The Benefits of a Weighted Blanket and a Weighted Stuffed Animal: What Weight Can Do for You

A weighted stuffed animal and a weighted blanket work with the same idea: soft weight that you can feel. That is why many people search for the benefits of a weighted blanket or a weighted stuffed animal before choosing one. What can weight do for you, and what can't it do?

In this article we list the benefits, honestly and without big promises. You'll also read when a blanket is handier, when a stuffed animal fits better and for whom weight is less suitable.

What do we mean by weight?

With weight, there is extra heft inside something soft, usually in the form of fine glass beads or granules. In a weighted blanket, that weight is spread across a whole blanket. In a weighted stuffed animal, it sits inside a plush toy that you take in your arms or onto your lap. A Hugsback weighs 2 kg and is approx. 45 cm tall.

The weight gives a soft, even pressure on your body. This pressure is also called deep pressure. You can read what is known about it in deep pressure: what is it and what does research say? If you first want to know what a weighted stuffed animal actually is, read what a weighted stuffed animal is and how it works.

The benefits of weight at a glance

Everyone experiences weight differently. These are the benefits people mention most often.

1. Something tangible to anchor you

Calm is often something in your head: you know you should relax, but it doesn't work. Weight makes calm tangible. You feel something heavy and soft on your lap or against your chest, and that gives your body a clear signal: you're allowed to sit still for a moment.

Weight makes calm tangible.

2. Your attention moves from your head to your body

When your head is full, it helps to shift your attention to something else. The weight of a blanket or stuffed animal is one predictable sensation that is easy to follow. You feel the pressure, your breathing, your shoulders. Many people notice that this makes it easier to land for a moment.

3. Something to hold on to

When we feel tense, we instinctively look for something to hold on to: we grab a cushion, fiddle with a sleeve or fold our arms. A weighted stuffed animal gives your hands something to hold that is soft and firm at the same time. You get this benefit less with a blanket, because you don't really hold it.

4. A steady bedtime ritual

Weight doesn't force sleep, but it can be a lovely part of a steady evening routine. The same moment every evening: lie down for a while, feel the weight and breathe out slowly. That repetition is exactly what makes the shift from day to night easier for many people. You can read more tips in a sleep cuddly toy for adults.

5. Fewer stimuli, one predictable sensation

After a busy day, a crowded shop or a long meeting, everything can feel like too much. A weighted stuffed animal or blanket adds no sound, light or movement. It only gives a calm, even pressure. For people who get overstimulated quickly, that can be pleasant when winding down. Read more about overstimulation and winding down.

6. Comfort without words

Sometimes you don't want to talk, but you do want to hold something. A heavy stuffed animal asks nothing and says nothing: it's simply there. That is why people also use it during sadness, loss or homesickness. Read more about a comfort cuddly toy.

7. Easy to take anywhere

A weighted blanket usually stays on the bed. You can take a weighted stuffed animal from the sofa to bed, to your desk or on a trip. That way your calm spot is with you the moment you need it.

The benefits of a weighted blanket

A weighted blanket has benefits of its own. It lies over a large part of your body, so you feel the pressure everywhere at once. Many people find that lovely in bed, when you lie still and stay under the weight all night. Research on deep pressure has also mostly been done with weighted blankets. Little research has been done on weighted plush toys so far.

There are drawbacks too. A blanket is big and heavy, often a lot heavier than a stuffed animal. It is harder to take along, can get warm and isn't always suitable for children. For a weighted blanket, the rule of thumb of about 10% of your body weight is often used. A stuffed animal rests on only a small part of your body and can therefore be lighter. Read more about how heavy a weighted stuffed animal should be.

A heavy stuffed animal asks nothing and says nothing: it's simply there.

Weighted stuffed animal or weighted blanket: which benefits suit you?

• Choose a weighted blanket if you mainly look for calm in bed and want to feel the pressure over your whole body.
• Choose a weighted stuffed animal if you want something to hold, want to use it during the day too or like to take it with you.
• For children from 3 years, a stuffed animal is often easier to manage: smaller, lighter and easy to put away themselves.

You can read the full comparison in weighted stuffed animal or weighted blanket: which suits you better?

Who benefits most?

• Adults who find it hard to relax after work or keep ruminating in the evening. Read more about a weighted stuffed animal for adults.
• Children from 3 years who have a lot of stimuli after school or before bed. See a weighted stuffed animal for your child.
• People with a lot of stress or tension who want to build in a steady moment of calm. See a weighted stuffed animal for stress and tension.
• People who get overstimulated quickly, such as highly sensitive people or people with autism or ADHD.

Wondering whether it will work for you? In does a weighted stuffed animal really help? you can read what research and experiences show.

When is weight less suitable?

• For babies and toddlers: choose a light, ordinary stuffed animal instead.
• If someone can't lift or put away the weight themselves.
• With breathing problems, severe muscle weakness or other physical complaints: talk to a GP or occupational therapist first.
• If it feels stuffy, too warm or too heavy: simply stop.

Never put a weighted stuffed animal or blanket over the face or neck, and always use it voluntarily. You can read more about this in is a weighted stuffed animal safe?

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of a weighted stuffed animal?

Many people mention something tangible to anchor them, something to hold on to, fewer stimuli and a steady bedtime ritual. It is also small enough to take anywhere.

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

A weighted blanket gives pressure over your whole body and is especially nice in bed. Drawbacks are its size, its weight and that it can get warm.

Are there drawbacks too?

Not everyone likes weight. Weight is not suitable for babies and toddlers, and if you have physical complaints, talk to a doctor first. Weight is an aid for relaxing, not a treatment.

How quickly do you notice the benefits?

That differs per person. Some people find it relaxing right away, others need a little time to get used to it. Start with short moments of 5 to 15 minutes and build up gently.

To finish

The benefits of weight lie mostly in small things: a moment of calm that you can feel, something to hold on to and a steady ritual. A blanket fits best in bed, a stuffed animal wherever you are. Curious which one suits you? Take a look at our 2 kg weighted stuffed animals: the plush toy that hugs you back.