How To Know Which Weighted Blanket Weight Is Right For You

Okay, so you’ve done the research, and you’ve decided that you’re investing in our knitted weighted blanket. Yay! We’re happy you found us. Better sleep, calmer days, rest, and relaxation is coming your way!

A common question we get is: Just how heavy should my weighted blanket be? While there are some general guidelines we recommend, there are also other things to consider when choosing your blanket weight.

The table in the following section shows the weight chart that will help you determine the weight (lbs) for your ideal weighted blanket.

Weighted blanket calculator

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10 lbs Tree Napper 15 lbs Tree Napper 20 lbs Tree Napper 25 lbs Tree Napper

We recommend a cozy
15 lbs Velvet Napper 20 lbs Velvet Napper 25 lbs Velvet Napper

We recommend a cooling
10 lbs Cotton Weighted Blanket 15 lbs Cotton Weighted Blanket 20 lbs Cotton Weighted Blanket 25 lbs Cotton Weighted Blanket

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Weight Chart For Weighted Blankets

If you’re wondering how heavy your weighted blanket should be, you’re not unlike many other first-time users. You’ve come to the right place!

Below, you’ll find our weighted blanket weight chart that helps determine what size weighted blanket to buy based on your body weight. The recommended weight for adults ranges from 10 lbs to 25 lbs, while the recommended weight for children range from 5 lbs to 7 lbs. We do not recommend weighted blankets for toddlers, or children under the age of 4. You can also use our quiz to get a customized weight recommendation.

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There are two important things you should remember when choosing weighted blankets: the importance of having weight evenly distributed across your body; and the correct weight. The perfect weighted blanket fits your personal preference while helping you relieve stress for a good night's sleep.

Note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the right weighted blanket for you. We recommend choosing a weighted blanket based on your personal body weight as the average weighted blanket weight might not be suitable for everyone. We suggest choosing the weight of your weighted blanket based on individual body weight and other personal preferences, such as fabric.

How Heavy Should Your Weighted Blanket Be?

Here’s the quick answer:

• Ideally, your weighted blanket should weigh 10% of your body weight, plus one or two pounds.
• For someone who is 150 pounds, your best bet is our 15-pound weighted blanket. If you’re closer to 200 pounds, try our 20-pound weighted blanket.
• As long as you're comfortable and feel cozy, going beyond the 10% rule is also acceptable.

So you've heard the quick answer about the general rule of 10 percent, but there are always other factors that come into play when choosing the right weighted blanket for you.

What Is The Recommended Weighted Blanket For Adults?

For adults, it comes down to a combination of your physical stats, your existing sleep habits, and wellness goals. Some of the questions we ask our customers are:

• How long does it usually take you to fall asleep? Less than 15 minutes, less than 30 minutes, or more than 30 minutes?
• What are your wellness goals? These can be things like waking up less tired, feeling less anxious, decreasing pain, and waking up less often.
• What is your body weight?

If you’re looking for advice on how to choose a weighted blanket weight that works for you, we recommend taking our survey here.

What if I’m in between weights?

Our Nappers come in 15, 20, and 25-pound weights. It’s likely that 10 percent of your body weight doesn’t fit nice and neatly into one of those weighted blanket weight categories. So, if you're in between those sizes, most experts recommend bumping down to the next lightest weighted blanket, especially if it’s your first time using a weighted blanket.

If you’re already used to weighted blankets and prefer your blanket on the heavier side, you may want to round up to the heavier size. However, if you are buying the weighted blanket for someone on the lighter side, you may not want to add the extra weight, as too much pressure may be uncomfortable for them. We want the blanket to feel like a warm hug, not a tight squeeze!

Again, take the above questions into account when choosing your blanket size. Those who experience RLS, insomnia, or other chronic pain conditions often benefit from a heftier, heavy weighted blanket. Moreover, we also recommend choosing a lighter weighted blanket for older adults.

Can A Weighted Blanket Be Too Heavy?

If you’re using a weighted blanket, the critical thing is that you shouldn't feel uncomfortable and that the weight needs to be evenly distributed to be most effective. So if you go for a heavier blanket but end up only using it over half your body, it's not doing its job. But, to really reap a weighted blanket’s benefits, you don’t want to go too low with the weight, either.

Weighted blankets work using something called Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), which is activated when you experience enough full-body pressure, which stimulates the production of serotonin, one of your get-happy hormones.

Serotonin is also a precursor to melatonin, that get-sleepy hormone we all know and love. Both serotonin and melatonin can reduce anxiety and stress, which leads to better sleep! So, you need to make sure you’re getting enough DTP to get all those good hormones flowing. Having just the right amount of pressure is vital to how weighted blankets can help with conditions like anxiety and insomnia.

What Is The Ideal Weight For A Weighted Blanket For Children?

If your child has trouble sleeping in any way, or even just calming down for a nap or bedtime, our kids weighted blanket may be just what they need. Weighted blankets are a natural, soothing tool to help kids relax and sleep better.

Its gentle weight provides a wonderful drug-free, all-natural way to help restless children calm down, cozy up, and fall asleep with ease.

When it comes to children and the use of weighted blankets, studies vary between recommending 10 percent and 30 percent of their body weight. And it's been observed that smaller children in the lower age range more commonly gravitate towards a higher weight for the blanket.

As with anything for kids, try it out and pay attention to how they react. If they seem annoyed or uncomfortable, change the weight to something lighter. It's a bit of trial and error, the same as with adults and weighted blankets. Each child can react to resting under weight a little differently. Some like it super heavy, others like lighter pressure.

Again, the critical part is to remember that for the benefits of weighted blankets to shine through, the weight needs to cover your whole body and be evenly distributed. (It's why we're pretty proud of our knitted design that hugs you tight and keeps you cool.)

We've rounded up the benefits of using a weighted blanket for kids, but here are the key takeaways:

• Leads to better sleep.
• Has a calming effect and helps with winding down.
• Helps with focus.
• Although occupational therapists have used weighted blankets to help treat the symptoms of kids with anxiety, ADHD, or other sensory processing disorders, they're perfect for any child who just needs a deeper night's sleep.

What Size Are Bearaby’s Weighted Blankets?

Our Napper is a single-size heavy blanket for better sleep. It's perfect for solo sleepers and for napping on the couch. If you’re looking for a 15, 20, or 25 lb weighted blanket, our Napper’s got you covered. The actual blanket size depends on which option you choose.

The quick size guide for our blankets:

5-pound Nappling: 36” x 48”
7-pound Nappling: 40” x 60”
10-pound Napper: 40” x 64”
15-pound Napper: 40” x 72”
20-pound Napper: 45” x 72”
25-pound Napper: 48” x 72”
35-pound Hugger: 90” x 90”

Can I Use My Weighted Blanket With My Pet?

Yes! If your furry friend is comfortable under a little added weight, you can use your Bearaby blanket with your pet. If you have a small to mid-sized dog or a cat, be extra careful not to let them bury themselves under the blanket alone. It could be too heavy for that little body to absorb all by itself.

Your furry friends will naturally want to snuggle up under it with you, but you should make sure to absorb most of the heaviness of the blanket through your body. Aside from these precautions, a weighted blanket may be an excellent way to help relieve their anxiety, just as it can be for us humans.

If you’re looking for some extra comfort for your dog without them stealing your Napper, you might want to try our soothing Pupper Pod. Our dog bed is made from all-natural Melofoam™ encased in 100% organic cotton, and it’s a great option for small and medium dogs.

What If I Pick The Wrong Weight?

We offer hassle-free returns! You can try out a weighted blanket or comforter and return it within 30 days if you think you picked the wrong weight.

What If I’m Too Cold With A Weighted Blanket?

Our signature chunky-knit Napper is designed to allow air to flow through the night, keeping hot sleepers cool. But if you do find that you need some extra warmth with your Napper, there are lots of ways to layer up and get cozier!

For a breathable way to keep snug, you can always try layering your weighted blanket on top of a muslin throw blanket like our Muslin Cocoon. These thin, buttery-soft throw blankets have a soothing, sensory-friendly texture, and they’re great at providing extra warmth without extra sweat.

Where Can I Buy A Weighted Blanket?

Now that you know more about what weight for a weighted blanket is ideal, your next step is to choose what kind of weighted blanket is best for you. There are many different weighted blankets on the market but if you’re looking for a collection of sustainably-made, sublimely soft, hand-knit options, browse all our Bearaby products here.