Kids Feeling Overwhelmed? You Need a Weighted Stuffed Animal

Weighted blankets have been a popular sleep product for years now, helping people to relax and sleep. Recently, there's been a push to broaden that idea to other products like weighted stuffed animals for children — but are they effective? And, most importantly, are they safe?

The Best Weighted Stuffed Animals

What You Need to Know

According to Dr. Damon Korb, Developmental Pediatrician and Clinical Advisor for Parallel Learning, "Weighted blankets are a great sleeping tool for those whose bodies feel restless or irritated under a normal bed sheet." Many people, in general, appreciate the soothing feeling a weighted blanket gives, and they're especially good for people like me and my son, who are neurodivergent.

When it comes to weighted stuffed animals, Dr. Korb says, "They cover less surface area of the body than a blanket, and therefore are less likely to provide as much deep pressure for relaxation benefit. But, for an older child, who prefers to sleep with a stuffed animal and finds it soothing, weighted stuffed animals are a fun way to satisfy a sensory need." Having said that, it's important to note that they present a risk of suffocation, so they should never be placed in a crib or with young babies. Unfortunately, "There really is no scientific research on the efficacy of weighted stuffed animals," says Korb.

I used my family and friends as guinea pigs and tested several weighted stuffed animals to determine if they provided any relief. Our testing found that the sweet spot was a weighted stuffed animal that could sit in your lap as an infant would like the microwavable snake, giving enough pressure to be noticeable without a bulky package. And all of us, be we autistic or not, child or adult, preferred the weighted stuffed animals that you could heat in the microwave like the cute little sloth, as they are a real delight for the senses.

I took everyone's advice into consideration and also spoke with manufacturers to find the best weighted stuffed animals out there. Although our list isn't too long, every weighted stuffed animal on here is vetted and loved by a tester — making them all a great fit to give your little one some comfort when they snooze.