Weighted Blankets and Weighted Items

Weighted blankets and stuffies are becoming more popular, but how do you use them?

Typically, weighted items should be about 10% of a person's body weight. So, if a child weighs 60 pounds, the weighted blanket should weigh about 6 pounds. However, this is subjective and can vary from person to person. Some people may prefer lighter ones or ones that are a little heavier. However, it is important to keep the amount of weight of a weighted blanket in mind for children due to their smaller size compared to adults.

Weighted blankets should only be used for 15-30 minutes maximum at a time when used for regulation. Weighted blanket times for sleep may vary.

Weighted stuffies can be used as needed and appropriate for emotional regulation, self-regulation, sleeping, sensory processing, et cetera.

Weighted lap pads may be beneficial for when a child needs to sit and attend to a task and/or for regulation. Weight of these lap pads may vary due to the smaller size of the lap pad compared to a weighted blanket.

ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED FOR SAFETY AND APPROPRIATE USE OF WEIGHTED ITEMS FOR CHILDREN'S SAFETY. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR WEIGHTED BLANKETS AND WEIGHTED ITEMS. NEVER PUT THE BLANKET OVER A CHILD'S FACE. NEVER USE A WEIGHTED BLANKET AND/OR WEIGHTED ITEM FOR A CHILD THAT IS TOO HEAVY FOR THEM TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY.

Reach out to us today if you have any questions or concerns.