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Chances are you’re reading this post because you’re wondering ‘what size weighted blanket should I get?
Well, you’re in the right place. Because size is often the first question that springs to mind when people first look to buy a weighted blanket. The good news is, it’s really simple to work out what size weighted blanket you need.
Below we’ll take a look at how to quickly decide what size weighted blanket is likely to suit you best, whether it’s for:
- a single adult
- a child
- or a couple.
What Is A Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is a blanket that’s heavier than a regular blanket. It contains lightly weighted materials such as poly pellets or glass beads, which are are sewn into the blanket to give it additional weight.
This extra weight applies gentle deep touch pressure (DTP) on the body, which helps the brain release neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine – chemicals that affect relaxation, mood and sleep.
As a result, many people find weighted blankets a huge help with anxiety, sleeping issues and symptoms associated with autism and ADHD.
Now let’s find out what size weighted blanket you should get based on your own unique needs.
What Size Weighted Blanket Should I Get?
Below, you’ll find weighted blanket sizing guidelines, which are the ‘rule of thumb’ industry standard used and recommended by most occupational therapists and healthcare professionals.
Don’t worry too much about finding a weighted blanket with the absolute ‘exact’ recommended weight for your size – a little bit of extra weight here and there isn’t likely to make much difference.
But do keep in mind that the Royal College of Occupational Therapy suggest choosing the lightest weighted blanket you can, whilst still getting the desired benefits.
Weighted Blanket Weight Chart
Here’s a weighted blanket weight chart showing weights most generally recommended by occupational therapists and health professionals. You’ll find more detailed information on how to choose the right size below.
What Size Weighted Blanket Should I Get For A Child?
When you select a weighted blanket for children, it’s recommended you choose a blanket that’s:
- 10% of a child’s body weight, plus 1 or 2 pounds.
So if your child is 40 lbs, this would mean a blanket that’s around 5-6 lbs.
Keep in mind as well; the actual ‘size’ of the blanket will change in line with the weight. So a child’s small 6-7lb blanket will be smaller in size than a larger child’s 8-20lb blanket.
For example, Mosaic Weighted Blankets offer weighted blankets for children in 3 weights and sizes:
- Child’s Small Weighted Blanket – S 36″ x 42″ 6-12 lbs
- Child’s Medium Weighted Blanket – M 38″ x 50″ 7-15 lbs
- Child’s Large Weighted Blanket – L 38″ x 60″ 8-20 lbs
Most companies that sell weighted blankets offer easy to follow sizing charts or custom blankets like the ones above, so it’s generally really easy to find the right size.
Keep in mind that weighted blankets are designed to lay evenly across the body and not drape down the side of the bed, as this can affect weight distribution.
Weighted Blanket Sizing For Toddlers
Many manufactures suggest weighted blankets are safe to use for toddlers from the age of around 2 or 3. Other sources suggest waiting until a child is nearer 6 or 7.
The important thing to remember is that a toddler, or young child, shouldn’t use a weighted blanket unsupervised if they have physical, learning or other difficulties, which may hinder them from moving the blanket independently. This goes for older children and adults as well.
Supervision is also advised for children under the age of 6.
In terms of the guidelines for size and weight though, these are the same as for children – 10% of the toddler’s body weight, plus 1 or 2 lbs.
Never use a weighted blanket with a baby or child under 2.
Babies aren’t able to regulate their temperatures in the same way as older children and adults, plus they may struggle to move the blanket off their body, or away from their head, should the need arise. These factors could pose serious risks of overheating or suffocation.
What Size Weighted Blanket Should I Get For An Adult?
For adults it’s recommended that a weighted blanket be:
- 10% of the ideal body weight.
Again, you don’t need to be 100% ‘exact’. But keep in mind 10% of your body weight may start to feel quite heavy for some people.
So it’s usually better to err on the side of a lighter blanket over a heavier one, if unsure. Some people do prefer a little extra weight, so you can always work up if you decide you prefer a little extra pressure later on.
Here’s a Recommended Weight Chart from Mosaic Weighted Blankets that will help you choose a weighted blanket for your size and weight.
What Size Weighted Blanket Should I Get For A Couple?
Whilst you’ll find a range of weighted blankets for couples on the market now, if there are 2 of you, it’s important to keep a couple of things in mind:
1 – Weighted blankets are designed to fit your body size or lay on top of the bed
Investing in a double weighted blanket that is too big for your bed is likely to mean the blanket will hang down the sides. Gravity will then pull it down and affect the weight distribution.
So if you decide to invest in a weighted blanket for a couple, look for a blanket that fits your bed size and allows you and your partner to rest comfortably beneath it, but won’t drape down the sides. Bigger is not always better!
So, for example, if your have queen sized bed, look for a weighted blanket, which fits the dimension of a queen mattress (60 by 80 inches).
2 – Weighted Blankets Are Designed To Fit Your Own Weight
If you and your partner are very different weights, this is likely to mean one of you may find the blanket too heavy and the other too light.
If this is the case, you might want to consider buying a weighted blanket each.
If your weights are not radically different, an option recommended by Layla Sleep is to choose a weighted blanket that’s around 7.5% of your combined body weight.
So, for example, if you’re combined body weight was 300 lb, you might consider a blanket that’s 20 lbs in weight.
Can A Weighted Blanket Be Too Heavy?
This study concluded that the use of a 30 lb weighted blanket, in the lying down position, is safe, as evidenced by vital sign metrics, such as blood pressure and pulse rate. The study participants were healthy adults with no physical impairments.
However, using a blanket that is too heavy for your own body weight may feel unpleasant or over stimulating. Similarly, using a weighted blanket that is not heavy enough may not offer the desired benefits you’re seeking.
At the end of the day, there is no magic formula – some people simply get on better with a blanket that is a little heavier than their recommended weight, whilst others prefer a blanket that’s a little lighter.
The majority of people, however, find a weighted blanket in their recommended weight size works just fine for them.
If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check return and refund policies, so you can exchange a blanket if it doesn’t suit you.
Conclusion
Many children and adults have found weighted blankets an immense huge help with issues such as stress and insomnia, as well as symptoms associated with autism and ADHD.
But if you want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of deep touch pressure, you need to consider what size weighted blanket you should get.
Always make sure you get the right size and weight of blanket for your needs, to ensure safe and effective use of the blanket. This is simple to do if you use common sense and adhere to the general guidelines.
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