Sensory Chews - What Are They For And How Do I Pick One?

What are sensory chews for and how do I pick one we hear you ask! To answer this we've put together this step by step guide to help you pick the right sensory chew.

What are Sensory Chews?

Sensory Chews are small, chewable, tactile sensory aids that allow autistic individuals with sensory needs to chew safely. They are safer and more hygienic than chewing on fingers, clothing or potentially unsafe objects.

Sensory chews are available in a range of different shapes, sizes, colours and textures. Commonly worn on safety lanyards around the neck, there are also designs for wrists, clothing toggles, keyrings and even pencils.

How To Select The Right Sensory Chew

At Sensory Direct we have a complete range of Sensory Chews called ‘Chewbuddy™’. These are suitable for children, teenagers and adults from mild to aggressive chewers.

We understand that there is no ‘one-fits-all’ when it comes to sensory chews, so we offer a complete range of varying strengths, colours, shapes and even some that provide additional sensory feedback. There’s something for everyone.

To help you choose the correct sensory chew, we recommend the following steps.

Is The Sensory Chew Safe For Me?

Safety has got to be the most important factor to consider when selecting your sensory chew.

Look for products that are made from appropriate materials, that don’t have protruding parts that are easily bitten off and read the product reviews. Our Chewbuddy™ Range ticks all the boxes when it comes to safety – don’t just take our word for it, take a look for yourself!

Consider User Bite Strength

Another very important consideration is user bite strength. Select a chew that has the right strength and shape (no protruding parts) for the intended user. In our Chewbuddy™ range we offer two different strengths, standard and tuff. All of the chews in our range, excluding the Chewbuddy™ bangle, are available in both strengths.

For mild chewers or mouthers who require a softer chew, we would suggest looking at our Chewbuddy™ Stickman. The distinctive shape is easy to grip and hold and comes in a variety of colours. Also available as a sensory teether for younger children or in a tuff finisher for moderate to strong chewers.

If a stronger, more durable chew is required for an aggressive chewer then look no further than the Chewbuddy™ Super. We haven’t come across a stronger sensory chew anywhere!

Sensory feedback

Does the individual respond better to certain textures? We have a range of sensory chews with different finishes such as smooth, dimpled or ridged – great for additional sensory feedback.

Try the Chewbuddy™ Monster Skull or Chewbuddy™ Monster Ghost for a chew with a smoother overall texture, or the Chewbuddy™ Disc or Chewbuddy™ Tag for a more textured chew.

Weighted therapy

Would the user benefit from some weight? If so, our Chewbuddy™ Bangles can be worn on the wrist, and when doubled up, provide a comforting weight to the individual.

Range of colours

We understand first hand how important colour is. Some children have a strong aversion to a certain colour, others have to have everything in one specific colour. To cater for this we have a range of bright primary colours and softer tones to choose from.

Our Chewbuddy™ Stickman is also available in light blue and light pink.

Age of user

Some of our sensory chews are discreet and more appropriate for young adults or those wanting to wear something more subtle such as the Chewbuddy™ Tag. It’s small, and discreet but has plenty of chewing surface and small dimpled edges for sensory feedback.

Where to wear

We have sensory chews suitable for wearing on a safety lanyard around the neck, on a wrist, clothing toggle, keyring or even pens and pencils!

Safety Lanyards should always be used under adult supervision and are not suitable for children under 36 months. Please note, a safety release catch at the back of the safety lanyard will automatically release if pulled hard.

Consider Cleaning

Keeping your sensory chew clean is very important to promote good hygiene – after all they do go in the mouth!

To make things simple, all our Chewbuddy™ sensory chews are extremely easy to clean. Simply pop in a dishwasher or steriliser, or even wash in good old hot water and mild soap.

Consider Security And Protection

The last thing you want when going out and about is to lose your sensory chew.

That’s why all of the Chewbuddies in our range (except Bangle, Tag and Tubes) come complete with a safety lanyard (not suitable for under 36 months). Keeping both you and the chew safe. Perfect for school, walking to the park or even meeting friends.

Selecting A Safe Sensory Chew

Safety is of great importance to us, so all our Chewbuddy™ Sensory Chews are:

Tested for compliance with all relevant safety standards
Made from medical grade materials – NO phthalates, PVC, BPA, or Latex (so safe to chew).
CE Marked (quality assurance).
Suitable for cleaning in a steriliser or dishwasher.
Come with a safety lanyard so the Chewbuddy™ can be worn safely around the neck (excluding Bangle, Tag and Tubes)
If you’re still unsure which Sensory Chew to buy or maybe you like the idea of several of them, we offer a great value Chewbuddy™ Selection Starter Jar. Saving on buying each chew individually and complete with a handy storage jar, it contains 9 Chewbuddies and 2 spare safety lanyards.

Looking After Your Sensory Chew

Lastly, although our Chewbuddy™ sensory chews are made from a strong medical grade material, they are not indestructible.

Some individuals (particularly those with heavy oral needs and aggressive biting/chewing) may be able to damage the chews. How long they last may depend on the oral sensory needs of the child as well as other variables.

It’s important to regularly check your sensory chew for wear and tear and replace them when necessary to ensure safety. Please always supervise the use of a sensory chew.

So, ready to buy your new Sensory Chew? Check out the Chewbuddy™ range and Chewbuddy ™ Selection Jar today.

Additional Resources

If you know someone who likes to chew but doesn't respond well to sensory chews, we have alternative solutions! Try our NEW Comfort Safety Lanyards, safe, chewable, comfortable lanyards than can be used alone or with a chew. Or, our NEW Comfort Scarf - helps to protect collars and toggles from chewing. We also handmake hand and wrist covers (with and without weight) and protective cuff covers to help stop users chewing on hands, fingers or sleeves.