A Parent's Guide to Weighted Toys & Deep Pressure
Why do weighted toys calm kids down? How heavy should they be? And do they actually help? Here's the honest, parent-to-parent guide — from the team that makes them.
What Is Deep Pressure, And Why Does It Feel So Good?
Think about what you instinctively do when a child is overwhelmed: you hug them. Firm, steady pressure on the body — what occupational therapists call deep pressure touch stimulation (DPTS) — activates the body's proprioceptive system, the sense that tells us where our body is in space. For many kids, that input feels grounding and safe. It's why toddlers like being swaddled, why some kids burrow under couch cushions, and why a weighted companion on the lap can turn a meltdown into a wind-down.
Why A Weighted Toy Rather Than A Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets are wonderful for bedtime, but they stay in the bedroom. A weighted buddy travels: the school bag, the car seat, the restaurant, grandma's house, the doctor's waiting room. Because it looks like a plush toy — not therapy equipment — kids reach for it themselves, without feeling singled out. That's a big deal for school-aged kids who don't want to look different.
How Heavy Should A Weighted Toy Be?
Our Weighted Buddies weigh 1.5 kg — deliberately chosen to feel like a gentle, huggable weight on a child's lap or chest without restricting movement. They're designed for ages 3+ and for supervised lap, hug and cuddle use. Every child is different: if your child has specific sensory needs or works with an occupational therapist, ask them what suits your child best — they know your little one, and we'd always defer to them.
When Do Families Reach For Them?
- The after-school explosion — a buddy on the lap during afternoon quiet time helps the day's big feelings land softly
- Bedtime battles — the settling weight of a buddy makes staying in bed feel cosy rather than lonely (ours are also infused with dried French lavender)
- Car trips, planes and appointments — portable calm for places where kids have to sit still
- The calm-down corner — a buddy, a soft mat and a few mindful cards make a corner kids actually want to use
- School and therapy settings — teachers and OTs use weighted companions during floor time and reading groups
Meet The Buddies
Every buddy is 1.5 kg of gentle, squishable calm: Charlie the Puppy, Pickles the Cat, Ollie the Octopus, Francesca the Flamingo and Eleanor the Elephant. They're stocked by sensory stores and OT practices across Australia — and when you buy direct from us, you're buying from the family business that designs and makes them.
Shop Weighted Buddies →
Or save with a buddy bundle →
Common Questions
Are weighted toys safe? For children 3+ using them awake and supervised, yes — they're designed for laps and hugs, not to sleep under. Weighted products aren't suitable for babies or as overnight coverings.
Will it actually help my child? Every child responds differently. Many families see the difference in the first week; for others a buddy is simply a much-loved toy. We're a toy maker, not a medical provider — for children with diagnosed sensory processing differences, your OT is the right person to guide you.
Can I use NDIS funding? Many self-managed and plan-managed participants purchase sensory tools with their funding. See our NDIS Orders page for exactly how to order.
How do I wash a buddy? Spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild soap — their weighted filling means they shouldn't go in the washing machine.