It's only available in one size (single, 135cm x 200cm) but comes in two different weights 6.8kg/15lb or 9kg/20lb to suit different requirements. Weighted blankets work in the same way massage does, with deep pressure touch, which calms the mind, very much like swaddling. They’ve been found to boost oxytocin levels and lower heart rate as well as help improve concentration levels. Many occupational therapists recommend the use of weighted blankets for children with anxiety. What is the best weighted blanket for a toddler? Size: 125 x 180 cm in 6kg weight (13.2lb) - ideal for child on single size bed, or for use on a sofa, couch or settee. Medical experts suggest a blanket between 7-12% of your body weight

We didn’t like: While it’s a definite plus that the cover can be removed for washing, the corner ties that attach it to the weighted blanket were a little fiddly. It took me a couple of attempts and about 15 minutes to get the cover on properly, which might get tedious if you want to wash it on the reg. Size: 120 × 90cm | Weight: 2kg or 3kg | Filling: polyester wadding and glass beads | Removable cover: No Reasons to buy Size: 48"x78” or 60"x80” | Weight: 5 and 7kg | Filling: Glass micro sand beads | Removable cover: No Reasons to buy From the studies that have been done, there is a common theme that weighted blankets may be a useful tool to help with anxiety symptoms,” says Henderson. “There have been various studies in different scenarios, from patients in a psychiatric facility to patients receiving chemotherapy. Results have shown that anxiety levels were reduced by up to 60 per cent with the use of the weighted blanket.” However, experts agree more research is needed. How do I choose the right one/weight for me?

Of course, a good night’s sleep begins by finding the best mattresses, pillows and duvets for your specific needs, so a weighted blanket is really the cherry on top. If you are dipping your toe into the world of weighted blankets, whether for anxiety or in pursuit of the greatest night's sleep possible, we’ve put together a handy guide with everything you need to know to find the best weighted blanket for you. How heavy should a weighted blanket be? The humble weighted blanket has become a must-have for cosy comfort and relaxation, with a growing range of products flooding the market in the name of self-care. They help provide happy hormones and allow the user to feel comfortable and safe. How much are weighted blankets? We might not buy a weighted blanket with the chief criteria being looks, but if we’re to happily use it often, it must suit the interiors of our home and match our tastes. If grey is your thing, most of the weighted blanket market has you covered, but for those who love a bit of colour or prints, Karmara is the brand for you.

Each blanket tested weighed around 7kg and was used by at least three different people for three or more nights' sleep, as well as when unwinding on the sofa. According to sleep experts, using a weighted blanket can ease your nervous system, release oxytocin and boost serotonin levels (also known as the happy hormone), resulting in a calming effect on even the most anxious sleepers. This deep pressure therapy served up by snuggling under a weighted blanket emulates the stress-busting feeling of being enveloped in a comforting hug–that’s high-quality calming rest for the body and mind alike. Read on to find out what to look for when choosing the best weighted blanket for your needs. What to look for in a weighted blanket Designed to evenly distribute weight across the body, the best weighted blankets promise to help promote feelings of calmness, soothe anxiety, and act as a catalyst for a good night’s sleep. Typically filled with thousands of tiny glass beads that apply pressure to your body, weighted blankets mimic a therapeutic technique called “deep pressure therapy”. Basically, it’s just like receiving a big hug. We didn’t like: There wasn’t much to dislike, although I’d prefer a choice of colours. It’s also on the pricey side, but I felt that it was worth it.

Baloo weighted blanket

The idea behind weighted blankets is to recreate the feeling of a hug by being a bit heavier than a normal blanket. This feeling of being held releases serotonin (one of nature’s happy hormones) to help your child feel more relaxed. Parents of children with conditions ranging from anxiety through to ADHD and poor sleepers report they can help encourage a more restful night’s sleep.

They're heavy because they have plastic or glass beads stitched inside, which compress the body gently. This helps to reduce restlessness and promote feelings of calm. The main priority is that it feels comforting, not too heavy and not too light. It is always a good idea, where possible, to try a few different weights around the 10 per cent guide, to see what feels good. The blanket should encourage the feeling of rest and relaxation and help soothe and calm the body and mind. It’s important to choose a texture that feels soothing too, nothing that will irritate your skin.” Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night? This pretty but neutral weighted blanket comes in a calming shade of grey, with white stars and would look as at home in a kids’ bedroom or downstairs on the sofa. It’s made of five layers, which give it a super-soft, comfy feel: a layer of hypoallergenic microbeads, two layers of polyester wadding, a cotton top layer and a 100% microplush bottom layer. The weighted feel and tactile surface gives a feeling of calm and restfulness to help your child relax and sleep more easily. It comes in two weights - 2kg and 3kg - to cater for both younger and older children. Weighted blankets are only suitable for children of three and up so shouldn’t be used for younger toddlers. For older toddlers and preschoolers look for very lightweight, small blankets that are around a tenth of your child’s body weight. We think the aden + anais weighted blanket, which has a 1.2kg version is a good choice for this age group. Who should not use a weighted blanket? We use one for my three year old and it really helps. It does help him get into a deeper sleep once he has it on.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Givemehope103) Our verdictWe didn’t like: The cover doesn’t come as standard, so if you’d like one, you’ll have to shell out extra. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far, the TheaWellbeing blyss weighted blanket with cover is a fantastic value for money buy. For children, we love the Snoozzzy dinosaur weighted blanket. Size: 90 x 120cm, 90 x 120cm or 105 x 150cm | Weight: 1.3, 2.3 or 3.2kg | Filling: Glass beads | Removable cover: No Reasons to buy Blanket size - It’s worth noting that most weighted blankets come in large single sizes only that are designed so that the user can move around and shift their body during the night, taking the blanket with them. Whilst most are generous enough for two to snuggle underneath on the sofa, if you are sharing a bed, you will need to invest in a weighted blanket each. To earn a spot on our roundup of the best weighted blankets, throws had to win the approval of our panel of testers.

Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. While more research needs to be done, early signs have shown weighted blankets can be helpful for a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, chronic pain and autism. Do weighted blankets work? Weighted blankets are typically filled with thousands of tiny glass beads that apply light pressure to the user. This pressure can have a soothing, calming effect on the body, says Nichola Henderson, a holistic life, self-development coach and wellness specialist. So, if you’re up for being swaddled like a baby, we've tried and tested the best options on the market to help you spend your money wisely. A good night's sleep is incoming. Meet the experts: Size: 101 × 78.7cm | Weight: 1.2kg | Filling: micro glass beads | Removable cover: No Reasons to buyAvailable in 3 sizes containing different weights means the weighted blanket is suitable for both adults and kids alike. Consult your physician for recommended blanket weight, although this is usually between 7-12% of your body weight. The 4kg blanket is ideal for children, whilst the 6kg and 8kg weight is suited to adults. Please note: this product should not be used by very young children, who are unable to move the blanket themselves. As well as helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, we heard rumours that weighted blankets could improve your sleep. Because weighted blankets need to be around 10% of your child’s body weight it can be really hard to find one for younger or very small children. While weighted blankets aren’t recommended for under threes, two year olds could use them in a supervised way during the day. This aden and anais version solves that problem of not being able to find something light enough. At just 1.2kg this weighted blanket is really lightweight and gives just enough pressure to calm a small child. Its Karma switch blankets come with removable covers in various colours, including indigo, olive green, peachy petal and, of course, grey. And if that’s not enough choice, the covers are reversible to offer an additional option, and they can be bought separately to give so much more choice. Karmara’s weighted blankets are also available in a wide range of weights, including 6kg, 8kg, 10kg and 12kg. Henderson recommends that people with a medical condition or concerns about using a weighted blanket consult a medical professional before investing. And young children should be supervised when using a weighted blanket. How to wash a weighted blanket