Beyond the weighted blanket: The best weighted stuffed animal and pillow to ease anxiety

From magnesium supplements to fidget toys, there's no shortage of tools to help ease anxiety and reduce stress. Another option that should be on your radar? Weighted products like blankets, stuffed animals and pillows. There's something comforting and centering about placing a gentle weight on your chest or legs when you're feeling a bit disconnected or out of sorts. While you may be familiar with weighted blankets, they're not the only option and you may find you prefer less-bulky items that are easier to travel with or to bring to work. Helpful choices include weighted stuffed animals, pillows and eye masks.

"I often recommend these items to clients because they are more portable and versatile than standard weighted blankets, making them useful in a variety of settings," says Alysha Perlman, LCSW, clinical director and psychotherapist at A Good Place Therapy. "The gentle pressure they provide can promote a calming effect, potentially increasing melatonin."

When to use a weighted stuffed animal, or other tool

So, why should you use weighted stuffed animals or other weighted products to ease anxiety? Our experts point out that they can be a great addition to your coping "toolbox." "Weighted tools such as weighted blankets, pillows and stuffed animals are increasingly used to support mental health, particularly for anxiety, sleep issues and stress," says Marco-Antonio Hartmann, PhD, a licensed psychologist with Phoenix Children's Multidisciplinary Pediatric Pain Treatment Clinic. Angel Butler, LMFT, a therapist with Mindpath Health, adds that a person can use weighted tools when they need a healthy and safe way to deal with emotional discomfort.

They're also a great way to practice grounding. "People experiencing intense emotions, overstimulation or anxiety episodes often feel 'out of body' and need a way to reconnect with their bodies to feel safe and grounded. Having something physical to hold on to is a great way of doing that," says Kris Ramos, LCSW, executive director at the Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center.

Ramos says that grounding techniques can be helpful to practice even when you're not in distress. Exercises like deep breathing, taking time to listen to the sounds around you, stretching, counting backward or touching something comforting can all help bring you into the current moment. Developing these habits when you're not experiencing emotional distress can make them easier to tap into when you're feeling out of sorts.

How to use weighted pillows and plush toys

As with many non-clinical tools, weighted plush toys and pillows should be selected and used based on your comfort and needs. For example, Perlman recommends holding a weighted stuffed animal on your lap while attending virtual meetings or using a weighted eye mask on a flight to manage travel anxiety. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on what might work best for you and what you should avoid, though this process may require a bit of trial and error.

Researchers are still exploring the effectiveness of weighted products. Many of the reported benefits are based on personal anecdotes and professional observations rather than strict science. Also, due to the range of demographics, conditions and outcomes studied, it's hard to draw any hard-and-fast conclusions about the potential benefits across all demographics.

That said, data indicates weighted blankets may be able to help individuals managing a range of mental health concerns, and in the case of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, these tools may be an option worth trying. "Clinical guidelines state there is currently no strong evidence to support the routine use of weighted blankets for improving sleep in children living with ASD, and [yet] a substantial amount of people with lived experience report positive effects on reducing overstimulation," says Hartmann. He says that trying weighted products may be a good alternative choice, especially those seeking non-pharmacological options to support mental health or other diagnoses.

It's also worth noting that there isn't clear guidance on using these items to help kids with anxiety, especially younger children and toddlers. If you're curious about whether a weighted stuffed animal or other product might be helpful for your child, it's best to seek advice from a pediatrician or other pediatric healthcare professional. It's also important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics released a letter in 2023 specifically stating that weighted products (like blankets, swaddles and toys) should never be placed on or near a sleeping infant.

For adults or kids who may benefit from a weighted stuffed animal or toy, the experts we spoke with agree that while these products may be helpful for managing anxiety, they aren't a cure or a replacement for other treatments, like therapy. Butler also cautions that these products could be used as a way to avoid showing vulnerability or reaching out for support.

“The key is to use them as part of a broader toolkit for emotional regulation, rather than the sole source of comfort," says Perlman, adding "If someone finds themselves needing [the product] frequently or struggling to cope without it, this may make the development of other self-regulation skills more difficult." Ramos agrees, stressing that individuals should use weighted tools in tandem with other coping methods, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or a more clinical option.

Best small weighted products for easing anxiety

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.