5 Best Weighted Blankets and Lap Pads for Kids
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- Although studies are inconclusive, many parents find that weighted blankets are helpful for children with ASD, ADHD, and anxiety when used safely and appropriately.
- Some research has shown that weighted blankets may reduce anxiety and overstimulation, helping children to focus and stay calm.
- When deciding whether a weighted blanket is right for your child, ask your doctor or occupational therapist and adhere to manufacturers’ safety guidelines.
You may have heard a lot about the benefits of weighted blankets and lap pads and wondered whether they could help your child.
Although research on weighted products is still inconclusive, many parents have seen the benefits of weighted products for their children, especially when dealing with the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, or anxiety.
Weighted blankets and lap pads provide deep pressure stimulation which many children find soothing, calming, and helpful for improving focus, reducing anxiety, and reducing sensory overload and overstimulation.
Your child might find using weighted blankets or lap pads for short periods of time during stressful moments to be helpful, relaxing, and calming.
If you’d like to try a weighted blanket with your child, it’s important to do your research on how to use these products safely so that they have the intended results.
Check out our guide to the best weighted blankets and lap pads to find one that might work for your little one.
Our Favorite: Luna Weighted Blanket
- 🏆 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: Embrace luxurious comfort with Luna Cotton Kids weighted blanket! Made from high-quality Breathable Oeko-Tex Certified Soft Cotton and filled with premium glass beads, enjoy deep touch pressure stimulation for a relaxing, calming effect.
- 🤩 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁: The quilted pattern ensures the glass bead filling stays in place, avoiding bunching or pooling. Luna’s smart design evenly distributes weight, providing a cozy experience tailored to your body. It’s the perfect present for your loved ones!
- 👀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘁: Available in Child, Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes, and weights ranging from 10 lbs to 25 lbs, there’s an option from Kids to Adults! Consult our size and weight charts to discover the ideal weighted blanket cotton for any season.
- ✅ 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀: Luna weighted blankets are easy to care for! For blankets 15lbs or less, simply machine wash cold on a gentle cycle or hand wash, and hang dry or tumble dry on low if needed. For heavier blankets over 15lbs, we recommend you to hand wash or spot clean only to ensure a long life span. Avoid machine washing and tumble drying to prevent damage, as most machines can only hold 10lbs – 15lbs. *** Always refer to your machine’s manufacturer manual for weight capacity.
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The Luna Weighted Blanket is described as a soft, cooling comforter. As it’s made of 100% cotton, it’s breathable so it doesn’t get as hot as quickly under a Luna as under some other weighted blankets.
A major pro of the Luna is its practicality. The entire blanket is machine washable, which makes it easy to take care of.
You also don’t have to worry about bunching or uneven weight distribution. The quilted squares keep the premium glass bead fill in place.
The Luna offers many color patterns and choices for its kids’ blankets. They also come which come in three different weights based on your child’s body weight, with blankets ranging from five to ten pounds.
Overall, this is the best weighted blanket on our list for its practicality, choice of weights, and price point.
Material: Cotton | Item Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 36″L x 48″W
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Bearaby Nappling: Best Hand Knit Weighted Blanket
- EVENLY WEIGHTED FOR DEEPER SLEEP: The soft, breathable fabric is perfect for all seasons, providing a comfortable and calming sleeping experience no matter the weather; The soft, hand-knit design allows this cooling weighted blanket to help you rest comfortably and avoid artificial fillers, making it a healthier and more sustainable option than traditional weighted blankets
- HUGS LITTLE ONES CLOSE: Our signature chunky knit loops are smaller and closer together to provide the ultimate relaxation and comfort for little ones; The Nappling helps kids calm you down after a long day, allowing them to sleep peacefully throughout the night; With its machine-washable design, this high quality weighted blanket makes for a convenient daily companion
- HELPING YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT HELPS US SLEEP AT NIGHT: We believe that self-care should be joyful, good design should be functional, and deep revitalizing rest should be natural and drug-free; So with the help of scientific research, some incredible, sustainable materials, and a healthy dose of product innovation, we made it real
- HELPING YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT HELPS US SLEEP AT NIGHT: We believe that self-care should be joyful, good design should be functional, and deep revitalizing rest should be natural
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The Bearaby Nappling is a unique weighted blanket because its weight comes from its organic cotton, hand-woven, chunky knit rather than plastic pellets or glass microbead filling.
The Bearaby Nappling is a soft and cozy cooling weighted blanket because the hand-knit design allows for optimal airflow and breathability. Because it’s not filled with glass beads or other fillers, even weight distribution is never a problem.
Even better, the Bearaby weighted blanket is machine washable, so it’s easy to care for.
Although it’s one of the more expensive blankets on our list, the Bearaby is eco-friendly, organic, and sustainable, as well as the best looking weighted blanket we’ve seen that can match any decor.
Material: Cotton | Item Weight: 8 pounds | Dimensions: 40″L x 60″W
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The Mini Baloo Weighted Blanket: Best Natural, Eco-Friendly Blanket
- PERFECT SIZE – Our 9lb weighted blanket measures 40×60 inches; it feels like a gentle hug, making bedtime and naptime a breeze for kids and adults!
- NATURAL & SAFE – We choose our cotton for softness, breathability and durability. Certified by OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, 23.HUS.50992, Hohenstein, for textiles you can trust.
- MACHINE WASHABLE – We recommend washing the Mini on its own for the first few washes, using cold water on the gentle cycle, and drying on low heat. Dyed naturally with mahogany leaves and may change slightly over time.
- PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS – Baloo is the only quilted weighted blanket made with 100% cotton exterior and interior—free from polyester & synthetic liners, to stay cool and breathable all year round.
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Baloo makes a variety of sizes of weighted blankets for adults, but its kids’ version, The Mini, is a nine-pound variation on their popular weighted blankets, suitable for kids age five and up (depending on their weight and ability).
Made of 100% breathable cotton, the Baloo Mini is a great blanket for temperature regulation if your kids find other weighted blankets too hot.
The chemical-free and plastic-free glass microbead filling stays evenly distributed in this cotton weighted blanket due to its attractive quilting. The breathable fabric of the Baloo Mini is available in several color choices, all of them made with plant-based dyes.
Although this blanket is expensive compared to others on the market, its green credentials guarantee that you’ve made a sustainable and healthy choice.
Be aware, however, that after the Mini, the weights of Baloo blankets jump up to 12 and then 15 pounds which may be too heavy for younger, lighter children.
Material: Cotton | Item Weight: 9 pounds | Dimensions: 60″L x 40″W
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Harkla Weighted Lap Pad: Best Lap Pad for Kids
- HELPS KIDS RELAX AND FOCUS- The weighted lap pad for kids offers a gentle and calming deep touch pressure input that helps improve focus and promote relaxation for children with sensory issues.
- KIDS EVERYDAY SENSORY COMPANION- The lap pad feels like a gentle ongoing hug. Add it to your child’s daily sensory diet at home, school, or car rides.
- PREMIUM MINKY DOTTED FABRIC- Made with soft, textured minky fabric, the Harkla Lap Pad provides tactile sensory input while offering a comforting, weighted feel to help keep kids calm and grounded.
- US CPSC CERTIFIED- The pad weighs 5lb and is designed to fit a lap: 21in x 1in x 19in. The lap pad is certified by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to be safe for use by kids and adults. It comes with a product course to help you get started with fun and therapeutic activities.
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If a whole blanket is too much for your child, or if you’re looking for something weighted that they can use while traveling or in the classroom, a weighted lap pad is ideal.
The Harkla Weighted Lap Pad is a five-pound, super soft, small lap pad that your child can take in the car or to school.
They can drape it over their knees when they’re working on homework and need help with focus. Or, they can just have it on their lap while watching TV to get its therapeutic benefits.
The Harkla lap pad has a minky, removable cover that you can machine wash. It covers the inner blanket which is weighted with glass beads.
It also comes with a product course taught by occupational therapists to help you get the most out of using this lap pad.
If your child is into animals, there is also a puppy version of the lap pad to provide them some extra companionship and calm.
- Help Your Child Stay Calm And Focused In Class: Does your child struggle to focus? Do you need to address sensory needs during travel or in the classroom? Our cute weighted stuffed animal makes the perfect fidget lap pad tool to help your child feel calm and grounded in overwhelming situations. And the weighted stuffed animals sensory tool is discreetly disguised as a cute buddy!
- Designed With Your Child In Mind: Made to fit a lap: 18in x 12in. The feel of the weighted lap pad and the soft fabric is comforting for children with sensory needs. Our weighted pillow for kids is the softest (and cutest!) option on the market with functional features that allows it to be incorporated in any environment.
- Made To Last Backed By A Lifetime Guarantee: This cute weighted sensory lap pad is stitched to withstand tough playtimes and tantrums. Like all of Harkla’s ASD sensory products, the weighted lap pad for kids comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your lap buddy, we aren’t either!
- Portable Sensory Processing Disorder Therapy: Take one of our portable lap pads on car rides or pack with your little one’s school supplies for on-the-go sensory therapy. The lap weighted animal is a perfect sensory toolbox addition and can make trips out more enjoyable for everyone.
Material: Polyester | Item Weight: 5 pounds | Dimensions: 21.24″L x 18.99″W
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Florensi Weighted Lap Pad: Best for Bigger Kids
- Cozy Snuggle Time: Your child will love the snug feel of our Blue Constellations weighted lap blanket for kids. This sensory weighted lap pad for kids is made from soft minky fabric, weighs 7 lbs with a star pattern, and is easy to machine wash, making it a cozy and convenient choice for home or travel
- Anywhere Calm: Whether it’s studying, car rides, or in the classroom, this kids weighted lap pad is perfect for creating a calming corner. This lap weighted pad is ideal for all ages, from children to teens and adults, it’s a must-have sensory item for any setting
- Stay Focused & Relaxed: Our sensory lap pad offers gentle pressure to help kids focus and relax. The textured bumpy side is perfect for sensory stimulation, making it a great weighted lap pad for teens and even a soothing lap blanket for adults
- Travel-Friendly Comfort: Fold up the Florensi lap weighted blanket to a compact 10″ x10″ x3″ size. Perfect for school, plane trips, or even yoga sessions, this 7lb weighted lap blanket for kids and adults is a versatile travel companion. This weighted lap pad for kids classroom, traveling, and at home provides comfort and warmth
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For bigger kids and teens who would benefit from more weight in their lap pad, the Florensi Weighted Lap Pad offers great, more grown-up options.
The Florensi weighted lap pad is available in weights of three, five, or seven pounds. It’s super soft cover is dual-sided, with a minky soft fleece on one side, and cooling, breathable bamboo on the the other.
The dark blue constellation pattern is modern and calming.
On the downside, the cover is not removable for washing. So if you’re using this on a daily basis, the whole thing will need to go in the machine every time, not just the cotton cover.
In addition, some users report that the non-toxic glass bead fill tends to bunch up and is not always evenly distributed, despite the quilting which should keep it in place.
However, this small, packable and machine washable lap pad is a good tool to use for focus, calm, and deep pressure stimulation when your child may need it.
Florensi also make an affordable weighted blanket for kids in a variety of weights and sizes which do have a machine washable duvet cover.
No products found.
Material: Minky and Bamboo | Item Weight: 7 pounds | Dimensions: 20″L x 23″W
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Weighted Blankets: What Parents Need to Know
Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand how weighted blankets work to determine if your child will benefit from one.
The Science Behind Weighted Blankets and Lap Pads
Weighted blankets and lap pads provide a source of deep pressure11. Bestbier, L., & Williams, T. I.. The Immediate Effects of Deep Pressure on Young People with Autism and Severe Intellectual Difficulties: Demonstrating Individual Differences. Occupational Therapy International. 2017;2017, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7534972, which is the term used in occupational therapy to describe the feeling of being hugged, squeezed or stroked.
Deep pressure is believed to release mood-boosting serotonin and increase melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. It also reduces the stress hormone, cortisol.
Children with sensory processing disorder, such as tactile defensiveness, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or anxiety can benefit from deep pressure therapy in several ways.
Deep pressure calms the autonomic nervous system and reduces the symptoms of stress, such as quickened heart rate or breathing for children who experience anxiety.
Children with ADHD can experience an increase in focus and a decrease in distraction by other sensory stimuli through the deep pressure provided by a weighted blanket, weighted vest, or lap pad.
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), deep pressure can provide a sensation like that of reward, as well as reduce sensory overload and environmental stressors, helping them to feel calmer and less overwhelmed by their surroundings.
Some research, including a 2021 study22. Larsson, I., Aili, K., Nygren, J. M., Jarbin, H., & Svedberg, P.. Parents’ Experiences of Weighted Blankets’ Impact on Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Sleep Problems—A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(24), 12959. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412959 published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, suggests that weighted blankets improve well-being and sleep for children. Other studies are inconclusive about their benefits for children with sensory issues and ADHD.
However, anecdotal evidence from parents suggests that weighted blankets are helpful for some children.
If your child has ASD, ADHD, SPD, or anxiety, a blanket or lap pad of an appropriate size and weight may be worth a try for help with stress, focus, and overstimulation.
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket for Your Child
While some parents swear by the therapeutic value of weighted blankets or lap pads for their children, it is important for safety reasons that you choose the appropriate size and weight of blanket for your child’s age, physical ability to maneuver it, and size and body weight.
Weighted Blanket Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics33. Moon, R. Y., Carlin, R. F., & Hand, I.. Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-057990 recommends that weighted blankets, swaddles, or other weighted objects should never be used on or near sleeping infants.
Some weighted blankets are marketed for use by children. However, infants, toddlers, and young children should not use weighted blankets or be left alone with them because of the risk of entrapment and suffocation.
There are currently no official guidelines as to the ratio of a child’s weight and size to the weight of a blanket. However, most manufacturers recommend that you use the lightest weight possible and that a blanket weigh no more than 10% of your child’s body weight.
Even if the blanket you choose adheres to that guideline, your child should not use a weighted blanket if they are not able to physically maneuver the entire blanket themselves, should they become trapped beneath it.
This means that you should consider not only the weight but the overall size of the blanket and whether you child and move it easily.
Finally, weighted blankets are not recommended44. Noyed, D.. Weighted Blanket Benefits. Sleep Foundation. 2023. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-weighted-blankets/weighted-blanket-benefits for children who have the following conditions:
- Cardiac or respiratory difficulties
- Epilepsy
- Hypotonia, or low muscle tone
- Circulatory problems
- Physical or mental conditions which mean they would have difficulty moving the blanket
If you are unsure whether a weighted blanket is appropriate for your child, you should check with your doctor and occupational therapist.
Alternatives to Weighted Blankets
If you think your child would be overwhelmed or overstimulated by a weighted blanket, or if their personal preference is for something smaller, you may want to try a weighted lap pad as an alternative.
A weighted lap pad is a lighter, smaller weighted blanket that fits over your child’s lap and may be easier for them to handle comfortably. Weighted lap pads are handy because they can be draped on your child’s lap in the car or on a plane.
They can also be used during periods when your child needs to focus, like when they’re seated doing their homework, in the classroom during circle time, or other times when they need to be quiet and focused.
Safe Use of Weighted Blankets
The National Health Service in the UK55. Sensory Weighted Product Advice. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Sensory-Weighted-Product-Advice.pdf has published guidelines on the safe use of weighted blankets. Some of their recommendations are as follows:
- Do not cover the child’s head and neck with the blanket.
- The child should not be rolled in the blanket.
- The blanket should not drape over the side of a bed.
- Time using the blanket should be limited to 20 minutes.
- Children should be supervised while using the blanket at all times.
- Children should not sleep under the blanket overnight.
Using a weighted blanket or lap pad while doing homework, watching TV together, or resting can be soothing and relaxing for your child. Just be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use of your weighted product.
FAQs
Are there any situations where weighted tools are not recommended for kids?
Children with the physical and mental conditions listed above should not use weighted tools such as a weighted blanket or lap pad. Also, infants and toddlers should not use weighted tools.
Any child who doesn’t have the strength or coordination to move or lift a weighted blanket shouldn’t be using it.
It can be difficult to discern which products are safe because so many of them are marketed to children.
Consult with your doctor or occupational therapist before using a weighted tool for your child, and adhere to the guidelines about the size and weight of these products and the size and weight of your child.
How often should a child use a weighted blanket for sensory benefits?
The benefits of a weighted blanket or lap pad66. Seeberger, C.. Everything You Need to Know About Weighted Lap Pads and BlanketsSensory Friendly Solutions. 2020. https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/weighted-lap-pad/#Who-should-not-use-a-blanket-that-is-heavier%E2%80%AF can be felt in about twenty minutes. Although weighted blankets are advertised as promoting better sleep for children, experts do not recommend that children sleep under these blankets all night.
Using a weighted blanket under supervision for even a short period of time can provide your child with therapeutic benefits.
References
- Bestbier, L., & Williams, T. I. (2017). The Immediate Effects of Deep Pressure on Young People with Autism and Severe Intellectual Difficulties: Demonstrating Individual Differences. Occupational Therapy International, 2017, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7534972
- Larsson, I., Aili, K., Nygren, J. M., Jarbin, H., & Svedberg, P. (2021). Parents’ Experiences of Weighted Blankets’ Impact on Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Sleep Problems—A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24), 12959. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412959
- Moon, R. Y., Carlin, R. F., & Hand, I. (2022). Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment. Pediatrics, 150(1). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-057990
- Noyed, D. (2023, May 15). Weighted Blanket Benefits. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-weighted-blankets/weighted-blanket-benefits
- Sensory Weighted Product Advice. Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Sensory-Weighted-Product-Advice.pdf
- Seeberger, C. (2020, May 23). Everything You Need to Know About Weighted Lap Pads and Blankets. Sensory Friendly Solutions. https://www.sensoryfriendly.net/weighted-lap-pad/#Who-should-not-use-a-blanket-that-is-heavier%E2%80%AF
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