Weight & Sizing Guide
Not sure what weight to choose? This quick guide helps you find a comfortable, safe starting point—whether you want a tiny lap buddy, all-over cuddle, or a deep, grounding hug. Start lighter, test for comfort, and adjust.
How much weight should I get? (Real-world guide)
Forget the blanket rule (~10% of body weight)—that’s for blankets where weight spreads over a wide area. In a weighted plush, the weight is more concentrated, so the same pounds will feel heavier.
A few tips to make choosing easier:
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Distribution changes feel. The same weight feels lighter when it’s spread into the limbs or wings (stingray/sea turtle), and heavier when it sits mostly in the belly/main body.
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Try “dead weight” at home. Pick up a 5 lb bag of flour/sugar or a 10 lb bag of rice—this gives a better sense of how pounds actually feel when resting on you.
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Want extra squish? Don’t choose the absolute maximum. Pick ~1 lb less on medium animals, 1–2 lbs less on large animals, and 3–5 lbs less on jumbos for a softer, squishier feel.
Recommendations by Age & Size (comfort first)
These are starting points. If you’re unsure, choose lighter—you can always go up.
| Group | Small Animal | Medium Animal | Large / Distributed | Notes & Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toddlers | 2 lb | 2–3 lb | 3–4 lb | Supervise; child should be able to move it themselves |
| Ages 3–5 | 3 lb | 3–4 lb | 4–6 lb | Spiders, cats, small–medium dogs |
| Older children | 3 lb | 3–4 lb | 4–7 lb | Medium animals, or larger in a laying position |
| Tweens | 3–4 lb | 4–6 lb | 6–9 lb | Medium animals, or larger in a laying position |
| Adults | 3–4 lb | 4–8 lb | 7+ lb | See adult quick picks below |
| Elderly | 2–3 lb | 3–4 lb | 4–6 lb | 3–4 lb cats, sloths, small dogs are popular |
Quick picks for adults
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Tiny travel buddy (desk/commute): 2–7 lb
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Lap buddy for homework/meetings: 4–8 lb
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All-over cuddle (sofa wind-down): 8–12 lb
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Deep, cozy hugs (bigger bodies / stronger pressure): 12–18 lb
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Very deep pressure (experienced adult users): 18–24 lb
Weight distribution tips (feel matters!)
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Add weight to the top arms for deeper, “hug-in” pressure on the chest.
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Add weight to the bottom arms/legs to calm restless legs.
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Head-heavy vs belly-heavy changes the feel—experiment to find your sweet spot.
Favorite Travel Picks
Our favorite low-profile plush for chest/shoulder calm. See our top picks that lay flat, pack small, and soothe fast — read the blog.
Tips & Safety
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Start lighter if you’re unsure; you can always go up.
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The plush should feel pleasantly grounding—not restrictive.
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Children should be able to lift and move the plush independently.
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Safety first: Not for infants. Supervise young children. Keep plush away from faces during sleep. If using as part of a bedtime routine: place → relax → remove before sleeping.
Shop by need
Still not sure? Message us—we’re happy to recommend a weight based on who it’s for and how you plan to use it.