CHEWIES

What They Are and What They Do.

Chewies

Chewies are a common name for chewable toys designed to reduce mouthing of nonfood and unsafe objects. Chewies are created to provide a safe and clean way for the child’s urge to chew and can help stop destructive chewing (Munchables Sensory Solutions, 2023). For example, they noted that chewies can also replace the unhealthy behaviors of chewing on fingernails, pencils, clothing, or other objects. Additionally, they help calm and soothe during times of dysregulation, help with focusing and attention skills (such as during homework or other personal activities), and provide oral motor input for children with oral motor urges (ARK Therapeutic Products, n.d.).

You may be wondering what makes a child an “oral sensory-seeker.” If the child is chewing consistently on non-food items, ripping holes in shirts with their teeth by chewing, etc., this may be a sign that your child could benefit from a chewy sensory tool.  One important thing to understand as a parent and/or caregiver is that a chewy should never be treated like a reward. It’s a therapeutic tool for self-regulation; unless the child is being unsafe or inappropriate with the chewy (not using it as intended), it shouldn’t be taken away from a child due to undesired behaviors (Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support, n.d.).

Types of Chewies

Chewies are created with different textures, levels of resistance, and styles for specific needs and various intentions. All safe chewies are made from chewable, non-toxic silicone (Special Needs, 2023). Differing colors typically refer to different strengths of the silicone. Depending on the child’s chewing strength and needs, a particular color may be best. Chewies can last months or only for a short while. This is because some children chew with less force, while others may exert heavy/aggressive oral needs and chew through the chewy quickly.  It’s advised to supervise at all times when children are utilizing chewies. Parents and caregivers should inspect the chewy regularly and replace it if it shows signs of wear and tear (Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support, n.d.). 

• Chewelry: This chewy type can be worn around the child’s neck, similar to a necklace or bracelet. It’s a portable, discrete, and easy way to access chewies for the child’s oral sensory needs.

• Other Wearable Chewies: Chewies are constructed as key chains, clothing clips, and other ways to keep the chewy within proximity of the child and easily portable, too! 

• Handheld Chewies: There are a variety of handheld chewies. Some are small, while others have large “grabber” holds for children with decreased grip strength. Other handheld chewy sensory tools have vibration settings, which activate the oral motor and proprioceptive systems.

• Pencil Topper Chewies: Chewy tools that can be placed on the top of a pencil or pen. This chewy works well for students who often chew on pencils, markers, and other utensils throughout the school day while attending class. This can also reduce the harmful effects of students chewing on pens and pencils 

Benefits of Chewies

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists explains that chewies can regulate the sensory system by reducing fidgeting and promoting attention and focus (Munchables Sensory Solutions, 2023). They described that chewies provide many other benefits for the child, too!

• Reduces anxious symptoms and stress

• Encourages healthy chewing behaviors

• Strengthens facial muscles

• Increases focus and attention

• Help control the sensory system

• Build up oral motor skills

• Allows for oral sensory input

• Decreases nail biting

• Provides self-soothing and stimming

Click below to learn more about the Oral Motor system. 

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References

ARK Therapeutic Products. (n.d.). Oral Motor Chews: Ark’s brick stick chew necklace (texture).

https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-brick-stick-textured-chew-necklace/

Munchables Sensory Solutions. (2023). Benefits.

https://www.munchables.ca/pages/benefits#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20chewelry%20provides,seek%20additional%20oral%20motor%20input.

Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support. (n.d.). Self-regulation with fidgets and chewelry.

https://sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport.com/self-regulation-with-fidgets-and-chewelry.php

Special Needs. (2023). Ark’s grabber brick chew: Product description. https://sensoryneeds.co.uk/products/arks-grabber%C2%AE-

brick-chewy-p#:~:text=While%20for%20some%20people%20a%20chew%20tool,needs%20may%20go%20through%20it%20very%20quickly.