Exploring the Benefits of Chewelry for All Ages
Key Highlights
Chewelry provides a safe and discreet outlet for chewing, addressing sensory needs in children and adults.
It comes in various forms, including necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. [ Various Types of Chewelry Available ]
Chewelry aids in improving focus, reducing anxiety, and managing sensory overload.
It is particularly helpful for individuals with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders. [ Who Can Benefit from Chewable Jewelry? ]
Choosing the right chewelry involves considering factors like material, toughness, and sensory preferences. [ Top Brands ]
Chewelry is gaining popularity across all age groups, offering a perfect blend of practicality and comfort. This innovative accessory provides a safe outlet for chewing, supports sensory needs, and aids in focus and relaxation. In this post, we'll explore the various benefits of chewelry, from its positive effects on anxiety and concentration to its practicality in everyday life. Discover how chewable jewelry can enhance daily routines for both children and adults, providing comfort and support in a simple yet effective way.
Understanding Chewelry and Its Uses
Chewelry, AKA chewable jewelry, can be a game-changer for many, including those needing extra sensory support throughout the day. In our case, it was a big help for my son who was dealing with hypotonia—a condition that led to speech delays and drooling. We discovered ARK's chewelry on the recommendation of his speech therapist, and it quickly became a household favorite. The convenience of wearing it meant it was always within reach, and the variety of colors and styles kept him engaged. Regardless of your use case, chewelry is practical and can be stylish, with options that blend function with discretion in a range of shapes, colors, and sizes.
The Concept of Chewelry Explained
To appreciate why chewelry is so important, it helps to understand sensory input. Sensory input is the information our senses gather from our surroundings and our bodies. For some people, especially those with sensory processing issues, managing this input can be challenging. This is where chewelry comes in—it provides consistent and controlled sensory input through chewing, helping to calm and organize the nervous system.
Chewing on these specially designed pieces offers proprioceptive input, which is like a way for the body to understand where it is in space and how it’s moving. This input can be incredibly soothing and grounding for those with sensory needs. Chew necklaces, for example, are a popular type of chewelry. They offer a quick, discreet way to meet sensory needs throughout the day, whether at school, work, or social events.
While sensory input is the most common use case for chewelry, it can also be used for muscle development as was our case, for teething discomfort, and for use cases we probably haven't come across yet!
Various Types of Chewelry Available
There’s a wide range of chewelry out there, so finding the perfect piece is all about personal preference and need. Necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and chewable gems are just a few of the options available.
One of the more popular options is the chewable gem pendant, which looks like regular jewelry but is made for chewing. These pendants come in various sizes, colors, and levels of toughness, giving users plenty of choices depending on how much resistance they prefer. For those who need more intense oral motor feedback, chewable tubes, bricks, and textured pendants offer more resistance and varied textures, enhancing the sensory experience.
Let’s take a peek at five popular chewelry options:
Chewable Gem Pendant
A stylish pendant that looks like regular jewelry but is chewable. Typically smooth and available in a range of resistances, this option is great for discreet use at school or work.
Textured Chewable Brick
Brick-shaped chewelry with raised patterns for additional sensory input. It is typically high in texure and resistance, and is best for those who prefer a rougher texture
Chew Necklace
Less discrete chew necklaces are available in various shapes with chewable pendants and beads. These are often vibrant, fun, and appealing to light to moderate chewers.
Chewable Bracelet
A discreet bracelet that can be worn all day, is easily accessible and is designed for adults (like this Bermuda Sensory Chew Bangle) and children.
Chewable Tube
A tube-shaped chewelry with varying lengths for oral motor feedback that can be smooth or textured and comes in various resistance levels.
The History and Evolution of Chewelry
Teething necklaces and chewable jewelry have been lifesavers for many parents and caregivers. I remember using these handy tools when my son was a toddler, not just to soothe his teething discomfort but also to support his developmental and sensory needs. It’s fascinating how far these products have come, evolving from simple teething toys to essential sensory tools for both children and adults.
Origins and Early Development
The concept of chewable jewelry isn't new. In fact, teething toys have been around for thousands of years. Early teething aids were often simple rattles made from clay or seedpods. Archaeologists even found a 4,000-year-old ceramic rattle in Anatolia!
As time passed, the need for safe and effective tools for chewing grew, especially for children with sensory processing needs. Initially, parents and therapists would improvise, using everyday items like leather straps or rubber pieces. But these makeshift solutions weren't ideal—after all, safety is paramount. Recognizing this, companies began to design chewable jewelry specifically for sensory input, using medical-grade, non-toxic materials to ensure safety and durability.
Key Milestones in Chewable Jewelry Innovation
One of the most significant advancements in chewable jewelry has been the ability to customize toughness levels. Not all chewers are the same—some need a gentle chew, while others prefer something more robust. This led to the development of chewable necklaces and other jewelry with varying levels of firmness, allowing users to find the perfect match for their needs.
Another major leap was recognizing that sensory needs don’t disappear after childhood. Today, there’s a wide range of stylish chewable necklaces and pendants designed specifically for adults. These pieces not only offer the sensory input needed but also look just like regular jewelry, making them perfect for everyday wear.
More recently, innovations like textured surfaces, vibrating pendants, and temperature-controlled options have taken chewable jewelry to the next level. These features have transformed them from simple tools into powerful therapeutic aids, catering to a broader spectrum of sensory needs.
Who Can Benefit from Chewable Jewelry?
Chewable jewelry is a versatile tool that can support individuals of all ages, from children to adults, by offering a safe and effective way to manage sensory needs, anxiety, and the urge to fidget. For children with conditions like autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders, chewable necklaces and bracelets provide a safe outlet for chewing, helping them to self-regulate, reduce anxiety, and stay focused. These tools are especially beneficial in school settings, allowing children to concentrate on their tasks and participate more fully in classroom activities.
Adults can also benefit from chewable jewelry, particularly in high-stress environments or when dealing with sensory challenges. Whether you’re navigating a demanding job, handling anxiety, or simply need a discreet way to manage sensory input, chewable necklaces and bracelets can offer a practical solution. The consistent sensory input they provide can help regulate emotions, enhance concentration, and prevent sensory overload, making them a valuable tool for maintaining focus and calm in busy or noisy settings.
Top Chewable Jewelry Brands and Products
The market for chewable jewelry has expanded significantly, offering a wide array of brands and products tailored to various needs. Understanding your options can help you choose the chewable necklaces, bracelets, and other items that best suit your preferences.
When it comes to well-known and trusted names, ARK Therapeutic and Chewigem stand out. These brands, along with creative newcomers, provide diverse designs and materials, ensuring there's a chewable jewelry option for everyone.
ARK Therapeutic
Selecting the right chewable jewelry is about prioritizing quality, safety, and durability. ARK Therapeutic, a leader in the sensory product industry, offers an impressive range of chewable necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and more. My family personally found success with their bestselling line of chewable jewelry, appreciating the wide selection, fair pricing, and reliable quality.
ARK's chewable necklaces are known for their durability and safety, with various shapes, sizes, and colors available. This makes it easy to find a discreet and stylish option that meets different chewing strengths and sensory preferences.
Chewigem
Chewigem is another reputable brand, offering chewable pendants designed with discreetness and varying levels of toughness in mind. With over 2M sold in over 400 designs, Chewigem is a great option for both children and adults who prefer more subtlety.
In addition to these well-established brands, there are also independent sellers on platforms like Etsy. These sellers often create unique, handcrafted chewable jewelry, providing more personalized options that cater to specific tastes and needs.
DIY Chewelry Ideas
Creating your own chewable jewelry can be a rewarding way to craft sensory tools that are both functional and uniquely personal. Start by selecting food-grade silicone beads, which come in a variety of shapes, textures, and colors. These materials are safe for chewing and can be easily strung together to create a chewable necklace or bracelet that meets specific sensory preferences.
To make your DIY chewable necklace or bracelet, consider mixing beads with different textures—smooth, bumpy, or ridged—to provide varied sensory input. You might also experiment with combining silicone beads with durable, non-toxic cords to create a chewable gem that’s sturdy and visually appealing.
Look to popular chewable jewelry lines for inspiration, but don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine. Customize your designs to suit individual needs, whether it’s by incorporating favorite colors or adding unique elements like small charms. The beauty of DIY chewable jewelry is that it can be tailored to fit any style or requirement, making it a truly personal sensory tool.
Conclusion
Chewable jewelry is more than just a tool—it's a source of comfort and focus for people of all ages. With a wide variety of styles and designs available, everyone can find the perfect piece that suits their sensory needs and personal preferences. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can DIY your way to the perfect option. Whether its helping kids concentrate in school or offering adults a discreet way to manage stress, chewable jewelry proves to be a valuable resource for many.
As you explore different brands and products, you’ll discover that there’s something for everyone. Why not take the time to find the chewable jewelry that works best for you or your loved ones? The right piece can make all the difference in navigating sensory challenges and enhancing daily life.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with chewable jewelry! Have you found a particular brand or style that works well for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going. Your insights could help others find the perfect sensory tool, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Use Chewelry?
Chewelry is helpful for people of all ages who have sensory needs. This includes those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or anyone needing help to focus or manage their senses.
Is Chewelry Safe for All Ages?
Chewelry is safe for all ages if used correctly. Look for items made from medical-grade and non-toxic materials. Make sure the size and strength match the person's chewing ability. In 2018, The FDA did warn that, “the risks of using jewelry for relieving teething pain include choking, strangulation, injury to the mouth and infection.” So please always use properly and with caution.
How Does Chewelry Help with Focus and Anxiety?
Chewing helps our mouth and muscles work better. It gives proprioceptive feedback to our body and can make us feel calm. This means it can reduce anxiety and help people focus better. This is especially helpful for those with sensory needs.
Can Chewelry Be Used in Educational Settings?
Yes, chewelry can be a helpful sensory tool in schools. It can support students keep their focus. It also helps them manage sensory input and take part more actively in class.
Tips for Selecting the Right Chewelry
Think about the person's sensory needs and chewing strength. Also, look at their preferences. Check the size, shape, texture, and toughness of the chewelry, like a chew necklace. This will help make sure it is right and fun for the user.
