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AIBU?

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Original poster

Weighted blanket for baby

52 replies

Thisisnotataste · 16/12/2020 22:03

Our DD is just over 1year and still won't fall asleep unless she has someone's hand on her chest. (Longer rant on a previous thread!)
But has anyone tried a weighted baby blanket? Are they safe? I can find lots on sale but I can't find anything about whether they are safe for 1 year olds.

OP posts:
Littlefish · 16/12/2020 22:05

Weighted blankets are not suggested for children to sleep under.

Would swaddling still work?

DontAskForMedicalAdviceOnMars · 16/12/2020 22:05

No, not for a child so young.

Please be advised that weighted blankets are not recommended for children under the age of 2 years old. So, when we refer to toddlers in this article, we are referring to children ages 2-3 years old

CutToChase · 16/12/2020 22:06

I dont have kids but that idea terrifies me!

SingingSands · 16/12/2020 22:07

No it's not advised. But you can get grobags with a weighted patch on the front, which might work?

LadyCatStark · 16/12/2020 22:09

Absolutely not, they’re not recommended for children under 3.

Original poster
Thisisnotataste · 16/12/2020 22:10

She likes her hands free so swaddling doesn't really work any more. And she sometimes rolls so she would get annoyed being swaddled

I saw that quote but other websites (that sell them) say from 1 year

I'm not sure why its scary... its not going to be heavy! Just heavier than a normal blanket

OP posts:
Original poster
Thisisnotataste · 16/12/2020 22:11

Thanks to those who have replied. Would you be able to reference what you've said. Because I'd like to find a reputable source that says one way or the other whether its safe. Of course if its not I won't. But I can find website that say either way.

OP posts:
elQuintoConyo · 16/12/2020 22:11

The thought chills my blood. So it's a no from me.

Lougle · 16/12/2020 22:11

@Thisisnotataste

She likes her hands free so swaddling doesn't really work any more. And she sometimes rolls so she would get annoyed being swaddled

I saw that quote but other websites (that sell them) say from 1 year

I'm not sure why its scary... its not going to be heavy! Just heavier than a normal blanket

It's because a 1 year old is not going to be able to get themselves back out of a weighted blanket if they get underneath it.
Original poster
Thisisnotataste · 16/12/2020 22:12

@singingsands that might work! Thanks- will look into those

OP posts:
Zampa · 16/12/2020 22:13

A weighted blanket restricts movements and shouldn't be used on a child not strong enough to remove it. Worst case scenario is suffocation. I know that bedtime can be a nightmare (I've been there!) but it will get better!

Original poster
Thisisnotataste · 16/12/2020 22:18

Thanks. Yes i think maybe I've worried people with the 'weighted' part. Please don't think I'm about to chuck a heavy blanket over my baby. I just want to find a way to mimic my hand on her chest.

OP posts:
shallbe · 16/12/2020 22:18

It's been 7+ years since I had a baby, but aren't grobags still a big thing? Mine slept in those pretty much right up until they were in a bed, great things, keeps them warm but allows them to wriggle.

goodnessidontknow · 16/12/2020 22:19

Fill a glove with sand. You'll need to double line it and sew it really well to be sure it won't spill but the weight is perfect.

Maryann1975 · 16/12/2020 22:22

@goodnessidontknow I was going to suggest filling a glove with rice or similar and tying it up. As the baby moves the ‘hand’ will fall off but won’t be a suffocation hazard as it would Not cover the baby’s face.

Other than that, have you tried a baby sleeping bag?

Original poster
Thisisnotataste · 16/12/2020 22:23

Shes in a sleeping bag. But its the weight on her chest that reassures her

@zampa but when?! Smile

OP posts:
sqirrelfriends · 16/12/2020 22:24

Baby merlons magic sleep suit is apparently really effective. Expensive though if it does work.

sqirrelfriends · 16/12/2020 22:24

Merlins*

prisscalledwanda · 16/12/2020 22:24

How quickly does she fall asleep with a hand on her? One option would be to use a blanket or similar to allow her to fall asleep without you, watching monitor closely, then when she has dropped off creep in and remove. You must be confident you won't forget though!

TheFormerPorpentinaScamander · 16/12/2020 22:25

Weighted blankets are not recommended for babies. Of course the companies selling them will tell you they are safe, so do the companies making and selling cot bumpers or socket covers.

Could you attach a small bean bag to a blanket so they the weight of your hand on them. Not sure that's any safer actually. Confused I guess it would be like the grobag with a weighted patch a PP mentioned.

Ultimateblends · 16/12/2020 22:25

Absolutely not op, even at the ages 2/3 I wouldnt be comfortable, I know you must be struggling and it's inconvenient for you, but this stage won't be forever, your baby is still just that, a baby - your choices really are, train baby out of it, or continue.

I dont want to seem harsh, or patronising.. or anything negative, because I know having to "be there" for your child to settle is really difficult at times, but it really won't be forever - and I would be inclined to attempt at "training" baby to sleep without this comfort, grobags great idea, although likely won't give the "weight" and closeness baby is expecting.

I'm afraid I did the unpopular "sleep training" method with my DC (something similar anyway) but it worked for me, and the result I personally had was a child who has always gone to bed with no issues as he grew up.

Lougle · 16/12/2020 22:26

@goodnessidontknow

Fill a glove with sand. You'll need to double line it and sew it really well to be sure it won't spill but the weight is perfect.
No, don't do that, because if she rolls against it with her face, it could suffocate her.
Lougle · 16/12/2020 22:27

That's also why babies don't have pillows.

Mangofandangoo · 16/12/2020 22:28

This really doesn't feel safe to me. My DD is 4 and even that would make me uneasy

Original poster
Thisisnotataste · 16/12/2020 22:28

I'm hoping that it will help her settle herself when she wakes in the night. As she still needs that reassurance
(Yes trying some gentle sleep training. No its not working yet) but getting desperate enough to throw money at the problem soon! Maybe I should have asked Santa for a magic sleep suit.
I might try some of those cheaper suggestions first

OP posts: