Can kids use a weighted blanket every night?
Yes, most children who get on well with a weighted blanket can use it every night, as long as it’s the right weight and they can easily move it or take it off themselves.
If your child is new to weighted blankets, it’s best to introduce one gradually. Start with short, supervised stints on the sofa or during wind-down time, then build up to using it on their bed once you’re confident they’re comfortable and can move freely underneath it. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance on weight and age limits, and don’t use a weighted blanket for any child under three.
If your child has any breathing, circulation or mobility issues, or a condition like epilepsy or severe asthma, speak to a GP, paediatrician or occupational therapist before using a weighted blanket. They can help you decide whether it’s appropriate and how best to use it alongside any other support your child already has.
Keep a close eye on how your child reacts in the first few weeks – you’re looking for signs that they’re more settled and comfortable, not too hot, frustrated or restricted. If they kick it off every night, complain of feeling squashed or struggle to move, it’s a sign the blanket is too heavy or not right for them, and it’s worth stopping and trying a lighter blanket or different sleep aid instead.
Can my child use an adult weighted blanket?
Usually it’s better to choose a weighted blanket specifically designed for kids that matches your child’s body weight and bed size, rather than using an adult version that’s too big or heavy.
Weighted blankets are generally designed to be around 10% of the user’s body weight, so an adult blanket will often be far too heavy for a child and may spread over the sides of the bed, which can make it harder to move and more likely to slip off. For safety, your child should always be able to lift and remove the blanket by themselves without help.
If you already own an adult weighted blanket and your child is curious, you can let them try it briefly while supervised on the sofa to see how it feels. If they can’t move freely under it or struggle to push it away, it’s too heavy and shouldn’t be used in bed. In most cases, a dedicated kids’ weighted blanket in the right weight range (and that matches their bed size) will be both safer and more comfortable – and easier to wash.
How do I wash a kids’ weighted blanket?
Always check the care label first, but many kids’ weighted blankets either have a removable, machine-washable cover or can be washed on a gentle cycle and air dried.
Some designs have a duvet-style cover that you can unzip and pop in the washing machine, which is ideal for everyday spills and accidents. Others are single-piece blankets that can be spot-cleaned or washed on a cool, gentle cycle if your washing machine can cope with the weight – always check the machine’s weight limit as well as the blanket’s instructions.
If your blanket uses glass beads, avoid very high spin speeds or hot tumble drying as these can put extra strain on the stitching and pockets that hold the filling in place. Many parents find it easiest to use a removable cover or layer a lightweight cotton sheet between their child and the blanket so they’re not washing the weighted layer too often. Whatever you choose, make sure the blanket is completely dry before you use it again, and stop using it if you spot any loose seams or leaking beads.
About the authors
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She researches and reviews the products Mumsnetters swear by, with a particular focus on home essentials, laundry and fans. From a highly-recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.
Rebecca Roberts is a Senior Content Editor at Mumsnet. As a mum of two (plus two dogs), she spends her days testing products that promise to make family life easier - from bedding to beauty tech. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her at a PTA meeting, in a coffee shop or walking the dogs around the Yorkshire countryside.
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