How to Choose a Weighted Teddy for Your Child: A Buying Guide
A weighted teddy is a soft toy with a gentle weight inside, so it feels like a steady, comforting hug on your child's lap or chest. Our Weighted Buddies each weigh 1.5 kg, are made for ages 3 and up, and can be warmed or cooled for extra comfort. Here is what to look for when you choose one, and how our six Buddies compare.
What is a weighted teddy?
It looks and feels like a regular plush friend, but the filling includes a gentle weight. Many children love the reassuring, snug feeling of holding something with a little heft to it, especially at quiet time, story time or bedtime. Teachers, educators and therapists also use weighted toys in classrooms and calm down corners.
How to choose a weighted teddy: 6 things to look for
1. The right weight for little arms
A weighted teddy should feel heavy enough to be grounding, but light enough for your child to lift, carry and move on their own. Every Weighted Buddy weighs 1.5 kg, and all six are designed for ages 3 and up.
2. Safety first
- Choose one made for your child's age. Weighted Buddies are for ages 3+ and are not suitable for children under 3.
- Never place a weighted toy in a cot.
- Make sure your child can easily move the Buddy off their body on their own, and keep it away from their face and neck.
- Look for independent safety testing. Our Weighted Buddies have been tested to the Australian and New Zealand toy safety standards AS/NZS ISO 8124.1, 8124.2 and 8124.3, and passed.
3. Warm, cool or both
Some weighted teddies can also be warmed or cooled. An adult can warm a Weighted Buddy in the microwave for a maximum of 60 seconds at 500 to 750W, or 30 seconds at 800 to 1000W, then check the temperature before handing it over. For a cool cuddle on hot Aussie nights, pop it in a clean bag in the fridge or freezer for a few hours. Our warming and cooling guide has the full steps.
4. A calming scent
Every Buddy has dried French lavender inside for a soft, relaxing scent that is lovely at bedtime. If your child is sensitive to scents or plants, check with your GP first.
5. Size and easy care
Each Buddy is about 30 cm tall sitting (Ollie is about 35 cm), with a super soft polyester plush outside and soft filling with natural mineral stones inside. They are spot clean only, so a damp cloth takes care of small marks.
6. A friend they will love
All of our Buddies have the same weight, so the best choice is simply the animal your child connects with. Five of them also represent one of the five senses, a gentle way to talk about noticing the world around us.
Our Weighted Buddies compared
| Buddy | Animal | Sense | A great pick for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie | Puppy | Smell | Dog lovers and kids who dream of a pet of their own |
| Pickles | Cat | Quiet, snuggly kids and cat lovers | |
| Ollie | Octopus | Touch | Wraparound hugs with eight soft arms, and ocean fans |
| Francesca | Flamingo | Taste | Kids who love bright, bold pink |
| Eleanor | Elephant | Hearing | Kids with big feelings who need a good listener |
| Frankl | Fox | Sight | Curious little adventurers |
Buying for more than one child?
The Best Buddies Team Up pairs Charlie and Pickles, perfect for siblings or for one Buddy at home and one at Nan's house. The Weighted Buddy Collection brings together all five senses Buddies for families, classrooms and calm corners. For a complete bedtime routine, the Buddies Bedtime Bundle includes a Weighted Buddy of your choice, Charlie's Mindful Adventures by the Sea and our Dream Aromatherapy Spray.
You can see the whole range in our Weighted Buddies collection.
FAQs
What age is a weighted teddy suitable for?
Our Weighted Buddies are designed for children aged 3 and up. They are not suitable for children under 3, and a weighted toy should never be placed in a cot.
How heavy should a weighted teddy be?
Heavy enough to feel like a comforting hug, but light enough for your child to lift and move easily on their own. Every Weighted Buddy weighs 1.5 kg.
Can you put a weighted teddy in the microwave?
Yes, an adult can warm a Weighted Buddy for a maximum of 60 seconds in a 500 to 750W microwave, or 30 seconds in an 800 to 1000W microwave. Always check the temperature before giving it to your child.
How do I clean a weighted teddy?
Weighted Buddies are spot clean only. Use a damp cloth for small marks and do not put them in the washing machine.