how to wash a weighted blanket

If you are looking for a soft cosy blanket to wrap up in on a cold night, then you have probably considered trying out a weighted blanket. These are incredibly handy to have around, especially if your baby tends to overheat or is going through a cold or flu season. They are great for babies who are still young enough to need some extra warmth but who have outgrown their wooly blankets. A correctly washed and dried weighted blanket will keep your baby cozy and comfortable for hours, even if the room is a little chilly.

Unlike most blankets, weighted blankets are constructed with a specific purpose in mind, that of warmth preservation. Their design features a water-repellent (DWR) coating which, when combined with an airtight seal and proper cleaning, will ensure that your baby’s temperature stays the same as the room is adjusted. Therefore, if you are going to use a weighted blanket, make sure that you fully understand how to clean it and maintain it which will ensure that your baby stays cozy and warm.

Learn The Fundamentals First

Like other bandages or tights, weighted blankets come with an instructions slip that will teach you how to clean it and apply it correctly. To ensure that your baby is kept as warm as possible, it is advisable to follow the instructions thoroughly so that you will get the best possible result. Start by laying out all of your supplies (washing bowl, spray bottle, etc.) before putting on the weighted blanket. As you are going to be handling the fabric often to prevent it from getting wet, make sure that your hands are clean and dry. To properly put on a weighted blanket, you need to take the time to learn how to do it correctly. There are several instructional videos available on YouTube which can teach you how to put on a weighted blanket. If you are new to this, take your time and learn the fundamentals first before moving on to anything else.

Lay The Item Flat

After you have learned how to put on a weighted blanket correctly, you should practice by laying it on a surface before putting your baby in it. Make sure that the item is laid flat so that it will not roll up when you put your baby in it. If you are going to use the blanket on a baby who is sleeping, you should fold the item in two and place the extra fabric inside of the blanket so that it will not roll when your baby moves around. If your baby is on their back, place one end of the blanket on their stomach so that it covers their chest and the other end on their belly. If your baby is on their side, you can either place the blanket on their stomach or place one end of the blanket on their chest and the other end on their belly. Make sure that your baby is comfortable and that they are not resisting you in any way while you are putting on their blanket. One more thing, if you are going to use the blanket on a ventilated bed, make sure that the item is cleaned well before putting your baby in it as the air can cause the temperature to rise quickly which might make your baby uncomfortable.

Now that you know how to put on a weighted blanket correctly, you can move on to the next step which is how to wash it. Since these are relatively new products to the market, there are not many proper washing methods documented. However, some recommended practices exist which you can follow to ensure that your baby’s temperature is not raised while still keeping the item clean and dry:

Wash It In A Warming Bath

This is a simple but effective way of washing a weighted blanket. Fill your tub with very warm water (easily up to 99 degrees Fahrenheit) and around 20-30 drops of essential oils (e.g. lavender) and gently bathe your baby in the tub. This process not only feels relaxing but it also helps your baby’s skin soothe and warm up after being in close contact with the cold external environment. Follow up by massaging your baby in the tub until they fall asleep. While not recommended for frequent use, this is a simple enough way to wash a weighted blanket when you are running low on time or if your baby is teething and needs a little pampering.

Wash It In An Ultrasonic Bath

Another good way to wash a weighted blanket is with an ultrasonic bath. Simply place your baby in the tub and pour in a little oil (such as lotion or balm) to coat their skin. Then, turn on the ultrasonic bath and let it do the washing for you. This is a good option for when you are running low on time but still want to give your baby the benefits of a warm bath.

Dry It With A Hairdryer

A hair dryer is another great way of ensuring that your baby’s skin is well-hydrated by gently brushing, spraying or rolling the items in question. This is a common practice for people with extremely dry hair, but it can also be used on your baby’s blanket to finish off any moisture before laying it down. Make sure that the item is completely dry before laying it down so that your baby does not get any body oils on it which might cause it to become sticky or cold during their sensitive newborn stage.

Wash It In A Dry Bag

A dry bag is the ultimate in quick, easy, and effective washing. Place the item in the bag and simply spray it with the water and soap from your washing station. Dry the item with a hair-dryer, and voilà! A clean and dry item ready to use again. Make sure your baby is well-hydrated and that the item is completely dry before laying it down. This technique is especially useful if your baby has a fever as the warmth from the fever will speed drying and ensure that any moisture is completely removed before laying it down.

The best way to keep your baby warm is by maintaining a constant temperature inside your home. If they are not sleeping in their pram or buggy, place them in a warm nursery where the temperature is controlled and maintained at a constant level. Make sure that the room is well ventilated and well insulated to maintain the desired temperature. Avoid placing them in the cold because that can cause their temperature to drop which could lead to health problems. Once your baby is in their pram or bassinet, make sure that they are not over or underdressed. Make sure that your hands are clean and dry before touching your baby again after you have put them in their pram. Follow up by wiping down the pram or bassinet with a clean cloth before laying down your baby in it. This will help maintain a healthy temperature throughout their stay in there.

Use Deodorizer

Finally, make sure that the room is free from any odor which could be causing your baby discomfort. Some common odors that you might encounter while sleeping include: milk or juice smell, urine smell, or feces smell. If these are strong smells, then it might be time to switch your baby’s diapers or change them altogether. There is usually no need to add more than a drop of deodorizer to your baby’s clothing or room but if you feel that there is a significant odor, then consider investing in some commercial-grade odor eliminator.

There are several tips and tricks for keeping your baby’s body temperature constant as they grow. By following the above guidelines, you will be able to effectively utilize weighted blankets and keep your baby healthy and cozy during those chilly winter nights.