The Children and Young People’s Therapy Service (CYPTS) does not recommend using weighted blankets as therapy or as part of a child or young person’s day.
There is limited evidence that they help. This guidance follows advice from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT).
We must give the following information to anyone we know is using a weighted blanket.
Things to consider
- Physical, learning or other difficulties (including age-related factors) that may affect how someone understands why they are using a weighted blanket and whether they can remove it on their own.
- Health conditions that may affect breathing, temperature control, skin health or the ability to remove the blanket when they want to.
- Mental health factors, such as an eating disorder or suicide risk, that may affect safe use.
- Side effects of medication or illness that may affect alertness and make the use of a weighted blanket unsafe.
Guidelines
- Your child must be supervised while using the blanket.
- Your child must be able to remove the blanket or get free from it on their own.
- The blanket should fit your child’s size and must not hang over the sides of the bed.
- The blanket must never be used to restrain your child.
- The blanket must not be used overnight. Remove it once your child is asleep.
- Your child’s head and neck must not be covered.
- Your child must not be rolled inside the blanket. Place it loosely over them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s advice on weight and size. This often says a weighted blanket should not be more than 10% of the person’s body weight.
- Weighted blankets can have different materials inside. Check whether the materials are suitable for your child or need to be avoided.
- Make sure the blanket meets health and safety standards, shown by a safety mark such as the CE mark.
- Clean and look after the blanket following the manufacturer’s guidance. Think about infection control.
- Give clear and easy information about how to use the blanket to your child or young person and anyone involved in their care.
When using the blanket, remove it straight away, if your child shows:
- difficulty breathing
- nausea or feeling sick
- increase in temperature or feeling too hot
- any behaviour or physical reaction that shows they are uncomfortable or becoming anxious
Consent
Consent must be informed. This means the person and the people involved in their care understand why a weighted blanket is being used and what the evidence says. Consent is an ongoing process, not a one-off event.
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) published “Weighted blankets for children and adults – A guide for occupational therapists”, January 2023. The information in this guidance has been adapted from this document.
References
Weighted blankets for children and adults. A guide for occupational therapists. Royal College of Occupational Therapists 2023.
Briefing: Safe use of weighted blankets (children and adults). Royal College of Occupational Therapists 2019 (updated).
Last reviewed March 26