One of my favourite tools in therapy is weighted toys, like our beloved Fudge, the weighted toy dog. He is a therapeutic aid designed to support sensory integration, emotional regulation, and overall development. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of playing with weighted toys from an occupational therapy (OT) viewpoint, particularly for children facing challenges with sensory processing, anxiety, or attention difficulties.
What Are Weighted Toys and How Do They Work?
Weighted toys are plush animals or objects filled with materials like glass beads or pellets to add gentle weight, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2 kg, depending on the child’s size and needs. This added weight mimics the feeling of a firm hug or being swaddled. In OT, we use these toys during play-based activities to help children regulate their nervous systems, making it easier for them to engage in learning, social interactions, and daily routines. Sensory integration theory, pioneered by A. Jean Ayres, emphasizes how such proprioceptive inputs help the brain organize sensory information for adaptive responses.
Fudge is a star player inside our therapy room. This soft, huggable dog is weighted just right for little arms to carry, squeeze, or lap-sit with during sessions. Whether we’re working on fine motor skills through pretend play or calming a child before a challenging task, Fudge offers a non-intrusive way to deliver therapeutic benefits.
Key Benefits of Weighted Toys for Children
1. Calming Effect and Anxiety Reduction
Many children, especially those with sensory processing difficulties, experience heightened anxiety or overstimulation. Active engagement with weighted toys stimulates the body’s proprioceptive system, promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress responses.
2. Improved Focus and Attention
Weighted toys can enhance concentration by providing subtle sensory input that helps children filter out distractions. For instance, placing a weighted toy on a child’s lap during reading or homework can increase sitting tolerance and attention span. In OT, we incorporate this into sensory diets, personalized plans to meet a child’s sensory needs, resulting in better participation in school or therapy activities.
3. Enhanced Body Awareness and Motor Skills
Proprioception, or the awareness of one’s body in space, is crucial for motor development. Carrying or manipulating a weighted toy like Fudge encourages muscle engagement, improving strength, coordination, and balance. Through playful activities, such as walking with the toy or using it in obstacle courses, children build gross motor skills while refining fine motor control during hugging or petting motions.
5. Better Sleep and Rest
Many parents report that weighted toys aid in bedtime routines by promoting relaxation and deeper sleep. In OT, we might recommend using them as part of a wind-down ritual, helping children transition from active play to restful states, drawing from broader sensory integration frameworks.
Always consult an OT to ensure the weight is appropriate (generally 5-10% of the child’s body weight) and safe.
Wrapping Up: Why Weighted Toys Like Fudge Are a Game-Changer
Playing with weighted toys offers profound benefits in occupational therapy, from calming anxious minds to boosting motor development and focus. Tools like Fudge aren’t just toys, they’re partners in helping children navigate their world with confidence and joy.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes and not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified occupational therapist.
