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Best weighted blankets for kids for a calm, cosy night's sleep
If your child has anxiety, is autistic or simply has trouble settling down and relaxing, a child’s weighted blanket might help them feel calmer, comforted and ready for sleep.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated May 3, 2023
If you’re finding bedtimes difficult, you're not alone. Mumsnetters recommend all sorts of clever sleep aids - like a white noise machine or blackout blind - but the product that's been a game changer for many in our Talk forums is a weighted blanket. These blankets are made from heavier, woven fabrics, and are usually quilted, with heavy beads or rice in each section of the blanket to make it feel heavy.
Taking advantage of the science behind why a hug feels so nice, the best weighted blankets for kids provide evenly distributed pressure designed to mimic a comforting squeeze. This can help release serotonin (one of nature’s happy hormones) to help your little one drift off and get a better night’s sleep. They’re also great for keeping cool during warm summer nights, as they're not filled with feathers or polyester stuffing like a duvet or sleep sack.
Parents of children with special needs, particularly autism or anxiety find them helpful, but neurotypical children can also benefit from using one. There are a couple of things to be aware of before you make your purchase, however. You should choose a weighted blanket that's safe for kids to use, and choose one that they can lift themselves. They're not suitable for children under three, and if in doubt, remove the blanket at night once they've drifted off to sleep.
Here are the best kids' weighted blankets to buy in 2023.
Weighted blankets for kids: Editor's picks
1. Best overall weighted blanket for kids: Rest Easy Sleep Better Star Weighted Blanket
RRP: From £45 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Size: H120 x W1.50 x D90cm | Weight: 2 or 3kg | Filling: 160gsm polyester wadding and glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Endorsed by Millpond Chidren’s Sleep Clinic
- Five soft layers for added comfort
- Neutral colour suits any room
- Can be machine washed
Reasons to avoid
- No slip cover
- Can’t be tumble dried
What Mumsnet users say
“My son has ADD. We got him one last Christmas and it’s been worth every penny.” GrannySmith86
Our verdict
This pretty but neutral weighted blanket comes in a calming shade of grey, with white stars and would look as at home in a kids’ bedroom or downstairs on the sofa. It’s made of five layers, which give it a super-soft, comfy feel: a layer of hypoallergenic microbeads, two layers of polyester wadding, a cotton top layer and a 100% microplush bottom layer. The weighted feel and tactile surface gives a feeling of calm and restfulness to help your child relax and sleep more easily. It comes in two weights - 2kg and 3kg - to cater for both younger and older children.
The Rest Easy Sleep Better blanket has a beautiful cover but it can’t be removed to wash in the case of spills, and while the blanket can be washed in a machine on a cold cycle, it can’t be tumble dried and must be dried flat so laundering it is a bit of a faff. However, it’s not something we’d expect to need washing regularly really. Other than that, this is a really practical and also beautiful blanket that reviews suggest really works and it’s a very fair price for the quality of the item.
2. Best budget weighted blanket for kids: Brentfords Weighted Blanket
RRP: From £19 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 125 × 150cm | Weight: 4kg | Filling: Glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Also available in two larger sizes
- Comes in a carry case to keep it dust free in storage
- Breathable materials
- Excellent price
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in one colour
- Lightest weight is 4kg so not suitable for smaller children
- No removable cover
What Mumsnet users say
"I have the Brentfords one. Kids were so impressed I had to order two more. Wasn't expecting much but bloody hell is it good" (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user, Fuss)
Our verdict
If you’ve started investigating weighted blankets for your child, you might be thinking that you’ll have to spend a fair bit to find the right one. But this Brentfords weighted blanket is a great budget option to help your child get a better night’s sleep without breaking the bank. The lightest weight available is 4kg so your child will need to be at least 40kg (around six stone) to use it but if you have a tween or teen this might be the right sort of weight for them.
The cover is made from microfibre polyester, with the weight of the blanket created by non-toxic glass beads which are sewn into 10-13cm pockets to stop them from shifting about too much. It doesn’t have a removable cover, unlike some others on our list, but at this price you might just decide to get more than one – snuggles in the lounge as well as the bedroom!
3. Cutest weighted blanket for kids: Buzio Blue Dinosaur Weighted Blanket
RRP: £43.60 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 90 x 120cm, 90 x 120cm or 105 x 150cm | Weight: 1.3, 2.3 or 3.2kg | Filling: Glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Cute dinosaur print
- Machine washable
Reasons to avoid
- A little on the pricey side
- Dinos aren’t to everyone’s taste
What Mumsnet users say
“I got my teen's weighted blanket from Buzio because they had a good rating and not the most expensive. He's bigger than me so got the adult version but they also do them for kids.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter Willowkins)
Our verdict
We love this gorgeous dinosaur print blanket from Buzio.
Made from 100% breathable cotton top, the blanket has a tactile soft dot reverse and comes with eight straps which allow the blanket to be wrapped in quilt covers. The Buzio blanket is very lightweight, which makes it perfect for younger children (as long as they are aged over three years old of course).
The Buzio is machine washable, but make sure you follow the instructions, as buyers have reported that the colour fades very quickly if the instructions aren’t followed properly.
4. Softest weighted blanket for kids: CosiHome Luxury Weighted Blanket
RRP: From £50 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 105 × 155cm or 153 x 203cm | Weight: 3.2kg or 6.8kg | Filling: glass beads | Removable cover: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Good weight for kids
- Tactile ‘minky dot’ fabric
- Smaller pockets for better bead distribution than some
- Practical removable cover
Reasons to avoid
- No 2kg version for younger kids
What Mumsnet users say
“I bought one for my DD (18) for last year when she had to get into a better sleep routine for University after months of Lockdown bad sleeping.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter 70isalimitnotatarget)
Our verdict
This 3.2kg, nine-layer blanket from CosiHome has a removable plush microfleece cover, which makes it a good choice for year-round comfort and a practical option, too as it’s easy to wash. The outer cover is made from 100% breathable cotton, which gives a soft outer layer to the breathable internal padding and non-toxic weighted beads.
The beads are evenly packed into 8cm square pockets – so they shouldn’t shift around too much during the night – and the 105 by 155cm size should fit most children’s beds too. The fact that it’s made up of nine different layers, gives this a superior feeling of comfort and the breathable cotton layers mean it’s less likely to make you feel too hot. We liked the addition of the carry bag which means you can take it away with you and it also won’t get dusty when stored if not in use.
5. Best luxury weighted blanket for kids: Gravity Blanket for Kids
RRP: From £68 | Buy now from Gravity Blankets
Key specs
Size: 90 × 120, 100 x150cm or 110 x 170cm | Weight: 3 or 4kg | Filling: Glass | Removable cover: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Available in summer or ‘year round’ covers
- Available in a range of patterns
Reasons to avoid
- More expensive than many
- Cotton cover is breathable but less ‘cosy’ than some of the more tactile blankets
What Mumsnet users say
"We have weighted blankets from a company called Gravity, bought online, for both our ASD kids. They love the blanket, use it on its own or with a duvet depending on how cold they feel. I think you calculate 10% of their weight for the weight of the blanket you use" (Recommended by Mumsnet user, DoraemonDingDong)
Our verdict
Gravity Blankets are highly recommended by Mumsnetters and across the wider web.
If you’re looking for a bit of a luxury feel and a standard of craftsmanship that will stand the test of time, the Kids Weighted Blanket from Gravity Blankets is handmade in Europe from 100% certified cotton and features a weighted filling of fine, evenly distributed glass beads. The blanket comes with a cover that’s designed to be either ‘summer’ or ‘year round’ so you can choose which you prefer, and the fact that this is removable makes it a more practical choice for laundering.
The package includes the weighted blanket and a standard or summer cover. Both are designed to be machine washable, and it’s another brand that offers a money back guarantee (you can send it back within 28 days if you’re not happy). There are various patterns available in the two types of cover so you’re sure to find something to suit.
6. Best weighted blanket for older kids: John Lewis Specialist Synthetic Weighted Blanket
RRP: From £25 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Size: 150 × 200cm | Weight: 4kg, 7kg, 9kg or 11.5kg | Filling: glass beads and polyester | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Good for cold sleepers
- Suitable weights for tweens and teens
Reasons to avoid
- No cover
- Is not machine washable
What Mumsnet users say
“I brought this one from John Lewis and I love it. It was recommended to me. Helps me to sleep at night too.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Celena86)
Our verdict
A great buy for tweens and teens that feel the cold, this weighted blanket from John Lewis is a little warmer than some so very cosy for winter, and is available in weights from 4kg up to 11.5kg so is ideal for bigger and older kids who need a little extra weight in their weighted blanket. In fact, there’s a really useful table on the John Lewis website that shows you which blanket weight is best for your body weight.
There’s no cover with this one AND it can’t be machine washed - only spot cleaned and hung outside on a dry day, which is the main downside to this weighted blanket, however, reviews say it really is one the cosiest available, a particular boon as we head into a cold winter, and the blanket works as well draped over your shoulders watching TV on chilly evenings as it does used over the whole body in bed. It feels robust and well made and the 200 thread count cotton is both breathable and soft. It only comes in the one design, but the grey shade is very inoffensive and means it goes well in any room.
7. Best weighted blanket for younger children: aden + anais Embrace Toddler-Bed Weighted Blanket
RRP: From £45 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 101 × 78.7cm | Weight: 1.2kg | Filling: micro glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Very lightweight for younger kids
- Machine washable and can be tumbled
Reasons to avoid
- Some reviews say it doesn’t wash well
- Cover material isn’t as soft and snuggly as some
What Mumsnet users say
“We use one for my three year old and it really helps. It does help him get into a deeper sleep once he has it on.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Givemehope103)
Our verdict
Because weighted blankets need to be around 10% of your child’s body weight it can be really hard to find one for younger or very small children. While weighted blankets aren’t recommended for under threes, two year olds could use them in a supervised way during the day. This aden and anais version solves that problem of not being able to find something light enough. At just 1.2kg this weighted blanket is really lightweight and gives just enough pressure to calm a small child.
The blanket is made up of three layers of breathable cotton with hypoallergenic non-toxic micro glass beads spread carefully throughout to give even weighting. Although there is no cover this weighted blanket can be machine washed and tumble dried, which is a must with very young children.
8. Quietest weighted blanket for kids: Kudd.ly Weighted Blanket
RRP: £69 | Buy now from Kudd.ly
Key specs
Size: 48"x78” or 60"x80” | Weight: 5 and 7kg | Filling: Glass micro sand beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Machine washable (and can even be tumble dried)
- Made of warm fleecy material
- Single unit blanket
Reasons to avoid
- Limited colour options
What Mumsnet users say
“My DD and I both have the Kudd.ly one. We love them and use them every night. I would recommend them.” (Rated by Mumsnet user PawPrintsInMyPansies)
Our verdict
As smooth as velvet and just as soothing, the Kuddly Weighted Blanket is beautifully soft and contains ultra-silent glass sand beads, which stay quiet when they move to form and hug your body.
Made with breathable, ultra-soft MicroCool Fleece to help you to stay comfortable, whatever the temperature, the beads sewn into the kuddly stay in place which means no bunching and the whole thing can be put in the washing machine if needed.
It comes in two sizes and weights, so it may be worth buying another one for yourself to make sure you and your children are both getting a good night’s sleep.
9. Best 2kg weighted blanket: Outer Space Weighted Blanket, Little Home at John Lewis
RRP: £45 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Size: 90 × 120cm | Weight: 2kg | Filling: glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Machine washable
- Appealing pattern
- Matching bedding sets available
Reasons to avoid
- Can’t be tumbled
- Only available in one size and weight
What Mumsnet users say
“My daughter has one as she is very anxious right now and wasn't sleeping. It's definitely helped.” Circleorsquare
Our verdict
The perfect choice for any budding astronauts or tiny star-gazers, this 2kg weighted blanket has a gorgeous planets and constellations design on it which makes it ideal for bedtimes (or for throwing over your shoulders while you gaze into your telescope). The top is made from breathable cotton and the bottom layer from a soft-to-the-touch polyester plush that feels really cosy.
John Lewis also makes bedding in this same (and complementary) fabrics, so you could easily create a whole space theme. The glass beads are carefully quilted in to distribute them evenly across the blanket to help it stay in place and provide even, gentle pressure. It would be nice if the blanket were available in varying weights and sizes but at 2kg it’s a great weighted blanket for younger children.
10. Best superheroes weighted blanket: Marvel Spiderman Weighted Blanket, John Lewis
RRP: From £49 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Size: 120 × 90cm | Weight: 2kg or 3kg | Filling: polyester wadding and glass beads | Removable cover: No
Reasons to buy
- Appealing Spiderman design
- Available in two weights
Reasons to avoid
- No removable cover
- Can’t be tumbled
What Mumsnet users say
“John Lewis stock kids versions, they also do Marvel and Frozen prints as well as aToy Story one. Worth a punt I'd say.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter TheCraicDealer)
Our verdict
Lots of weighted blankets are a bit too ‘cutesy’ for some kids’ tastes, but if you have a mini Marvel fan in your life, this might be the weighted blanket you are looking for. The cool design with webs and masks will appeal to superheroes of all sizes and there’s a range of matching and contrasting Marvel bedding available at John Lewis if you want to theme the room.
The printed cover is made from a breathable cotton and the reverse is a soft plush fabric that feels super soft on the skin. A polyester wadding and glass bead filling gives the blanket its weight, which applies gentle pressure to your child’s body to calm and relax them. We’d prefer it if the cover were removable for washing but the blanket as a whole can at least be machine washed and air dried flat. It’s available in two different weights, depending on your child’s size.
What is a weighted blanket and how do they work?
The idea behind weighted blankets is to recreate the feeling of a hug by being a bit heavier than a normal blanket. This feeling of being held releases serotonin (one of nature’s happy hormones) to help your child feel more relaxed. Parents of children with conditions ranging from anxiety through to ADHD and poor sleepers report they can help encourage a more restful night’s sleep.
The blankets are typically filled with tiny glass or plastic beads to provide the pressure. Glass beads are most popular because they're more dense than plastic pellets. Weighted blankets aren’t just for bedtime either – lots of people like to use them to snuggle up on the sofa too.
Are weighted blankets OK for children?
Yes, but not for babies or toddlers. Weighted blankets are fine for children over three years of age and you should only use the recommended weight for your child (see below) as they need to be able to easily remove the blanket themselves if they get too hot.
It’s really important that they’re used correctly – particularly for children – so make sure they don’t restrict movement, and the cover should never go past a child’s shoulders or cover their head or face. In particular, make sure your child is able to take if off themselves – for safety reasons.
The NHS offers more advice on how they can be safely used for children.
How heavy or big should a weighted blanket be for kids?
Weighted blankets aren’t recommended for children under three. By far the most important thing is to make sure that you (or whoever is using the blanket) can remove it without any help.
Most manufacturers recommend that your weighted blanket should be around 10% of your child’s body weight – but there’s no need to worry if it’s a little bit either side (aim for between seven and 12%). Make sure you follow the manufacturers recommendations (many products have a size guide on their website).
If you’re buying one for a younger child, the weight should typically be at the lower end of the scale – you could aim for around 5-10% of your little one’s body weight. Getting a weighted blanket in this weight range should mean they feel a nice hug-like pressure without feeling crushed.
Another thing to consider is the size of the blanket. They do come in a range of sizes – so make sure you don’t pick one that is bigger than their bed, as the weights could mean that it slides off the edge – the last thing you need just when they’re getting cosy.
Are weighted blankets good for children with anxiety?
Weighted blankets work in the same way massage does, with deep pressure touch, which calms the mind, very much like swaddling. They’ve been found to boost oxytocin levels and lower heart rate as well as help improve concentration levels. Many occupational therapists recommend the use of weighted blankets for children with anxiety.
What is the best weighted blanket for a toddler?
Weighted blankets are only suitable for children of three and up so shouldn’t be used for younger toddlers. For older toddlers and preschoolers look for very lightweight, small blankets that are around a tenth of your child’s body weight. We think the aden + anais weighted blanket, which has a 1.2kg version is a good choice for this age group.
Who should not use a weighted blanket?
In short, they aren’t for everyone. They aren’t recommended for any children under three, and they shouldn’t be used by anyone with breathing difficulties like asthma or sleep apnoea, or a circulatory problem like Type 2 diabetes.
What weighted blanket is best for kids? (overall winner)
We think the John Lewis Stars blanket is the best overall weighted blanket for kids. It’s available in a 2kg and a 3kg version and its neutral shades means it looks at home in a kid’s bedroom but also won’t ruin your interior scheme if it lives in the lounge for after-school relaxation or watching movies together. It can be washed on a cold cycle and comes with a recommendation from Mandy Gurney of the Millpond Sleep Clinic.
“My son has ADD. We got him one last Christmas and it’s been worth every penny.”
Rest Easy
John Lewis
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on their favourite kids’ weighted blanket.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality or didn’t work.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best kids’ weighted blankets on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.