hot water bottle Archives | Cuddly Comforts

Why you need an extra long hot water bottle this winter

The weather is starting to get colder and it’s time to dig out those winter warmers!

Do you experience aches and pains at the end of a long day? Do you loathe it when you have to take painkillers to counter the pain? Do you sometimes feel excessively cold despite covering yourself fully with chunky blankets and clothes?

As fans of the trusty hot water bottle we love nothing more than a swift warm-up. These comfy companions will let you sleep faster. They are great for tying around the waist to stay snuggly warm before the heasting comes on.

And, overall, extra long hot water bottles are the best way to keep warm in the cold months. Winter is around the corner…so let’s prepare!

One out of every three homes has a hot water bottle

A hot water bottle is a staple in most homes. Additionally, it is a tried and tested first line of treatment for pain relief.

Hot water bottles come in lots of shapes and sizes. They are available in pharmacy stores, bargain shops and home décor establishments. They are also very affordable and can be bought without a prescription. Of course you could always pick up a hot water bottle from Cuddly Comforts!

A hot water bottle offers pain relief benefits

Whether it is joint pain, pesky neck pain, or stomach cramps due to periods, you can easily depend on a hot water bottle to give you instant relief. Stomach pain can be caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which causes contraction of the intestine and stomach muscles.

This can be a painful experience. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle directly on the abdomen, while lying flat on the bed, can add immediate relief.

Heat therapy is a credible line of treatment for all muscle sores. It is even good for cramps during menstruation. Many women take medicines to deal with the excruciating period pain. Using a hot water bottle can effectively stop the pain naturally.

Pregnancy aches can also be handled better if you use a hot water bottle to soothe pain near the stomach and the pelvis.

Doctors recommend that pregnant mums take hot water baths. But if that seems like a chore, then hot water bottles will do the job perfectly. A hot water bottle is good even for relieving pain after a particularly tough workout.

Are you struggling with back and neck pain?

When back or neck pain strikes, we suggest you reach for the hot water bottle. Sitting too long in front of the computer or reading with your head down can result in excruciating pain in the neck and upper back. Try this the next time to have discomfort in your neck:

1. Stretch your neck and try to massage the area that is hurting

2. Use a cold press and apply to the area. This will help by reducing the lactic acid build-up in the pain site. Please do not place the cold pack directly on your skin, as it can cause burns.

3. Once your muscles relax, soothe the area with a hot water bottle to improve blood circulation in the area.

Other uses for your extra long hot water bottle

Make babies fall asleep quickly…

Do you have difficulty putting your young baby to sleep? Babies are acutely sensitive to changes in temperature. That being said, they love to fall asleep in a warm room. This is precisely why they are quiet till you are holding them.

Any parent will know the moment you put your special bundle to bed, they start crying. There are two hot water bottle hacks that you can try. You can fill warm water in the bottle and place it one or two inches away from the baby’s legs.

Alternatively, if you feel it is a hazard, you could use the hot water bottle to warm up the bed just before you put the baby on it. Adults love warm beds too.

Reduce anxiety…

Stress is an everyday reality for most of us. The next time you feel tense, turn to an extra long hot water bottle to improve your blood circulation. Add a few drops of essential oils to de-stress and get into your yoga pants or pyjama bottoms for added relaxation!

Stay warm on an adventure trail…

When you are out camping at night, the temperature can become really cold really quickly. Carry your hot water bottle whenever you go camping.

You can heat the water on the open campfire and fill your bottle to make your sleeping bag warm. This will ensure you catch quality sleep so that you can take part in all the activities planned for the next day.

Try it when you spend your evenings out for a BBQ or when you are out socializing with your friends late in to the night. You can be sure they will elevate the evening and make it more pleasant and ‘warm.’

Many bars and restaurants have been welcoming visitors to their outdoor areas. Since Covid-19 struck, indoor dining or socialising has been restricted. Therefore, the trusty hot water bottle has sprung into action to provide outdoor heating to weekend revellers and diners.

What to do with hot water bottle water?

When you have got relief from all the annoying pain, remember not to flush down the water when it comes back to room temperature.

Instead, use it to water your plants. Are there any more hot water bottle hacks you know that will help others? Let us know in the comments below.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you are unsure.

Give me 24 hours and I’ll post you out a hot water bottle

At Cuddly Comforts we strive for excellent customer service. Seeing messages like these lights up our day as we know we’ve done a good job.

Sometimes there’s a glitch in the matrix. So far we have been able to fulfil our promise and get every extra long hot water bottle down to the post office within 24 hours of purchase. After that it’s in the hands of the Royal Mail or whoever else takes it from them.

An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item

Have you ever seen this message? On the odd occasion the hot water bottle does not make it to our customer within the specified time frame they do contact us directly. As we keep every postage receipt it is easy to type in the code and trace where the bottle has ended up.

However, it is frustrating when we type in the code and it reads out: “An update will only be provided when we attempt to deliver your item”.

But what does this actually mean? Well, surprisingly enough, as confirmed in this Metro article, exactly what it says. Only once the product has been delivered, or an attempted delivery been made, will they have any further information for us.

Postage and packaging on our hot water bottles

When it comes to packaging our extra long hot water bottles we think it is important to reuse and recycle. Nobody has ever complained about this.

Naturally, we clean any previously-used packaging first and remove any old addresses or location identifiers. But after that, as long as it is still in good condition with no identifiable damage, we use it again.

Getting hot water bottles lost in the post

Thankfully the postal service is pretty reliable and this has only ever happened once. When it happened to us the Royal Mail accepted responsibility and we were able to claim the cost of the item back from them. We also sent out a second extra long hot water bottle to the customer to make sure she did not miss out. Job done!

5 items to complement your extra long hot water bottle

Winter came by fast, especially in 2020, due to the pandemic outbreak. Time flew faster than usual. It was a tough year, but we got through it. Winter is also the season to get prepared with necessary items for a good hibernation.

The sweaters that will bring you warmth and comfort for the chilly evenings ahead. The chopped logs and turf for open fires. The heat pads and hot water bottles. Hot drinks, stews and soups.

One staple item that should be on your cold weather kit list is an extra long hot water bottle. Why? Simply because it will keep you warm even when it is chilly or cold outside.

It will give you comfort and warmth. It is the perfect companion, especially if you cannot sleep easily at night due to howling storms or freezing weather.

I feel no shame in bundling down on the sofa, lighting some candles and making a nest out of hot water bottles and blankets.
Alice Vincent

Most good things in life come in bundles. It is best to pair your extra long hot water bottle with other heating products that are innovative and useful. This is a solid strategy during the colder seasons.

Here are 5 items to complement your extra long hot water bottle in winter…

Warming Footies or Microwaveable Footwear

A perfect source of heat therapy, warming footies are easy-to-use and function smoothly. They can help ease soreness and spasms that you may be experiencing. By using heat therapy on the affected area, the pain can be effectively reduced.

Heat therapy from the warming footies can also help the body relax and get rid of any stress—perfect to enjoy after a long day of walking. Sore feet are the product of a hard day. Adding a touch of comforting heat can make all the difference.

As microwaveable heating footwear, warming footies are very convenient and easy to use.

Weighted Blankets

Cold and chilly nights will become a thing of the past if you are equipped with a weighted blanket. This marvelous and innovative product is designed with multilayers that assure warmth.

The quality ones on the market are made from one hundred percent cotton. This is a warming and comfortable main material. Weighted blankets are very simple to use and can help aid a good night’s sleep.

They are helpful for users with sensory concerns. ADHD patients are also using weighted blankets to help with sleep issues.

Warmth and comfort in a blanket, what more can you ask for?

Rubber Hot Water Bottle

Made with premium quality rubber, the smaller hot water bottle is still going strong. It’s now known as the more traditional product on the market.

It does not have the versatility that an extra long hot water bottle offers. That said, we don’t discount its longevity and effectiveness.

There is a reason that small hot water bottles have stood the test of time for decades. Some of the pros and cons were discussed in this article. It still does its job in terms of giving the warmth and comfort required.

The rubber hot water bottle is perfect in helping ease body pains and cramps. It comes in a smaller and traditional size, which is ideal for focused usage on a specific body part.

Our hot water bottles don’t come from this particular region, but here is a peek in to a factory production process in Ukraine.

U-Shaped Neck Hot Water Bag

Picture this: you are traveling out of town for hours and hours and you experience sudden neck pain. What is the best item to have at that moment? With hat firmly tipped to modern technology, a U-Shaped Neck Hot Water Bag now exists.

Its warmth and comfort that comes in a U-shaped design is perfect for neck pains and soreness. It is also a perfect companion to have after a long and stressful day at work.

Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover

Another microwaveable water bottle wonder is made from high-quality silicone material. It also comes with a knitted cover, which is very elegant, and is perfect for traveling purposes. You can even use it at work, school, or anywhere you go.

It comes in a compact size, which makes it super handy, and it fits snuggly in your daily pouch or bag. This massage aid is perfect for fighting muscle cramps and body pain. We looked at the overall value of microwave hot water bottles in a previous article.

We currently have a team of highly-skilled hand knitters working on a new range. These crochet experts are creating a variety of extra cuddly designs.

I’m sure our knitters would agree on these golden tips for the perfect night’s sleep…

#1 Get a hot water bottle

#2 Fill it safely

#3 Cuddle into dream world

Job done!

Keep warm with an extra long hot water bottle

Cold weather spells are always around the corner. Whenever the icy reach of winter creeps into view, how are you going to prepare? The suggestions listed above are some of the most sought after items that you can get for the winter season.

Along with these carefully selected products, the extra long hot water bottle should be on everyone’s must-have list. It is not only perfect for the winter but it is usable across all seasons.

You may be wondering: are there any hot water bottles near me? The good news is, a quality hot water bottle is easy to acquire. We sell a specialised bottle complete with two covers right here.

It can be used for health purposes, as a massage aid, and as a stress reliever. It is truly the best companion during the winter and through any other season.

Hot water bottles for cold hands and feet

When it comes to cold weather and circulation problems, hot water bottles or other heat-based therapies can help

Arthritis or Spasms – Get Instant Relief with Heat Therapy

Do you experience tingling or throbbing pain in your limbs? Are your fingers and toes growing numb? Do older adults at home often complain of body aches, including sprains and spasms in their muscles? Would you believe in alleviating all this pain naturally rather than popping analgesics? You’ve come to the right place.

Our body’s circulatory system:

With the heart at the centre, the circulatory system in our body is responsible for sending oxygen and other nutrients in the blood to all parts of the body. Poor circulation of blood to any part of the body will first of all manifest in your hands and feet.

Causes for poor circulation of blood:

1. Overweight and obesity;

2. Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy;

3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) where there is a narrowing of arteries and blood vessels in the body;

4. Atherosclerosis in which plaque builds up in arteries and blood vessels and not allowing blood to flow freely through them;

5. Varicose Veins;

6. Blood clots;

7. Raynaud’s disease that is hands and feet going unusually cold due to narrowing of the blood vessels and

8. Bad heart condition

Every underlying condition behind poor blood circulation has its own set of symptoms. Potential red flags are raised when you begin experiencing unexplained pain in your limbs, muscles, and bones.

Why you must not ignore the poor circulation

Reduced blood flow and circulation over a long period of time causes several dilapidating health issues such as nerve and tissue damage. Untreated, it can lead to brain strokes or heart attacks, both of which can prove fatal.

We’ve seen how poor circulation is not a disease in itself. There can be a number of reasons why blood does not flow adequately to all parts of your body. A thorough diagnosis from your doctor will tell you what the underlying causes are. It is of paramount importance that you tell them your own medical history to help them assess your condition.

Blood circulation — Don’t ignore poor circulation

Heat as an effective therapy for soreness and pain in the muscles

You have probably heard many times from your coach, trainer, teacher, or doctor that heat relaxes tense muscles. There are a lot of thermotherapies available in the market, promising good results.

You could soak your feet in a warm water bath, use hot-mist towels to wrap around your hurting limbs or use hot water bottles and heating pads for topical relief.

Keep reading this article as we reveal how the heat will help your body recover from pesky aches and pains by improving blood circulation…

Do you experience aches and pains when you get on the gym floor?

If you enjoy a bit of gym therapy, irrespective of how often you work-out, body pains from exercising affects everyone from champions to newcomers. Soreness and stiffness is sometimes the price that you pay for being fit and active.

When you exercise, the body goes through the twin process of aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration. While aerobic respiration helps in the intake of more oxygen, anaerobic respiration helps to burn the sugars within it.

This process of burning sugars in oxygen releases lactic acid in the worked-out muscles. A combination of overworked muscles and lactic acid production in them is what causes you to groan in pain.

A specific type of heat therapy may feel better for one person than for another, and it may require some experimentation to figure out which one works best.
Spine Health

What happens when you apply heat to the sore muscles

First of all, blood vessels begin widening, allowing a free flow of blood that also facilitates the removal of increased lactic acid in the worked-out muscles. This alleviates pain in the area.

– The heat also allows the toxins to flow out of the area

– The muscles become elastic by the introduction of the heat

– And finally, the nerve endings in that area get stimulated, which block the pain signals

Applying heat soothes worn-out muscles. Place a heat pack on the muscles which were aching before you started exercising. This will reduce the existing pain and help prevent new pain from developing in those muscles.

It is safe to use heat on your neck as well as your back. You may even apply heat patches, pads, and insulated water bags on recent and old injuries that are nagging.

It is usually viewed as safe and effective to use heat in arthritis pain like stiff knees and elbows. Doctors recommend heat therapy treatments to loosen tense muscles if the headache is due to overstress.

There are three types of heat therapy treatments

#1 Dry heat is also called ‘conducted’ heat therapy and is usually from heat sources such as heating pads, heat packs, heat water bottles and hot water saunas.

#2 Moist heat is also called ‘convection’ heat therapy and uses steamed towels/washcloths, warm moist packs and hot water baths. This is slightly more effective than the former.

#3 Professional heat therapies administered by physiotherapists like heat from an ultrasound machine help treat tender muscles and joints.

Chronic injuries vs. acute injuries

As a rule of the thumb, heat therapy is good only for those injuries that are not swollen or inflamed. Acute injuries must be instead treated with cold therapy. This is because heat will raise the skin’s temperature near the injury and increase the blood flow around it, leading to more bleeding from that injured spot.

An ice pack on the acute injury will reduce pain and swelling as it will narrow the blood vessels and help reduce internal bleeding.

Ice pack for swollen ankles — Ice packs reduce swelling

Hot water bottles can help ease the discomfort

Make sure that you wrap a towel loosely around the affected area before using the heating pad or bottle. In all cases, avoid direct contact of the heating surface directly on your skin. Keep the session short and no longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a stretch.

Directly using the heated pad and bottle in contact with your skin or using it beyond 20 minutes may result in accidental burning or scalding of your skin. Ensure that a safe cover is applied to your extra long hot water bottle and the hot rubber does not come in to contact with your skin.

Whether you will use a heated plug-in type of pad or a hot water bottle that is filled with hot water, never go to bed with the heated equipment still in contact with your skin. There is a danger that your skin will become too warm. The electric type heating pad can also accidentally start a fire.

Conclusion

Do not hesitate to call on your doctor or schedule an appointment if the pain seems to increase or you see other worrying symptoms at the pain site. Your doctor may order an X-ray, MRI, or a CT scan done for a better diagnosis.

That is the best way forward because pain, however inconsequential, can be at worst debilitating or at least a point of constant discomfort.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you are unsure.

Microwave hot water bottles vs Extra long hot water bottles

They’re perfect for the cold grasps of winter as well as those chilly summer nights. An extra long water bottle goes a long way in serving its purpose as a replacement for a warm hug. More than the warmth that it gives, it also brings comfort and eases body pains.

Hot water bottles have long been part of instant home remedies. They always come in handy for treating body aches and pains. No matter the size and shape, a well-made hot water bottle is conventional, versatile and unquestionably effective.

Given the size differentials, every type of hot water bottle has advantages and disadvantages. With neck warmers, back pack bottles, cashmere knitted covers and extra long options, it is up to you which one to choose. Heating pads are becoming increasingly more popular as well.

Putting a hot water bottle in the microwave might seem a little odd but these novelty contraptions are indeed on the market. This article will weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of an extra long hot water bottle compared to a microwave hot water bottle.

Microwave Hot Water Bottles

A conventional anomaly, that ends up in the same spot as your micro fries, a microwaveable hot water bottle is ideal for body pains and cramps. It is also a perfect companion for the inevitable cold weather spell. And just like any other water bottle, microwaveable hot water bottles have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a Microwave Hot Water Bottle

This type of hot water bottle usually comes in the traditional size, which makes it handy and convenient to bring anywhere you go. It is lightweight, which is a plus factor, especially for those of us on-the-go. You’ll need to heat it up before you leave home though, unless you carry a microwave around in your bag!

The one we tried was made from high-quality, silicone material. As long as you have access to a microwave oven, warmth and comfort will follow if you have a microwaveable hot water bottle. Most are filled with gels and require no boiling water.

A well-made microwave hot water bottle is usually flammable proof and has an in-built safety measure to stop it from overheating. Because of its smaller size, the pressure of heat on a certain body part is more focused and on point.

Microwave hot water bottles — Silver: A classic microwave choice

Disadvantages of a Microwave Hot Water Bottle

Due to its traditional size, its function is also limited to traditional uses. The areas of concentrated heat are fairly small. It does not have the reach and flexibility that an extra long water bottle has.

Extra Long Hot Water Bottles

No longer a gimmick or innovative new design on the market, an extra long hot water bottle is now an established favourite in many households.

Just like any other hot water bottle out there, it has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of an Extra Long Hot Water Bottle

Perfect for woolly jumper weather, cuddle weather, or any other type of weather we just coined, the extra long hot water bottle can help ease body pain and cramps. The extended design will go a long way as an emergency home remedy for warmth and comfort.

It can be worn around your neck, it can be worn around your shoulders, and it can be worn around your stomach. Ideal for your stubborn cramps or period pains.

Since it comes in an extra long size, you can use it to massage and heat treat two body parts at once. You can use it for your neck and your shoulders will still be reached. This will come in handy, especially after a long day at work or school.

Disadvantages of an Extra Long Hot Water Bottle

The disadvantage of this product is very minimal. Since it is extra long, you may find it hard to bring it everywhere with you. But this can easily be resolved with a carry bag that has the ideal size for your extra long hot water bottle.

Hot water bottles: central heating for the body

Microwave Hot Water Bottle or Extra Long Hot Water Bottle?

Although both products serve their purpose as a massage aid or stress remover, the extra long hot water bottle boasts added length and flexibility. It is lightweight and can reach multiple areas of your body that needs warmth and a little touch of central heating.

Regular hot water bottles are great but extra long hot water bottles are better

OK so no white Christmas then? That’s a shame. But as we return to work and the chilly weather refuses to budge, the yearning for warmth and comfort grows ever deeper. The slippy roads are often the worst. Along with ice rink pavements and outside shed doors that stick together with a frosty sheen.

If you’re anything like many of the Cuddly Comforts team, come November you’ll be wishing you had stocked up on those go-to necessities in preparation for the cold.

The usual items: sweaters, jackets, scarves, mittens, and of course hot water bottles. Out of the cupboards and in to circulation. Toasty perfection. Early in the New Year it’s still just as cold. You may need that heated blanket, extra sweater or thick woolly socks.

Top Tip (that you probably know already)

Are your favourite cozy socks in the wash? Wearing two or three pairs together isn’t cutting it? Try a pair of football (or soccer if you prefer) socks. We have loads lying around the house and they do a great job keeping our feet warm.
Football Socks are great feet warmers

warm socks — Nothing better than nice warm feet

While socks and woolly jumpers are often a regular feature in the Cuddly Comforts household, a trusty hot water bottle is never far away. For the past few years extra long hot water bottles have been part of our day-to-day lives. They’re handy for pain relief or just a touch of instant cuddly heat.

Some use it as a massage aid, or to help give its user immediate comfort and warmth. The traditionally-sized bottles (small, heart shaped, you know the drill) have been tested and proven for decades. But when you need an extra bit of length an extra-long hot water bottle is performing better.

After speaking to some of our loyal customers, here are some of the reasons why…

Extra long hot water bottles are remarkably flexible

The extra-long hot water bottle is flexible for its size. While some find it heavy when filled with water, it is fairly lightweight compared to some of the earlier models and can be easily carried around your neck or shoulder. Use the tie string that comes with all of our second covers. This way it should still reach your neck and down to your arms for extended warmth.

The flexibility of the extra-long hot water bottle will also come in handy for those unexpected cramps. When stretching out a cramp, a hot compress often helps to ease the pain. A hot water bottle with a safe cover can also aid this process. Furthermore, since your extra-long hot water bottle is flexible, it can occupy more areas on your belly area if you are experiencing stomach cramps.

A longer version of a regular hot water bottle?

With an elongated version of a regular hot water bottle, the heat that can be felt from top to bottom. It can target a wider area or longer part of the body, like your legs or even on your back and down your spine.

Its length is super handy, especially when targeting areas that are difficult to reach with a normal-sized hot water bottle.

Conventional and useful

The extra-long hot water bottle is very easy to use. You just have to twist and remove its stopper, safely fill it with hot water, and then you are good to go. The optimal word here is SAFELY! We emphasise a safety-first approach throughout the filling process to avoid injuries or accidents.

Any size of hot water bottle is useful whenever you feel those aching muscles after a run or cold weather exercise. We get messages from runners who use the bottles for thermotherapy or cold lake swimming teams who grab a warm bottle after coming out of the water.

They can be used as massaging aids or just to thaw out with. Feeling less energetic? It is always rewarding to use a hot water bottler after a long and stressful day at work or school.

Versatility at its best

Unlike the regular hot water bottle, you can use the extra-long hot water bottle in more versatile ways. How about tying it up around your body or have it act like a scarf for comfort in the neck and shoulder area?

Having the extra-long hot water bottle wrapped around your body gives so much relief as you are not holding anything. Plus, your hands are not occupied and have the freedom to move.

We got word back that a knitter we work with often uses one of our extra long hot water bottles, wrapped around her body, while creating cozy covers! She also has a nice home-knitted blanket too. She says she feels like a cuddly sheep.

Extra long = extra warmth

All things considered, we are not going to trash the humble hot water bottle. It has served the hands and feet of millions so well, for so long. However, while smaller hot water bottles are great, an extra long hot water bottle is better.

This is because it is flexible, versatile, very convenient to use and, most importantly, longer. You can easily reach multiple body parts, that need heating and warmth, with an extra long hot water bottle.

Any type of hot water bottle will provide the warmth and comfort that you seek. But when it comes to pain relief and hands free assistance, an extra long hot water bottle is our preferred choice.

Are extra long hot water bottles safe for kids?

Keeping young children warm and safe on winter nights

Hot water bottles have long been used for warming beds and helping many people sleep more comfortably during cold nights. A versatile, cost effective source of heat and comfort, there are lots of modern uses for hot water bottles too.

They’re used in heat therapy to get rid of muscle pains, soreness, and cramps. Many pregnant women even use these hot water bottles to ease their pregnancy pain and discomfort which can help with a good night’s sleep.

As we head in to the winter months, any parent will know that keeping a child warm and cozy is often the key to a good night’s sleep. Snugly onesies, plenty of warm blankets and a nice glass of warm milk can all help before bed time.

But are hot water bottles safe for kids? It often depends on the way the hot water bottle is being used and dependent on the age of the child. Is there a way to make them safer for kids? And what about extra-long hot water bottles?

Are hot water bottles safe for kids’ use?

Yes! To a point…

Even though we are in the business of keeping you warm, safety is of paramount concern every single time. Hot water bottles are perfect for warming the beds for kids and adults of all ages. They’re especially useful during colder winter nights when even the thickest blankets and covers wouldn’t cut it.

The additional warmth provided by the hot water bottle helps children and adults sleep better and more comfortably. Simply place the bottle in the bed to warm it up and remove it when the child climbs between the sheets and they will not have direct contact with the bottle.

woman blowing snow — Winter gets pretty cold…naturally

However, since a kid’s skin is typically more sensitive than an adult’s, extra caution should be observed. Make sure a cover is always placed on the hot water bottle and the child’s skin is never exposed to the hot rubber. Here are some tips that will help you ensure the safety of children while using hot water bottles:

Tips for using hot water bottles for kids

Don’t leave the hot water bottles under the cover while the kids are asleep. Use them to warm up the bed beforehand, but don’t leave them in the bed, especially when you’re not in the same room. Smaller children can roll over on top of them or possibly, when in a deep sleep, lie against a patch of heat for too long without waking up.

Don’t let your children sit on a hot water bottle. You can’t have your child lie down on a filled hot water bottle as well. Extra pressure on the bottle could cause the seal or lining to eventually become loose or leak.

Don’t let young boys and girls below 4 years of age play with a hot water bottle. They may accidentally unscrew the plug and burn themselves. This applies even if you’re in the same room. Youngsters love exploring and testing things out.

Toddlers love engaging with their environments and exploring

Get a hot water bottle cover. This effectively transforms the rather plain and boring hot water bottles into warm and fuzzy bedroom companions that little girls and boys can hug and cuddle while awake. These covers help protect the skin from getting burned, though it’s still not recommended that it stays on one body area for any extended period of time. At Cuddly Comforts we provide inner lined extra long hot water bottles to add that extra layer of protection.

Wash hot bottle covers regularly. You can also buy multiple covers so you can use another while the other one dries.

We provide a spare cover with all of our bottles

More tips for a kids hot water bottle

Ask your kids if the heat level is okay. Since everybody has a different reaction and tolerance to heat, make sure to ask your kids if the heat level is acceptable. What may be warm for you may be too hot for a small child. Constantly check heat levels when the bottle has first been filled.

Always check for leaks and other possible damage before using. Hot water bottles may sometimes appear alright, but years of use and abuse can wear down the inside of the bottle. Always check the seams, stopper or plugs. Even the smallest leak can lead to accidents.

“Use a cover or wrap a towel around the bottle and take it out when you put your child into bed. Then store it empty in a cool, dry location.”
Kidspot Australia

Don’t fill your hot water bottles more than two-thirds of its maximum capacity. Always ensure that you get all excess air out. This helps prevent leaks and damages at the seams, and it even makes the hot water bottles easier to use.

Always use hot water bottles according to manufacturer instructions. Taking care of your hot water bottles is the key to their long life. Try to replace your hot water bottles at least every two years as the quality of rubber naturally deteriorates.

We have heard stories in the past about hot water bottles being unsafe as there is a risk of burning or scalding. This is true but that is why we always advise following the safety guides and advice. Any type of bottle is dangerous in the same way that sharp knives are dangerous when you push them in to somebody or cars are dangerous if you use them to run somebody over!

So…can kids use extra-long hot water bottles?

Of course! The thing to remember here is that extra-long hot water bottles are very much like the regular hot water bottles too. The only difference is that they’re longer so they can cover larger areas. Our super soft faux fur design stays warm for longer so it helps protect hot water bottle huggers of all ages!

While some kids may be perfectly fine with a regular-sized hot water bottle that they can cuddle, some children like the extra-long ones as they like the extra warmth and flexibility. They might even be the same size.

Using an extra long hot water bottle during pregnancy

Are extra long hot water bottles safe for pregnant women to use?

Pregnant women deal with quite a lot every day. The cramps, soreness, tired feet. They’re in a constant state of varying levels of physical pain and discomfort, and their mental and emotional health suffers at times too.

There are many products that can ease the irritation. Hot water bottles are designed to at least ease or relieve women of pregnancy pains. It is a difficult task creating a new life within their own bodies – any bit of help is welcome.

Back pain is a common ailment of pregnant women

Back pain is common during pregnancy as the pelvis, joints and lower back are placed under increasing strain.

Tips to reduce back pain during pregnancy

Is It Safe to Use a Hot Water Bottle when Pregnant?

Definitely, yes! Hot water bottles are still made with rubber as they can withstand high temperatures, but most hot water bottle nowadays already come covered with fabrics for both design and safety. The usual safety measures always apply and do not do anything dangerous or that you don’t feel comfortable with.

It’s also worth ensuring the following:

Your extra long hot water bottle neither has a split or is too worn.

Maintaining a fit and functioning bottle is vitally important.

Your hot water bottle is closed securely before using.

Ensure the stopper is screwed tightly and sufficiently closed. Once closed, turn the bottle upside down and give a short shake to remove any excess water and make sure there are no leaks.

You don’t fill your hot water bottle with boiling water.

Burns can happen so please be careful with the temperature of water you use.

You don’t sit on it or lay on it.

This obviously increases the chances of it popping or bursting. Never put excessive weight on the bottle.

And…you don’t use it together with an electric blanket.

Water and electric don’t mix. Enough said.

Heat therapy during pregnancy

Are you considering using heat therapy? Heat therapy during pregnancy is a great idea. It’s an effective and inexpensive way that you can relieve yourself of pregnancy-related pains and discomfort.

Your pregnant body protects your child the best that it can, and a little heat therapy from an external heat source wouldn’t negatively affect you or your baby.

Heat only becomes problematic when it’s your internal temperature that rises, and no water bottle has the ability to do this. This is why you should avoid saunas and hot tubs (not warm baths), and why it’s dangerous that you suffer from high fever when you’re pregnant.

Localised heat therapy is great, non-invasive way to find comfort in specific areas like back, hips, joints and muscles during your pregnancy. However you should avoid using a heat pack anywhere on your abdomen while pregnant.
Bounty Parents

Can I Use a Hot Water Bottle for Abdominal Pregnancy Pains?

Proceed with caution! Figure out what’s causing the pain, because there could be several reasons for tummy aches during pregnancy. It is also very common for abdominal pains to disappear when applying heat therapy on your back rather than directly on your abdominal area.

Hot water bottles should always be covered and never left for more than a few minutes on your tummy. Physicians will also most likely advise you to take a warm bath or try a massage instead of using a hot water bottle for abdominal pains during pregnancy.

Extra long hot water bottles are good for abdominal pain

Can I Use an Extra Long Hot Water Bottle Instead?

Of course! Extra-long hot water bottles are perfect if you’re suffering from pregnancy pains because you can wrap them around your body. You can use them to ease back pains, neck pains, sore muscles, stiff necks, cramps, hip pains, and joint pains.

Regular hot water bottles are great for targeting small areas, but pregnancy pains are notorious for spanning the length of your back, around your hips, both of your legs, and many other areas. Extra-long hot water bottles allow you to apply heat to relieve pain from multiple areas all at once.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you are unsure.

How an extra long hot water bottle eases back pain

A hot water bottle isn’t just for a cold winter’s night

Whether it is helping babies sleep or easing period cramps, there is a long list of health benefits associated with using the trusty hot water bottle. They’re great for relieving muscle pains, neck pains, and abdominal pains as well. But one long standing benefit is just how effective they are in easing back pain too.

Applying heat in general can help ease back pain. The practice of thermotherapy or cryotherapy is growing in popularity as people suffering from long-term pains discover the efficacy of such a treatment.

Some people find that heat (such as a hot bath or a hot water bottle placed on the affected area) helps to ease the pain when back pain first starts.
NHS UK

Hot or cold: Which is better for back pain?

Back pains and injuries can often be relieved by either heat or cold therapies, and alternating between the two can be more helpful at times. They’re also some of the most inexpensive ways that one can ease any type of muscle pain.

Both cold and hot water bottles are good for easing chronic pain and muscle soreness. Cold water bottles are more effective for strains, sprains, swelling, pulled muscles, new injuries, and bruising. Whenever we suffer a bruise or bump it is common practice to place cold peas from the freezer inside a tea towel and apply indirectly to the skin.

On the other hand, hot water bottles are more effective for aching muscles, arthritis, muscle stiffness, and chronic back pain.

How does heat therapy work?

How does applying heat to affected muscles help them heal, and how does heat reduce the pain? Well, according to the experts heat opens up the blood vessels, making blood flow more freely around the area where heat is applied. The increased blood flow helps the tissues heal.

Blood also transports excess lactic acid away from the muscles and lessens pain in the process. As long as it isn’t a new injury and there isn’t any kind of swelling or bruising involved, easing pain with heat therapy is almost always a good idea.

How do you use a hot water bottle for back pain?

First, you need to unscrew the plug and fill the bottle with hot water. You need to make sure that it’s hot but not boiling so you still get the warmth that you need without subjecting the rubber material to continuously boiling hot temperatures and risk possibly degrading the material.

More importantly, be careful not to burn your skin, or you will need to apply some direct cold therapy by running your skin under a cold tap. Stop when the water is at least half-full or if it’s filled at most up to two-thirds of its capacity.

Hot water bottles aren’t meant to be filled to the brim, as hot water produces steam and steam takes up space. If there isn’t any space for the steam to go to, the hot water bottle can burst at the seams or bubble right up to the top when the stopper is loosened. This is why it’s important to let the excess air out.

After you’ve done this and securely replaced the plug, you can now use your hot water bottle to relieve your back pain. Use a hot water bottle cover to make sure that the hot surface of the bottle doesn’t directly touch your skin.

Place it on your back where your muscles hurt, but don’t leave it for more than 20 minutes at one area. Remember that you never should sit or lie on top of your hot water bottle, even if it’s just half-full. Excessive pressure can lead to a burst seam and nobody wants that to happen.

You can also alternate between a hot water bottle and a cold pack. If you’re using ice instead, make sure that you don’t place the ice directly on your skin as it could cause something that is known as a cold burn. You will know from personal and practice experience, plus professional medical advice, what works for you.

Treatments for back pain

The extra benefits of using extra long hot water bottles

There are several benefits to owning extra long hot water bottles instead of just the regular-sized ones. For one, longer shaped bottles are perfect for pain that covers the length of your back. They are also great for easing pain in multiple areas all at the same time.

Items with a loop and string can perfectly slide around the body and be easily attached. All of our extra long hot water bottles come with a spare cover so you can tie it around you and easily wash and dry the original, while continuing to use your bottle with the second cover.

extra long hot water bottle pink cover — Loop and string for attachment

If you’re suffering from menstrual cramps, abdominal muscle pains, and lower back pains, you can just simply wrap it around your tummy and soothe all three at once. It also helps that you can use your hands and your thighs to cuddle it and hold it in place.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified practitioner if you are unsure.