms or that suffer from insomnia? Or perhaps that this bedding can help with alleviating stress and anxiety?
If you did not know the previously mentioned things, this article might help you. The text below will feature everything that you should know about weighted blankets, including what they are, what they can help with, as well as how to choose one for your child or children. Let’s take a closer look:
What Are They?
These blankets are becoming more and more popular, in fact, they have been the best thing that has happened to a lot of children, teenagers, and adults – especially the people who are longing for having a good rest. To put it simply, these blankets are similar to the usual ones you might be using, however, there is one difference, they are heavier.
Usually, the blankets are filled with either glass or plastic balls that are sewn into the linings. These small, yet powerful balls add weight and bulk to the bedding, which causes them to weigh between four and thirty pounds. It is specifically designed in order to distribute equal pressure across the body, which in return can ease stress, anxiety, pain, and other problems that children might have.
How do They Work?
You might have heard about a method called deep touch pressure therapy or DTP for short. The pressure can boost the serotonin levels in the brain, which is basically the chemical that makes us feel happy. It can also make us feel calmed and relaxed. Children how have ADHD can have some difficulties including managing their emotions, coping with feeling angry, as well as dealing with stress and stressful situations.
How Does it Feel to Sleep Under One?
For a lot of individuals, it feels like a cozy, soothing hug, others state that it feels like being held all the time while they are sleeping. You should know that weighted blankets have been used as a treatment method for children affected by autism, anxiety, insomnia, as well as other, sensory processing conditions.
Hence, if your children – even if they are teenagers – have problems with the aforementioned conditions, investing in a weighted blanker can be wise. Of course, there are hundreds of types you can choose, however, if you are looking for a weighted blanket for kids, click here to see what your options are.
If I Get One, How Do I Know My Child/Children Likes it?
Now, a lot of parents wonder how will they know if their child enjoys sleeping under the blanket. Well, it is quite easy to determine that. For starters, if they manage to go through the night without waking up, that is the first sign that they like it. The next sign is if he/she does not make problems when they need to go to bed, but instead, wonder if you will cover them with their blanket. There are literally hundreds of ways that you can figure out if they like, and after all, they will tell you how they slept.
What Are The Types I Can Get?
Although a lot of people think that they can get one type, there are actually several that you can choose from, including:
- Infused – this is perhaps the best one you can get since the glass/plastic balls are infused between the two fabric pieces. However, it is also the most expensive.
- Pocket – this type is created by adding the balls into square pieces of fabric. They come in various styles and textures, and they are the most popular choice out there.
- Wearable – your kid will be able to easily slip into one and walk, play, and sleep in it like it is a sleeping bag. Most parents opt for this option if their kids have ADHD.
Where Can I Buy Them?
You cannot buy these weighted blankets everywhere, however, there are various online stores that sell them. The best way to get these blankets is through online shops and Amazon is by far the most trusting.
What Weight Should The Blanket Be?
One of the most important things to remember when purchasing these blankets is that too much weight will not be good for your children. They are quite large, hence, when choosing one, you should think about if it is close to the size of your kid, then it should be about 10 percent of their body weight. But, if they are larger than the size of your kid, you should add at least 3 to 4 pounds to the 10 percent of their body weight.
How Should I Use it?
This is extremely obvious, but not all children will accept it the same. Hence, you might want to think about doing these things:
- Never Force Them to Use it – instead of forcing your kid to use a weighted blanket, you should encourage them, as well as demonstrate how it is used. This will help them understand that it is not dangerous to use one, and they might feel better when they see you using one as well.
- Be Wise About Presenting it – when you buy the blanket, the first thing you will want to do is to set it up on the floor and cover it with them. This is a fun approach to presenting the blanket to them, hence, do not forget to ask them how it feels and what do they think about it.
Conclusion
As you can see, weighted blankets will not only help your child or children sleep through the night but, they will also provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits that will be useful for them. So, now that you know everything there is about these blankets, do not waste any more time, and start searching for one that will fit your child’s needs and wishes.