Last updated: November 27th, 2019
Many children with ADHD have sensory issues. This is why ADHD kids frequently experience the urge to fidget, feel different textures, and seek stimulation in many different ways. So, when it comes to helping children cope with sensory issues, using weighted blankets for ADHD is one of the easiest and most effective solutions that you have available.
This article explores the reasons why you may want to give your ADHD child a weighted blanket to use.
And, I’m also going to reveal the 5 best therapeutic blankets available.
Let’s get started…
Contents
Why you should consider using weighted blankets for ADHD
Many children with ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), anxiety and autism benefit tremendously from using a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets tend to work well because they encourage deep pressure touch stimulation (DPTS) – which is a form of therapy that’s highly-regarded by many occupational therapists.
If you’ve ever covered yourself with a big, heavy comforter before (like while staying in a fancy hotel) – you can probably imagine why weighted blankets are so soothing to ADHD children.
Weighted blankets ultimately make it easier for kids to:
- Fall asleep
- Relax after school
- Calm down after angry outbursts
- Focus
- Cope with ADHD, SPD, anxiety, autism and similar challenges
Plus, what I really like about high-quality weighted blankets is that they instantly provide children with a feeling of relaxation without having to resort to taking another pill.
Good weighted blankets are comfortable enough to sleep with and use all night long.
Not to mention, using a weighted blanket can also boost your child’s level of serotonin, induce a strong sense of security, and lower their cortisol levels (reduce stress).
The 5 best weighted blankets for kids with ADHD and sensory disorders
While there are many weighted blankets for children with ADHD and sensory disorders – not all weighted blankets are made with high-quality materials, or built to genuinely help your child thrive with their condition.
Unfortunately, some weighted blankets are designed to make a quick profit at your child’s expense.
But, I’ve been able to narrow down the top 5 best weighted blankets that are truly exceptional products inside and out.
Just check out my complete list of the best weighted blankets below to see my top recommendations…
Blanket 1. SensaCalm Small Weighted Blanket
SensaCalm’s Small Weighted Blankets are the best weighted blankets for children with ADHD and similar sensory difficulties.
This is because SensaCalm blankets are evenly distributed with 100% cotton and designed to fit your child’s body to near perfection (depending on your child’s weight).
Plus, SensaCalm blankets are made with safe and non-toxic Poly Pellets, and hypoallergenic fiberfill (which feels like an ultra-soft pillow).
These blankets are also fully washable and dryable as well.
So if you’re looking for an all-encompassing weighted blanket that gives your child everything they need to rest easy – this is probably the one for you.
Note:
The URL above takes you to SensaCalm’s small weighted blankets category.
You can also visit SensaCalm’s homepage if you’d like to see all of SensaCalm’s latest weighted blanket offerings.
Blanket 2. Weighted Blankets Plus
Weighted Blankets Plus Blankets (Amazon) are premium weighted blankets for kids and adults.
I really like that Weighted Blankets Plus offers a variety of weighted blankets that range from 11 lbs to 20 lbs in weight.
To calculate the exact weight of the blanket that your child will need, just take 10% of your child’s body weight, and add one pound.
So for example, if your child weighs 100 pounds, he or she will likely find an 11 lb weighted blanket to have the perfect amount of “heaviness”.
These blankets are made in the USA, with high-quality cotton, and are filled with great beads. Again, you can bet that these blankets will satisfy your child’s sensory needs.
Blanket 3. Quility Premium Weighted Blanket
The Quility Premium Weighted Blanket (Amazon) is another high “quility” weighted blanket that many children love.
This is a weighted blanket that’s made with quality materials right here in the USA. And, it comes with a risk-free guarantee. You can’t really go wrong here.
The Quility blanket is also hand-washable, and requires air drying only (this is another sign of a premium-quality blanket).
It’s also worth noting that the Quility blanket designs are some of the best that you’ll find.
So, this weighted blanket is an overall awesome product that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Blanket 4. ReachTherapy Weighted Sensory Lap Pad
The ReachTherapy Weighted Sensory Lap Pad (Amazon) is a little bit different than your ordinary weighted blanket, because this lap pad is obviously intended to go on your child’s lap.
This is a smaller-sized option that might be better suited for lounging around the house (or classroom) rather than sleeping.
But, this particular sensory lap pad needed to be included on this list, because it can provide just as much value as weighted blankets in many cases.
For example, these lap pads currently range from 3 to 15 lbs in weight, so they should be suitable for most young children.
As a neat alternative to weighted blankets – these smaller-sized lap pads work great for at-home and classroom usage.
Can adults with ADHD benefit from weighted blankets as well?
There are many adults with ADHD or sensory disorders who absolutely benefit from using weighted blankets – just as many kids do.
If you’re an adult with ADHD or a sensory disorder, then you can use a SensaCalm Weighted Blanket or something similar to get the natural ADHD and anxiety symptom relief that you’re probably looking for.
It’s also worth noting that many adults can purchase a normal “heavy” blanket, which may work as well as weighted blankets in some cases.
To find great heavy blankets or comforters in your local area, I recommend dropping by a store with a good selection of bedding items, such as Neiman Marcus or Crate & Barrel.
Conclusion
I hope that this article has given you a clear look at the best weighted blankets for kids with ADHD and sensory disorders.
I’m confident that you can choose any of the weighted blankets on this list, give it to your child, and instantly boost their quality of life.
If you have any other suggestions for weighted blankets that you’d like to see added to this list, make sure to drop a comment in the comments section below.
Esmeralda Villasana
Oh my goodness I don’t know how to explain it but my son needs one of these so bad is there any resources that can help me get one I am a mother with disability and I’m barely making it but he really needs a blanket he has ADHD and anxiety really bad he wakes up at least 5 times to make sure that I am next to him or they PS safe desperately need help please help me
ADHD BOSS
Hey Esmeralda. Thanks so much for your comment. I’d love to help you and your son.
Here are some good options for you:
1. You can always call and ask
This is the first thing I’d try. If you just call some of these companies (like SensaCalm) and explain your situation – I’m willing to bet that they can offer you a discount, since you’re on disability. Hopefully, you’ll be able to knock off a good percentage of the cost this way. Here’s SensaCalm’s phone number: 855.736.7222. They’re *really* accommodating, in my experience.
2. You can make your own weighted blanket
If you’d prefer not to buy a weighted blanket, you can always make your own. Just run a Google search for “how to make a weighted blanket” or “DIY weighted blanket”. I’ve seen some really good guides online. I’m not sure how difficult it is to make your own weighted blanket – but it’s definitely worth a try, especially since it sounds like your son desperately needs one.
3. Watch for sales
I know that weighted blankets sometimes go on clearance, so make sure to keep an eye out for good deals 😉
I wish you and your son the best of luck going forward, and I sincerely hope he gets an awesome blanket.
Su
Email me I will help you get one susanneevans22@gmail.com I will buy one for your child
Barbara DeLuca
I have 2 children with adhd and would love to have these for them. My daughter bangs her head just to get to sleep and my son needs melatonin to get to sleep do you know of anywhere I can get them somewhat cheaper because they are so expensive and I am a single mother. I know they would benefit from these and maybe I can get them for Christmas. Thank You so much Barbara