10 Best Weighted Blankets for Kids 2024

Choosing the best weighted blanket for kids is so important. When your little one is upset, sometimes all they need is a big hug, and it turns out there's a scientific reason why. Researchers have found that deep-pressure touch (the kind found in a big bear embrace) helps to release the neurotransmitter serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer that helps to reduce anxiety and create an overall feeling of calm.

Pretty cool, right?

How does a weighted blanket for kids help?

Some scientists believe that children who have autism, ADHD and anxiety struggle with the production of natural serotonin, which can make controlling their mood and processing external information difficult.

Serotonin is also important in the creation of melatonin, the "sleepy" hormone that—you guessed it—helps us catch those Zs. Therefore, for children with these and other related conditions, getting a good night rest can be a challenge. That's why, for years, doctors and occupational therapists have been using weighted blankets for kids to help patients experience a full, deep sleep.

These special blankets, usually filled with plastic pellets or beads, are designed to distribute the feeling of a deep-pressure touch evenly across the body, which creates a soothing effect.

Check out some of our favorite weighted blankets and revel in all the benefits that come from your kid getting in some extra shut-eye!

The best weighted blanket for kids picks 2024

1. Dream Weighted Blanket

The Dream Weighted Blanket is designed to help your child feel secure, calm and comfortable while also allowing them to fall asleep faster and sleep for longer. Recommended for kids three to eight who are over 30lbs, this four-pound blanket is filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic micro glass beads and mimics the feeling of a warm hug.

This kid-size wonder is a truly dreamy option for those with neurodivergent children or any other type just looking for their snuggliest sleep yet.

2. Hug-Style Weighted Blanket

This weighted blanket for kids comes in two weights (12 or 16 pounds). The blanket's unique design is meant to imitate Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation (DTPS), which claims to promote REM sleep, boost serotonin, relax the nervous system, reduce stress hormones and improve overall mood.

The cool-touch material is temperature regulating. That's good news for a kid that runs hot or is prone to night sweats.

3. Casper Quilted Weighted Blanket

This sleek weighted blanket comes in three weights (10, 15 or 20 pounds) to suit your family's needs. Filled with glass pallets and polyester batting, quilted channels keep the microbead fill evenly distributed to hug your body better. Parents of children with ADHD rave about this one because it comes in a variety of sizes and weights.

4. Junior Weighted Blanket

This weighted blanket is weighed with non-toxic glass microbeads to stimulate serotonin and melatonin, keeping you calm and promoting a good sleep. Designed specifically for kids, it is fully machine-washable. It helps children stay asleep longer—and that's good for everybody.

Choose from a variety of sizes and colors to suit most children.

5. Therapeutic Weighted Blankets

Designed to fit a toddler bed, this cozy weighted blanket comes in an array of splashy prints and is fully machine-washable. We love the design of this kid weighted blanket.

6. Travel Weighted Blanket

If your child experiences anxiety around travel, this blanket can help to calm their nerves and make them feel safe on their journey. Made from 100% cotton and available in two weights (5 or 7 pounds) with hypo-allergenic and non-toxic plastic pellets for weight, these machine-washable blankets will come in handy for your family’s next road trip.

Your child's sleep will be smooth and sound, just make sure to use this design on kids 50 pounds and up.

7. Heavy 30×40 Weighted Blanket

This brand offers fu, printed weighted blankets in a variety of sizes and patterns. While most weighted blankets are filled with pellets or sand, Hippo Hug uses ceramic-coated metal disks to provide that deep pressure touch, ensuring that a ripped blanket doesn’t equal a massive clean up (or possible choking hazard).

The 30×40 size is recommended for preschoolers (over the age of 3) who have not yet moved to their “big kid” mattress.

8. Simple Designs

Weighted with plastic poly pellets, this cotton flannel blanket is quilted, so that deep pressure is evenly distributed across your child’s body. Measured to fit the top of a child-sized bed without hanging over the sides, this blanket is designed to stay in place throughout the night, resulting in a better sleep. It comes in toddler and kid-size options and is a cinch to wash.

9. Weighted Sensory Therapeutic Blankets

This weighted sensory blanket is a high-quality piece at a fair price. It's meant to calm, soothe and snuggle up to your ADHD child. Lasting comfort throughout the night for children with sensory processing concerns? Sign us up!

"This weighted blanket helped my ADHD son with sensory issues tremendously," writes one verified purchaser. "It was so difficult to get him into bed before this, but now he feels like he is being cradled by smooth, velvety material that makes him feel safe and calm throughout the night."

10. InnovAID, Full Length Weighted Blanket

Outside of slumber, these blankets are a great addition to your family's evening routine. Drape them across your child's legs for movie night or snuggle up at story time. And yes, they're excellent on your toddler's mattress too.

***Consult with your doctor or occupational therapist when deciding what size and weight is best for your child. It is advised to not leave children under the age of three(or children not strong enough to move the blanket on their own) unsupervised with a weighted blanket.