Lisa Van De Geyn, Deputy Editor of ParentsCanada

Using a weighted blanket is just like swaddling a babe or being hugged tight, and they’ve been touted for their treatment or help with insomnia, mental health issues (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder), restless leg syndrome, Alzheimer’s and even cerebral palsy in adults, and have even shown some positive results with those on the autism spectrum.

The whole “we need to talk about your changing body” talk isn’t necessarily easy (or comfortable, or pleasant) for parents. (Us included.) Don’t worry— we asked a paediatrician for some help.