There's often some confusion between heated throws and heated blankets. Whilst electric blankets are predominantly used as bedding, heated throws are used in other parts of the home. With many years of experience as a content and copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance.

If you're worrying about your children staying well this winter, then it's understandable that you might be considering allowing them to get under your heated throw. These blankets are perfectly safe for children to use under supervision, but they're not recommended for under fives. They're also not safe for children to sleep with, as they should always be supervised when using a heated throw. How we chose the best heated throw Indulge in the rich softness of a Dreamcatcher Heated Throw. The beautiful ultra-soft Faux Fur fabric is smooth to the touch.

Safety features: Look for blankets with an automatic shut-off feature. It's a must-have in case you accidentally drift off while it's on, and you can usually choose between different time settings up to nine hours. Overheat protection is also a good safety feature to have too.

The best heated throw blanket is always a hot topic on the Mumsnet forums when cold weather comes around. These snuggly spreads are much loved as they could be the key to keeping warm this winter while saving money on your heating bill. They're a little similar to the best electric blankets, but while those are predominantly used as bedding, heated throws are more decorative and you can cosy up under them on the sofa.Temperature settings: Look for adjustable heat settings so you can get the most out of your blanket – some options have as many as 10 different settings! Bear in mind that it does often cost more to run a blanket on the higher settings, so it's a good idea to opt for one with good range. Size and coverage: Make sure the throw is large enough to cover you comfortably. If you want one you can snuggle up under with your other half or kids, make sure you go for a large size so there's space for everyone.