January 20th, 2020 by Becky Calvert

Electric blankets are the perfect way to keep warm and cosy during the night, without having to splash out on your heating bills. Costing an average of just 2p per night to run, they’re a cost-effective way to keep the chill off on those cold and wintery nights. However, one of the most common questions we’re asked is whether electric blankets are safe for children to use. In short, yes, they are – but there are a few things to consider before buying an electric blanket for your child…

How Old is Your Child?

It goes without saying that electric blankets should never be used for babies and we only recommend using them for children who are age 5+. It’s also important to note that if your child is prone to wetting the bed, electric blankets are not safe to use. However, if your child is dry through the night and is of age 5+, an electric blanket will be the perfect addition to their bed to keep them warm all night long!

Are They Mature Enough to Work the Blanket Themselves?

All children are different and as parents, you know your child better than anyone - so use your own judgement on this one. Although you can control the electric blanket for them by using the controller, it would be better for them to understand how the controller works in case they become too hot or cold during the night and that way, they can adjust the setting themselves. Either way, it’s important that your child is mature enough to not play or mess around with the blanket so that it remains in perfect condition and therefore, perfectly safe!

Built-in Safety Features

As standard, most electric blankets now have built-in safety features. These include an overheat protection system and an automatic cut-off timer for if the blanket becomes too hot. These should always be included in the electric blanket you’re using – especially the one that you buy for your child. This will give you peace of mind that the blanket will not overheat and if it did become too hot, the blanket would automatically turn itself off completely.

With these 3 points in mind, you’ll be able to work out for yourself whether an electric blanket would be safe to buy your child. As long as they’re of mature age and the blanket has built-in safety features, an electric blanket will be the perfect way to keep them cosy and warm all night long – especially on those frosty winter nights.