Evenings, mornings, car rides, supermarket trips, every family has moments when emotions run high, routines wobble, or kids simply need a little extra comfort.

That’s exactly why we created Kenny the Kunzea Koala: a soft, snuggly plush friend designed to bring gentle grounding and sensory reassurance to children through weight, warmth and connection.

Made with love and available in two weighted sizes plus a classic plush (non-weighted) version, Kenny is inspired by Australia’s iconic koala and thoughtfully designed for little hands, big cuddles, and everyday moments that need a calming touch.

Let's explore the research behind weighted sensory tools, why we created Kenny the Kunzea Koala, and simple ways to introduce him into your child’s everyday routine for calm and connection.

Why Weighted Toys Have Become a Go-To Comfort Tool for Kids

Weighted toys and blankets have become increasingly popular in homes, early childhood settings and therapy environments, largely because many families find they offer a soothing, grounding presence for children who seek extra comfort or sensory support. While every child is unique, weighted items are often used as part of a broader sensory routine to encourage feelings of stability, emotional reassurance and calm during everyday transitions.

The comforting sensation of a warm hug or gentle pressure, something many children naturally gravitate toward, has also been explored in sensory science. Known as deep touch pressure (DTP); this firm, gentle compression has been studied for its potential to influence calm, focus and emotional regulation. Research suggests that DTP may:

• Stimulate proprioceptive receptors (the body’s movement and position sensors)

• Support overall body awareness

• Help ease feelings of sensory overload

• Influence neurochemicals associated with settling and relaxation

• Contribute to nervous-system regulation during stressful moments

• Support smoother transitions (e.g., bedtime, car rides, quiet time)

• Help with settling after overstimulation

These effects are often described as similar to a “comforting hug,” providing a grounding sensory experience that some children find soothing.

What the Research Says About Weighted Sensory Tools

Weighted items like blankets, lap pads, vests, or plush toys have been the focus of growing interest over the past decade. Researchers exploring how the body responds to deep touch pressure describe it as a “neurological symphony”: gentle pressure activates specific sensory pathways that may contribute to more organised, regulated states.

1. Deep Touch Pressure & Neurochemical Responses

Studies suggest that firm, even pressure may influence the release of neurotransmitters such as:

• Serotonin: often linked to feelings of happiness and emotional steadiness

• Dopamine: associated with focus and reward pathways

• Oxytocin: connected to bonding, comfort and relaxation

Some research also notes that deep pressure may support reductions in cortisol, the stress hormone, and contribute to calmer states, especially during moments of overwhelm.

Again, these findings relate to the sensory mechanism itself, not to any specific product. But plush weighted toys like Kenny may help families incorporate these sensations into their everyday routines.

2. Weighted Tools & ADHD

Research highlights that children with ADHD often process sensory input differently. Weighted sensory input has been explored as a way to:

• Provide proprioceptive feedback

• Support emotional settling

• Encourage sustained attention

• Offer a grounding tool in busy or distracting environments

While outcomes vary from child to child, weighted items are commonly used in classrooms, therapy settings and homes as part of holistic sensory strategies.

3. Weighted Sensory Input & Autism

Studies published in journals like the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and the American Journal of Occupational Therapy have examined how weighted products may:

• Support modulation of sensory input

• Reduce sensory-seeking or sensory-avoidant behaviours

• Help some individuals feel more grounded

• Encourage focus during learning tasks

• Reduce self-stimulatory or repetitive behaviours in certain contexts

This area of research is still evolving but families, therapists and educators continue to explore weighted tools as part of personalised sensory plans.

Why We Designed Kenny the Kunzea Koala

Before creating Kenny, we spent time researching child-safe materials, ideal weight ranges, and how children use comfort objects throughout the day.

Parents told us they wanted a weighted toy that was:

• Safe and gentle (especially around younger kids)

• Aesthetically beautiful

• Cuddly and soft, not bulky or rigid

• Made with natural-inspired materials where possible

• Suitable for diverse sensory needs

So we designed Kenny with:

• Ultra-soft, high-quality plush fabric

• Evenly distributed internal weight for gentle deep pressure

• Two weighted sizes to suit different ages and preferences

• A classic plush version for younger children or daytime play

• A neutral, cosy, Australian-inspired design

He’s not just a toy, he’s a soothing companion that fits seamlessly into daily routines.

How to Introduce Kenny into Your Child’s Routine

Here are some simple, practical ways families are using Kenny:

1. As a soothing companion during bedtime wind-down

Pair Kenny with a consistent routine like low lights, quiet voices and a warm bath.
Use the Sleepy Time Bath Bomb to help young ones relax and ease into bedtime, Kenny pairs beautifully with the post-bath cuddle moment.

2. During morning or after-school transitions

Place Kenny on your child’s lap during breakfast, in the car, or while decompressing after a stimulating day.

3. For calm corner or quiet-time activities

Children often enjoy holding Kenny while reading, colouring, or listening to music, calm, predictable activities that help regulate their nervous system.

4. As a comfort object for big feelings

Kenny can be part of emotional-first-aid: when kids feel overwhelmed, sad, or frustrated, cuddling something weighty and familiar can create reassurance.

5. For neurodiverse children exploring sensory support

Many families use weighted toys as part of sensory integration approaches recommended by OTs. Kenny’s soft, even weight distribution is gentle and child-friendly.

Why Koalas?

Koalas spend most of their time calm, perched securely in the arms of eucalyptus trees. Their posture, stillness and soft appearance naturally evoke feelings of safety and grounding.

Kenny brings that symbolism to life, an Australian icon blending comfort, cuddles and calm.

A Cuddly Way to Support Calm, Comfort & Connection

Whether your child needs a familiar friend for busy outings, grounding during wind-down time, or simply a cosy Australian plush to love, Kenny is there for every cuddle.

He’s soft. He’s weighted. He’s adorable. And he’s ready to become part of your family’s everyday rhythm.

Take-Home Message: A Simple Way to Bring More Calm Into Everyday Moments

Weighted sensory tools have been used for years to support children who seek comfort, grounding or gentle deep-pressure input, and Kenny the Kunzea Koala brings that same soothing experience into a soft, child-friendly plush. His gentle weight, cuddly design and familiar koala comfort can help little ones feel more settled during transitions, calmer during overwhelming moments, and more connected during quiet time and routines. Whether your child needs reassurance, a grounding companion or just a cosy friend to love, Kenny offers a simple, beautiful way to bring more calm, comfort and connection into your family’s day.

(Always follow safe use guidelines. Weighted toys should not be used as sleep toys for babies or placed on a child without supervision.)

References

1. Bestbier, L., & Williams, T. I. (2017). The Immediate Effects of Deep Pressure on Young People with Autism and Severe Intellectual Difficulties: Demonstrating Individual Differences. Occupational therapy international, 2017, 7534972. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7534972 

2. James, S. (2023, August 23). Unveiling the science: how weighted products benefit kids with ADHD and individuals with autism. The Sensory Specialist PTY LTD. https://www.thesensoryspecialist.com.au/blogs/blog/the-weighted-products-the-science-behind-the-magic?srsltid=AfmBOoodwpfGQyv8A7VnLvwbgPpvACbLcGBh6ls7Lbm2MNUSrG723Kn- 

3. Lonn, M., Aili, K., Svedberg, P., Nygren, J., Jarbin, H., & Larsson, I. (2023). Experiences of Using Weighted Blankets among Children with ADHD and Sleeping Difficulties. Occupational therapy international, 2023, 1945290. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/1945290 

4. Sensory Pod Australia Pty Ltd. (n.d.). Why weighted blankets and toys are a game-changer for sensory needs. Sensory Pod Australia. https://www.sensorypodaustralia.com.au/why-weighted-blankets-and-toys-are-a-game-changer-for-sensory-needs