As parents, we all want the best for our children, particularly when it comes to their health and wellbeing. However, in today’s modern world, there are many children who become easily stressed, agitated, and have a lot of trouble sleeping. These are all things that can take their toll when it comes to their wellbeing and quality of life.
There are various solutions available for adults who experience stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights, one of which is the use of the different weighted blankets available these days. These have proven very effective for many adults, but can they also help children? In this article, we will look at whether weighted blankets are suitable for children and what benefits they can provide.
What You Need to Know About Weighted Blankets for Children
If you have children and you are thinking of treating them to weighted blankets, there are a few things you should know. Most notably, you should be aware that weighted blankets are not recommended for children under the age of three. They are also not suitable for children that weight 50lb or less.
For kids who are older and weigh more than 50lb, a weighted blanket could prove to be a great idea. They can help your children in many ways, which includes:
Helping to Promote Calm
As most parents will know, children can become very boisterous at times, and trying to get them to calm down can be a real challenge. If they have a boisterous fit close to bedtime, you may have a long night ahead of you trying to get them to calm down and get to sleep. However, a weighted blanket can help, as it is designed to help promote calmness. This will save you a lot of time and stress as a parent as well as helping your child to chill out.
Making them More Relaxed
Kids can be very highly strung at times, and this could be due to what’s happening at school, things going on at home, or it could simply be the way they are. It is important for children to be able to relax and switch off just as it is for adults. With a weighted blanket, you can help your child to feel far more relaxed, which can then have a positive impact on their wellbeing and state of mind. It can help them to switch off when they are at home rather than worrying and getting worked up about things.
Reducing Stress Levels
More and more children these days are suffering from higher levels of stress, and this has become part and parcel of modern society. In fact, doctors are prescribing more anti-depressants and similar medications than ever for children these days. While there is little we can do about the children getting stressed and anxious, we can take steps to help reduce their stress levels. Weighted blankets work in a unique way to boost serotonin levels, which can then help to reduce stress levels. A less stressed child is definitely a happier child, so this is a solution well worth trying for your kids.
Aiding Proper Sleep
Sleep is vital for everyone, and in particular for children. Without proper sleep, your child could lack focus, feel drained, and could be at increased risk of health issues. Getting inadequate sleep can have a huge impact on a child’s life and overall wellbeing, and if your child experiences difficulties with sleeping on a regular basis, you could face a lot of issues. A weighted blanket can help your kids to sleep, as it helps to regulate sleep patterns by boosting serotonin levels. In addition, its ability to promote calmness and reduce stress can also equate to a better night’s sleep for your child.
Increasing Comfort and Security
Kids like to feel secure and comfortable, and this is something that all parents aim to provide for their children. However, sometimes you need a helping hand, and a weighted blanket can offer this. These blankets make kids feel as though they are being hugged, which promotes a sense of security, comfort, and wellbeing. This makes them ideal for helping your kids to relax and to get to sleep.
Give Your Kids the Gift of a Weighted Blanket
As you can see, providing your children meet the criteria outlined earlier, they can benefit hugely from using a weighted blanket. Treating your children to one of these blankets can help to improve their overall life quality in many ways, and it can also make life a little easier for you as a parent. You can choose from a wide range of sizes and weights to suit the needs of your children.
Benefits of Weighted Blanket for Autistic Children
Our friends at Autism Parenting Magazine have another excellent article about Weighted Blankets for Autistic Children
Image Copyright: Pixabay I License: CC0 Public Domain
