The popularity of weighted blankets has taken off in recent years. These blankets are made of heavy cloth or other materials to add weight. A good weighted blanket will distribute weight evenly, so the user never feels uncomfortable. At the same time, they breathe so that the user won’t get too hot.
What Do Weighted Blankets Do?
This is mostly subjective, but many people report feeling “cuddled” by weighted blankets. The concept is similar to when we swaddle an infant in a blanket and hold them to calm them down and to help them sleep. The idea is to make the mind and body feel more secure and relaxed. In turn, users have an easier time going to sleep and sleeping more soundly than regular bed sheets.
In the past, weighted blankets were marketed more towards people with autism or other behavioral disturbances. More recently, we have seen a shift towards adults who aren’t getting enough sleep. After all, adults are a demographic that gets less sleep than they need.
With more adults reporting success with these blankets, parents ask if a weighted blanket is right for their children. It is important to note that weights blankets for kids are different than adult varieties. An adult blanket may be too heavy and could contribute to new issues or safety concerns in children.
When you buy a weighted blanket designed for kids, you will find that they are typically made with only heavy fibers. Using them is simple, too. Either replace the comforter with the weighted blanket, or if your kids get too hot, only use the weighted blanket. The blanket should be machine washable, but double-check before purchasing to make sure it won’t be ruined after a single accident.
Ideally, this will help your child sleep better. In turn, you, as the parent, will also enjoy a better night’s sleep because your child isn’t waking you up throughout the night.
Other Ways to Promote Good Sleep in Children
A weighted blanket isn’t the only way to help your kids sleep better. Here are some other suggestions.
Keep a Regular Bedtime
When your kids know exactly when they’re going to bed, and when they’ll awaken the next morning, their bodies tend to adjust to this schedule.
Talk About Their Days and Problems
When kids can talk out the challenges they face each day, they are less likely to lose sleep over the anxiety that makes it hard to fall asleep in the first place.
Prioritize Exercise
Burning off that little bit of extra energy can make going to sleep a lot more attractive to an energetic youngster.
Encourage Reading
Routines like this get kids in the habit of falling asleep at a specific time, provide a reward for their cooperation, and give them a chance to let their imaginations float away into the dream world as they start to get very sleepy.
Consult With Your Primary Care Physician
Poor sleep may be a symptom of an underlying issue that you can’t solve on your own. Consult with your primary care physician to learn about what more you can be doing, or if there are tests to help determine the cause of poor sleep. At the same time, you might ask about using supplements designed to help kids sleep. Here are a few that you may want to consider.
Herbs For Kids offers Homeopathy for Kids No More Monsters for Peaceful Sleep, a gentle formula containing herbs known for promoting relaxation, aiding with anxiety, and a healthy sleep cycle.
Sweet Dreams KidSafe Essential Oil by Plant Therapy works to help kids fall asleep and keep them asleep longer once they’ve nodded off. This formula also seeks to help with anxiety, a healthy mood, and feelings of relaxation. Mix with a carrier oil and apply to the chest or add a few drops into a diffuser.
Whether you use the techniques outlined above, or find that a weighted blanket works fine all by itself, we hope that your children have an excellent sleep in the coming days and that you, in turn, get the rest that you need.
