Four Things Parents Should Know About Weighted Blankets
Parents of toddlers often face various challenges. In various areas such as food, hygiene, sleep, health, and nutrition, toddlers demand extra attention from parents. It is a common experience that parents of toddlers find it demanding to put their kids to bed.
Various issues such as growth disorders, ear infections, colic, stomach pain, insecurity, and unexplained reasons can create sleep problems for toddlers.
Fortunately, technology and manufacturing advancements show a ray of hope for parents to overcome such hassles. Weighted blankets for toddlers are scientifically designed to aid children’s sleep. This post intends to discuss four main things parents need to know about weighted blankets.
#1: Getting familiar
Weighted blankets are coverings specially designed for promoting healthy sleep to children. They consist of layers filled with child-friendly fillings to impart pressure and are scientifically backed with the Deep Touch Pressure principle.
Weighted blankets are one type of pressure-based wear to promote soothing and comfort to kids.
That said, there are varying opinions on the usage of weighted blankets. While some prefer it as a natural sleep inducer, there are also opinions that these blankets might suffocate kids. Some doctors believe that these blankets do not encourage the natural movement of the child in sleep.
However, with a proper understanding of the selection and usage, weighted blankets can benefit kids. Plus, there must always be adult supervision like for any other child product.
#2: Benefits
Catering to the needs of children and elders, weighted blankets suit children of above 2 years. They are also proven to help elders suffering from memory disorders and insecurity.
Researchers find them especially useful for children suffering from growth disorders such as autism, attention deficiency, trauma, sensory processing, and obsessiveness. They also help promote a sense of security in children who change their living conditions.
The benefits of weighted blankets for toddlers are as below:
• Soothes and calms kids who are hyperactive and display overexcitement.
• Promotes sleep hormones – serotonin and melatonin through natural pressure application on the body.
• Alleviates anxiety and stress in children by triggering feel-good hormones.
• Imparts assurance and warmth to elders suffering from Alzheimer’s, post-cancer side effects, Parkinson’s, and anxiety.
#3: Availability
Thanks to the creativity of makers, a wide range of weighted blankets are available. Ranging from nature designs to child-friendly themes, parents can choose the ones their toddlers love.
Some of the best sellers in the range of weighted blankets for kids are:
• Yoga kids pose
• Engaging games
• Maps with states and capitals
• Space and adventure prints
• Dinosaur and extinct species
• Nature and floral prints
Besides, weighted blankets are available in different variants. Nighttime blankets, daytime wear, travel, etc. It makes it super easy to choose one for your kid that will turn out to be their favorite mate!
#4: Care and usage
Weighted blankets differ from regular blankets in their design. Thus, children might need some time to get accustomed to them, maybe a day or two.
There is plenty of choices available in the fabric used for weighted blankets. Pick a blanket that suits your local climate and kid’s body nature.
Like for every other kid’s product, weighted blankets must adhere to safety regulations too. Ensure the manufacturer assures quality and safety adherence.
When introducing the blankets, seek your toddler’s feedback. Check their comfort levels and consider their experience of using it for the first time.
Pediatricians suggest that the weight of the kid’s blankets must be in the range of 10-11% of their body weight. Hence, check the weight of the blanket in the product details to choose a suitable one according to your toddler’s weight.
When it comes to choosing products for kids, parents always vouch for reviews. The same applies to these blankets too. Check parents’ reviews before you settle with one. They can give you an exact peek into the product quality, real-time experience of their kids with the blanket, etc.
Summary
Sleep challenges with toddlers are testing for parents too. Weighted blankets can help solve them and provide sleep naturally to kids. Seek the professional advice of a pediatrician or an occupational therapist to decide about buying the right blanket for your child.