Weighted stuffed animals are what they sound like: regular stuffed animals that are filled with a weighted material, such as plastic pellets or grains (much like a weighted blanket). They’re often used for anxiety relief and can help kids feel calmer by providing soothing proprioceptive input. They can also be used as a sensory tool to improve focus and attention for children with ADHD or other developmental disabilities.
There’s limited clinical guidance on just how heavy a weighted stuffed animal should be, but generally they’re designed to be light enough for infants and toddlers to handle safely. For older children and adults, they can be slightly heavier — but still easily portable in a backpack or bag.
Many therapists and healthcare professionals who specialize in sensory integration therapy recommend weighted stuffed animals to their clients, as they can provide the same deep pressure input that helps soothe and calm the nervous system. And, unlike blankets, they’re much more portable.
While you may be tempted to grab the first cute cuddly animal that comes to mind, it’s important to find one that suits your child’s unique needs and preferences. Consider their favorite character, personality and whether or not they prefer a larger animal they can wrap their arms around versus a smaller one. You should also keep in mind that the more they use their stuffed animal, the more familiar they will become with it and the greater comfort level they’ll experience. weighted stuffed animal