The 8 Best Weighted Stuffed Animals
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in October of 2018. As awareness about the autism spectrum and sensory processing disorders continues to grow, more parents and professionals are striving for increased inclusiveness in the classroom. A simple tool, like a weighted stuffed animal, can go a long way in allowing affected children to interact well with their peers, and these plush friends are ideal for school, homework time, and bedtime. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Intelex Warmies
2. Huggaroo Puppy
3. Intelex Cozy Therapeutic Wrap
Editor's Notes
August 25, 2020:
In today’s update, the Intelex Warmies joins our list. This popular weighted toy is available in an array of colorful, endearing designs, including a marshmallow teddy bear, a calico cat, a chimpanzee, a golden retriever, a pink elephant, a llama, a sloth, a lobster, a manatee, and more. This soft toy features a pleasant smell, thanks to a blend of flaxseed and lavender, and it can be microwaved for added comfort or frozen for injury relief. Each measures roughly 14 inches in length and meets all ASTM standards. If you believe your child may benefit from a weighted neck wrap, look to the Intelex Cozy Therapeutic Wrap, from the same manufacturer, which sports a curved “C” shape and is sold in hippo, frog, horse, and bunny designs. It works great as a neck pillow and also carries a pleasant lavender scent.
If your little one takes comfort in the magic of unicorns, check out the Sootheze Large Unicorn, which conveniently comes in your choice of an unscented version and one that’s filled with soothing eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm, and orange peel. And what makes it so fun are is the soft multicolored pastel fur, the sparkly yellow horn and the vibrant rainbow hooves. The Sensory4U Panda Bear is a good choice for anyone who prefers an entire weighted lap pad, and this one comes with the friendly face and bright, shiny eyes of a panda. It’s easy to spot-clean when you remove the interior pad that’s filled with glass beads. These newly added models replace the Creature Commforts Turtle, the Kingdom Secret Ladybird, the Sootheze Giant Panda, and the Laki Kid Neck Wrap, all of which are not available at this time.
Several of these stuffed animals feature design that can be heated in the microwave to provide the added comfort of warmth. For safety’s sake, such models should only be heated by an adult. In addition, before giving any of these toys to children, make sure you are complying with the manufacturer’s stated age guidelines.
October 24, 2018:
Chose a variety of styles and animals choices to appeal to children of all ages and preferences. The top three choices have the most versatility coupled with high user ratings.
Special Honors
Michael the Weighted Mellow Monkey This plush friend can be used as a lap pad or a complement to a weighted blanket, and features weighted arms and legs and a non-weighted body. The oversized hands can provide children the feel of a reassuring hand on their back as they sleep. The arms can also be placed around one’s neck for a soothing hug. You can choose between a weight of three or five pounds, which makes it suitable for kids (or adults) of all sizes. The waterproof fabric is both sturdy and easy to maintain, and it conveniently can be placed in the washing machine. sensacalm.com
The Comfort Cub Designed to help soothe those who have experienced loss, this four-pound teddy bear is made to feel like a hug when it’s in your arms. It was created 20 years ago and features a soft, light brown fabric, warm brown eyes, a purple bow, and a weighted bottom. The inside is filled with a weighted pea-sized bead. It comes with a removable card tied around its neck that bears a comforting message. thecomfortcub.org
4. Sootheze Large Unicorn
5. Sensory4U Panda Bear
6. Abilitations Teacher's Pet
7. Fun and Function Worm
8. FDMT Manimo Lizard
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.