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Marcella Johnson When her son died shortly after birth more than 20 years ago, she was overcome with emotions she could not control, from grief to anger. Octopus hole The sudden death of her son (also known as “Broken Heart Syndrome”) left Johnson craving feelings of familiarity and comfort.
“[My son’s death] “I felt the exact same pain in my heart as when you have a heart attack,” Johnson recalled. “My arms literally hurt so much I wanted to hold a baby.”
Doctors were unable to prescribe anything for her seemingly disparate symptoms, and none of the home and herbal remedies she tried worked. It wasn’t until she visited her son’s grave and picked up a clay pot filled with flowers (which she describes as feeling as heavy as her baby) that the pain finally began to subside.
Johnson’s experience led her down a rabbit hole of both online theories and personal stories, eventually landing on a common theme: “I found that it’s common for mothers who have lost a child to reach for heavy objects to hug in search of comfort,” Johnson said, citing women reaching for everything from five-pound bags of flour to heavy pillows and even pineapples.
Her new knowledge combined with her own experience,Comfort Cub,It’s a weighted teddy bear designed to ease anxiety and provide comfort during times of tragedy and uncertainty.
“There’s a scientific basis for holding a weighted object,” Johnson explains how the Comfort Cub works. “When you hold the Cub to your chest, it triggers the same physical response as a hug. Your brain releases the happy hormones dopamine and serotonin, your heart rate slows, your breathing slows and your whole body feels calm and peaceful. Teddy bears are also a universal symbol of love and comfort,” Johnson says. “We think seeing a teddy bear warms your heart as it reminds you of the innocence of childhood.”
Doctors and therapists have used weighted teddy bears for years to help patients cope with grief and loss, and the stuffed animals have also been introduced to children with ADHD and autism as a form of sensory stimulation. But during the pandemic, Johnson says weighted teddy bears like his have skyrocketed in popularity as people looked for easy ways to cope with anxiety during an unpredictable time.
Johnson’s company has pledged to donate 1,000 stuffed animals to patients in hospitals across the country, and he says the premium weighted teddy bears also help people “feel safe and less alone.” Interestingly, Johnson says his company has also received calls from hospitals asking for Comfort Cubs for paramedics, doctors and medical staff.
Sales of weighted blankets have also increased in recent years, but Johnson says there are unique benefits to having a weighted teddy bear instead. “Everyone wants a weighted blanket at night or a pet to cuddle with when they’re stressed,” she says. “But weighted blankets are a pain to travel with, and pets aren’t welcome everywhere. With a weighted teddy bear, you can go everywhere with them.”
Here are some of the best weighted stuffed animals and weighted teddy bears you can buy online right now.
Fugimals Sam the Sloth
Toy brand Hugimals is known for its line of weighted stuffed animals designed to reduce anxiety, “stabilize” and promote better sleep for both children and adults. Designed with input from therapists, the plush toys weigh 4.5 pounds each, and the weight is distributed all over the toy, not just in the center. The purpose is to make you feel like something or someone is hugging you, completely wrapped around you.
Warmies Marshmallow Bear
This super plush teddy bear weighs just under two pounds and is stuffed with natural grains and dried lavender for a firm yet cozy feel (and a subtle, relaxing scent).
The toy can be heated up in the microwave for a snuggle before bed or to soothe an upset stomach. Intelex says the toy is also great for reducing anxiety and soothing colic.
This therapy toy is designed for all ages and meets all U.S. safety standards for stuffed animal manufacturing. Pick up this “Marshmallow Bear” or choose from over a dozen other animals.
A weighted Labrador stuffed toy to hug and cuddle
This weighted stuffed animal is 18 inches long, weighs 2.5 pounds, and is soft and huggable. According to Hugs and Cuddles, this toy’s cozy fur and details also aid in sensory development. A best-seller at Walmart, nearly every reviewer has given this weighted toy a 5-star rating. View more Hugs and Cuddles products here.
Wild Baby Giraffe Stuffed Animal
This 10-inch giraffe is stuffed with natural clay microbeads for weighting and dried lavender for aromatherapy. The stuffed animal unzips to reveal a removable “therapy pack” that can be heated in the microwave (to use the stuffed animal as a heat pad) or put in the freezer (to use as cold therapy). The beads are non-toxic, and the stuffed animal weighs less than a pound, about the same as a small bean bag.
This weighted stuffed animal also comes boxed and makes a great birthday, baby shower or holiday gift.
A fun and functional weighted teddy bear
Standing 16 inches tall and weighing 3 pounds, this weighted teddy bear was specially created to help those with ADHD, Autism, and SID (Sensory Integration Disorder).
The company says the weighted plush toys are used in therapy sessions to calm people when they’re experiencing sensory overload, and that holding them against your chest is just as effective as having them sit on your lap.
It’s one of the best-selling weighted teddy bears online and sold out during the pandemic, but is now back in stock on Amazon.
Hugo Warmkins Original Weighted Sensory Plush Monkey
This huggable, warming stuffed animal helps relieve stress, anxiety and loneliness. Weighing approximately 3 pounds, the 18-inch plush comes with a removable insert that can be heated or cooled in the refrigerator for different therapeutic benefits, and is designed with long arms that wrap around your body for a more tactile connection.
Need to keep calm on the go? This set comes with a strap so you can easily carry the weighted toys in your backpack while traveling.
Weighted panda knee pad
This stuffed panda combines the benefits of a weighted blanket and a weighted teddy bear. Perfect for relieving stress, calming nerves, and helping you fall asleep (the weight keeps you from swaying in bed), the pad measures 17″ x 22″ and weighs 4 lbs. Remove the internal pouch (filled with glass beads) to reduce the weight. You can also heat the pouch in the microwave to create a cozy heating pad to go along with your blanket.
