Are weighted blankets safe for children?

This guide outlines how weighted blankets are typically used, what matters in practice, and how to decide whether one is right for your child.

Weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle, evenly distributed pressure. Because they’re intentional in their use, and often used during rest, they tend to attract more guidance than standard bedding.

This doesn’t necessarily mean there is cause for concern, but it does require some thought about what is appropriate for your child. Like most sensory or comfort tools, they’re best chosen with an understanding of the child using them and used in a way that supports comfort and ease of movement.

For children who can move independently and use them as intended, weighted blankets are widely used and commonly enjoyed by children who naturally seek pressure.

They are not designed for babies, and they are not intended to restrict movement. In most homes, they’re used flexibly and under supervision — during quiet time, rest on the couch, or as part of a wind-down routine.

You’ll often see a 10% body-weight figure referenced when researching weighted blankets. This is best understood as an upper reference point for safety, not a target weight parents should aim for.

Many children respond best to lighter pressure. Heavier does not mean more effective, and comfort is individual. Of course, some older children and adults have more extreme sensory preferences, and a much heavier weight may be required.

A weighted blanket should feel grounding and reassuring, not restrictive.

Weighted blankets aren’t intended to keep a child in bed, limit movement, or override discomfort. They are intended to provide a feeling of calm and safety.

They’re most commonly used during:

As with most sensory tools, they work best when the child chooses to use them.

Weighted blankets aren’t suitable for babies or for children who can’t remove them independently.

They are not intended to be part of a fixed, rigid routine, but rather offered as a support that your child can opt in and out of depending on how they are feeling on the day. They may not be appropriate at times when a child is unwell or uncomfortable with pressure. If a child consistently avoids the sensation of weight, that information is useful too — not every tool suits every child.

Not all weighted blankets feel the same.

Breathable, natural fibres tend to regulate temperature more comfortably, particularly in warmer climates. Lighter designs with evenly distributed weight are often easier for children to adjust and reposition during use.

Design choices influence how a blanket feels in everyday life, not just how much it weighs.

Families commonly find weighted blankets helpful for children who:

Weighted blankets don’t fix sleep or behaviour.

What they can do is support your child’s nervous system, moving them towards a sense of physical calm and helping some children feel settled enough to rest when used alongside familiar routines and secure connection.