Why Weighted Stuffed Animals Are a Powerful Tool for Regulation
9 min read
AFor kids who struggle with self-regulation, transitions or sensory integration, the right tool can make a world of difference. Many people find deep pressure input from weighted tools to be very calming. Our occupational therapists designed a collection of weighted animals to provide both comfort and therapeutic benefits for kids.
Benefits of Weighted Stuffed Animals for Kids
Similar to weighted blankets and lap pads, these gently weighted animals provide kids with soothing deep pressure input in a cozier, more approachable way. The pressure input has a variety of benefits for kids, including:
The deep pressure sensation from weighted products can lower kids’ cortisol levels and increase their serotonin and dopamine levels, replacing feelings of stress with feel-good hormones
Proprioception is the sense of where your body is in space. Kids can work on their body awareness with the help of weighted input to their muscles and joints
These stuffed animals’ friendly faces encourage children to engage and interact with them! Use these pals in pretend play or as a listening ear to talk about how they’re feeling. It’s a great way to add in language skills development
Each of our weighted animals has a different texture for kids to run their fingers over and through, to keep hands busy while their minds are focusing
The grounding input from having a weighted stuffed animal on a child’s lap promotes better concentration, as their bodies feel calmer
Many parents opt for weighted stuffed animals for their portability, too! Bring it along on any car ride or trip so that your child has the calming deep pressure input they crave, no matter where they are.
How To Choose the Right Weighted Animal
Our occupational therapists recommend choosing an animal that weighs up to 10% of your child’s body weight to stay within standard safety guidelines. If your child needs more input, choose an animal that weighs more; always make sure to speak with their healthcare provider or therapist if you think they may need a higher weight than the recommended limit.
Once you’ve identified what weight is appropriate for your child, think about the types of animals and textures they like best. Consider when they are likely to be using the animal, too, so that it does not become a hindrance or distraction.
Meet the Fun and Function Weighted Animals
The Fun and Function product development team created a fun, engaging lineup of animals based on therapist, parent and educator feedback. Meet everyone here and learn more about what makes them unique!
1. Sloth Heavy Hugger
This adorable sloth was awarded “Best Weighted Animal for Kids” by Sleepopolis for a reason. Its paws snap together so you can wear it on your front or back for a soothing hug. Seat it on your lap to feel the grounding effects of its added 4 pounds of weight, and stash your favorite fidget in its zippered pocket.
Sloth Heavy Hugger
2. Weighted Shimmery Turtle
Keep multiple senses engaged with this 4-pound turtle! It’s just the right size for car rides and circle time, with shiny two-toned sequins that you can flip back and forth with your fingers for tactile and visual stimulation.
Weighted Shimmery Turtle
3. Stan the Weighted Starfish
Stan’s friendly smile and 3 pound weight makes kids feel secure in stressful or unfamiliar environments. Put the smooth, velvety side face-down on your lap and brush your fingers over the plush bumpy side, or flip Stan over for a different tactile sensation.
Stan the Weighted Starfish
4. Sal the Weighted Seahorse
Let your imagination set sail with Sal the Seahorse! This 2-pound buddy features several different textured fabrics for sensory exploration, crinkly fins for auditory input and a marble hidden in its tail for a discreet fidget.
Sal the Weighted Seahorse
5. Toby the Tiger Neck Pillow
Drape this furry friend around your neck for calming localized weighted input. Toby is perfect for travel or can sit on your lap during seated activities. You can adjust the weight to customize it for your needs, up to 3 pounds.
Toby The Tiger Neck Pillow
6. Harry the Sensory Hedgehog
Harry is a huggable, lovable pal with hair you just have to touch. Fill its inner pocket with up to 10 pounds of weight to promote focus and self-regulation. You can get a boost of proprioceptive input by carrying Harry around the room!
Harry the Sensory Hedgehog
7. Weighted Teddy Bear
This Teddy is a classic with a 3-pound twist. The super soft fur is perfect for cuddling and its sweet face encourages you to talk about how you’re feeling. Give Teddy a hug or hold it on your lap for gentle deep pressure input.
8. Leo the Weighted Lion
Find a one-of-a-kind friend in Herbert’s friendly smile and open arms. At just over 5 pounds, Herbert provides deep pressure input when you hold it to improve calm and attention. Practice social skills, too, by using Herbert during therapy sessions and in role play activities
9. Heavy Herbert
Find a one-of-a-kind friend in Herbert’s friendly smile and open arms. At just over 5 pounds, Herbert provides deep pressure input when you hold it to improve calm and attention. Practice social skills, too, by using Herbert during therapy sessions and in role play activities.
10. Weighted Worm
Our scrunchy, squishy worm weighs a little under 2 pounds for just the right amount of gentle weight. Coil it up on your lap or drape it across your shoulders, depending where you need proprioceptive input the most.
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11. Izzy the Iguana
Izzy is lightly weighted (just over 1 pound) so you can take it anywhere! Stash small treasures and fidgets in the zippered mouth. Feel the scaly “skin” with your fingers and squish its plump body when you’re feeling anxious.
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12. Hank the Baby Hedgehog
This 2 pound baby hedgehog is a cozy, cuddly companion. Stroke the soft corduroy back or velvety stomach for soothing tactile input, and relax with Hank’s gentle weight on your lap.
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13. Momo the Monkey & Dani the Dino
These plush pals serve many purposes– lay them flat across your lap as a weighted lap pad, or snap the paws together for a weighted stuffed animal or cozy muff for your arms. Momo (3 pounds) features a curly tail and Dani (5 pounds) has furry horns and spikes for fidgeting.
With so many weighted animals to choose from, there is sure to be something perfect for your child. Find the soothing comfort they crave in one of our friendly forms—or collect them all! Whether the goal is to help ease transitions, reduce stress or stay focused, incorporating weighted stuffed animals can provide both comfort and regulation in a form that kids naturally gravitate towards.
Explore the full weighted stuffed animal collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of weighted stuffed animals for kids?
Weighted stuffed animals provide calming deep pressure input that can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve body awareness, boost focus and attention, and support sensory regulation. They can also encourage social interaction and provide tactile exploration.
2. How heavy should a weighted stuffed animal be for a child?
Occupational therapists typically recommend choosing a weighted item that is no more than 10% of a child’s body weight. For example, a 40-pound child might use a 4-pound animal. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure or considering a heavier option.
3. Can weighted stuffed animals be used at school or during therapy?
Yes. Many of Fun and Function’s weighted animals are designed for portability and practicality in settings like classrooms and therapy clinics. Some models are wipe-clean, which makes them ideal for high-use environments.
4. Are weighted stuffed animals safe for all children?
They are generally safe when used appropriately and under adult supervision. It’s important to choose the right weight for the child and ensure the product is used as intended. Children with certain medical conditions should have professional guidance before use.
5. How do I know which weighted animal is best for my child?
Consider your child’s body weight, sensory preferences, and how and where they’ll use the stuffed animal. Some children prefer soft textures, while others enjoy tactile or auditory features like sequins or crinkly fabric. The blog includes guidance to help you make the best choice.
6. Can weighted stuffed animals help with focus and transitions?
Yes. The grounding input from weighted animals can help children stay calm and focused during tasks or transitions. They are often used during seated activities, travel or times of emotional dysregulation.
7. Do all weighted stuffed animals provide the same sensory input?
No. Different animals offer a variety of sensory experiences, including textures, weights and fidget features. Some have sequins, crinkle sounds, or hidden pockets for extra stimulation and engagement.
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