How weighted blankets can take a weight off your shoulders: Weighted Blankets explained

Move over fidget toys, weighted blankets are the new MVP when it comes to calming down overstimulated little (and big) humans!

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You might have seen them growing in popularity lately… with countless TikToks singing their praises… And with the cooler weather, now is the perfect time to find out what all the fuss is about!

So what is a weighted blanket?

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A weighted blanket is exactly what it sounds like: a blanket that is a bit heavier than usual. They come in different sizes, and are also graded to different weights to keep things safe for kids of different ages. The bigger and older you are, the more weight you can safely put on you. 

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Why do weighted blankets work?

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Are you the kind of person that has trouble sleeping even in the middle of summer because you like the feeling of the doona on you to keep you feeling cosy and safe? Well weighted blankets sort of work the same way… And there is a very good reason for that… It’s called proprioceptive input. 

Basically, proprioceptive input is the sensory info that is received through our muscles, joints, and connective tissues that helps our brain to understand our body position, movement and force. It’s what allows us to do things like walk without looking at your feet, or touch your nose with your eyes closed. 

Weighted blankets work through this proprioceptive input, by providing deep pressure stimulation. The gentle and calm pressure feels like a firm hug, which sends calming signals to your nervous system. It’s really quite primal. This means that weighted blankets are absolutely perfect for reducing anxiety, improving focus, and promoting better relaxation and sleep. 

And the benefits are often even more pronounced for sensory or neurodivergent kids whose bodies have trouble ‘switching off.’  

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What are weighted blankets made from?

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The blanket is usually made from an outer layer that is made of traditional materials such as cotton, bamboo, plush or even linen blends… but the weight comes from different fillings which are stitched into pockets within which are evenly distributed. The most common types of weighted blankets fillings are:

• Glass beads – fine and quiet, these are often found in premium blankets
• Plastic poly pellets – often found in budget options
• Steel shot beads which are heavy and durable, but not that common
• Natural fillers like grains of sand.

Once a niche product, these types of weighted blankets can now be easily found in most major retailers who stock blankets and bedding.

Now, I know what you’re thinking… 

1. Is this even safe for kids? 
2. How do you even wash something like that? Kids are notoriously grubby, and anything they touch will need regular cleaning due to boogers, food smears, craft supplies, or toileting mishaps.  Sometimes spot cleaning won’t cut the proverbial mustard…

So while all the above everyday blanket options can work really well… especially for older kids, you might like to also consider a gorgeous, and wholly natural new alternative which is fortunately washable for smaller children. 

 

The world’s first kids weighted blanket made from bamboo fibre

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Australian brand Woven Woven, discovered the benefits of a gentle weighted blanket when trying to find ways to calm her first baby. She has developed what they believe to be the world’s first kid’s weighted blanket made from bamboo fibre, that is bead-free and designed specially for little kids. 

Unlike the alternatives, the Woven Woven bamboo blankets are naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial and antimicrobial, and are breathable, meaning that it’s perfect for keeping kids asleep longer, safely. And best of all, they are machine washable on a gentle cycle (goodbye snot-stains!)

Woven Woven blankets are available in both bamboo, and cotton options, with an innovative knitting technique that ensures an even weight distribution throughout the blanket. They’re available in two weights (1.5kg and 2.2kg) in both cotton and bamboo, and come in some simply gorgeous colours to suit your decor or your kid’s personality (hello, watermelon red!)

Wrapping up (in layers of blankets)

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Once just a sensory product for neurodiverse kids, weighted blankets are now readily available in a variety of sizes, weights, and materials, with something to suit everyone. They’ve gone mainstream, and the science is solid.

If you or your children are experiencing trouble sleeping, anxiety or restlessness, why not give them a go? You can use them to snuggle up on the couch and read a book or watch some Bluey to wind down at nap time or at the end of the day. Or try tucking into bed at night with one to be comforted into a cozy, deep sleep. 

Remember: a heavy blanket can create an unsafe sleep environment for babies so follow SIDS safe sleeping guidelines, and always read the label and follow instructions.