DIY Chewelry Necklace

As the parent of a sensory kid, my child chews almost everything. From his clothing to the computer headphone wires, nothing is off limits. Why not make our own DIY Chewelry Necklaces to save money for your own child with Sensory Processing Disorder or Autism!

What is a Chewy Necklace?

Don’t know what chewelry (or a chewy) is? Chewelry is usually a plastic necklace that children can chew on. Many children with Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism have an innate need to have something in their mouths — they’re oral seekers. Chewelry, or chewies, give them a positive outlet to get that sensory need fulfilled.

Chewelry can get really expensive if your kid actually chews through them (which mine does). One mom recommended we try making our own chewelry for kids who absolutely need something in their mouth, and she was kind enough to allow me to share it with you.

DIY Chewelry Necklace

A while back, we were talking in my online Facebook group for The Sensory Spectrum about chewelry.

To combat her child ruining her clothing, fellow sensory mom Sheri K. takes her kiddo’s old t-shirts, cuts them into strips and then braids them into a kind of necklace. Her daughter can wear the braided chewelry necklace and chew ’til her heart’s content without killing her clothing. Brilliant, right?

And Sheri was so generous, she’s allowing me to share the picture of her kiddo with the homemade chewelry.

Moms Who Love Their DIY Chewelry

Fellow mom Jennifer M. said this about her homemade chewy necklace: “This is awesome… we have chewies all over the place… but never one in his hand when he needs it. By the time I notice he is chewing his shirt, it is because I hear him sucking the slobber out of it.”

Mom Angie M. said: “This is perfect to meet to the school uniform guidelines of ‘jewelry must be modest and safe.’ Most chewerly is SOOO brightly colored it doesn’t fly!”

Don’t get me wrong… we still love our original chewelry. My son’s favorite is the Sensachew Dog Tags (affiliate). Even though my kid sometimes needs something more substantial, these homemade chewelry necklaces are terrific!

Of course, use common sense if you make one of these DIY Chewelry Necklaces. Please make sure your child is old enough to manage wearing it (it could be a choking hazard). Also, be sure to wash these necklaces on a regular basis. Can you imagine if you didn’t. Ew!

If your kid needs something more substantial to chew on, consider the following affiliate links:

Read more of my posts touching on Sensory Processing Disorder here. And to learn more about sensory challenges or to join our inclusive community, visit The Sensory Spectrum.