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If your child struggles with going to bed at night due to separation anxiety or has been diagnosed with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a weighted stuffed animal may help. These cute, cuddly toys can weigh anywhere from 8 ounces to upwards of 5 pounds and can help calm and soothe kids so they can cope with and endure stressful situations. To find the best weighted stuffed animals, we talked to two pediatricians and a clinical psychologist about the benefits and what to look for in a weighted stuffed animal for kids. We also talked to parents and even tried some of the products with our own kids. To narrow our list down to 14 weighted stuffed animals, we considered their weight, design, and material. We also paid close attention to the stuffed animal’s care instructions, as most can’t be cleaned in the washing machine due to their contents and weight.A pediatric psychologist on our Review Board also reviewed our article to ensure its accuracy. Similar to a weighted blanket, weighted stuffed animals offer what healthcare professionals call “deep pressure touch,” which is similar to the sensation of being swaddled, hugged, or held. This sensation calms the nervous system, thereby reducing insomnia, anxiety, and stress—which can be especially helpful for kids who struggle with bedtime-related fears. What’s more, deep pressure touch has been shown to be helpful for kids who have anxiety, ADHD, and ASD. Oftentimes, kids with ADHD or ASD engage in stimming, a self-stimulating behavior triggered by nervousness or excitement. Having a weighted stuffed animal that they can hold, cuddle, or squeeze may help redirect stimming behaviors and provide a calming effect, according to Steven Abelowitz, MD, FAAP. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best for Hugs: Best for Comfort: Best Budget: Best Wearable: Best Wrap-Around: Best Pillow: Best Lightweight: In This Article Our Picks How We Selected Our Experts What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Family Pros Can be heated or cooled Comes with a shirt and birth certificate for animal Heart changes color with temperature Cons Can emit an odor when heated This weighted stuffed animal is our best overall pick because of its versatility. In addition to providing comfort through gentle pressure, it can be heated or cooled to give your child targeted, soothing relief. To do so, you can either place your ThermaPals in the microwave or refrigerator and watch the heart on its foot transform as its temperature changes. After heating your ThermaPals up, you may notice a slight odor due to the dried grains inside the stuffed animal. However, it also contains dried lavender, which has a relaxing scent known for reducing anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness. ThermaPals are as cute as they are cozy. Each one comes with a removable t-shirt that boasts uplifting phrases like “Be Yourself” and “I Love You Beary Much” and is accompanied by a birth certificate with a place to record your ThermaPals’ name, date of birth, place of birth, and to whom they belong. Features long arms that can wrap around you like a hug Each character has unique personality Body is soft and makes a nice pillow Difficult to hug forward-facing Kids love to snuggle and hug their plushies, but wouldn't it be nice if their beloved toys could hug them back? That's where this Bumpas weighted toy comes in. Its long arms are weighted with almost 3 pounds of plastic pellets to wrap around your child and provide deep pressure stimulation. We personally tested this toy and loved its soft materials and perfectly huggable size—and it also makes a great pillow! One thing to keep in mind is that if you want to hug your Bumpas forward-facing, its body will be right on your face. This is great if used as a pillow, but if your kiddo wants to play or watch TV while hugging the Bumpas, they'll need to pull it down a little or use it for a back hug. There are six Bumpas characters and each one has a unique personality: Zeek enjoys traveling, Sprinx loves to share, Shloof is an observer, Oz is everyone's favorite confidant, Shin Shin likes to be different, and Lucky is the most loving of the bunch. Pros Can be heated Contains lavender scent Good option for pain relief Cons Tail end is not weighted Don't let the word "menstruation" in its name deter you from giving this adorable shrimp a try. This viral stuffed crustacean is actually a snuggly and fun heating pad. When you place it in the microwave for just one minute, it heats up and can then be used anywhere you’re feeling pain for instant soothing relief. Its U-shape makes it the perfect weighted stuffed animal to place around your neck or on your shoulders, but it’s also ideal for cramps, belly aches, or other targeted problem areas. Even if you don't heat it up, this soft little shrimp is still the ideal size and weight for snuggling. And since it’s fairly small, it’s great to take when traveling or to use in the car if needed (our kids love to use it as an airplane pillow, too!). It features a soothing lavender scent that can make it feel extra relaxing.Although the weight is distributed throughout the shrimp's body, its tail is not weighted. We love how different this one is and we appreciate the bright colors that make it more fun. The Menstruation Crustacean is also available as a lobster or crab. Pros Strong stitching to prevent ripping Machine washable Available in two sizes Cons Temporarily misshaped upon opening For being a budget-friendly pick, the MerryXD Weighted Stuffed Animal is surprisingly well made. It has strong stitching to prevent its seams from ripping and is stuffed with polypropylene (PP) cotton, a synthetic material that resembles cotton but is much more durable. Unlike natural cotton, PP cotton doesn’t shrink when washed and can withstand regular, heavy use. In fact, this dinosaur is so resistant to wear and tear that it’s even recommended for dogs! In addition to its solid construction, this stuffed dinosaur is awfully cute. It comes in two colors (pink and green) and two sizes (medium and large). However, it’s packaged inside a vacuum-sealed bag, which can make it look misshapen upon arrival. Pros Stays warm for up to 2 hours Can comfort kids who are sick Contains dried lavender Cons Flax stuffing can burn if heated too long From tummy aches to bruises, the Intelex Warmies wrap can give your child great relief when they’re feeling down and out. Unlike other weighted stuffed animals that contain a removable heating pad, Warmies are designed so that the entire stuffed animal warms up or cools down to give your child extra comfort. Warmies can be draped over the shoulders, stomach, or forehead—just about anywhere your child needs. It can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer; however, microwaving it too long can burn the inner flax stuffing. Warmies wraps are great travel companions. Due to their long, slender size, they are easy to pack and don’t take up much space. As a bonus, Warmies wraps also come in an adult size, which is a favorite among our editors. Pros More than 2.5 feet long Can be heated or cooled Contains dried lavender Cons Stays warm for only 15-20 minutes With more than 2.5 feet of snuggly plush, this Warm Pals “Sammy” the Snake is long enough to wrap around your child’s body. Depending on how you need to use it, it can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer. However, it only stays warm for about 15-20 minutes. Sammy can also drape around your neck or shoulders to soothe aching muscles. It contains dried lavender, which has a variety of aromatherapy benefits and can help with anxiety and insomnia. While there are several Warm Pals to choose from, this is the only one long enough to be wrapped. As long as your child is not afraid of snakes, they will enjoy wrapping themselves up in Sammy’s cozy, weighted tail. Pros Same size as standard pillow Ears are good for stroking Feels heavier than it is Cons Takes 24 hours to expand In addition to being a weighted stuffed animal, this Yesgirl puppy can be used as a pillow. It’s 26.8 inches long, which is about the same length as a standard pillow, and is made of a soft, plush material. This puppy’s long, fuzzy ears also provide a soothing sensory experience. They can be held or stroked when a child feels anxious, unsettled, or needs to redirect their stimming. To prevent it from shifting too much during play, its abdomen is filled with non-toxic beads and cotton. Since the stuffing is condensed in the middle, it also makes this stuffed animal feel heavier than it actually is. This adorable puppy arrives in a vacuum-sealed bag, which is helpful for shipping purposes, but means it needs at least 24 hours to expand fully. The 8 Best Toddler Pillows to Help Your Child Sleep Comfortably Pros High-end look and feel Ears can be stroked when anxious Contains no BPA, phthalates, latex, or lead Cons Prone to dust collection This weighted dog from Pottery Barn Kids is a well-made keepsake that can be enjoyed for years to come. True to Pottery Barn’s sustainability mission, it’s made without a variety of harmful chemicals, including BPA, phthalates, latex, and lead. And like our best pillow pick, its silky ears can be held or stroked when a child feels anxious or unsettled. This dog is covered in high-pile faux fur, which means that its fibers are tall, loose, and extra soft. And while this gives the puppy a high-end look, it makes it more prone to dust collection and buildup. It also renders it unable to be cleaned in the washing machine, so spot cleaning is your only option. Another positive trait about this dog is that it’s bigger than it looks. Measuring 15.5 inches. It’s as long as a bowling pin (but thankfully, much lighter). It weighs 5 pounds, which doesn’t seem like much, but is really only suitable for a kid who is 50 pounds or more. Pros Can be heated or cooled 15 animals to choose from Contains dried lavender Cons Clay beads can be a choking hazard One way to ease your child into the idea of a weighted stuffed animal is to give them a lightweight option from Wild Baby. These adorable animals weigh about half a pound, which doesn't provide the level of pressure some of our other options do but is adequate to give it depth. Wild Baby stuffed animals contain a removable comfort pack, which can be heated or cooled to your child's preference. Before giving this toy to your child, we advise parents to check the comfort pack for holes since it is filled with tiny clay beads that could pose a choking hazard. Wild Baby animals have a soft, velvety feel, which can be comforting for a child to hold. Each is stuffed with cotton and lavender, which only adds to these stuffed animals' soothing benefits. Pros Can be heated or cooled Good option for pain relief More than 70 animals to choose from Cons Lavender scent fades over time Warmies weighted stuffed animals can provide a great sense of comfort for kids. They are fully microwavable and stay warm for up to 90 minutes. This warm compression can help reduce a child’s pain, improve their circulation, and speed up their healing, and may feel less threatening than a heating pad or medication. If your child has started her period, Warmies may help alleviate period cramps. In fact, heat therapy has been proven more effective at easing period pain than over-the-counter pain relievers. In addition to heating it, you can also place your Warmies stuffed animal in the freezer to cool it down. This can be especially helpful for kids who have an injury, fever, or want relief on a hot day. Best of all, there are more than 70 different Warmies stuffed animals to choose from, and they come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Pros Floppy ears and soft tail for stroking Comes with two travel bags Machine washable Cons Weight not evenly distributed This Friendly Cuddle Lap Pad is a cross between a weighted stuffed animal and a weighted blanket. It's large enough to drape over your child's legs, back, or stomach, but is cute and cuddly like a stuffed animal. It weighs 5 pounds and has a long tail and soft, floppy ears for stroking and redirecting stimming behaviors. This lap pad can be used in a variety of settings. In addition to incorporating it into a bedtime routine, kids can take it along for travel, doctor's visits, or school. It even comes with two travel bags, making it easy to carry back and forth. Depending on how it's used, you may experience the weight shifting within the lap pad or accumulating in the paws. This is because the weighted microbeads are contained in a single bag inside the lap pad. However, this bag can be removed, allowing the lap pad to be cleaned in the washing machine. The 9 Best Toddler Travel Beds, Tested by Our Editors and Their Mini Explorers Pros Made from sensory-friendly fabric Available in four different creatures STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certified Cons Shows stains, especially white unicorn Target’s Pillowfort brand is known for its sensory-friendly assortment of pieces, so naturally, this weighted plush is a great option when it comes to toys for autistic kids. It has a soft, smooth exterior made of polyester and spandex and feels just like the highly popular brand of stuffed animals, Squishmallow. The downside to this silky smooth fabric is that it does not disguise stains well. This is especially true of the white unicorn, which may be better used as a decorative pillow if you prefer to keep it looking clean. However, it can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth, a dab of gentle laundry detergent, or a stain remover pen. This Pillowfort plush is available in four different creatures, each weighing slightly less than 3 pounds. The entire collection has the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certification, which means it’s been tested against more than 350 harmful chemicals. The 7 Best Supplements for Autistic Kids, According to a Pediatric Dietitian Pros Full-body weight feels like a hug Neutral expression promotes acceptance Machine washable Cons Head tends to fall forward According to a recent study, childhood anxiety is on the rise, and significant increases were seen from 2016 to 2020. Although it shouldn’t be considered a cure for anxiety, a Hugimals Weighted Stuffed Animal can comfort a child and help them learn to soothe themselves when dealing with unpleasant feelings. What sets Hugimals apart is their intentional design, created by a team of therapists, psychologists, and pediatricians. The weight is distributed throughout the body and limbs, which will feel like it’s hugging your child when placed on their chest, stomach, or lap. You won’t have to worry about the weight shifting around either, since the weighted glass beads are sewn into pockets throughout the animal’s inner body. This inner body is also removable, which allows the exterior to be cleaned in the washing machine. Another feature that is unique to Hugimals is the neutral expression. This is meant to communicate a “judgment-free” demeanor so children feel at ease with their anxiety. What’s more, the soft fabric is designed to provide a soothing sensory experience, while the muted colors of the material are inspired by river rocks. Pros Removable weighted sack Big, floppy ears Cons Pouch is not child proof If your child is a Disney fan, this weighted Dumbo is for them. Its soft, plush fur, floppy ears, and long tail can be soothing to touch and stroke, and may benefit kids who have anxiety, sensory processing issues, or a tendency to engage in stimming. While Dumbo weighs a little over 3 pounds, most of that is in the removable 2.5-pound sack. Parents should keep in mind that the pouch is not child proof, so it may be best to supervise your kiddo while they have this stuffed animal. That said, Dumbo is sure to comfort and delight your child, especially with his iconic soft, floppy ears.The weighted stuffed animal is also available in other huggable Disney characters, including Olaf, Grogu (better known as Baby Yoda), Minnie, and Marie the Aristocat. To find the best weighted stuffed animals for kids, we started our research by interviewing a child psychologist and two pediatricians to learn more about the benefits of deep pressure touch and what to look for in weighted stuffies and toys for different age groups. All three professionals spoke to the potential benefits of using a weighted stuffed animal as a way for kids to cope with anxiety, ADHD, or ASD, and described the features and safety precautions parents should consider when giving one to their child. With their expert advice in mind, we then spent weeks reviewing more than 30 different weighted stuffed animals against our specific qualifications to determine the best options.Additionally, we talked to parents and tested some of the products with our kids to make sure they are indeed child friendly, easy to clean, and meet their descriptions and our standards. What are weighted stuffed animals? A weighted stuffed animal is similar to a kids' weighted blanket in that it provides light pressure that has a soothing effect. However, they are different from weighted blankets in that they are smaller (making them easier for kids to carry) and more appealing to children due to their cute appearance and tendency to become a steadfast companion. Oftentimes, you’ll find that weighted stuffed animals have special features like long, floppy ears or velvety soft fur for kids to stroke and hold when they feel nervous. Due to their size, weighted stuffed animals are much easier to travel with than weighted blankets and are great companions for doctor visits, road trips, and airline flights. How do weighted stuffed animals work? Weighted stuffed animals work by providing deep pressure touch, which is a therapeutic modality that provides a sensation similar to being hugged. This sensation calms the nervous system by producing a sense of comfort and security, which can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, or ASD. Similar to fidget toys, they can serve as an effective calming tool. "Many people naturally relax in response to feeling physical pressure on their skin or bodies," says Dr. Stutz. "It's a way of providing proprioceptive input which can naturally lower stress." Are weighted stuffed animals safe? Weighted stuffed animals are generally safe to use, as long as you follow certain criteria. First, you should aim for your child’s weighted stuffed animal to weigh no more than 10% of their body weight. Although there are no specific guidelines for the heaviness of weighted stuffed animals, the "10% rule" for weighted blankets is likely safe to follow. Secondly, you should not give a weighted stuffed animal (or any stuffed animal for that matter) to a child who is less than 1 year old because they may not be able to move it and it could pose a suffocation risk. "Weighted stuffed animals are not recommended for babies—especially for sleep—and should not be placed in a crib or bassinet for any child who is 1 year old or younger," says Dr. Abelowitz. "In addition, no weighted products should be used by children who are less than 3 years old." Dr. Abelowitz also cautions parents on the use of weighted stuffed animals that can be heated. "A weighted product that can be microwaved needs to be used with utmost care because it can increase the likelihood of burns," he says. "All types of stuffed animals, including weighted stuffed animals, need to be secure from breaking down and spilling out contents, which can be a health hazard for children." How do you use a weighted stuffed animal? A weighted stuffed animal can be used just like you would use a regular one. They are meant to be held and cuddled, and are regarded for their ability to calm and comfort anyone who struggles with anxiety, ADHD, or ASD. They can be used as a bedtime companion or taken along to doctor visits, school, or traveling—just about anywhere your child needs. Some weighted stuffed animals, like the Friendly Cuddle Weighted Lap Pad, are meant to be placed on a child’s lap. Others, like the heated 1i4 Group Warm Pals Weighted Stuffed Animal, are designed to drape over a child’s shoulders or around their torso. How heavy should a weighted stuffed animal be? While there’s no definitive answer on how heavy a weighted stuffed animal may be, a good rule of thumb is to base it off the guidelines for weighted blankets, which is 10% of an individual’s body weight. Laura Lu, MS is an experienced health writer who has a Master of Science degree in Health Communication. Her work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Media Psychology, Brit+Co, and Parents.com, to name a few. As someone who has personally dealt with anxiety in the past, she understands the struggle that can come with finding a remedy that provides relief. She also has a 3-year-old daughter who enjoys her Unicorn Weighted Plush Throw Pillow from Target. Meet the Most Diverse Disney Princess Dolls Yet—Our Kids Can't Put Them Down!:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwf-best-weighted-stuffed-animals-tout-555ec0f68d8a41fd966f6b9d110ece3a.jpg "Up to 43% Off: The Best Weighted Stuffed Animals for Kids to Help Ease Anxiety (1)")
What Are the Benefits of Weighted Stuffed Animals?
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Warmies Intelex Warmies Microwavable Scented Plush
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Hugimals Weighted Stuffed Animal
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What to Look for in a Weighted Stuffed Animal
After getting the green light from your child’s pediatrician, we recommend trying a stuffed animal that is 10% of their body weight. If they can’t carry it or move while holding it, the stuffed animal is too heavy for them. On the other hand, if they don’t experience any relief from the stuffed animal and are asking for something heavier, you may be able to increase the stuffed animal’s weight by 1-2 pounds.
The Hugimals Charlie the Puppy Weighted Stuffed Animal is an example of a weighted stuffed animal that has an incredibly intentional design. Its weight is evenly distributed throughout its removable inner body, and its face has a neutral “judgment-free” expression. Its soft fabric creates a pleasant sensory experience, and its soothing colors are inspired by river rocks.Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Family
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