Benefits of Weighted Stuffed Animals – Do You Need One?

woman lifting brown bear weighted stuffed animal toy

Benefits of Weighted Stuffed Animals

I must admit, I am a stuffed animal collector. Always has been.

Recently, I was asked to research what is a weighted stuffed animal and how they’re different than weighted blankets.

I love these kind of plushies and also love to sleep better, so here goes:

Table Of Contents
  1. Benefits of Weighted Stuffed Animals

What is a weighted stuffed animal?

Weighted stuffed animals have been filled with small pellets which generates pressure on the owners’ skin. Weighted animals create a feeling of being hugged and held. They are typically sold as part of anxiety management therapy or to children with autism, and some research has shown that they can be effective in reducing distress and anxiety even in adults.

Weighted stuffed animals provide a variety of benefits for children, including, but not limited to, aiding in relaxation and stress relief, providing sensory input, and helping with focus and attention.

Weighted stuffed animals have been around for centuriesthey have been popular as children’s toys for many hundred years.

What’s the Purpose of a Weighted Stuffed Animal?

Weighted objects, such as stuffed animals, weighted eye masks and weighted blankets are thought to help calm someone down by stimulating the same good feeling as a hug or massage. The pressure of the weight is said to activate certain pressure points on the body that can promote relaxation.

baby lying on white bed with weighted stuffed animal dino plushie

The pressure from the weight releases serotonin in the brain, which is often called the “happy hormone.” This can be helpful for people with anxiety, stress, or ADHD. Additionally, there are different types of weighted objects that offer different benefits.

What is DTP?

DTP is a form of massage which has been proven to be very beneficial for people. It can help them calm down and relax, which in turn can make them feel more at ease. Additionally, some find that the pressure from the stuffed animal provides a soothing sensation.

How do weighted plush work?

Weighted plush is a stuffed animal that has been weighted down with a certain amount of weight. This extra weight provides physical and mental stimulation for the person using it.

  1. Weighted stuffed animals provide physical stimulation for children and mental stimulation for adults.
  2. Weighted stuffed animals are a source of therapy for adults as well as children.
  3. Weighted stuffed animals can be a source of comfort for people who are lonely or feeling down.
  4. Weighted stuffed animals can be used to ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression

Benefits of Weighted Stuffed Animals

Weighted stuffed animals can help ease anxiety symptoms and sleep better in a number of ways.

  • Weighted stuffed animals can help to release serotonin and dopamine, which are two chemicals that are known to have a calming effect on the body
  • Research has shown that weighted stuffed animals can help to address physical symptoms of anxiety, such as heart rate and breathing
  • A weighted stuffed animal is less intrusive than a weighted blanket because it covers less surface area
  • A weighted stuffed animal provides more freedom of movement than a weighted blanket
  • weighted stuffed animals are often designed to be microwavable and have adjustable neck straps, making them more convenient for on-the-go parents
  • Weighted stuffed animals can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by providing a calming presence
  • Weighted stuffed animals are play-based sensory tools: Weighted stuffed animals provide pressure and comfort to children with anxiety, ASD, SPD or other sensory-processing needs.

How do you use a weighted stuffed animal?

A weighted stuffed animal is a plush toy that has been filled with a heavy weight, usually sand or beans. This gives the toy a fun bounce when thrown or dropped. weighted stuffed animals are also great for stability when placed on top of a child’s lap. The extra weight helps the child to feel more grounded and can provide a sense of calm.

They are often given as gifts to young children, as they can help promote sensory development and encourage interactive play.

  1. A giant weighted stuffed animal plush toy could be good for soft pillow
  2. Large Sized Plush Toys are a great option for those who are looking for a plush toy to sleep with
  3. Small Sized Stuffed Animals are great option for those who are looking for a small and cuddly plush toys to self-hug all night

Weighted stuffed animal for anxiety?

  1. Weighted stuffed animals can be used for a variety of purposes: They are great for toddlers and babies, as well as those suffering from autism or other issues such as stress or anxiety.
  2. They reduce anxiety in kids: Based on the findings of years of research, weighted stuffed animals have emerged as a kid-friendly coping mechanism for anxiety.

How do weighted stuffed animals work?

Weighted stuffed animals and weighted blankets are becoming more popular as people search for ways to reduce anxiety. The animals and weighted blankets work by providing pressure, which releases serotonin and dopamine, which calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

There is scientific research behind the benefits of weighted blankets and other weighted objects, and they are popular among people who want to try something new to relieve their anxiety and sleep better.

Weighted stuffed animal vs weighted blanket

A weighted stuffed animal is a plush toy that has been weighted to provide a sense of relaxation and calm. They are often used as an alternative to weighted blankets, which are popular within adults.

Weighted blankets should be used if the person feels restless during the night – the importance of rest and sleep is unquestionable. Weighted stuffed animals are recommended as a way to provide relaxation benefits for people with neurodivergency – especially children.

weighted blanket premium
Corala Weighted blanket

Weighted stuffed animals serve a similar function as weighted blankets. They however cover less surface area than weighted blankets, making them ideal for infants who suffer from colic. Additionally, because they are not as likely to provide deep pressure relief, they are safe for use with children who might become overwhelmed by the weight of a blanket.

Anxiety is a common problem for children and adults

While there are many treatments for anxiety, such as medication and therapy, some people find relief from using weighted blankets and weighted stuffed animals. These items provide pressure and comfort, which help to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Weighted stuffed animals are play-based tools that are designed to provide pressure and comfort to children with anxiety or other sensory-processing needs

How heavy should a weighted stuffed animal be?

There is limited clinical guidance on how much a weighted stuffed animal should weigh, but the options on our list should weight under 5 pounds.

There are many different types of weighted stuffed animals available on the market, and the benefits of using one will vary depending on the individual child. Some children may benefit from the extra weight and pressure on their body, while others may find the weight to be too uncomfortable.

How to choose a weighted stuffed animal for your child

There are a few factors you should consider when choosing a weighted stuffed animal for your child.

  • One is the size of the animal. You’ll want to make sure it’s not too big or too small for your child.
  • Another factor to consider is the material the animal is made from. You’ll want to make sure it’s soft and safe for your child.
  • Finally, you’ll want to consider the weight of the animal. You’ll want to make sure it’s not too heavy or too light for your child.

A weighted stuffed animal is a toy that has been filled with a weighty material in order to provide a sense of comfort and security to the child.

Weighted stuffed animal on Tiktok

There were dozens of videos on TikTok about weighted stuffed animals especially the dino was a huge success. That is why weighted plush animals are often out of stock but you can make one for yourself or for your kids as we desribed above.

Why do adults sleep with stuffed animals?

It is common for adults to sleep with a stuffed animal because adults use them as a way to deal with anxiety when sleeping alone or to express emotions – just like when they were children.

Why do adults talk to stuffed animals?

Sometimes stuffed animals are the best option as a social companionship. They can provide a sense of warmth and comfort, and help us feel connected to the world. Adults talk to stuffed animals in times of loneliness, they can be a welcome source of companionship.

Attachment to Stuffed Animals

People with unhealthy emotional attachments to inanimate objects may be experiencing dysfunctional attachment patterns. This can often be seen in people’s interpersonal relationships as well.

Psychologists agree that healthy attachment to weighted stuffed animals is not problem, not even for adults. But what is healthy and what is unhealthy?

Conclusion

There are many benefits to weighted stuffed animals, but make sure to do your research before you buy one. There are different types of weighted stuffed animals, and each has its own benefits. Be sure to find the right one for your child!

There are also many deep pressure calming activities that adults can do to help relax their muscles and joints.

References

The effectiveness of weighted blankets on sleep and everyday activities – A retrospective follow-up study of children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder
Vedrana Bolic Baric 1, Sofie Skuthälla 2, Malin Pettersson 3, Per A Gustafsson 4, Anette Kjellberg 1
Affiliations expand
PMID: 34184958 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.1939414

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34184958/

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