Re-imagine Play - How a Plush Toy Can Help Your Child with Anxiety

Globally, anxiety among children is increasing, making it a common concern for parents. With today’s fast-paced world and exposure to new challenges, one surprisingly effective tool that can help alleviate a child’s anxiety is the use of plush toys.

This is according to Glenn Ambrose, Country Manager for ZURU, who explains that these soft, comforting companions offer more than just a cuddly presence—they can serve as powerful tools to help children manage their emotions.

The World Health Organisation reports that globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group. Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents, with suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. The rates of stress, fear, and loneliness are much higher, and they keep growing.

Comforting Science

Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that 40% of children use transitional objects, like plush toys, as a coping mechanism during stressful situations, providing a tangible source of comfort that can help reduce feelings of anxiety and improve emotional regulation.

A study conducted from 2016 to 2019 at The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported that approximately 6 million children aged 3-17 had ADHD, 5.8 million had anxiety, 5.5 million had behaviour problems, and 2.7 million had depression. According to experts, weighted plush toys can help ease these stresses and anxieties.

It comes as no surprise that 70% of young children develop connections to toys or blankets. “Weighted plush toys can help with anxiety as the gentle pressure provided by the heaviness of these toys offers a calming effect, similar to the sensation of being hugged or swaddled,” says Ambrose. “This pressure has been reported to promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety or stress.”

He continues: “These weighted toys can assist in regulating sensory experiences, providing a calming effect that soothes the nervous system. In addition, these ‘toys’ have the added benefit of aiding in better sleep by triggering deep touch pressure.”

The Benefits of Plushies

Plush toys can serve as more than just temporary distractions. It has been reported that plush toys can form part of a child’s routine, which provides them with a sense of predictability. This is particularly helpful if a child is facing life changes such as dealing with family transitions like divorce or starting a new school.

When a child hugs their plush toy, they experience the same sensation as hugging a parent. These hugs release dopamine and serotonin, which in turn releases oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and stress relief. These self-soothing techniques provide a physiological response that aids in a child feeling calmer and more secure.

Encouraging the use of a plush toy as a comforting tool is a simple yet effective strategy. While parents should seek the advice of a professional in cases of severe anxiety, these plush toys can be an invaluable part of a broader approach.

Try the New Hug-a-Lumps

ZURU has launched Hug-a-Lumps, featuring eight adorable characters weighing 1.5 kilograms each with a super soft velour plush. These giant plushies give kids and adults alike an emotional connection of a plush with the calming effect of a big hug.

“The Hug-a-Lumps weighted plush stimulates stress and anxiety relief while promoting relaxation, provides emotional support, reduces cortisol with an increase in dopamine, and aids in focus and concentration,” says Ambrose. “Hug-a-Lumps can be a powerful ally in helping children navigate the complexities of their emotions.”

“By providing comfort, a sense of security, and a safe outlet for expressing worries, the Hug-a-Lumps companions can play a crucial role in reducing anxiety and fostering emotional resilience,” he explains. “As parents, recognising the value of such simple tools in our children's emotional toolkit is key to helping them grow into well-adjusted, confident individuals.”

Hug-a-Lumps are available at leading toy retailers at a RSP of R649. For more information, visit: www.zuru.com.

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