Status: Draft. Not indexed until reviewed.
Chew toys and chew tools: how to choose
What it is
Chew tools are firm, food-safe silicone or rubber shapes made to be chewed. Some children chew sleeves, pencils or other objects, and families look for a safer thing to chew instead. A dentist or occupational therapist can advise on your child.
Why families use it
For children who chew sleeves or pencils, a firm, food-safe chew tool can be a safer thing to chew.
Where to buy
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Safety, how to choose, and questions to ask
What we can and cannot say
We have not found a source we can cite showing that this kind of product helps any condition, so we make no such claim. This guide covers choosing and safety only.
Safety and background (sourced)
- FDA's consumer guidance on teething suggests a firm rubber teething ring for infants, and warns against teething jewelry. Chew tools for older children should still be checked often for damage. Source: FDA: Safely Soothing Teething Pain in Infants and Children
How to choose
- Pick a toughness level that matches how hard your child chews; many makers grade them soft, medium and tough.
- Choose one piece of solid material, with no small parts that can come off.
- Make sure it is too large to fit fully in the mouth.
- Check it is dishwasher safe or easy to wash.
- Inspect it daily and replace it at the first tear, crack or bite-through.
- Supervise, especially with younger children or children who bite hard.
Questions to ask your child's clinician or school team
- Is this a good fit for my child's age, size and needs?
- How should we introduce it, and how long should my child use it?
- What should we watch for that means we should stop?
- Should my child's chewing be checked by a dentist?
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