Sensory Toys
Therapeutic concepts behind heartbeat and weighted plush toys for children in hospital settings. Research shows that sensory toys can provide emotional comfort, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation in children facing difficult medical situations.
• Deep pressure stimulation: Research demonstrates that weighted items, like stuffed animals, provide a form of "Deep Pressure Stimulation" (DPS), which can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety and stress. DPS can lower cortisol levels and release calming neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.• Emotional regulation: An exploratory randomized controlled trial involving a smart toy with a dynamic heartbeat found that children used it to naturally downregulate their emotions, including anger and anxiety.• Tactile and emotional support: Other studies have explored the positive effects of tactile, pocket-sized robots for inducing relaxation in children. Stuffed animals, in general, are recognized for providing a sense of security and familiarity during stressful experiences like hospital stays. Summary of clinical support • Calming effect: The combination of a gentle, rhythmic heartbeat and the deep pressure of a weighted or huggable toy taps into known physiological and psychological mechanisms for comfort and stress reduction.• Sensory support: For children experiencing sensory challenges, particularly those with autism or developmental delays, the sensory input from these toys can be a powerful tool for self-soothing and focus.• Transitional object: For hospitalized children, a toy like the one from Hairy's Dog House can act as a transitional object, providing a consistent source of comfort in an unfamiliar and often overwhelming environment.
• Deep pressure stimulation: Research demonstrates that weighted items, like stuffed animals, provide a form of "Deep Pressure Stimulation" (DPS), which can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety and stress. DPS can lower cortisol levels and release calming neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.• Emotional regulation: An exploratory randomized controlled trial involving a smart toy with a dynamic heartbeat found that children used it to naturally downregulate their emotions, including anger and anxiety.• Tactile and emotional support: Other studies have explored the positive effects of tactile, pocket-sized robots for inducing relaxation in children. Stuffed animals, in general, are recognized for providing a sense of security and familiarity during stressful experiences like hospital stays. Summary of clinical support • Calming effect: The combination of a gentle, rhythmic heartbeat and the deep pressure of a weighted or huggable toy taps into known physiological and psychological mechanisms for comfort and stress reduction.• Sensory support: For children experiencing sensory challenges, particularly those with autism or developmental delays, the sensory input from these toys can be a powerful tool for self-soothing and focus.• Transitional object: For hospitalized children, a toy like the one from Hairy's Dog House can act as a transitional object, providing a consistent source of comfort in an unfamiliar and often overwhelming environment.
Hairy loves to visit new places, so let us know of a children's hospital, nursing home, or local disaster that could use the love that Hairy offers. Visit our contact page to let us know how to get in touch