Children's Weighted Blankets: Advantages, Guidelines, and Precautions

Children's Weighted Blankets: Advantages, Guidelines, and Precautions

Weighted blankets, also known as gravity blankets, are gaining popularity as a therapeutic tool for children with various conditions such as ADHD, autism, and sleep disorders. These heavy blankets offer a unique solution, providing calming deep pressure stimulation that mimics a gentle hug.

For children with ADHD, weighted blankets help reduce restlessness and promote longer, uninterrupted sleep. By providing comfort and a sense of security, these blankets can aid in managing daytime behavior and improving focus.

In children with autism, the deep pressure relieves sensory processing challenges common in autism spectrum disorder by delivering soothing sensory input. This reduction in anxiety and creation of feelings of safety and calm can be beneficial for those on the spectrum.

For children with sleep disorders, weighted blankets encourage falling asleep faster and experiencing deeper, more restful sleep due to their anxiety-reducing and comforting effects. The calming pressure also releases oxytocin, a hormone that signals relaxation and wellbeing, which benefits mood regulation and stress reduction.

Weighted blankets are available in different fabric styles, including cotton, flannel, and satin-cotton blends. Choosing a filler type that the child finds most comfortable is important. The blankets are made of soft material for a soothing tactile sensation, and the beads are woven uniformly into the fabric, ensuring even weight distribution. Breathable fabrics like cotton are ideal for children who tend to get hot during sleep.

When it comes to weight, the recommended weight of a weighted blanket is no more than 10% of the child's weight plus one or two pounds. This ensures that the blanket provides the right amount of pressure without causing discomfort. The beads can be made of materials such as food-grade plastic, glass, metal, and rice.

Weighted blankets work by triggering the release of serotonin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and can convert into melatonin, a hormone that influences sleep. This mechanism helps children with sleep disorders to fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restful sleep.

It's important to note that weighted blankets should be used under the supervision of a pediatrician or therapist in children who exhibit sensory-based disorders. For older children, weighted blankets are generally safe as long as the weight and size are appropriate for their age.

In addition to bedtime, weighted blankets can be used at different times to help children calm down and get used to them. They can even be used in a child's classroom as part of the sensory diet.

In conclusion, weighted blankets offer a unique solution for children with ADHD, autism, and sleep disorders. By providing calming deep pressure stimulation, these blankets can reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and improve sleep quality. As with any therapeutic tool, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before use.

[1] National Sleep Foundation. (2015). Weighted Blankets: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/weighted-blankets-review-literature [2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Weighted Blankets: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/expert-answers/weighted-blankets/faq-20058307 [3] HuffPost. (2018). Weighted Blankets For Kids: How They Help Kids With ADHD, Autism, And Anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/weighted-blankets-for-kids_n_5b98948de4b0d8745c39e87d [4] Autism Parenting Magazine. (2018). Weighted Blankets for Autism: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/weighted-blankets-for-autism/ [5] Verywell Health. (2020). Weighted Blankets for Anxiety: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/weighted-blankets-for-anxiety-3120515

1. For children with mental health issues like anxiety, weighted blankets can provide a calming effect, promoting relaxation, and potentially aiding in stress reduction, as suggested by studies and publications such as those from Mayo Clinic and Verywell Health.
2. In the context of health and wellness, weighted blankets can contribute to weight management as they encourage deeper, more restful sleep, which is essential for overall health and a balanced metabolism.
3. As an addition to traditional therapies and treatments for various conditions, weighted blankets infused with CBD oil might also offer potential benefits for mental health due to CBD's reported anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, though more research is needed in this area.
4. For children involved in fitness and exercise, weighted blankets can complement their active lifestyle by providing opportunities for deep pressure therapy, which may help with muscle recovery and reducing post-exercise soreness, based on findings from the National Sleep Foundation and Autism Parenting Magazine.

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