Electric Blankets for kids beds?

[hockeyprincess]

Hi everyone,

I have an electric blanket on my bed and it's the best thing since sliced bread! I've had it for several years and love it.

We went to an alternative heating source last year and it's rather cold upstairs at night, and the sheets/bedding are cold when you get in bed. I would like to get electric blankets for my kids, they are 5 & 9, but everyone in my family is telling me NOT to? I don't know why that would be, I mean I have had no adverse effects from mine and if it could even warm up the bed before they get in, that would be a plus. I could always turn the blankets off when I go to bed, a few hours after them. (I'm assuming it's an overheating issue with the kids?)

Anybody use these for their own children, and is there a reason why I should NOT use them on my kids beds?

Thanks!

 

[poohfriend77]

My gut reaction was "NO!" but I don't really have a good reason. I guess I just don't like the idea of my kids being wrapped up in anything electric. I'd also be concerned about burns if they get too hot. I agree you'd probably be OK as long as you turn them off before you go to bed, but I still don't think I'd use them. Maybe you could just put them on the bed (between the sheets) while they're getting into jammies, brushing teeth, etc., then take them off the beds. That way the kids are getting in to a warm bed, which would hold in their body heat better.

 

[dawson5]

We bought them for our boys when they shared a room that happened to be over the garage. It was insulated but it was always cold. We bought the heated mattress pads, two of them. We have had them since '97, one finally gave out last year. I found a great deal at Target and bought an electric blanket to replace it. I like the newer ones because there is a timer on it. I bought hubby and I one also, he didn't like the idea of it but it has dual controls so he doesn't have to use it. (Finally told him to turn his side on, I am tired of waking up in the middle of the night freezing because he stole all my covers--doesn't need it my behind )

My grandmother always had them on her spare beds, we used them whenever we spent the night. My parents had them on my bed when I was a kid. I think the only thing that would worry me is if they still have "accidents." I think the safety of these are probably a lot better than what we had back in the '70's.

 

[PrincessParty]

We use them for our girls, 10 and 13. They are not allowed to turn it up past 4 to pre-heat the bed. Then they turn them on L. (Low) Their room is so cold that it has been wonderful. You are going to get lots of different answers, you need to do what is best for you.

 

[blessedby3]

I have used them and have had them on my kids beds for years. Never any problems with them and I was never nervous about the kids using them. They are wonderful!

 

[hockeyprincess]

Well ours has a timer as well and dual controls which works great for us. Even on High, ours doesn't get so hot that you can't stand it. It's great in the winters and I know I don't like getting into a cold bed, and my kids don't either... I have considered an electric mattress pad as well.

We are accident free so no worries there. I know they weren't safe at one point, a long time ago, but ours is a very soft blanket and I have had no problems at all and I use it all fall and winter long.

Thanks for the responses so far! I like setting a "limit" on how high they can set the blanket, and that could work for us!

 

[Mickey527]

I have an electric mattress pad and like it much more than the electric blanket that I used to have. With the mattress pad I know I am getting all the heat and it isn't rising up and away from me. It warms the bed much more than the electric blanket did.
Also, if your kids squirm they might bunch the blanket up around them. I did remember reading that when these blankets are turned on they should not be folded or bunched up. the mattress pad might be better for kids.
I did look up electric Blanket dangers and found quite a few websites with different views. You might wantt o read them but this one says that there used to be problems but they are less now. they do recommend mattress pads though.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5317095_electric-blanket-dangers.html

 

[KAYLI'S DAD]

I love ours. It has wireless remotes for each side. I put my side on the highest setting and my wife cant stand it.

I had a friend who said these blankets cause cancer. But it seems like everything causes cancer so I dont believe it.

 

[crisi]

We have an electric mattress pad on our bed. Its wonderful. The kids currently have electric blankets, but I'm going to pick them up electric mattress pads instead. Much more comfortable and they will stay on the beds. My kids are a little older than yours thought.

 

[kwhite1022]

Is the cost more or less for the mattress pad? And, where is a good place to find a deal on either the pad or the blanket. TIA

 

[nowellsl]

I bought my daughter the electric mattress pad a couple of years ago - she loves it. I got it at Linens and Things before they went out of business. I think I got it on sale for around $20 (with the coupon). That was for a twin bed.

 

[Justsyd2]

Electric blankets are not recommended for children because there is a chance of bed wetting, which you do NOT want around electricity, and the risk of burns. I would use more blankets and quilts rather than taking the risk of electrocuting or burning young children.

 

[Momma2dakidz]

UGH i totally sympathise with you. I grew up freezing at my dads house. I did get an electric blanket when i was 13.

Here is why kids should not have electric pads/blankets...they are rough on things and wires can get broken easily in them. (if you read the warnings it says do not sit on the bed with the blanket on it even if not on.)

But also knowing how cold it can be...i think i would get a matress pad anyways! I got one for my dogs knowing the danger. I would just make sure it was unplugged when i went to bed.

Now here is another suggestion.......get a cuddle up bear. Its a polar fleece animal with rice in it. you heat it up in the microwave and take it to bed. (i use them for puppies that have no momma...LOL)

 

[PiperPizzaz]

I am thinking of getting some good old fashioned hot water bottles to stick in before bed. Sounds cozy.

 

[tinkermom23]

Now here is another suggestion.......get a cuddle up bear. Its a polar fleece animal with rice in it. you heat it up in the microwave and take it to bed. (i use them for puppies that have no momma...LOL)

I did this when my first DS was a newborn. He wouldn't sleep in his bassinet, so my mom made me some big rice bags and I warmed it up in the microwave. I would lay it in his bed and it would warm the blankets just enough so when I was done feeding him I would take out the bag and I could lay him down and he would be all toasty warm.

 

[3boymthr]

We found a really good alternative to the Electric blanket - a down blanket. Thin like a regular blanket and toasty warm like an electric blanket but no fire risk. A little more expensive than electric blankets; they can be had for less than $50 but there is no ongoing electric charge.

 

[QVCshopper]

I grew up using one. Our house was so cold (just 1 wood burning stove to heat the whole ranch) that I used to go to sleep wearing my winter hat and coat. No lie. So, the electric blanket was a godsend. I don't have any adverse effects now that I know of...

 

[goofyboyzmom]

I am just a fraidy-cat, but I would really be worried about fire. I sleep very lightly and would notice something going on around me, but kids sleep so hard that I would be really worried. You never know when something may go wrong.

 

[hugabearjo]

I have to agree with PP, not to be the bearer of bad news but, my elderly aunt and uncle died in a house fire caused by an electric blanket that was on one of their two twin beds. (I don't know why they slept in twins just did) One of them got hot and kicked the blanket down. It bunched in a heap and caught fire. Granted they may have improved them since then since this was in 1996. It still worries me.

My mom uses a rice warmer for her foster boy and it helps to make things warm for quite a while, Hope this helps

 

[muffyn]

I have had TWO of them start on fire.
one was being used outside on a cold night. (no disaster there)
the 2nd one was right on the bed!
if I had left the room with it ON & wasn't there to notice, my house would have burned down.

I will never ever use one again