Our guide to the best weighted blankets for kids in 2024
Spotted: popular weighted blankets for less than $40
Weighted blankets have been praised for their ability to improve sleep quality - so could they be the key to your children getting sweet dreams?
Because let's face it, getting your little ones to establish a good sleep schedule can be difficult. And with everything going on in the world right now, it's understandable if kids (and parents!) are struggling to get a good night's sleep. Fortunately, the latest trend of using a weighted blanket might just provide some much-needed relief.
Weighted blankets have been around for a few years now, and have been praised for their extraordinary calming properties. Touted as a great tool for reducing anxiety and calming the nervous system, weighted blankets have proved helpful for bringing on calm slumber and improving sleep quality.
Most weighted blankets are thick quilts or blankets with an even weight distribution of something like glass beads or plastic pellets. You can also have knitted weighted blankets made from thick heavy yarn. However they're made, they basically offer added weight, mimicking the sensation of a firm hug. The technical term for this is Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), a therapy method used to treat stress and anxiety because of the way it can release both serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
Want to give it go? We've rounded up a few options below so you can find the best weighted blanket for kids and parents alike...
Best overall weighted blankets
Winnie The Pooh Oodie Weighted Blanket, $139 (down from $189), The Oodie
Why we love it: The soft luxurious feel
What to consider: Younger kids need adult supervision
Materials: Polyester and non toxic glass beads | Dimensions: approx 198cm x 121cm | Weight: 4.5kg, 6.8kg, 9kg |
What you need to know
This Winnie the Pooh Weighted Blanket from The Oodie is absolutely divine, especially with the approach of cooler weather. Made from premium plush polyester with a cute nostalgic pattern, this weighted blanket has non-toxic glass beads in separately sewn pockets and is available in three weights to suit difference ages and personal preference. Also comes in a handy drawstring bag, which makes for easy and dust-free storage.
You can also check out The Oodie's exclusive Barbie weighted blanket and Pokemon Weighted Blanket, perfect accessories for family movie nights - or any other time you want to relax!
Best bamboo weighted blanket
Ecosa Weighted Blanket, $176 (down from $220), Ecosa
Why we love it: A lovely cooling weighted blanket for all year round
What to consider: Only available in heavier weight options
Materials: Organic bamboo cover, glass beads | Dimensions: 140cm x 210cm | Weight: 7kg, 11kg | Care: Cold machine wash on gentle cycle
What you need to know
This weighted blanket features hexagonal pockets of evenly distributed micro beads that apply gentle pressure and promote a sense of calm and well being. Best of all, it has a soft and buttery cover made of cooling organic bamboo, which is not only silky soft but also naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, everything you need to help you drift off into a restful sleep.
"Very cooling and silky soft!" wrote one customer. "This weighted blanket is much better than my previous one as it has pockets that distribute the weight perfectly so it doesn’t bunch up. Feels very high quality and helps with my hyperactivity and anxiety to calm me at night."
Another customer left the comment, "My son loves his weighted blanket. He used to struggle to get to sleep but the worsted blanket has changed everything. he falls asleep quickly and easily."
Buzio Weighted Blanket for Kids, $58.50, Amazon
Why we love it: A good option for younger children
What to consider: Prices vary depending on size and pattern you choose
Materials: Cotton | Dimensions: 90cm x 120cm, 90cm x 120cm, 105cm x 150cm | Weight: 1.3kg, 2.3kg, 3.2kg | Care: Machine washable
What you need to know
Not only is this one of the more affordable weighted blankets on the market, but it's also more suitable for little kids than other weighted blankets with sizes such as 2.3kg or less. Available in seven different prints (like unicorns, dinosaurs and more), it will add colour and fun to your child's room. Plus, it's made of 100 per cent breathable cotton, with a reverse side of an incredibly soft dotted minky material that offers tactile warmth and deep pressure therapy to help your child fall asleep faster. And another bonus - the whole thing is machine washable.
A reviewer said "Wonderful!! Absolutely love it. Has helped sooo much to quieten down a hyperactive toddler boy and helps him sleep longer and wake up less. Love it!"
Best budget weighted blankets
Giselle Weighted Blanket 2.3kg, $39.95, Big W
Why we love it: A great option for kids at a budget-friendly price
What to consider: Only one colour to choose from
Materials: Microfibre cover, high density glass beads | Dimensions: 76cm x 102cm | Weight: 2.3kg
What you need to know
This ultra soft and breathable blanket features quilted pockets of high density eco-friendly glass bead filling, specifically designed to feel like a big warm hug. It's a close fitting blanket that conforms to your or your child's body shape, stimulating pressure points, boosting melatonin and serotonin, and creating an overall sense of calm and safety that will help them fall asleep. Best of all, it's machine washable for ultimate convenience.
Luxor Linen Microfibre Weighted Blanket 2.2kg, $39, Amazon
Why we love it: Affordable price and available in a wide range of weights
What to consider: The dimensions are quite small
Materials: | Dimensions: 90cm x 120cm | Weight: 2.2kg, 3.2kg, 4.5kg, 6.8kg, 9kg, 11.5kg | Care: Machine washable
What you need to know
This single-sized weighted blanket is made from a super-soft microfibre fabric kids will love snuggling up to. The blanket is machine washable, and one of the cheaper options on the market.
I bought this weighted blanket for my 12 year old daughter, who is very active and often has trouble winding down at the end of the day (and after dance classes). This calms her right down and helps her fall asleep, much more than a non weighted blanket and she loves nothing more than snuggling under it to read or do her homework. It is made of a soft velour fabric and the weight is evenly distributed over the entire blanket cover.
An Amazon reviewer uploaded the following comments on this weighted blanket: "Great small sized blanket for using as a lap blanket as well, not too heavy but not lightweight. Fantastic value for money, very happy with this product".
Best luxe weighted blankets
Sabine Weighted Blanket 6.5kg in Anthracite, $244.99 (down from $349.99), Myer
Why we love it: Stylish chunky knitted weighted blanket
What to consider: Not suitable for young children
Materials: Recycled polyester: Dimensions: One size | Weight: 6.5kg
What you need to know
This weighted blanket is made from braided strands of cosy polyester, to create a chunky knit that looks every bit as good as it feels. With its chic aesthetic, this blanket is also just easy to style in your living room or bedroom. Simply drape over lounge for bed to add gorgeous colour and texture to the space. And best of all, it offers cosy and relaxing warmth or better sleep, at a moment's notice.
One Myer customer left a review saying, "Bought as a gift my partner absolutely loves it just fits on a double bed and makes sleeping extra cosy."
Oodie Weighted Blanket 4.5kg $99 (down from $159), The Oodie
Why we love it: Soft plush feel (and convenient storage bag)
What to consider: Not huge in size
Materials: Polyester, non-toxic glass beads | Dimensions: Approx 198 x 121cm | Weight: 4.5kg, 6.8kg, 9kg
This divine Oodie weighted blanket is a more recent addition to The Oodie family and has proved to be an absolute winner. Made of plush fabric with evenly distributed pockets of non-toxic glass beads, it feels like a comforting warm hug. It's available in three different weights and in a choice of stylish blue, grey and pink.
There are over 100 five star review for this weighted blanket on The Oodie website.
"Weighted blankets are fabulous, kids love them," wrote one customer.
Another wrote, "My therapist recommended this and my god is it the best thing to help relax and settle if you struggle with restlessness and anxiety. I love it."
And finally another very happy customer commented, "I absolutely LOVE my weighted blanked. This is a winter essential: it is the most relaxing thing ever."
Jason 3kg Super Soft Weighted Blanket, $64.95 (was $79), Temple & Webster
Why we love it: Cosy fleece cover
What to consider: Only one weight choice
Materials: Polyester fleece, glass beads | Dimensions: 142cm x 105cm | Weight: 3kg | Care: Spot clean only
Jason is a brand that has been producing high quality bedding for over 70 years - and right now their 3kg weighted blanket is available for a more than reasonable price. With a soft fleece cover, it re-creates the feel of a big cosy hug, helping to boost serotonin and melatonin levels and create a stress-free sense of calm. Also available in blue.
"I bought this for my granddaughter and she loves it," said one online reviewer, while another said, "Fantastic quality and so soft. My son now asks for it every time he is hyped up and sleeps with it each night."
Dreamz Weighted Blanket 3KG, $139.99, eBay
Why we love it: Bead-free blanket in fab colours
What to consider: Choosing the right colour
Materials: Breathable hypoallergenic knit | Dimensions: 121cm x 91cm, 198cm x 122cm, 202cm x 151cm | Weight: 3kg, 6.5kg, 9kg
This gorgeous chunky knit weighted blanket is breathable, hypoallergenic and available in four stunning tones. It comes in three weight sizes - 3kg, 6.5kg and 9kg - so one to suit the whole family (although young kids should only use under strict adult supervision). And while it keeps you cosy and warm, the knitted look adds a certain style to the home.
DreamZ 3 Layer Weighted Blanket 5kg, from $39.95, Temple & Webster
Why we love it: A choice of three colours
What to consider: Only suitable for older children
Materials: Polyester, glass beads | Dimensions: 152cm x 203cm | Weight: 5kg, 7kg, 9kg
What you need to know
Soft and breathable, this blanket provides ultimate comfort, helping you and your family to destress at the end of the day. Suitable for all-year-round use, with a 12 month warranty giving even further peace of mind.
One parent was so thrilled with their purchase, they left the following review: "My highly sensitive and imaginative 10 year old daughter, loves her comforting weighted blanket. She declared that her new blanket makes her feel so happy and giggly. After a busy school day, she looks forward to quietly resting under her cosy blanket, to reset her happy vibes."
What to consider when buying a weighted blanket
We took the following factors into account when choosing weighted blankets for this list:
Weight: Weighted blankets all vary in weight and which one you choose comes down to your age and personal preference.
Type of weight: Choose a blanket that distributes weight evenly, whether it contains glass balls or is a chunky knit weighted blanket. And you might want to make sure any weights used are non toxic.
Feel: Texture is important as it will be lying next to your skin - or your child's - so you want something soft and snugly that encourages relaxation and blissful sleep.
Size: There is no standard size for weighted blankets so always check dimensions. The size you choose will depend on the situation. You might want something smaller and more manageable for your child, but then a larger size for you to snuggle under on the lounge.
Cost: Weighted blankets vary in cost and this will depend on your budget. You can pay up to a few hundred dollars or more, however now there are plenty of options under the $50 mark, which are possibly more suitable for families to try.
Care: Always check the washing instructions. Some weighted blankets are machine washable while others can only have a hand wash or spot clean.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be for a child?
There are plenty of calming blankets on the market, but it's best to choose one that's around 10 per cent of your child's body weight.
Are weighted blankets safe for kids?
According to experts, weighted blankets are safe for kids who can lift the blanket independently - if they are capable of that, they can safely use it. For this reason, kids under the age of three shouldn't use weighted blankets. Always make sure that the blanket doesn't cover your child's head.
More Coverage
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets have a bunch of great benefits. Not only can they provide a more restful and deep sleep, but the general feeling of calm and wellbeing that they trigger can also be soothing for kids and adults with anxiety, autism, PTSD, depression and other conditions. Always consult a doctor or medical professional if using a weighted blanket at the same time as a serious medical condition and replace immediately if damaged, leaking or ripped.
You might want to also check out the best weighted sensory toys for kids, not mention oversized hoodies for kids and adults to keep warm and cosy this winter. And if you want to shop more deals, pop over to news.com.au and see what's on offer on our coupons page .
Originally published as Our guide to the best weighted blankets for kids in 2024
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