5 Weighted Stuffed Animals for Kids and Adults

According to a 2016 national parent surveyTrusted Source, 6.1 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. Of these children, approximately 3 in 10 also experienced anxiety. To help with their ADHD and anxiety, approximately 3 in 4 of these individuals received behavioral therapy or medication.
While there’s lots of research on ADHD, one type of treatment that’s less well-documented is the number of individuals with ADHD that use weighted stuffed animals to help alleviate and cope with symptoms.
Weighted stuffed animals generally look like the popular children’s toy, but tip the scales at somewhere between 2 and 5 pounds. They may have longer arms for hugging or include features to aid with fidgeting. They’re available in a wide range of styles and sizes.
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Do weighted stuffed animals help with anxiety or ADHD?
Doctors and therapists specializing in grief and loss have been using weighted Stuffed Animals for years to help their clients.
While more research into this area is needed, there has been a little research done into weighted blankets, which offer a similar type of support. One small study on weighted blankets found that 63 percent of participants reported lower anxiety after using them and 78 percent found them to have a calming effect.
The general theory behind weighted blankets and stuffed animals is that added weight can offer deep pressure touch, which is thought to calm the nervous system and trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin. Using a weighted blanket or stuffed animal may also improve sleep, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD.
Adults might be hesitant to appear in public with a large stuffed animal, but their cute appearances make these non-threatening for young children. They also typically come in a variety of shapes and colors that appeal to children’s unique interests.
How we chose weighted stuffed animals
When it came to choosing which products to include, we looked at a variety of factors like:
• Size. Some people love a larger animal they can really wrap their arms around while others prefer something a little smaller and more discrete, so we tried to include a variety of size options.
• Material. Because this stuffed animal is going to get plenty of use, those that can be easily washed and dried stood out.
• Price. We know that finances can vary, so we tried to include a range of options for diverse budgets.
• Customer reviews. There’s nothing like an actual user to let you know how a product feels and holds up after continual use. We highly valued this information, and know it matters to you.
weighted stuffed animals for adults
Healthline’s picks for weighted stuffed animals
Here are some of the best weighted stuffed animals you can buy online.
Best weighted neck wrap: Intelex Warmies Animal Wrap
Craving a neck hug? The curve of this stuffed animal wrap allows it to lay smoothly across the neck. (It can also double as a travel pillow!)
It’s filled with all-natural grain and dried French lavender to provide a soothing scent. Fully microwavable, it can be used for hot and cold therapy. As an added bonus, this therapeutic wrap is available in a variety of animal shapes and meets U.S. safety standards for all ages.
If you’re looking for an option that gets its heft from natural materials, this could be a great choice.
Best lightweight Stuffed Animal: Wild Baby Weighted Plush Pal
This 10-inch stuffed animal weighs in at less than 1 pound making it perfect for young children. It’s also ideal for travel.
Each animal is filled with natural clay beads and dried lavender to offer a relaxing smell. It can be fully heated in the microwave, and the removable therapy pack can be used as heating pad or frozen for cold therapy.
As an added bonus, the company offers free returns within 30 days.
heavy weighted stuffed animal
Best for multiple senses and aromatherapy: Intelex Warmies Marshmallow Bear
This Stuffed Animal offers a lavender scent; lavender has been associated with relaxation. This plushie weighs just under 2 pounds and is filled with grain and dried lavender. Because of its moderate size and weight, this Stuffed Animal will likely appeal to lots of kids.
The entire toy is microwavable for those who prefer a warmer touch. It can also be placed in the freezer for using with bumps or bruises.
The company makes a variety of different animals that meet the U.S. safety standards for all ages, so you can choose one that fits your personality.
Best weighted lap pad: Huggaroo Puppy
This lap pad comes designed as either a puppy or a lamb. Made of 100 percent polyester fabric, the pad is filled with hypoallergenic, odorless, food-grade, polypropylene (plastic) pellets.
The pad’s soft, plush fabric can be stroked for grounding and is soft enough to sleep with. While not so large to make travel impossible, this is a larger weighted animal.
Stretching 29 by 8 inches, both the outer cover and inner weighted insert are washable. It weighs 3.6 pounds.
The takeaway
Weighted stuffed animals for adults and also small children. They can be useful for calming nerves, grounding, and meeting your hug needs, especially in times when you may be more isolated, and whether or not you experience ADHD.
Finding the perfect weighted stuffed animal can take a bit, but there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re struggling with a place to start, you might consider taking a closer look at a few of the ones on our list!
giant weighted stuffed animal