Is your child constantly chewing on their shirt collar, pencils, or even their fingers? You’re not alone! Many kids, especially those with sensory needs, find oral input incredibly calming and regulating. That’s where chewelry for kids comes in – it’s a game-changer for redirecting unsafe or unhygienic chewing habits into a safe, acceptable, and often stylish outlet.
Chewelry, also known as sensory chew necklaces or chew toys, provides a designated item for children to gnaw on, helping them manage anxiety, improve focus, and satisfy oral sensory cravings. It’s an invaluable tool for children with ADHD, autism, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), or even just general fidgeting habits. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best chewelry for kids that’s safe, durable, and appealing?
We’ve done the hard work for you! We’ve researched and rounded up five top-rated chewelry products that tick all the boxes for safety, effectiveness, and kid-friendliness. Let’s dive in!
Why Chewelry Matters for Growing Kids
Chewing is a natural human behavior, especially for children. It can be a self-soothing mechanism, a way to express feelings, or a method for processing sensory input. For some kids, the need for oral stimulation is more pronounced. Here’s why chewelry is so beneficial:
- Anxiety and Stress Relief: The repetitive motion of chewing can be incredibly calming, helping children cope with stress, anxiety, or overwhelming environments.
- Improved Focus: By providing a constructive outlet for oral motor needs, chewelry can help kids concentrate better in school or during other activities, reducing fidgeting and distraction.
- Oral Sensory Input: For children with sensory processing challenges, chewelry offers crucial proprioceptive input to the jaw, which can be regulating and grounding.
- Redirects Harmful Habits: It offers a safe alternative to chewing on clothes, hair, nails, or non-food items that might be dirty or damaging.
- Speech and Language Development: Strengthening oral muscles through chewing can also indirectly support speech articulation and feeding skills.
Now, let’s explore our top picks for the best chewelry for kids!
1. Chew Necklaces for Sensory Kids 5 PCS Chewy Necklaces
This fantastic 5-piece set is a real standout, offering an adorable variety of shapes that kids will absolutely love. From a charming donut to a whimsical mermaid, a magical unicorn, an octagonal design, and a fun ice cream, this collection ensures there’s a perfect chewy companion for every mood and preference. Not only do these sensory chew necklaces provide a safe and hygienic chewing alternative, but their delightful designs also make them appealing accessories that children are happy to wear.
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Key Features:
- Includes 5 unique shapes: octagonal, donut, mermaid, unicorn, and ice cream.
- Made from premium food-grade silicone, free from BPA, Lead, and Phthalate.
- Easy to clean with tap water, soap, or high-temperature disinfection.
- Features a cord with a breakaway clasp for safety and an adjustable retractable clasp for length.
- Colors are chosen to reduce stress and anxiety, offering a calming effect.
- Ideal for fidgeting, autism, ADHD, aggressive chewers, and SPD kids.
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Pros:
- Excellent value with a diverse set of appealing designs.
- Made from highly safe, food-grade silicone.
- Very easy to clean and sanitize.
- Adjustable cord and breakaway clasp enhance safety and usability.
- Specifically designed to help reduce stress and anxiety.
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Cons:
- Some shapes might be quite large for younger children.
- While durable, aggressive chewers may still cause wear over time.
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User Impressions: Parents consistently rave about the variety and attractiveness of these necklaces, stating that their kids are excited to wear them. Many find them highly effective in redirecting chewing and helping children focus. The safety features are also frequently praised.
See it on Amazon here
2. Durable Sensory Chew Necklaces for Kids – Safe, Non-Toxic
When durability and diverse sensory input are your top priorities, this chewelry set delivers! Designed with a focus on providing rich oral sensory stimulation, each necklace features varied textures perfect for satisfying a range of chewing needs. Its discreet yet stylish design ensures your child can wear it comfortably without it looking overtly like a therapeutic aid, making it a great option for everyday use at school or home.
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Key Features:
- Constructed from 100% food-grade silicone, free from BPA, phthalates, and lead.
- Features diverse textures to provide soothing oral sensory stimulation.
- Equipped with an adjustable cord and a safety breakaway clasp.
- Waterproof and easy to clean – dishwasher-safe.
- Available in a variety of fun shapes and vibrant, yet subtle, colors.
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Pros:
- Exceptional safety with 100% food-grade, non-toxic materials.
- Varied textures cater to different sensory preferences.
- Highly durable and easy to maintain hygiene.
- Discreet design allows for versatile wear.
- Adjustable cord ensures a comfortable fit for most children (and even adults).
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Cons:
- Specific shapes are not detailed, so design preferences might vary.
- Might be less “playful” in design compared to character-based chewelry.
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User Impressions: Users frequently commend the robust nature of these chew necklaces, noting their ability to withstand aggressive chewing. Parents appreciate the effective sensory input it provides, often leading to reduced anxiety and improved focus in their children. The ease of cleaning is another big plus.
See it on Amazon here
3. Chew Necklace for Sensory Kids, Seeway Rainbow Chewy
The Seeway Rainbow Chewy Necklace is specially designed with both comfort and calm in mind. Its soothing rainbow color tones are carefully selected to reduce stress and anxiety, avoiding overly bright hues that can sometimes overstimulate. With a “medium hardness,” it strikes a perfect balance, providing satisfying resistance without being too rigid or too soft, making it an excellent choice for a wide spectrum of sensory chewers. Plus, its freezer-safe nature makes it a unique option for added relief!
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Key Features:
- Aims to relieve anxiety and stress, promoting focus with calming color tones.
- Made from 100% food-grade silicone, free of BPA, latex, phthalates, cadmium, lead, and metals.
- Offers a medium hardness, ideal for various chewing preferences.
- Easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher, and is freezer-safe.
- Includes an easy breakaway clasp for maximum safety.
- Caution: Requires constant adult supervision as it’s not a toy, and the clasp/cord are not for chewing.
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Pros:
- Calming rainbow colors are beneficial for reducing overstimulation.
- Exceptional safety standards with extensive material certifications.
- Medium hardness suits a broad range of chewers.
- Freezer-safe feature provides additional soothing for gum pain.
- Highly effective for redirecting habits like nail-biting and thumb-sucking.
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Cons:
- The “not a toy” and “adult supervision” warnings are very strict and might require careful consideration by parents.
- Only comes in one specific hardness, which might not suit the most aggressive or the gentlest chewers.
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User Impressions: Many parents love the calming effect of the colors and the ideal firmness of this chewelry. They particularly appreciate the thorough safety standards and the ease of cleaning. The freezer-safe option is often highlighted as a bonus for kids with sensitive gums.
See it on Amazon here
4. beinongnuo Sensory Chew Toys for Kids, 2 Packs Autism
Breaking away from the traditional necklace style, the beinongnuo Sensory Chew Toys come in a convenient 2-pack of “chew tubes.” These robust and versatile chew toys are fantastic for children who prefer a more tactile, handheld chewing experience. With different textures and shapes, they provide a focused and satisfying oral stimulation that’s incredibly durable and built to last. Their compact size makes them perfectly portable and discreet, whether your child needs a chew at school, during therapy, or on the go.
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Key Features:
- Comes as a 2-pack of chew tubes for versatile use.
- Provides safe and effective oral sensory stimulation for autism, ADHD, or SPD.
- Made from high-quality, non-toxic, BPA-free materials, designed for durability.
- Includes a variety of textures and shapes to cater to different chewing preferences.
- Portable and discreet for use in various settings.
- Dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning.
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Pros:
- Offers a different chewing format (tubes) for varied preferences.
- Highly durable, designed to withstand vigorous chewing.
- Compact and discreet for use outside the home.
- Variety in textures ensures a satisfying sensory experience.
- Very easy to clean and maintain hygiene.
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Cons:
- As they are not necklaces, they might be more easily misplaced if not attached to a lanyard.
- Specific shapes or colors are not detailed, so it’s a bit of a surprise pack.
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User Impressions: Reviewers praise these chew tubes for their resilience and effectiveness in providing oral stimulation, especially for children who are strong chewers. Parents find them very practical for school and travel, noting that their children prefer the handheld format.
See it on Amazon here
5. Chew Necklaces for Sensory Kids, Silicone Chewy Necklace
This particular set of sensory chewing necklaces places a strong emphasis on upgraded materials and comprehensive safety for children with significant oral motor and biting needs. Designed not just to redirect chewing but also to soothe gum pain, it’s an excellent multi-functional tool. The commitment to premium, non-toxic, and extra-strong food-grade silicone ensures a hygienic and durable experience, offering parents peace of mind and children a reliable outlet for their sensory needs.
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Key Features:
- Specifically designed for children with ADHD, autism, oral motor, SPD, and biting needs.
- Aims to reduce anxiety, keep calm, and alleviate gum pain.
- Made from “new upgrading material” – premium food-grade silicone, non-toxic, odor-free, smooth, strong, BPA-free, and phthalate-free.
- Features easy breakaway clasps for safety.
- Instructions and suggestions: Emphasizes constant adult supervision; clasp and cord are NOT for chewing.
- Ideal as a gift for children with biting needs, serving as both a tool and jewelry.
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Pros:
- Addresses gum pain in addition to chewing needs.
- Highlights an “upgraded” material for enhanced safety and durability.
- Comprehensive safety instructions for responsible use.
- Strong focus on relieving anxiety and promoting calmness.
- Hygienic and safer than chewing on clothes or fingers.
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Cons:
- Similar to other products, the strict warnings regarding adult supervision and non-chewable clasps are crucial to heed.
- Specific shapes or designs are not clearly outlined in the description.
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User Impressions: Parents frequently highlight the robust quality of the silicone and its effectiveness in calming children and redirecting their chewing habits. The ability to help with gum pain is a noted benefit, and many appreciate the detailed safety advice provided by the manufacturer.
See it on Amazon here
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Chewelry
Choosing the right chewelry is crucial for its effectiveness and your child’s safety. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Safety First: Always prioritize chewelry made from 100% food-grade silicone (or other non-toxic, lead-free, BPA-free, phthalate-free materials). Ensure necklaces have breakaway clasps.
- Durability: Look for products designed to withstand aggressive chewing. While no chewelry is indestructible, high-quality materials last longer.
- Texture and Hardness: Children have different preferences. Some prefer smooth, others bumpy. Some need softer chews, others harder.
- Design & Discretion: Some kids prefer fun, colorful shapes, while others need something more discreet for school or public settings.
- Easy to Clean: Silicone is naturally easy to wash with soap and water or in the dishwasher.
- Adult Supervision: Regardless of the product, always ensure adult supervision, especially with younger children or aggressive chewers, and regularly inspect for wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What exactly is chewelry and who is it for?
A1: Chewelry refers to safe, wearable (like necklaces or bracelets) or handheld items designed specifically for children to chew on. It’s primarily for kids who seek oral sensory input, often those with autism, ADHD, SPD, anxiety, or simply those with a habit of chewing on inappropriate items like clothes or pencils.
Q2: Is chewelry safe for my child?
A2: Yes, high-quality chewelry is designed to be safe. Always look for products made from 100% food-grade silicone, free from harmful chemicals like BPA, lead, phthalates, and latex. Necklaces should always feature a breakaway clasp for safety, and children should always be supervised while using chewelry. Regularly inspect the item for signs of wear and tear.
Q3: How do I choose the right hardness or texture for my child?
A3: This often comes down to trial and error. Some children prefer a softer, gummier feel, while others need a firmer, more resistant chew for deep pressure input. Varied textures (smooth, bumpy, ribbed) can also provide different sensory experiences. If your child is an aggressive chewer, opt for more durable, firmer options.
Q4: How do I clean chewelry?
A4: Most silicone chewelry is incredibly easy to clean. You can simply wash it with warm water and soap, rinse it thoroughly, or even place it in the dishwasher. Some are also freezer-safe for added soothing. Always clean new chewelry before its first use and regularly thereafter.
Q5: Can chewelry help with anxiety or focus?
A5: Absolutely! For many children, the rhythmic act of chewing is a self-regulating mechanism that can help to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve concentration. By providing a safe and acceptable outlet for this need, chewelry can help children manage their emotions and focus better in various environments.
Q6: At what age can my child start using chewelry?
A6: Chewelry can be suitable for toddlers and older children. However, specific age recommendations might vary by product, and constant adult supervision is crucial, especially for younger children who might have smaller mouths or are still developing fine motor skills. It’s not typically recommended for infants as a teether unless specifically designed and marketed as such.
Q7: How long does chewelry typically last?
A7: The lifespan of chewelry varies greatly depending on the child’s chewing intensity and frequency. Aggressive chewers might wear through chewelry faster than gentle chewers. Always inspect the chewelry regularly for cracks, tears, or damage. Once damaged, it’s best to replace it to prevent choking hazards.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best chewelry for kids can truly make a difference in your child’s daily life, offering a safe, healthy, and discreet way to manage sensory needs, reduce anxiety, and improve focus. Whether your child needs diverse shapes, maximum durability, or calming colors, our top picks offer fantastic options to explore. Remember, the right chewelry is more than just a toy – it’s a valuable tool for their well-being.