Sensory Seeking Behaviours associated with the Proprioceptive System. See the Reference Article ‘The Proprioceptive System – Sensory Seeking Behaviours‘ for a more detailed explanation.
A guide when choosing a weighted blanket.
Some of the things we take into consideration when choosing the weight. A child’s deep pressure needs can change from day to day. There will be days when there is a craving for more weight than usual to calm the nervous system. Other times a mere suggestion of weight is enough to make a difference. We look for the middle ground, remembering there is a response time and the longer a blanket is placed on a person the more body feedback is available. In 10 to 20 minutes there is a noticable difference and then it might not change alot after that. We generally say 10% of the childs weight give or take a lb or two. We take the age, weight, mustle tone, health and deep pressure needs into account. It is importand that the blanket is not cumbersome in any way, that it be so heavy which might lead to it not being used. A user friendly blanket can be picked up easily and carried around from room to room. See table guide followed by FAQs.
The table below gives a guideline for a Large size weighted blanket – 94cm x 124cm – three quarters the length of a single bed. Suitable for ages 3 to 7 years approx.
For a blanket the full length of a single bed – 102cm x 158cm an additional 1 lb is added to the blanket weight. Suitable for ages 6 years and upwards.
| Age | Height kg lbs Blanket 94cm x 124 |
| 3 | 95.2cm 14.0 kg 31.0lbs 3lb |
| 4 | 102.3cm (16.3 kg) 36.0bs 3.5/4lb |
| 5 | 109.2cm (18.4kg) 40.5lbs 4.5lb |
| 6 | 115.5cm (20.6kg) 45.5lbs 5lb |
| 7 | 121.9cm (22.9kg) 50.5lbs 5lb |
| 8 | 128cm (25.6 kg) 56.5lbs 5.5/6lb |
| 9 | 133.3cm (28.6 kg) 63.0bs 6lb |
| 10 | 138.4cm (32.0 kg) 70.5lbs 7lb |
| 11 | 143.5cm (35.6 kg) 78.5lbs 8lb |
| 12 | 149.1 (39.9 kg) 88.0lbs 9lb |
| 13 | 156.2cm (45.3 kg) 100.0lbs 10lb |
| 14 | 163.8cm (50.8 kg) 112.0lbs 11lb |
Weighted Blankets FAQ
My son is 10 years old but quite slight 54.5lbs. What blanket weight would you suggest. I want that he be able to carry it around.
I would suggest a 6lb Large blanket 94cm x 124cm at the time. Later on had certain thoughts about the weight. So on visiting I brought both a 5lb and a 6lb to try out. As the 10 year old was interacting with the blanket I could see a bit of floppy muscle tone control demonstrated. Even though he seamed perfectly relaxed and ok when the blanket was placed on his body it was only when he was picking up both blankets that the parent and myself noticed that he struggled a bit more to pick up the 6lb. A little bit of struggle is good. Too much and the blanket may not get used. So we decided to go with 5lb large blanket.
Hi, I am wondering do you have any weighted blankets in stock. It’s for my Godson for Christmas he is 5 yrs old . I don’t fully understand how to buy the correct one but I am told a 10lb one would be suitable for him?
Thanking you in Advance.
Generally, when choosing a weighted blanket we take into account the child’s body weight ,temperament, health, well being and sensory needs. The general rule of thumb is 10% of the child’s body weight (give or take a lb or two). Depending on the child and their deep pressure needs – for example a very active energetic child we might add on 1lb to the 10% of the body weight. For a more passive quite child we might stay at the 10%. If the parent is unsure we work together in getting the correct weight. A 10lb blanket would NOT be suitable for a 5 year old. Much too heavy. The average weight of a 5 year old boy is 18.4kg (40.5lbs) Recommended blanket weight for this age is 5lb. Recommended blanket size Large 94cm x 125cm or X Large.
Hi, I’m an OT and I have a friend who is interested in a weighted blanket for her daughter. I don’t work in early intervention so I have never prescribed for this age group. She will be three shortly and weighs 13kg ( 28lbs)
Do you think it would be ok to use a weighted blanket with a child this small? I know the lightest you do is slbs. Would a snake or lap pad be better? It is mostly for winding down to sleep and watching tv too. Thanks
My experience is mostly with 4 year olds and upwards, however a blanket with a low weight 2lb/ 2.5lbs and a blanket size 97cm x 92cm could be very beneficial for this age. Just a suggestion of weight can be enough to give that little bit of deep pressure, can be reassuring and helps with self soothing. A child can carry this around and it will cover their whole body. A lap can be used but may be more suitable to the organisation of a slightly other child. One way to try out the blanket (and parents have told me this) – it could be used for the period of winding down to sleep and then removed or throughout the day used for 10 to 20 minute intervals or when there is a need
Depending on the child, their health/vitality and deep pressure needs there are the extra precautions to be taken with this age. The child would need to be able to remove the blanket independently. Generally the warm velvety hug given from these blankets are very reassuring and comforting for the young child and offer good body regulation in times of need,
Choosing a lap pad, 5% of the child’s weight is recommended. Recommended blanket medium for 3 year old. 2lb /2.5lb to 3lb Recommended lap for 3 year old 1.5lbs or 2lbs.
We got a sensory beanbag from you for our son in 2016. He really gets great use out of the sensory beanbag. I recently attended a Kondident Kidz Social Skills course, where Sinead Moynihan OT was displaying your products. We would like to get a lap pad from you please. I think you had them in blue. Is one colour more suitable? That is the plain one without the eyes and tongue.
Yes I do a plain lap 18cm 92cm in blue. I sort of want this lap pad to have the sensation of how it might feel to have a cat or puppy sitting on your lap. It would feel silky soft and malleable and fluid as opposed to a flat fixed item that might leave little to the imagination. One colour for flow and ease on the eye.
I got your details from Irish Society of Autism. My interest is in a weighted blanket for adult male (in care) who may benefit from same as he has symptoms of being Hyposensitive.
He has not been diagnosed as same. I’m trying to understand his needs and from his need to squeeze people’s arms tightly at random times which seems to be him looking for pressure in order to feel something. I’m following it up with your help.
I live in Cork city and wonder would it be possible at all that this person could try out a blanket at your location to see if he would feel the benefit of it? Or what else would you suggest.
Thanks for your enquiry. The squeezing as you say could be an indicator that this person could benefit from deep pressure, a tool to help him be more at home in his own body. Certainly worth trying out.
I do not have a shop to visit but I can visit you at your location to try out the blankets. If that works for you can let me know weight, height and age of this person.
How long does it take for weighted blanket order?
Often we have blankets already made up. If not it can take 10 days or so from time of order.
Can you please supply me with fire retardant information about the materials used in the weighted blankets please.
I can forward Fire Retardant Certification. This assessment can also be found on the Home Page on website
I am just inquiring about your weighted blankets on your website :). I am quite a restless sleeper and suffer from a bit of anixety and I have just discovered the weighted blankets a very impressive idea :). I want to inquire about the different weights of blankets for the adults, does the weight of the blanket correspond with the weight of the person don’t know how it works. Just want to double check before I buy one as I would be afraid I might buy one that is too heavy!. Hope to hear from you.
When choosing the weight for a blanket the general rule of thumb is 10% of a persons’ weight give or take a couple of pounds. And yes some people tend towards lighter or heavier. In general 10% of an adult’s weight can sometimes make for a heavy blanket. For example if a persons’ weight is 140 lbs 10% of that weight would be equivalent to a 14lb blanket (6.35kg). A 14lb blanket can be a very heavy blanket and often in an adults’ case, especially for women it might be recommended to go down in weight 2 or 3 lbs i.e. (11lbs) for a more user friendly comfortable blanket.
I personally use a weighted blanket and have chosen to go with 10% of my body weight which was 14lbs. At first I thought it was ok and I enjoyed the weight but over time and through the seasons I found it to be too heavy and cumbersome. I now use a blanket 11lbs and find it more comfortable.
X-Large size is suitable for adults 100cm by 158cm
Can custom make to any width.
We are hoping to order some weighted items for our son and my husband’s friend Paul suggested we get in touch with you as he has ordered from you previously and highly recommended you. We are unsure of sizes, etc and we were hoping you might be able to offer us some advice and an idea on prices also. Kind Regards, Sharon
If you happen to be in the Cork area we can arrange a visit to show some items if that works. Choosing a blanket we are thinking of 10% of the child’s weight give or take a lb or two. We look at his height to determine the best size as he gets older.
Many thanks for your time today re discussion on weighted blankets and use with our residents here in St.Vincent’s. Can we go ahead and order 2 large blankets with 6lbs of weight as recommended. Practice Development , St.Vincent’s Hospital
I have just stumbled across your website. I am an occupational therapist working with adults with autism. One of the adults I am working with at the moment would really benefit from a weighted blanket. He is currently providing himself with deep pressure while lying on the couch by wrapping himself in a blanket and relaxing.
This person is 28 years old and is 17 stone.
Could you make any recommendations for this person? Are your blankets waterproof/washable?
Thanks for your enquiry. Yes my blankets are washable. To wash simply place inside a duvet cover and washed on a regular cycle.
They are not waterproof. Please find information attached regarding care and washing and flamability certification.
Recommended weight, generally we think of 10% of the persons weight and we go from there depending on the vitality health and well being of a person. As you can appreciate a very active strong person who gets a lot of exercise can probably handle more weight than a person who gets little exercise.
17 stone equals 238lbs
10% of 238 is 23lbs
Recommended blanket weight 19lb to 23lbs
Recommended blanket size 125cm x 158cm
As per our telephone conversation earlier this evening can you please advise if you have a weighted blanket 5/6 lb for a 4 year old boy in stock. I would also like to order the BeanbagX large -chocolate brown
Recommended 5lb blanket for 4 year old. Yes I have both beanbag and blanket in stock.
Your website was recommended to me by my OT. I am looking for a bean bag and a sensory weighted blanket for my daughter Marydith. She suffers from sensory processing disorder, she also has aspergers and anxiety….I was hoping the sensory blanket would help her in getting to sleep at night as this is a problem for us so I suppose I would require a large blanket as I think we would mainly using this on her bed. The bean bag would be for more during day etc….again the OT recommends a large size that would offer Marydith a hug type feeling.
I would like your help in getting the size / weight of these items correct for Marydith. She is 12 and would be of slim build and approx 5.2 in height…
Also re colour – I can see choice of colour but are the colours available to view on your site. Many thanks Gillian
I can arrange a visit if that suits and bring a few sizes of blankets and 2 sizes of beanbags. Can you let me know Marydith’s weight please. I would recommend an x-large size blanket
Hi, What is the best color for 2 blankets for our primary school in Carrigaline
Hi, Royal blue is a very popular colour for schools
Sometimes choosing the school colours works.
Blue one side and red the underside is also a common colour for schools
Solid colours are preferable and recommended for calm i.e. meditarian turquoise, royal blue, all grey, all forrest green, all cerice.
Choosing colours which represents softness and warmth – cerice pink
A colour for vitality and energy – fire engine red
A colour that’s close to nature – forrest/bottle green, emerald green, tan
A Colour that’s neutral – mid grey
There are a variety of prints in stock also
Please find attached prints I have in stock and prints I am ordering at the moment.
How can you use weighted snakes?
Short wide snakes, long narrow snakes and lap pads are available. The snakes can be used for the dual purpose for shoulder and lap. Segmented in a way that allows the weight to sit firmly and snugly on shoulders. These lap snakes can be placed on shoulders or laid on a child’s lap or dropped over thighs. It can be hugged close to the body. Super soft squishy fleece offers warmth and tactile sensation. Another tool that can help in sending grounding signals to the body. The right weighted item can ground anxiousness or ease fidgeting enough to just allow a child/adult to enjoy their surroundings and regroup themselves when needed. Comes in two choices a multi colour one and a plain colour.
Care and Washing of All Weighted Products
The blanket can be washed in your machine at 40 degrees. It can withstand warm temperatures but cold water is often recommended to protect colour and fabric. Hand washing is also protective of blanket.
The blanket can be dried on a regular cycle. Cotten fabric require more drying time than synthetics such as fleece. It is recommended to check the blanket every 15 to 20 minutes in the dryer. Line drying is often recommended for preservation of blanket fabric.
Poly Pellets weights
The pellets are a smooth and round polypropylene product. They are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. They are also non-porous making them withstand washing temperatures. The poly pellets weights are evenly distributed throughout the blanket. All seams on weighted items are doubled stitched with commercial thread for reinforcement and safety.
Allow 10 days to two weeks or so from time of order for all custom made blankets.
All of the products are hand-made here in County Cork, Ireland.
CE approved.
10 year guarantee