Q&A: Weighted Blanket Guidelines?

Question:

Can you provide the latest weighted blanket guidelines? I am in the process of ordering a weighted blanket for a kiddo on my caseload as part of his sensory diet. He is currently 35 pounds. Mom and Dad prefer a twin sized blanket that fits his bed. How much weight should I order given the larger surface of the blanket?

Answer:

Research has not been done on kids to support the development of weighted blanket guidelines. As long as he has good motor skills, I would start with five pounds. Place the majority of the weight toward the middle third of the blanket. I would feel comfortable going up to 10 pounds. For safety reasons, I only use weighted blankets on kids who have sufficient motor skills to get out from under the blanket independently and kids who show enough body awareness to remove things that are uncomfortable to them (e.g., removing a coat when he is hot, noticing a sticker on his skin and removing it). I hope that helps!

Best Wishes,
Gwen