ARK's Y-Chew® (Yellow)

ARK's Y-Chew® is another great product to assist in oral exploration and to increase movement in the cheek, tongue, lips, and jaw. Use it to develop biting and chewing skills, to decrease oral sensitivities to textures, and to assist in the reduction of teeth grinding. The handle allows for an easy grip, and the extensions on the top part of the "y" make it easy to reach the upper and lower back molar area. Each arm has a different texture: one smooth, one ribbed, and one with gentle bumps. Because the Y-Chews® are a non-food item, you can avoid the risk of choking while working on feeding skills. The handle measures 2½ inches and the extensions measure 1¾ and 1¼ inches respectively. Also available in a firmer XT version in two different colors: turquoise and orange. Each Y-Chew® is constructed of medical grade materials that are FDA compliant and contain no lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex. As with all of ARK's products, the Y-Chew® is made right here in the USA.

MADE in the USA out of medical grade, FDA compliant materials that contain NO lead, phthalates, PVC, BPA, or latex.

Caution: this therapeutic tool should be used under adult supervision at all times.

The Y-Chew® can be used:

• As an alternative to biting/chewing on fingers, shirts, pencils, and other hazardous non-food items
• To decrease thumb-sucking, tooth-grinding, and finger/knuckle biting
• To build oral strength and tolerance
• To calm and soothe individuals through oral sensory input
• To de-sensitize the mouth for individuals with oral defensiveness and food aversions.

For detailed exercises, check out Tips & Techniques for the Grabber® Family, an instructional how-to guide written by the speech therapist behind the Grabber®. Most of the exercises for the Grabber® can be also be used and adapted for the Y-Chew®. Chapter topics include:

• How to Increase Interaction with and Acceptance of the Grabber®
• How to Increase Mouthing for Feeding and/or Speech Development with the Baby Grabber®
• How to Increase Lip & Tongue Control
• How to Increase Tongue Mobility & Lateralization
• How to Increase Jaw Stability and Control
• How to Establish the Concept of Bite and Chew
• How to Promote a Rhythmic Chewing Pattern
• How to Transition from Puréed to Textured Foods
• How to Decrease Toothgrinding and Finger and/or Knuckle Biting

Average Customer Review: 4 Reviews

Write an online review and share your thoughts with others.

Great for Strengthening the Jaw, 9.8.2011

Reviewer: Kris B. (, FL)

My 9 month old has weaker cheek and jaw muscles and we were given one of these by his speech therapist. He loves chewing on it and it's really helping to build up his oral motor muscles. I hope hoping this will lead to improved chewing as well and we can move to thicker textured foods.

Awesome for therapy!, 6.8.2011

Reviewer: Heidi B (Columbia, SC)

This chew is great for working with little ones on munching and development of the rotary chew. I love the pliable material it is made of and the varied textures. It is so versatile with three different sides to choose from and the long portion of the Y makes a great handle for the therapist. Fits perfectly in the hands of little ones as well to provide independent oral stimulation in an appropriate manner. My favorite "chew tool" so far!

Great tool!, 5.19.2011

Reviewer: Mara C. (Land O Lakes, FL)

My youngest son uses this while watching tv to keep him from sucking his thumb. It works well at keeping his hands and mouth busy!

"Soft" and durable, 2.15.2011

Reviewer: Kim R. (Macungie, Pennsylvania)

I'm very happy to find a chew that is BPA/Phthalate/latex/PVC free medical grade material (and made in the US). This chew is a softer material, excellent for a child who chews clothing and needs that flexibility. Thanks for making a great product!