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Original poster

Weighted blankets

35 replies

Daisychainsandglitter · 07/05/2021 17:41

Can anyone tell me if they've used a weighted blanket with their DC to help them sleep.
I'm really interested to hear any stories positive or negative. I have a 6 year old DD with ASD who co sleeps. Although we have a king sized bed she has recently started to have a need to hold onto us and almost burrow into us as she sleeps. This means her side is completely clear while the one of us sleeping with her is left with very little space with a child on us all night. This makes far from a comfortable nights sleep!
I was wondering if a weighted blanket would help ease her need to do this from a sensory perspective.
Any experiences would be very welcome Smile

OP posts:
BlackeyedSusan · 07/05/2021 17:44

I don't think you are supposed to sleep with them. There is an alternative product that stretches across a bed but no good for co sleeping.

Original poster
Daisychainsandglitter · 07/05/2021 17:48

Oh no I'm so disappointed! I thought it might solve our sleep issues

OP posts:
flashylamp · 07/05/2021 17:50

@BlackeyedSusan

I don't think you are supposed to sleep with them. There is an alternative product that stretches across a bed but no good for co sleeping.

Not supposed to sleep with them?

That's what they are for

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

6 year olds Families
WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo · 07/05/2021 17:52

Of course you are supposed to sleep with them. Just make sure it isn't too heavy. 10% of your body weight is the recommended size.
I use one (when ds1 doesn't steal it)
So do my brother, sister and one of my nieces. We all sleep so much better with it.

LadyCatStark · 07/05/2021 17:57

They’re the best thing ever! We all use one in my family. We all sleep under them every night.

Tomnooktoldmeto · 07/05/2021 18:35

Yes you are supposed to sleep with them, Dd 18 DS 17 both have double ones on their queen sized beds

DH 56 has a single sized one on his half of our king size bed and it’s a marriage saver! All 3 are autistic with adhd and need the sensory input to sleep

They all have their sleep monitored by apple watches/fitbits and they are much more settled when they have a blanket on

There is an algorithm which tells you the weight of blanket you need, I think it’s something like 10% of body weight

Original poster
Daisychainsandglitter · 07/05/2021 19:11

Thanks everyone- DH and I are getting a bit desperate so think we will buy one. Spoke to DD about it and she seemed to be on board. Finger crossed it works!

OP posts:
mogglemoo · 07/05/2021 19:29

I’ve just ordered this one:

www.onlinehomeshop.com/brentfords-weighted-blanket-quilted-silver-grey

Only used it 2 days, so can’t comment on efficacy, but it was cheap enough if it doesn’t work!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 07/05/2021 19:39

I bought one for my DD (18) to try and get her into good sleeping habits after the long months of Lockdown and before starting University .
She loves it , uses it all year (on its own or under a duvet in winter)

They are heavy ! But they're akin to swaddling so make the sleeper feel secure .

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 07/05/2021 19:43

I sleep with mine. Has helped my insomnia immeasurably and if I do wake up I can get straight back to sleep.

I have anxiety and insomnia. 1 on the sofa for relaxing in the evening, one on bed for sleeping.

Absolutely adore mine

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 07/05/2021 19:44

Me, literally at this exact moment

Weighted blankets
RiverSkater · 07/05/2021 19:44

Yes, my daughter has one for anxiety. It's great, recommended! I'd like one for myself !

CombatBarbie · 07/05/2021 19:52

I have one for PTSD/Anxiety sleep issues, works a treat and is 8kg.

My youngest requested one for her birthday and has a 3kg one, she loves it and says she sleeps better when it's on the bed. It is often used for snuggling on couch too for movie nights.

Wolfiefan · 07/05/2021 19:53

Anyone tried one for fibromyalgia?

Tomnooktoldmeto · 07/05/2021 20:28

@Wolfiefan for Fibromyalgia it’s a bit of a marmite product, I know some find it helpful but for me personally I can only cope with the lightest of bedding and I sleep next to a DH with a weighted blanket

mygee · 07/05/2021 20:32

My children have always been terrible sleepers but weighted blankets helped lots. Definitely worth a try.

Wolfiefan · 07/05/2021 20:34

Thanks @Tomnooktoldmeto

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 07/05/2021 20:39

They work for DH, me and the DC who's tried one.
Fan things.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 07/05/2021 20:39

*fab

LookItsMeAgain · 07/05/2021 20:42

I'm dying to find out what @BlackeyedSusan thought you were supposed to do with them if not to sleep under them??
My DD wants one and I'm thinking of getting her one for her birthday.
I know about the different weights but do they also come in like Single/Double/King sizes too?

BeyondMyWits · 07/05/2021 20:46

I found they give the same feeling as when I was a kid, being tucked in tightly with sheets and blankets rather than a duvet

zzizzer · 07/05/2021 20:52

You could try looking up autism compression blankets on amazon too - tight sheets rather than heavy ones.

Dinkydody · 07/05/2021 20:53

@BlackeyedSusan

I don't think you are supposed to sleep with them. There is an alternative product that stretches across a bed but no good for co sleeping.
Hmm
Tomnooktoldmeto · 07/05/2021 20:54

@LookItsMeAgain the Brentford one from Amazon comes in different sizes

WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo · 07/05/2021 20:55

@LookItsMeAgain

I'm dying to find out what *@BlackeyedSusan* thought you were supposed to do with them if not to sleep under them?? My DD wants one and I'm thinking of getting her one for her birthday. I know about the different weights but do they also come in like Single/Double/King sizes too?
Yes they do. Just be careful because some of them are not standard sizes so you can't get covers for them and they are possibly too heavy for a washing machine.