My kids are cuddlers, which is great when we're watching a movie and not so great when they're trying to fall asleep or I need to get work done. So, I decided to turn to weighted blankets [1]! These blankets — which should only be about 10 percent of your child's body weight [2] — can help your kids feel calmer, regulate their stress hormone cortisol [3] during sleep, and are just super soft to cuddle with. Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which is gentle squeezing, hugs, or holding that relaxes the nervous system [4].
Keep in mind, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies under 1 should never sleep with any blanket [5], and parents shouldn't use a weighted blanket while holding them. Also, weighted blankets should never be used with a child under age 2 [6].
Parents should use caution when using a weighted blanket with a toddler. "Weighted blankets, though popular among parents to use with their children for sleeping issues or anxiety, are not backed by studies showing that they actually work," said Hina J. Talib, MD [7], pediatrician and adolescent medicine sub-specialist practicing at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City. Dr. Talib added that there is no exact safe weight approved for a child based on scientific research — only manufacturer's guidelines — so please keep that in mind when you are deciding if you should get one. However, Dr. Talib did say that weighted blankets could help children feel calm, but that these coping mechanisms vary from person to person.
My kids, who are 2 and almost 4, prefer sleeping with their regular superhero comforters, but they do like cuddling up to their weighted blankets while watching TV or reading books — and I still enjoy soaking up all the hugs and kisses I can get!
Different manufacturers have different weight guidelines to help you shop for the best weighted blanket for your kids and toddlers. Shop some of the best weighted blankets for kids and toddlers in the slides ahead, paying special attention to the right size to order from your child. (Note: always ask your pediatrician if you have any questions about weighted blankets before buying.)
Gravity Kids Blanket
Designed for ages 7 and up, the Gravity Kids Blanket [9] ($170) uses the power of gravity to help relax the nervous system. It's 10-pounds and comes with a weighted dog toy for extra comfort.
Luna Weighted Blanket for Kids
The Luna Weighted Blanket for Kids [10] ($55, originally $65) is made with 100% cotton and is designed to help reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia, and increase melatonin and serotonin. These come in a variety of patterns and weights, but the company recommends a 5-pound blanket if your child weights 50 pounds or less, and a 10-pound blanket if your child is around 100 pounds.
Luna Cooling Bamboo Weighted Blanket
Made with 100% lyocell bamboo, the Luna Cooling Bamboo Weighted Blanket [11] ($60) is temperature regulating, so your little one will stay cool all night. The 5-pound kids one is designed for kids weighing 50 pounds or less.
PJ Masks Kids Weighted Blanket
Gecko, Catboy, and Owlette are featured prominently on this fun PJ Masks Kids Weighted Blanket [12] ($64). This blanket weighs 4.5 pounds and is designed for kids ages 4 and up who weight at least 35 pounds.
Disney’s Frozen 2 Kids Weighted Blanket
Anna and Elsa from Frozen 2 will help your kid fall asleep with this cute Disney's Frozen 2 Kids Weighted Blanket [13] ($45, originally $50). The 4.5-pound blanket is designed for kids ages 4 and up, who weigh 35+ pounds.
Avengers Super Hero Weighted Blanket
Kids will love cuddling up to the Avengers with this super cool Avengers Super Hero Weighted Blanket [14] ($50, originally $60). It's designed for ages 3 and older who weigh a minimum of 35 pounds.
Pillowfort 60”x40” 6 pounds Weighted Blanket in Unicorn
Colourful rainbows, unicorns, and flowers make this Pillowfort 60"x40" 6 pounds Weighted Blanket in Unicorn [15] ($40) absolutely gorgeous! This 6-pound blanket is designed for kids who weigh at least 60 pounds.
Pillowfort 60”x40” 6 pounds Weighted Blanket in Space
Travel to outer space with this fun Pillowfort 60"x40" 6 pounds Weighted Blanket in Space [16] ($40). It weighs 6 pounds and is made for kids who weigh at least 60 pounds.
Trolls Standing on Rainbows Weighted Blanket
How can you not smile when looking at this rainbow-coloured Trolls Standing on Rainbows Weighted Blanket [17] ($40)? It features Poppy playing a ukulele on a rainbow with colourful flowers in her hair. This blanket weighs 5 pounds and is designed for kids at least 3 years old, who weigh at least 40 pounds.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Child Weighted Blanket
Tuck your child in with The Child when you use this Star Wars: The Mandalorian The Child Weighted Blanket [18] ($40). This fun blanket weighs 4.5 pounds and is designed for children 6 years and older.
Toy Story Play Time Weighted Blanket
From playtime to sleep time, your child will love this Toy Story Play Time Weighted Blanket [19] ($40). It features Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Rex, Bo Peep, Forky, and an alien. This blanket is 4.5 pounds and recommended for kids at least 6 years old.
Dream Theory Mermaid Weighted Blanket
Who said weighted blankets have to be rectangular? This 5-pound Dream Theory Mermaid Weighted Blanket [20] ($70) is absolutely amazing — it's shaped like a mermaid tail! With light purple scales and a pretty fin, your child will never want to take this blanket off.
YnM Kids Bamboo Weighted Blanket
The YnM Kids Bamboo Weighted Blanket [21] ($60) has cooling technology and a seven-layer design that molds to your body for extra comfort. It's designed for those with sensitive skin to reduce tension, improve sleep quality, and block out stimulation. The 7-pound blanket is designed for kids who weigh at least 60 pounds, and comes in multiple colours and patterns.
Dream Weighted Blanket
Wrap your little one in a cloud-like blanket when you order this Dream Weighted Blanket [22] ($99). One side is an ultra-warm microfleece, while the other is a cooling fabric, so your toddler can enjoy this blanket all year long. It is a great way to help your child relax while watching a movie or sleeping. The 4-pound blanket is designed for children ages 3 to 8 who weight at least 30 pounds.
Bearaby Nappling
This sweet Bearaby Nappling [23] ($149) weighted blanket is made with soft, organic cotton yarn knitted together to form a breathable weighted blanket. There are four equally adorable colours to choose from. This blanket is eight pounds and designed for kids ages 4 to 14 years old.
Integrated Cover Weighted Blankets
The Integrated Cover Weighted Blankets [24] ($80) comes in your choice of plush minky, luxury bamboo lyocell, or a combination of both, in many beautiful colours. This luxurious weighted blanket weighs 8 pounds.
Sivio Weighted Blanket for Kids
The soft minky fleece Sivio Weighted Blanket for Kids [25] ($36) comes in three sizes: 3 pounds for body weight from 19-30 pounds; 5 pounds for body weight between 30-60 pounds, and 7 pounds for body weight between 60-80 pounds.
TEMPCORE Weighted Blanket for Kids
Pretty unicorns prance over this TEMPCORE Weighted Blanket for Kids [26] ($35), which comes in ether 5 pounds, 7 pounds, or 10 pounds.