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4.6/5 | 1,300+ reviews

🧸 “One hug, thousands of stories.”

Why I started Lotgenootje – and how this weighted cuddly toy makes a difference in sleep, stress and security

by Marien, founder of Lotgenootje

Last updated: August 21, 2025

Hi, I'm Marien (25). I have a five-year background in healthcare and worked daily with clients struggling with tension, anxiety, and sleep problems. That's where I first encountered deep pressure stimulation , best known for its use in weighted blankets. I saw the calm it brought, but also noticed that weighted blankets weren't comfortable or practical for everyone.

Then I thought: what if you could get that same peace, but from something soft and familiar: a hug? That's how "Lotgenootje" (Student Support) was born. Today I'm sharing why this idea changed my life and why tens of thousands of people now find daily support from a Support Partner. 💛

1. From healthcare to a hug that really makes a difference

In healthcare, I saw how people calmed down through deep pressure. However, a blanket was heavy, warm, and not always practical. So I decided to develop something new : a cuddly toy that does the same thing, but is accessible and easy to use.

🧘‍♂️ Based on proven deep pressure stimulation

🧸 Soft, familiar and suitable for young and old

💛 Created from real experiences in healthcare

2. Even weight: the secret of Lotgenootje

Many weighted stuffed animals on the market were simply stuffed animals with a bag of pellets inside. I wanted something better. Thanks to feedback from families and specialists, we developed a design that evenly distributes the weight. This makes it feel like your partner is hugging you back.

⚖️ Even distribution over the entire body

🫂 Provides a safe, secure feeling

🌙 Helps you achieve deep relaxation faster

3. A product with meaning, not just a cuddly toy

I deliberately chose the name "Lotgenootje" (Lotgenootje ). Because this is more than just a product. It's a companion. A buddy who's there for you when stress, anxiety, or sadness take over. Our slogan says it all: "Where love weighs heavily."

💬 Every hug carries stories of real people

🤎 From children with sleep problems to adults with stress

🧸 Not just a hug, but a Lotgenootje

4. More than [trustedby] hugs – and new stories every day

When we started in 2024, I never could have imagined that we would be able to deliver 12,000 support groups in our first year. But more important than the numbers are the stories of parents, nurses, and adults who finally found peace.

📈 From start-up to thousands of customers in one year

❤️ Every review is a confirmation of our mission

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Used by children, adults and in healthcare

5. More than a product: a community of Lotgenootje

The most beautiful thing I never could have imagined: the Lotgenootje Community . We now have over 1,500 members who share their stories daily. About loss, fear, recovery, or simply sleeping better. That's where I see the true power of Lotgenootje: people finding support in each other.

🤝 A safe place for recognition and support

📸 Hundreds of shared moments and photos

💛 Prove that a product can also bring connection

6. Carefully crafted and tested – so you can trust

From the very beginning, safety and quality were my priorities. Every plush toy is CE-approved, made of soft, skin-friendly materials, and tested by independent bodies. This means you can cuddle with peace of mind.

🧼 Easy to clean by hand

🌿 Soft and durable materials

✅ Safe from 3 years old

💬 "Lotgenootje started as my idea, but now it belongs to thousands of people. I'm proud that one hug can bring so many stories and so much peace."
— Marien (25), founder of Lotgenootje

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