Due to the popularity of weighted blankets, especially for children, parents often wonder, and we have also been asked directly, if we manufacture weighted blankets for babies.
We understand that parents are probably thinking it will help to calm their baby at night and assist with sleep training, etc.
It is highly recommended NOT to use a weighted blanket for any child younger than 1 year of age. It is recommended that you always get a doctor or therapists’ opinion as well, just to be 100% sure that it is the right choice for you.
The main reason for the 1 year rule is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. – the sudden, usually unexplained death of a baby during sleep. Most SIDS deaths happen in babies 2 to 4 months old. Cases rise during cold weather and is the leading cause of infant deaths between 1 month to 1 year of age.
Despite this, there are many things a parent can do to minimise the risk of SIDS. Most importantly, babies younger than 1 year old should be placed on their backs to sleep — never facedown on their stomachs or on their sides. Sleeping on the stomach or side increases the risk for SIDS. Parents should also avoid sleep positioners, loose blankets, pillows, plush toys or anything else that could restrict or impair an infant’s breathing.
With that being said, after your child’s first birthday, speak to your pediatrician or family doctor about weighted blankets and when it’s safe to use one for your child.
How to choose a Weighted Blanket for your child
At PrettySpecial we have made our sizing options appropriate to ages and weights for both adults and children alike. Our smallest being our toddler sized blanket, starting with a user weight of 31kg. This is equivalent to a blanket weight of 3.1kg.
Of course we are flexible and can custom make your blanket to be as light or as small as you want, bearing in mind the effectiveness of the weight on the child. The ideal weight is between 8 – 12% of the user’s body weight. Ideally you do not want too much extra blanket, as this will defeat the purpose of weight distribution. It should be sized to fit the user and not the user’s bed. The blanket’s weight should be a consistent, focused pressure on the body itself. Another reason for this is that if the blanket drapes over the sides of the bed, the weight will pull it toward the ground and will fall off.
A lighter option for children older than 1 year would be a lap pad, which has its own benefits including being an amazing sensory tool or toy to help improve your child’s attention, focus, or ability to calm down and relax.
They can also improve your child’s body awareness and prevents sensory meltdowns, tantrums and aggression.
For more information of the benefits of sensory and weighted products please do not hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to help you in deciding what would work best for you and your child.