How do I wash a weighted blanket?

All weighted blankets have different washing instructions, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular blanket. Some weighted blankets can be put in a washing machine, but must be line dried. Others can be put in both washer and dryer, but must be dried on low heat. Many weighted blankets come with duvet covers, which you can remove and wash; the weighted blanket inside can then be spot-cleaned (but not placed in the washing machine).

Are weighted blankets good for ADHD?

Weighted blankets have been shown to be beneficial for people with ADHD. They can make it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and remain calm during the day. People with ADHD are prone to overstimulation, and a weighted blanket can reduce outside stimuli, allowing you to focus and relax.

Can kids use a weighted blanket all night?

Weighted blankets—or blankets of any kind—are never appropriate for babies under the age of 1. Unfortunately, there isn't any research out there about what age it’s appropriate to start using a weighted blanket with your child. That said, most older children are able to use weighted blankets throughout the night as long as they are the right size and weight for your child’s body. If you have any questions about using a weighted blanket while your child sleeps, consult your pediatrician.

The 8 Best Weighted Blankets for Kids of 2023

Weighted blankets may help ease symptoms of anxiety and help kids with insomnia get quality sleep. The best weighted blankets for kids are safe, the appropriate weight, and made from a material that suits your climate and child's sleeping habits.

Weighted blankets come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. These features are great to consider because it allows you to customize the blanket to your child's preferences. Another important feature to look for is the ease of cleaning and drying. Some can be machine washed and dried, but others may need to be hand-washed and/or line-dried. We researched popular options with these features in mind.

Here are the best weighted blankets for kids on the market today.

A Note About Safety

The AAP recommends keeping cribs free of any soft objects and loose bedding, including blankets, until after a baby is at least 12 months old due to the risk of SIDS. While babies, toddlers, and younger children should avoid using weighted blankets, they are generally safe for older children and teenagers. A good rule—for safety and to ensure your child benefits from the blanket—is to select a blanket that is around 10% of their body weight.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Weighted Idea Kids Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Tranquility. Kids Weighted Blanket & Cover at Walmart

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Best Splurge:

Gravity Kids Blanket at Gravityblankets.com

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Best Cooling:

Luna Kids Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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Best Organic:

Pottery Barn Kids Bearaby Nappling Weighted Blanket at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best for Teens:

Casper Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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Best for Big Kids:

Sivio Kids Weighted Blanket at Amazon

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Best for Preschoolers:

Mr. Sandman Weighted Blanket for Toddlers at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.6

Amazon

View On Amazon

This blanket is our best overall because of how many ways you can customize it to your (or your child's) liking. You can choose from several textures, colors, patterns, sizes, and weights starting as low as 5 pounds. Made from 100% cotton, this pick is soft, breathable, and lightweight. It also has two-extra polyester internal layers and is filled with glass beads. It has precision stitches, so you don't have to worry about it leaking, and all of the materials are hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals. Kids can use it while they're sleeping, on the couch watching movies, and more.

Since the blanket needs to be spot cleaned and line dried to maintain quality, consider purchasing a duvet cover to help protect it.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Material: Cotton or polyester}

Amazon

View On Walmart View On Kohls.com

This six- or nine-pound blanket is best for kids who weigh between 60 pounds (the six-pound blanket) and 90 pounds (the nine-pound blanket) and who are at least 10 years old. It comes with a super soft cover that can be tossed into the washer and dryer and helps keep the blanket clean. The blanket is filled with glass beads that evenly distribute weight to ensure comfort and safety.

Price at time of publish: $25

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 6 or 9 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Material: Micro-plush fabric}

Courtesy of Gravity Blankets

View On Gravityblankets.com

If you’re willing to spend a little bit of money, the Gravity Kids weighted blanket is worth it. Plus it comes with a toy. Kids as young as 7 years old who weigh at least 100 pounds can safely use this 10-pound blanket, which is filled with glass beads and covered with a duvet made from a cooling and moisture-wicking fabric. The accompanying stuffed dog weighs three pounds to serve as a little extra comfort for your kiddo. The outer duvet is available in green or pink and is machine washable (but the inner blanket needs to be spot cleaned).

Price at time of publish: $130

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10 pounds | Age Recommendation: 7 years old and up | Material: Polyester}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Lunablanket.com

With a wide variety of pattern and color options and the choice of several weights, this blanket is made from 100% cotton to offer breathability even on the hottest nights. The blanket is filled with fabrics and non-toxic glass beads to weigh it down while also ensuring all weight is evenly distributed. The blanket is hypoallergenic and is safe to wash in a washing machine.

Price at time of publish: $50

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 5 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Material: Cotton}

Pottery Barn Kids

View On Potterybarnkids.com View On Bearaby.com

If you’re looking for organic and cozy, this is the blanket you want. The knit blanket is made from 100% organic cotton and is free of any fillers because the cotton is thick enough to weigh the blanket down, which also ensures the weight is distributed throughout the blanket. It’s available in three color options and is designed for kids between 4 and 14 years old who can safely use an 8-pound blanket. To wash, toss it into the washing machine and then dry on low heat in the dryer. The manufacturer specifically notes not to hang the blanket to dry because it can be damaged.

Price at time of publish: $139

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 8 pounds | Age Recommendation: 4 to 14 years old | Material: Cotton and spandex}

4.8

Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Wayfair

Available in either 10-, 15-, or 20-pound versions, this weighted blanket is a perfect option for teens weighing between 100 and 200 pounds. It’s available in three different cover colors, all of which are made with breathable cotton to prevent overheating and are removable for easy washing and drying.

Price at time of publish: $169

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 10 to 20 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Material: Cotton and polyester}

Courtesy: Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Kids between 30 and 100 pounds can safely use this blanket in one of the several weight options. The machine washable blanket is available in a variety of colors and has a quilted design to evenly distribute the weight of the glass bead filling. Additionally, while the blanket is definitely cute all on its own, it also has loops on each corner so you can easily attach a duvet cover without worrying the blanket will move out of place.

Price at time of publish: $35

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 5 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Material: Cotton}

Amazon

View On Amazon

This 3-pound blanket is perfect for toddlers over the age of 3, and weighing 20 to 40 pounds, to snuggle up with. There are seven different design options, ranging from adorable cats to fun dinosaurs. Though small, the blanket has a seven-layer design that’s made of 100% cotton and filled with glass beads, making it breathable and not too hot. Parents and caregivers will love that it’s machine washable, too.

Price at time of publish: $37

^{Key Specs:
Weight: 3 pounds | Age Recommendation: 3 years old and up | Material: Cotton}

Final Verdict

Since your child’s weight is the primary determining factor in choosing the best blanket for them, it’s hard to say which blanket ranks highest on our list. However, in terms of quality and general coziness, our favorites are the Weighted Idea Kids Weighted Blanket and the Bearaby Nappling Weighted Blanket.

What to Look for in a Weighted Blanket for Kids

Weight

Once you’ve started shopping for a weighted blanket, you’ve probably noticed they come in many different weights. Before you purchase a weighted blanket for your kiddo, ensure the blanket does not weigh more than 10% of their body weight. For example, if your child weighs 40 pounds, you'll need a blanket that’s 4 pounds or less.

Safety

It’s important to note that weighted blankets are not recommended for children under 3 years old. Blankets in general are especially not recommended for children who are still in a crib. While there are many benefits to weighted blankets for children, they do not outweigh the suffocation risk to babies and toddlers. Your best bet is to keep your child’s sleep space free of any loose bedding until they’re old enough for a weighted blanket.

Material

Consider the material of the weighted blanket you’re shopping for in light of the climate where you live and your child's preferences; do they tend to run hot or cold at night? Like regular blankets, weighted blankets are all made differently, some with a heavier material or others with a more breathable fabric.

If you’re looking for a fabric that’s breathable, check out a weighted blanket that’s made of cotton. For colder weather, a polyester weighted blanket may be a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I wash a weighted blanket?

All weighted blankets have different washing instructions, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular blanket. Some weighted blankets can be put in a washing machine, but must be line dried. Others can be put in both washer and dryer, but must be dried on low heat. Many weighted blankets come with duvet covers, which you can remove and wash; the weighted blanket inside can then be spot-cleaned (but not placed in the washing machine).
Are weighted blankets good for ADHD?

Weighted blankets have been shown to be beneficial for people with ADHD. They can make it easier to fall asleep, stay asleep, and remain calm during the day. People with ADHD are prone to overstimulation, and a weighted blanket can reduce outside stimuli, allowing you to focus and relax.
Can kids use a weighted blanket all night?

Weighted blankets—or blankets of any kind—are never appropriate for babies under the age of 1. Unfortunately, there isn't any research out there about what age it’s appropriate to start using a weighted blanket with your child. That said, most older children are able to use weighted blankets throughout the night as long as they are the right size and weight for your child’s body. If you have any questions about using a weighted blanket while your child sleeps, consult your pediatrician.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.