By Brian Evans – Founder of Chew Necklace UK
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after more than 11 years of supplying chew necklaces and sensory products, it’s this…
There isn’t one chew necklace that’s perfect for everyone.
Every week we hear from parents looking for “the best chew necklace.”
I always wish the answer was that simple.
The truth is, choosing the right chew necklace is much more about understanding the person than it is understanding the product.
Over the years, I’ve noticed a few common mistakes that many parents make—not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because nobody has explained what to look for.
So I thought I’d share some of the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Mistake 1: Buying Based on Colour Instead of Chew Strength
It’s completely understandable.
Children are naturally drawn to bright colours and fun shapes.
Parents often ask,
“Which colour is the toughest?”
The answer is…
The colour doesn’t matter.
What matters is the material, the design and, most importantly, how your child actually chews.
A child who gently nibbles while reading has very different needs to someone who bites down hard with their back teeth.
Always choose the chew strength first.
The favourite colour can come afterwards.
Mistake 2: Expecting Every Chew Necklace to Be Indestructible
This is probably the biggest misunderstanding we come across.
Parents sometimes tell us,
“I need one that can’t be broken.”
I completely understand why.
But I also believe it’s important to be honest.
No chew necklace is indestructible.
Some are designed for stronger chewers than others, but if a product is repeatedly bitten with extreme force, twisted, stretched or pulled, it will eventually wear out.
In fact, if a chew product was completely rigid and couldn’t give at all, I’d actually be more concerned about safety.
Chewelry is designed to provide a safe outlet for chewing—not to last forever under every circumstance.
Mistake 3: Assuming Silicone Is Always the Best Choice
When people think of chewelry, they usually picture silicone.
And for many children, it’s exactly the right option.
But not for everyone.
One of the questions I often ask parents is:
“What does your child usually chew?”
If the answer is:
- Hoodie strings
- Sleeves
- Blanket corners
- Shirt collars
…there’s a good chance they’re looking for the comfort of soft fabric rather than firm resistance.
That’s why we now offer both silicone and fabric options.
Sometimes changing the texture changes everything.
Mistake 4: Buying the Cheapest Option
I understand that budgets matter.
But one thing I’ve learned is that the cheapest chew necklace isn’t always the best value.
When comparing products, ask yourself:
- Is it made from quality materials?
- Does it include a breakaway safety clasp?
- Is the seller experienced in sensory products?
- Is there clear guidance on who it’s suitable for?
- Can you contact someone if you need advice?
A slightly better-made product often provides a much better experience.
Mistake 5: Forgetting That Sensory Needs Change
Children grow.
Their sensory preferences grow too.
A necklace they loved at six years old might not interest them at ten.
Teenagers often want something much more discreet.
Adults usually prefer simple, understated designs.
That’s completely normal.
Sometimes it’s not that the product has stopped working—it’s simply time for something that better suits where they are now.
Mistake 6: Assuming Every Child Chews for the Same Reason
This is something I’ve become increasingly aware of over the years.
Two children might both chew constantly.
But for completely different reasons.
One may chew when anxious.
Another when concentrating.
Another when excited.
Another simply because they enjoy the sensory feedback.
Understanding why they chew often helps you choose the right product.
Mistake 7: Not Checking Products Regularly
This is one piece of advice I always give.
No matter which chew product you choose, inspect it regularly.
Look for:
- Signs of wear
- Small tears
- Changes in shape
- Damage caused by heavy chewing
Replacing a worn product before it fails is always the safest option.
It’s a simple habit that helps keep sensory support safe.
So… What Would I Recommend?
If you asked me for just one piece of advice after all these years, it would be this:
Don’t buy the chew necklace you think your child should like. Buy the one they’re most likely to use.
Sometimes that’s silicone.
Sometimes it’s fabric.
Sometimes it’s something completely different.
There’s no prize for choosing the toughest necklace or the brightest colour.
The best chew necklace is simply the one that helps your child feel calmer, more comfortable and more confident.
A Final Thought
Running a family business since 2014 has taught me that every customer has their own story.
Some parents are buying their very first chew necklace and don’t know where to start.
Others have tried several products without success.
Whatever stage you’re at, remember this:
There isn’t a perfect chew necklace.
There is only the one that’s right for your child.
And sometimes, finding that one takes a little patience.
That’s perfectly okay.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re not sure where to start, we’d be delighted to help.
At Chew Necklace UK, we’ve been helping families, schools and professionals since 2014, offering honest advice alongside carefully selected sensory products.
Our range includes:
- Silicone Chew Necklaces
- Fabric Chew Necklaces
- Sensory Chew Bracelets
- Breastfeeding Necklaces
- Chewelry for Children, Teenagers and Adults
Every product is chosen with comfort, quality and safety in mind.
Visit www.chewnecklace.co.uk to explore our collection, or browse our wider range of sensory products at www.chewelry.co.uk.