To children, weighted blankets are like stuffed animals. Stuffed animals are soft, cuddly, and comforting to hold, however, not just any stuffed animal will suffice.

Weighted blankets are the same way. Coming with several therapeutic benefits, they can be a staple in your child's nighttime routine. This rings especially true if they have any form of sensory needs or are on the spectrum.  

There are 5 major factors to consider when choosing a weighted blanket: Weight, Outer Material, Inner Stuffings, Washability and  Sensory Stimulation

This short but sweet guide was created to help parents grappling with a child on the spectrum or sensory defensiveness find the perfect weighted blanket.

Finding The Right Weight & Size

The rule of thumb is to find a blanket which is approximately 10% of your child's body weight, plus a pound or two. For example, if your child weighs 50 pounds, a 7 pound blanket would be recommended. This is the most frequently used method for determining the correct weight of your blanket. 

However, some people may consider sizing down (i.e 10% of their weight minus a pound or two) if they easily get too hot when they sleep. Also, if you have a child that has mobility issues, it may be important to size down, to make it easier for them to take off the blanket. 

In terms of dimensions, it is recommended to find a blanket, which lengthwise, can cover your child from shoulders to toes, with some wiggle room at the bottom.

Finding the right temperature and materials

The type of material can cause your child overheat. The extra weight of the blanket naturally makes the blanket warmer. Therefore, it is important to find materials that counteract this added heat.

Cotton fabrics are notorious for holding onto heat, making prolonged use of a weighted blanket uncomfortable, and sometimes even unbearable for children. Therefore, it is recommended to find blankets constructed with more breathable, cooling fabrics, such as bamboo.

Finding the right quilting

Weighted blankets are known to "bunch" meaning weighted filing shifts to a localized area. This is especially a problem for fidgety, restless children, as the weighted filling can shift, and there is no longer equal weight distribution across the blanket. 

Ensure that your blanket has a pocket quilt or box quilt design to ensure the weight stay put and the blanket can continue to mold and form to you child's sleeping positions.

Benefits of the Sensominds Weighted Blanket

Despite this cheat sheet, the sheer amount of weighted blanket variations on the market can seem overwhelming. You may ask yourself, why Senso-Minds? Awesome question!

• The Cooling Bamboo Fabric ensures thermal regulation, and prevents overheating under the blanket, maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Pocket Quilt design localized weight, and prevents bunching, ensuring the effects of the blanket are widespread across your child's body.
• The mix of glass beads and pellets ensures proper weight distribution and allows the blanket to form around your child, just like a hug.
• Sensory Minky Duvet cover is pleasant to touch and mitigates any tactile aggravation as a child moves and fidgets under the blanket.

Simply put, the features we've integrated into our blankets were in close consultation with parents grappling with sensory issues or children on the spectrum.