Teddy bears aren’t just for kids—why comfort objects might help adults sleep better too
Moms are expected to handle it all—work, family schedules, home life, and the constant mental load of keeping everything (and everyone) running. No wonder our nervous systems are in a perpetual state of overdrive. So when we came across a piece in The New York Times this week exploring whether adults should embrace stuffed animals for better sleep, we were intrigued (read it here).
It turns out there’s a reason why kids cling to their teddy bears, and it’s not just about nostalgia. Psychologists call them “transitional objects,” which help children regulate their emotions, feel secure, and self-soothe in times of stress. And guess what? Those benefits don’t disappear in adulthood. A study published in PLOS One showed that hugging a stuffed animal or weighted plush can reduce cortisol levels and lower anxiety. It’s why companies now market weighted blankets and even robotic plush companions to help with stress and sleep. If a teddy bear can help kids manage the world around them, why not borrow that wisdom for ourselves?
Here’s what Jade Wu, PhD, DBSM, a board-certified sleep psychologist and researcher at Duke University School of Medicine, told The New York Times:
“Kids love stuffed animals. It’s because they’re cozy and … just personified enough to provide a bit of social comfort. That’s a great way for kids to self-soothe. We adults can do the same thing.”
Related: Mom checks on toddler at bedtime—and is stunned to see what’s snuggled up next to her
Borrowing childhood wisdom for grown-up wellness
It’s not just rainbows and teddy bears. Moms can learn to ‘mother’ themselves with the wellness habits we cultivate in our own kids. Here are five kid-approved habits that moms might want to adopt for a little more calm, rest, and joy.
1. Find Your Comfort Object
Kids have their loveys, blankets, and plush animals—why shouldn’t moms? A weighted stuffed animal like Warmies or a cozy, sensory-friendly throw can help activate the nervous system’s relaxation response. Think of it as a hug when you need it most.
2. Build a Bedtime Ritual (That’s Not Scrolling TikTok)
Children thrive on predictable nighttime routines: a bath, a book, a cuddle. In contrast, we moms often crash into bed after a chaotic day, phones in hand. Instead, try creating a small ritual—dim the lights, drink a calming tea like Pukka Night Time, or play soft music to signal that it’s time to wind down.
3. Get Creative Just for Fun
Remember how kids paint, build LEGO creations, or doodle without worrying about being “good” at it? Creative play isn’t just for them—it can also be a stress reliever for moms. Try a quick doodle in a Mindfulness Journal or bake something purely for the joy of it (no meal-planning pressure attached).
4. Move Like a Kid
Kids don’t think of movement as “exercise”—they just run, jump, and play. Instead of forcing yourself into workouts that feel like another chore, consider borrowing their approach. Dance in your kitchen, do cartwheels in the park or try adult trampoline fitness for a serious endorphin boost.
5. Embrace Nap Culture
Little kids get naps. Meanwhile, moms are conditioned to power through exhaustion. But short, intentional rest breaks (hello, power naps) can improve mood, cognitive function, and patience. Permit yourself to rest before you crash.
Motherhood is demanding, and we often put our own needs last. But what if the best self-care practices are the ones we already know—because we give them to our kids? Borrowing from their playbook might be the most restorative parenting hack yet.
Related: This baby’s comfort taps’ might be the most powerful thing you see today
