Written by Dr. Hafsa Fatima
Teething can be painful. As a parent, it is very disheartening to see your baby suffer from teething pain and discomfort [1]. This may make you desperate to find a solution. This is when teething jewelry can come to your rescue. Teething necklaces and beads have become an increasingly popular alternative treatment to ease teething pain and discomfort.
You must have seen babies around you adorning their teeth with amber beads tied around their necks or wrists. These are not just some usual accessorizing pieces of jewelry but are believed to be Baltic amber necklaces that can help with teething pain [2]. However, anything around a baby’s neck can be alarming since it poses a risk of choking or strangulation. So are amber necklaces effective and safe? What risks do they pose? Are there any alternatives to these necklaces? We have answers to all your queries. So read on!
In This Article
Amber teething necklaces consist of amber, a fossilized tree resin and not an actual gemstone. Most amber teething necklaces are made of either raw or heat-treated and polished Baltic amber beads.
When a baby wears an amber teething necklace, their body heat stimulates the production of a trace amount of oil containing carboxylic or succinic acid. When your baby chews on the beads, the secreted acid enters the bloodstream to provide pain relief. Proponents say that this oil has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, babies suffering from aching and swollen gums experience relief and are less cranky [2].
Amber teething necklaces are popular among millions of parents to relieve teething pain and discomfort. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend using them for two main reasons:
Teething can begin as early as three months and can be extremely painful for a baby. Parents start giving babies Amber teething necklaces when the baby turns 3 or 4 months old or when the baby starts experiencing the first symptoms of teething. Babies can continue wearing them until they turn about 3 years old or after the teething process is complete.
During teething, gum inflammation and tenderness are common. A mild fever and general irritability may also occur. In addition, sleeping difficulties, excessive saliva, tugging on the ears, and a huge amount of screaming can be exhausting both for the baby and the parent. That’s why many parents try goods like amber necklaces.
Baltic amber comes from fossil tree resin. Succinic acid is present in amber and is generated when heated. When a baby wears it, the body temperature warms the amber, producing succinic acid, which the skin absorbs.
Amber has a shelf life of about two years, depending on how you store it. However, it can become fragile and fade over time. This happens particularly if subjected to detergents and creams, fragrances, salt, or heat
There are several advantages to using Baltic amber jewelry regularly, which include the following:
[Read: Does Teething Cause Sleep Disturbance In Babies?]
However, it is essential to seek advice from your baby’s pediatric doctor before using amber necklaces.
Several incidences of unintentional choking and strangulation have been reported due to the use of these necklaces [3].
The most common risk associated with using amber necklaces is the fear of choking. This could occur while the baby is asleep or while fastening the piece of jewelry. The necklace can also tighten and strangulate the baby’s neck, especially while playing.
This jewelry can also harbor hazardous bacteria or fungi. It’s normal for newborns to acquire microorganisms from their surroundings. However, increased salivation and drooling can harbor more bacteria and cause infections.
The necklace itself can be a strangulation hazard when left unattended. It can tighten or coil around your baby’s neck, strangling them. Suffocation due to strangulation is the leading cause of death among infants younger than a year.
[Read: Infant Choking]
As a parent, you can take some precautions while using amber necklaces for your babies. These include:
Teething can be a painful experience for both babies and their parents. Teething necklaces, on the other hand, are not a safe option. Below are some healthier methods for keeping your infant comfortable throughout teething.
Although you may see babies and small children wearing teething necklaces, it’s crucial to note that the medical fraternity does not encourage these due to their potential threats to a child.
There are numerous effective alternatives to amber teething necklaces for babies that you can opt for. Consult your baby’s doctor to discover the perfect and safest option for them.
[Read: Chamomile Tea For Babies]
The Amber Necklace is not hazardous in and of itself. They function via a chemical called succinic acid. It releases oil produced from amber when it comes into contact with the body.
The benefits of amber necklaces show up within hours. Nevertheless, each individual is unique. It may take up to 1-2 weeks for the others.
As per growing evidence, amber teething jewelry, especially necklaces, is not safe for babies.
Read Also: Soothing Essential Oils For Teething Babies
Many parents believe that amber bead necklaces help relieve teething pain in babies. When they chew on the amber bead it releases a special oil that contains a pain reliever. This also helps numb sore gums. However, there is no scientific research or evidence.
Amber bead necklaces for teething are meant to be worn against the skin, such as around the neck or wrist. The beads release an oil consisting of succinic acid which is supposed to enter the bloodstream and act as a natural pain reliever.
References
Wheels on the Bus Rhyme For Babies
Lemon For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Ways to Feed
Top 5 Tips to Encourage Babies to Crawl
Oatmeal For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and How to Feed
Top 8 Adorable Baby Girl Photoshoot Ideas at Home
Positive Coombs Test in Newborns – What it is, When it is Done and How to Take Care
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