Can a weighted blanket be helpful for a neurotypical child?

[~Amy~]

My 2.5 yo has an awful time settling down to sleep sometimes. He's extremely restless, especially as he's going to sleep. We've tried all kinds of things...Hylands Calms Forte, no TV after supper, watching what he's eating later in the day (no sugar, dyes, etc), calming down period before bed, bath before bed. Nothing seems to help on the nights he's really restless (not every night, but probably 50% of the time so a significant amount of the time. So I got thinking about buying or making him a weighted blanket. I know they are helpful for children with sensory issues, but would it be helpful for a child who is neurotypical (as far as we know at this point, anyway)?

[The4OfUs]

You know, I was JUST wondering about this for my 4yo. She HATED beign swaddled as a baby, hated blankets as a toddler, but this fall we had a cold snap and hadn't checked out the furnace yet to turn it on so we were piling blankets on at night and she fell asleep easily and slept like a ROCK that night, and the whole week we had to use the blanket pile before we got the furnace turned on. It was, let's see....fleece under her, fleece over her, sheet, chenille, cotton, light quilt on her and kind of tucked in so it was definitely weighing on her. She rolls around and messes around a ton every night and takes forever to fall asleep, so I was wondering if it might help her (and my son, he seemed to sleep better that week as well - but he loved being swaddled as a baby so I'm not surprised), too. I hope others chime in. I know I love the feeling of even a light blanket on me, it's soothing and I'll often underdress for the temp so I can use a light cotton blanket or a fleece/plush in the winter.

[pbjmama]

For sure! Lots of typical children enjoy items or activities that are used for treatment of sensory issues. Think of it this way - your child might enjoy a speech therapy class. They play games, make funny noises with their mouths, get to drink through silly straws.

[HollyBearsMom]

A weighted blanket can be a great calming tool for helping kids relax and get to sleep. Some kids find it can be too much sensory input but if your kid is neurotypical it is worth a try.

If you do get one I found with my son it was best to start slowly and work up to longer.

[physmom]

Definitely! We've been thinking about getting one for DD for awhile (but are now waiting for our move). I *think* I'm neurotypical and love sleeping underneath heavy blankets.

[blizzard_babe]

Heck, I've been wanting one for myself, and I'm *fairly* neurotypical. I just react well to the sensation. I love the feeling of being under heavy blanket.

[treeoflife3]

as far as I know, I am neurotypical, but I can't sleep without the weight of a comforter. Well, I CAN.. but its not as easy and comfortable for me without the weight of a bigger blanket.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by treeoflife3

as far as I know, I am neurotypical, but I can't sleep without the weight of a comforter. Well, I CAN.. but its not as easy and comfortable for me without the weight of a bigger blanket.

this exactly.

Even in the 100+ degree heat of the summer, just a sheet doesn't do it for me. I need something at least a bit heavier.

[tzs]

Originally Posted by treeoflife3

as far as I know, I am neurotypical, but I can't sleep without the weight of a comforter. Well, I CAN.. but its not as easy and comfortable for me without the weight of a bigger blanket.

yep...same here. i love me a heavy blanket.
actually at preschool we sometimes think about a weighted blanket for kiddos that have trouble napping or at least i'll put them to sleep with some gentle and steady pressure on their back

[Jend1002]

I was wondering this too! Is there such a thing as a weighted blanket that isn't super hot? We live in a pretty warm climate so I don't think piling on a lot of blankets would work. I may put the AC on and try that though before investing in a blanket. Thanks OP for this post!