Weighted stuffed animals have become extremely popular due to their calming and comforting effects. But what exactly makes these plush toys so special? If you’re curious to find out what’s hidden inside, read on for a comprehensive guide.
In short: Weighted stuffed animals contain plastic or glass beads, poly pellets, or discs that give them additional weight compared to regular plush toys. The extra heft provides comfort through deep pressure stimulation that can ease anxiety, improve sleep, and more.
Different Fillings Used in Weighted Toys
Plastic Poly Pellets
Plastic poly pellets, also known as plastic beads, are a popular filling used in many weighted stuffed animals and toys (Sensory Goods). They are usually made of plastic polymer resin materials like polypropylene or polyethylene. Some key advantages of plastic poly pellets include:
- Lightweight – plastic pellets add weight without excessive bulk
- Moldable – confirm to body shape and retain form well
- Affordable – relatively low cost compared to other fillings
- Washable and durable – withstand repeated machine washing
However, some people find the plastic beads to be stiff and loud, making crinkly sounds during use. There are also environmental concerns over microplastics entering waterways.
Glass Beads
Glass beads make a quality filling for weighted plush animals thanks to their smooth, small glass spheres. Benefits of glass beads include:
- Smooth texture – glide softly over skin
- Noiseless – no distracting sounds
- Moldable – slight give to conform to body
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic
On the downside, glass beads are heavy, prone to leakage, and more expensive than plastic fill. And if used alone, the weight may be too concentrated. So glass beads are often mixed with other materials.
Steel Discs
Steel discs or small steel balls provide very firm, dense weight to weighted stuffed toys:
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Due to high cost and disruptive noise issues, steel is rarely the sole filling used. Instead, it is often combined with softer materials like plastic or glass beads to offset negatives. Finding the optimal blend is key.
How Much Does The Filling Weight
The amount of filling or stuffing inside a weighted stuffed animal can vary quite a bit depending on the size, weight, and materials used. Most weighted stuffed animals range from around 1 to 5 pounds in total weight. The filling makes up the majority of this weight.
Typical Filling Weights
A small weighted stuffed animal, like a 5-inch plush, usually contains approximately 1/2 to 1 pound of filling. Medium 10-inch stuffed animals may have 1 to 2 pounds of beads, poly pellets, or other fillers inside.
For a large 20+ inch weighted stuffed animal such as a weighted teddy bear or dinosaur, the amount of filling can be 3 to 5 pounds.
As a general rule of thumb, the more surface area the weighted stuffed animal has, the more filling it can accommodate. Larger stuffed animals have more space inside to add the tiny glass beads, plastic pellets, polyfill stuffing or other weighted materials used as filler.
What Are Weighted Plushies Filled With?
There are a few common types of filling used in weighted stuffed animals:
- Glass beads – Tiny glass beads made of soda lime allow the weight to be evenly distributed inside the plushie. They conform nicely to the stuffed animal’s shape.
- Plastic pellets – Polypropylene pellets provide weight without adding too much bulk. They are an affordable option.
- Polyfill stuffing – This traditional stuffed animal filling can be used alone or along with glass beads or plastic pellets to reduce overall weight while retaining some heaviness.
- Steel shot – Small steel pellets add plenty of heft but may shift around inside over time.
The most common fillers used today in weighted stuffed animals are non-toxic glass beads and BPA-free plastic pellets. These materials conform to the latest safety standards for children’s toys. Many weighted plush toy makers also double up the exterior fabric and reinforce all seams for durability and peace of mind!
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Weight Recommendations
Experts advise choosing a weighted stuffed animal based on a percentage of your body weight for ideal comfort and therapeutic benefit. Here is a quick reference:
| Your weight | Recommended plush weight |
|---|---|
| 50-100 lbs | 2-5 lbs |
| 100-150 lbs | 5-10 lbs |
| 150+ lbs | 10-12 lbs |
For children especially, be very careful not to exceed 10% of body weight to avoid causing any distress or limiting movement while sleeping. Adding some lighter polyfill stuffing is one way to increase overall size and surface area without going overboard on weight!
With so many options available today in terms of size, fabric, and fillers, you can find the perfect custom weighted stuffed animal to meet your therapeutic and decor needs! 👍 Reputable manufacturers list the total weight along with dimensions, materials, and filling contents to take the guesswork out.
Sweet dreams! ✨
How The Fillings Are Inserted
The process of inserting the fillings into weighted stuffed animals is quite intricate. The type of filling used can vary, with common options being plastic pellets made from polypropylene or plastic beads made from polystyrene to provide the weighted effect.
The filling amount ranges from as little as 0.5 lbs to over 30 lbs depending on the size and weight of the stuffed animal.
Most weighted stuffed animal companies use an industrial sewing machine to insert the fillings. The outer fabric shell of the animal is sewn almost completely closed, leaving just a small opening. This opening may be along a seam or at the bottom of the animal.
The desired amount of plastic fill material is precisely measured out and fed into the opening little by little to fill up the inside cavity evenly.
Getting the filling distributed properly is key so the weight is balanced on both sides. Special funnels or fill tubes may be used to carefully guide the pellets or beads into all the body parts like the head, arms, legs, and torso rather than just settling at the bottom.
Workers manually shake and massage the fabric to help spread the fill around.
Once the target weight and distribution is achieved throughout the stuffed animal, the opening is hand-sewn closed using durable stitching and secure knots. The weighted animal is gently squeezed, flipped, and smoothed to verify nothing leaks out and the fill feels consistent side to side per quality control standards before being shipped out.
Some higher-end weighted stuffed animals may contain poly-fiberfill stuffing in addition to the plastic fill beads for extra softness and squishiness. The poly-fiber stuffing also protects the plastic beads during shipping and from leaking out of tiny holes that could develop from normal wear and tear over time.
Common Misconceptions
They Contain Sand or Rice
Many people assume the beads inside weighted stuffed animals are made of sand or rice. This is actually not the case! Weighted stuffed animals contain plastic poly pellets made of a non-toxic polymer, typically polyethylene or polystyrene.
The plastic pellets are small, smooth spheres resembling beads. Sand would be too heavy and rice could spoil or attract bugs over time. The plastic pellet fill allows the stuffie to be lightweight enough for a child to carry around, while still providing the comforting pressure of a weighted blanket.
The Beads Can Leak Out
It’s a common concern that the plastic filler beads may leak out of weighted stuffed animals through seams or holes. Fortunately, most quality weighted stuffies are tightly sewn shut with reinforced stitching specifically designed to contain the plastic pellets securely inside.
Many brands even have dual stitching and tight weaves to ensure durability. For example, Slumbr weighted stuffed animals are rigorously tested and guaranteed not to leak beads under normal use and care.
That said, as with any stuffed animal over time, the stitching can become loose if tugged at repeatedly. It’s important to check stitching regularly and remove from use if any holes form. Proper care helps minimize risks – avoid overly rough play, machine washing, or drying which could degrade threads over time.
But overall, modern weighted stuffies are designed quite safely, so parents can rest assured!
Tips For Choosing A Weighted Stuffed Animal
Consider The Fill Material
When selecting a weighted stuffed animal, one of the most important considerations is the fill material inside. The fill material gives the stuffed animal its comforting heaviness and needs to be chosen carefully.
The most common fill materials for weighted stuffed animals are plastic poly pellets and glass beads.
Plastic poly pellets are lightweight, odorless pellets commonly made of polypropylene plastic resin. They conform well to the body and distribute weight evenly. Glass beads can be solid or hollow and are made of shatter-resistant borosilicate glass.
They tend to be smaller in size but more dense, providing deep pressure stimulation.
Both fill materials have their pros and cons. Plastic pellets have a slight noise when moving the stuffed animal while glass beads move silently. Glass beads also retain body heat better. However, glass beads may be heavier overall and more expensive.
Consider if you want lighter, more affordable plastic fill or pricier, dense glass fill when choosing a weighted stuffed friend.
Pay Attention To Weight Percentages
An important factor in choosing the right weighted stuffed animal is paying attention to the percentage of weight. Weighted stuffed animals usually have between 5-30% of their weight from the fill material inside. The percentage helps determine if the weight will be suited for your needs.
For children, a stuffed animal around 5-10% in weight is usually recommended. The lower weight allows for longer cuddling without fatigue. Teens and adults often prefer 10-20% in weight for more feel of the deep pressure.
Specialty therapeutic weighted stuffed animals can have up to 30% weight, but they require caution and monitoring when using. Consider age, size, physical ability and intended use when deciding the right weight percentage.
Prioritize Quality Materials
When selecting a weighted stuffed pal, be sure to prioritize quality materials that are safe and built to last. Since these stuffed animals contain heavy fills, their outer materials and seam stitching need to withstand frequent squeezing and cuddling.
Look for durable outer fabrics like faux fur, microfiber, or soft cotton blends. Well-constructed double or triple stitching ensures seams stay secure even with heavy use. Child safe fabrics and fills should always be certified according to consumer protection standards.
Consider removable, machine washable covers for easy cleaning ability.
Prioritizing the highest quality materials, even if at a premium cost, helps ensure your weighted stuffed friend maintains its comforting abilities and stays by your side for years to come. With some savvy selection tips, you can find the perfectly weighted companion to help provide therapeutic cuddles whenever you need.
Conclusion
Weighted stuffed animals utilize plastic, glass, or steel beads, pellets, and discs to add comforting heft for sensory calming effects. The fill ratio and materials used can impact quality, longevity, and therapeutic benefit.
When selecting a weighted plush companion, prioritize soft, durable fabrics and appropriate fill for your needs. With proper care, these cozy weighted toys can provide years of relief and relaxation.
