By Brian Evans – Founder of Chew Necklace UK
If you’ve arrived here because your child chews their clothes, pencils, fingers or practically anything else they can get hold of, you’re certainly not alone.
Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with parents looking for chew necklaces for sensory kids.
And one of the first things I usually tell them is:
Don’t just buy the first chew necklace you see.
There are several things worth thinking about first.
What does your child actually like to chew?
How hard do they chew?
Do they prefer something soft or firm?
And do they even like wearing something around their neck?
These questions can make a much bigger difference than simply choosing the product with the biggest “heavy chewer” label.
What Is a Chew Necklace for Sensory Kids?
A chew necklace is a wearable sensory product designed to provide an appropriate item for chewing.
Instead of chewing clothing, pencils, fingers or other unsuitable objects, some children find it helpful to have something specifically intended for oral sensory input.
Chew necklaces come in different shapes, textures, materials and levels of firmness.
Some are made from silicone.
Others, including some of the products we supply, are made from fabric.
And that variety is important.
Because sensory needs aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Why Do Sensory Kids Chew?
There can be many reasons.
Some children simply enjoy the sensation of chewing.
For others, chewing may become more noticeable when they’re concentrating, excited, bored, tired or overwhelmed.
You may notice your child chewing their clothing particularly when they’re:
- Doing homework
- Watching television
- Playing games
- Travelling
- Sitting in the classroom
- In busy or unfamiliar surroundings
- Feeling anxious or frustrated
That doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong.
Chewing can be one way a child seeks sensory input.
The important thing is understanding what the chewing means for that particular child.
Choosing the Right Chew Necklace
This is where I think parents can sometimes be given too much information and not enough useful advice.
You don’t necessarily need the toughest chew necklace available.
You need something your child will actually use.
Look at what they already chew
This is probably my favourite starting point.
If your child constantly chews the sleeve of a soft jumper, a very hard silicone chew may not be particularly appealing.
If they prefer harder objects, a firmer silicone product may be more suitable.
Their existing chewing habits can give you some very useful clues.
Silicone or Fabric?
This is another question I’m frequently asked.
Silicone chewelry is popular because it can provide a firm, consistent chewing surface and is available in a wide range of shapes and designs.
But fabric chewelry shouldn’t be overlooked.
Some children simply prefer the soft, familiar feel of fabric.
If your child constantly seeks out clothing to chew, this can be particularly worth considering.
There isn’t a universally “better” material.
There’s simply the material that suits the individual.
What About Strong Chewers?
This is where I think a little honesty is important.
No chew necklace is indestructible.
I’ve been selling chewelry since 2014 and I’ve seen products subjected to some serious chewing.
A product that lasts months for one child may not last nearly as long for another.
That’s because chewing behaviour varies enormously.
A child who gently mouths a product is putting very different demands on it from someone who repeatedly attacks it with their back teeth.
So don’t believe anyone who suggests that a chew necklace can withstand absolutely anything.
Safety Matters
Whatever type of chew necklace you choose, it should be inspected regularly.
Look for:
- Cracks
- Splits
- Tears
- Significant wear
- Damaged components
- Changes in the shape or condition of the product
If a product becomes damaged, stop using it and replace it.
Children should also be supervised appropriately when using chew products, particularly younger children and strong or aggressive chewers.
At Chew Necklace UK, we focus heavily on product materials and safety features, including food-grade silicone products and breakaway clasps where applicable.
Don’t Forget That a Necklace Isn’t Your Only Option
Some children don’t like anything around their neck.
That’s fine.
A chew bracelet may be a better choice.
Others may prefer a fabric chew product that feels more familiar.
And sometimes a child may simply refuse to use any chew product.
Don’t force it.
A sensory tool isn’t particularly useful if the person doesn’t want to use it.
Do Chew Necklaces “Cure” Sensory Issues?
No.
And I’d be very wary of anyone who tells you they do.
A chew necklace is a sensory tool, not a cure for autism, ADHD, anxiety or other conditions.
For some children, having an appropriate item available to chew can be useful.
For others, different sensory strategies may be more appropriate.
If chewing is causing significant problems or you’re concerned about a sudden change in behaviour, it’s worth discussing the situation with an appropriately qualified professional.
What I’ve Learned Since 2014
After all these years, I’ve come to one fairly simple conclusion.
Listen to the child.
Watch what they chew.
Notice when they chew.
Pay attention to textures they like.
And don’t automatically assume that the most expensive or strongest product is going to be the best.
Sometimes the right solution is surprisingly simple.
A child who destroys their jumper sleeves may prefer fabric.
A child who wants resistance may prefer silicone.
A child who hates necklaces may prefer a bracelet.
And sometimes, the best solution isn’t a chew product at all.
That’s okay.
I’d much rather help someone choose the right solution than sell them something they don’t need.
💡 Brian’s Tip
Before buying a chew necklace, spend a couple of days watching what your child naturally chooses to chew.
Their behaviour can tell you a surprising amount about the texture, firmness and type of product they may prefer.
About Brian
I’m Brian Evans, founder of Chew Necklace UK.
Since 2014, I’ve been involved in supplying chewelry and sensory products to families across the UK. Much of what I’ve learned has come from listening to parents, carers and customers and seeing how differently individuals respond to different products.
I don’t believe in miracle products or exaggerated promises.
I believe in good products, sensible advice and being honest about what chewelry can—and can’t—do.
Explore our range of Chew Necklaces for Sensory Kids.