Can baby sleep with amber necklace

Amber beads - safety, and do they work?

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Blog post | 23 Feb 2021

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Parents have always been eager to find ways to relieve teething discomfort for their babies and small children. So, when it could be as simple as putting a string of beads around the child’s neck, it’s understandable that parents would become interested. But like many solutions to health-related conditions, it’s not that simple.

What’s an amber bead necklace?

An amber bead teething necklace is a string of round amber chips the child wears around their neck. The amber forms from fossilised tree resin which is shaped into rounded, small beads threaded onto a piece of string or cord. Manufacturers claim the resin, once warmed by the child’s skin, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe a child’s swollen, sore gums.

Amber bead anklets and bracelets are also available, although necklaces are the most popular. The beads come in a range of colours, from white to yellow and from beige to brown.

Who are the necklaces made for?

Amber bead necklaces are made for children who are teething or showing signs of teething. The recommended age varies between manufacturers although they generally say there are benefits in wearing them between 4 months and 3 years of age.

Why are they used?

It’s natural to look for easy, quick and effective solutions when small children are unhappy. But it can be very hard to soothe a crying baby who seems miserable because of teething pain. Gums can be swollen, red and sore as teeth erupt, and until they emerge through the gum margin, the only way to help the baby is to alleviate the symptoms.

These are some of the reasons why amber bead necklaces have become so popular. The fact that they are also formed from a natural substance, are easily put on and some people believe the jewellery looks attractive, adds to their appeal.

Are amber bead necklaces safe?

Amber bead necklaces and bracelets are not safe to use. They are a strangulation hazard to children if they tighten around the child’s neck. They can also break and the child could inhale the beads if they mouth or chew the necklace. Some necklaces have a magnetic clasp which, if swallowed, could cause gut perforation.

What do the experts say?

There is no clear evidence that amber bead necklaces or jewellery help to soothe a teething child. Managing the child’s behaviour is generally the safest way to manage teething episodes.

Red Nose recommends nothing be placed around the neck of a sleeping baby and identified the risk of choking to babies who wear a string of amber beads.

During the teething period, it takes around 4 days for the tooth to emerge through the gum and around 3 days afterwards. There is no consistent pattern of behaviour when it comes to teething. Some children don’t seem at all bothered; others become quite irritable.

10 safer alternatives to amber beads

Lots of cuddles and soothing
Extra day sleeps if their night sleep is being disrupted
Extra breast or bottle feeds if they’re keen
Teething rings and toys to chew on
A cool, wet washer can be a popular choice
Foods with extra texture
Offering something firm to suck on, such as a sugar-free rusk
Massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger
Drying the skin around your child’s mouth and chin if they’re drooling a lot – rashes are common in areas that stay moist
Pain relief medicationif your baby is miserable – make sure you use the right dose for your baby’s age and weight and speak with a doctor or pharmacist first

If you do choose to use amber beads

Always supervise your child when they are wearing amber bead necklaces, bracelets or anklets.
Remove any amber bead jewellery before you leave your child alone and when they go to sleep.
Never let your child chew on the amber beads.

Who can I speak to for more information?

Speak to your doctor or child health nurse if you have any concerns about your child’s teething. They can give you clear, evidence-based support and advice.

Key points

There is no clinical evidence that amber bead necklaces work.
Using amber bead necklaces and jewellery has several safety risks, especially the risk of strangulation or choking.
Teething is a normal developmental stage — extra cuddles, soothing and chewing on a (safe) teething ring or toy will help most children.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.

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Why Amber Teething Necklaces Are Safe To Wear

February 04, 2019

Amber jewelry such as amber teething necklaces for babies and infants has been steadily rising in popularity over the last several years due to the wonderful impact that amber jewelry can have on teething pain. But like any new trend regarding treating infant problems, there is always a worry about just how safe the product really is for babies to use.

The verdict on amber jewelry’s safety? Amber jewelry is safe to use BUT like anything you have on or around your infants, there needs to be precautions in place to ensure the jewelry is used properly. It goes without saying that if you leave a baby unsupervised with jewelry around their neck, wrist or anklet there is a chance that your baby may pull at the jewelry. It doesn’t matter if your child is wearing a $1000 designer necklace or an amber necklace. A necklace on a baby left unsupervised is not a good idea!

To tackle this and other safety concerns regarding amber jewelry, take a look at these following safety questions and answers about amber necklaces and other jewelry.

Are There Safety Risks With Amber Jewelry?

There are safety risks when babies wear any kind of jewelry! So the safety precautions necessary for amber jewelry are not any different than those you would impose if your baby was wearing a necklace gifted by grandma or a nice bracelet to let them wear at a family party.

Some basic safety precautions you should employ when having your child wear amber jewelry for teething pain:

• Never let your child wear amber necklaces or bracelets unsupervised or in a situation where you cannot reach them. This is because amber necklaces and bracelets are made with bead-like pieces of amber, which can present a choking hazard if your baby tries to chew on them or they become loose from the jewelry string.

• Never let your child wear amber necklaces or bracelets at night, as both of these options could present a choking hazard. If you want to continue allowing them to wear their amber jewelry at night for added teething relief, then use an amber anklet instead, which cannot be chewed or wrapped around their neck.

• Regularly check their amber jewelry for broken pieces or damage, as this can prevent accidents caused by broken or loose beads. If you notice any loose or missing beads, make sure that you find them and set the jewelry aside until it can be repaired.

Is Amber Jewelry Toxic?

Amber jewelry itself is not toxic. Amber jewelry is made using molded or shaped pieces of amber. They work through a compound called succinic acid, which is secreted through oil that is released from the amber when it gets warmed up through contact with the skin. The succinic acid is absorbed into the skin and from there, into the body. Succinic acid is not toxic and is safe when absorbed into the skin. Although amber is safe to wear against the skin, it should not be ingested, especially by infants.

Final Thoughts:

Amber jewelry, like any jewelry, needs to be treated with common sense caution by parents. However, it is not inherently unsafe or any more unsafe than other jewelry worn by babies and infants. If you employ some basic safety precautions, then your child will be safe when wearing their amber jewelry to help relieve uncomfortable teething pain.

About Powell's Owls:

Powell's Owls is a family owned company that is dedicated to offering a safe and natural alternative for teething pain. Our amber teething necklaces are sourced directly from the Baltic Region and certified authentic by the Gemological Institute Of America (GIA) and recognized as the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry.

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Baby almost died because of amber teething beads

Health

Photo: Epiximages / iStock / Getty Images

When the baby roars because of teeth day and night, young mothers are ready for a lot. One of the tricks that allegedly helps kids and their parents to survive this difficult period is amber beads.

“Amber heats up from the child's body and releases oils containing succinic acid. Succinic acid is absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to relieve pain, ”the manufacturers of amber teethers report on one of the sites.

But chewing on amber beads, contrary to popular belief, is strictly forbidden. The fact is that raw amber is very fragile. The kid runs the risk of crushing the stone and swallowing it.

However, this is not the only danger of amber beads for children. Mother of many children Kasey from the USA told how she almost lost her child because of such a necklace. She bought amber beads for her two-month-old son Hunter.

Photo: @kasieschoch

“I saw in the group for parents on Facebook (an extremist organization banned in Russia) that moms just rave about such necklaces,” Kasey says on TikTok. Inspired by the reviews, my mother contacted the manufacturer to clarify the size of the product. But before placing an order, she asked: what will happen if the child catches on something with beads.

“They told me that the beads are absolutely safe and the plastic thread breaks easily,” the woman says. “However, they gave a small warning: the child should wear beads only in the presence of parents and take them off before going to bed.”

Little Hunter wore beads every day for 9 months until something terrible happened.

“We had a children's gate to his playroom, and we sat next to the children's gate, playing on the floor. At some point, I stared at the phone, and then I saw how my son was lying on his stomach close to the gate. He made strange sounds, and at first I thought he was just fooling around. And then I looked closer and saw that the beads were caught on the stopper on the door, and my child was suffocating, ”Casey recalls that terrible day.

Photo: @kasieschoch

Mom immediately tried to break the beads, but she couldn't. Then she started screaming, calling for help from her husband.

“I think at some point I just passed out from panic. I don’t even remember what happened next,” says Casey. “Fortunately, the husband came running and freed the child. Hunter has already begun to turn blue. At some point, I thought that he was about to die.”

Cassie is horrified to imagine what could have happened if at that moment she had gone to the toilet or to the kitchen. Most likely, she would have lost her son.

“Beads on Hunter's neck caused bruises that lasted for several weeks,” Mom says. “Later, my husband and I tried to break the beads, but it turned out to be almost impossible to do.”

What's more, Cassie remembered how, before buying beads, she came across an article about a little boy who died because of an amber necklace.

“But then I thought that it only happened once. Probably, the boy's mother simply did not follow him. It definitely won’t happen to me,” Casey says.

In the comments to the video, the mother of many children also refuted the beneficial properties of amber beads by making inquiries on the Internet.

"It has been proven that a child's body cannot heat amber so much that it releases succinic acid," Casey said.

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Amber teething necklaces , despite their benefits, are harmful to the baby

necklaces Teething Some parents consider amber to be one of the most important accessories to protect when a child is teething, because children's teeth in most cases grow naturally, without any problems. However, there are times when things don't turn out quite the way you expected and you seek help with teething. Amber teething necklaces promise to make teething pain-free and natural, but are they worth it?

Amber teething necklaces, despite their benefits, are harmful to the baby

Although experts agree that they are made mainly from natural and drug-free ingredients, they have some concerns, so they are not recommended. Many parents choose to use amber teething necklaces due to their design.

The necklaces release succinic acid, which is known to reduce gum inflammation and swelling. It has an analgesic effect and relieves pain and swelling that occurs during teething. In this article, we will discuss all the possible questions you might have about amber teething necklaces. Read on to find out more.

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In this article

What are amber teething necklaces?

When a tree is cut down or its bark oozes sap, it will petrify and harden over time if left alone. The polished resin is then cut and turned into amber. Holes are made in these beads and strung on them to make necklaces.

Manufacturers of amber teething necklaces claim that these necklaces reduce teething discomfort and soothe the baby.

Parents swear by their use and believe that the darker the amber, the more therapeutic it is. The quality and safety of the amber used in these necklaces also depends on the region from which it is sourced, the most famous amber is called Baltic amber.

Should babies wear amber teething necklaces?

There are many legends associated with amber necklaces and rumors circulating in the parent community about how amber necklaces work.

Although necklaces release succinic acid, there is no scientific or medical evidence to support claims that necklaces are actually anti-inflammatory.

There is no further evidence that the oil in these necklaces reduces pain or reduces inflammatory responses caused by the immune system. However, despite the lack of hard evidence, parents still use these necklaces and confirm them.

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Benefits of Amber Necklaces for Teething

While not a cure for teething miracles, some benefits have been noted in circles. The most common benefits of an amber necklace:

1. Amber teething necklaces - natural transformer

Amber is a natural adaptogen and helps the body to better adapt to stress. Helps the child feel comfortable and organizes children's sleep activities. Quality sleep also means a stronger immune system and a better metabolism.

It also makes it easier to maintain, gain or lose weight, depending on the baby's feeding schedule and growing needs.

2. Amber teething necklaces relieve pain

Amber has analgesic properties that help with Arthritis and pain. Wearing amber necklaces while teething is said to reduce pain from repetitive movements.

3. Amber necklaces for teething have healing properties

Some parents report a reduction in the frequency of exacerbations of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, eczema, shoulder and back pain, etc. Again, this is based only on parent experience and is not supported by solid scientific evidence.

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Do amber teething necklaces work in amber?

Amber teething necklaces are not a magic pill for the treatment of various diseases. In the same way that tonics or supplements show no change during the day, these necklaces will have no effect if worn for a week.

Amber teething necklaces, despite their benefits, are harmful to the baby

The changes that parents have noticed in the sleep cycles and general health of their children have been observed through the regular use of these teething necklaces over a long period of time.

When worn for several weeks, these teething necklaces provide many health benefits for babies and save parents many of the problems they face when it comes to natural teething.

Dangers of Using Amber Teething Necklaces

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released an official report recommending parents not to use amber teething necklaces. According to the report, here are some of the reasons they were against these teething necklaces:

Amber necklaces are mostly worn around the neck. This leads to a possible case of suffocation in children due to the soft structure of the neck.
Amber tablets present a choking hazard as infants may swallow them. The most severe cases of suffocation can lead to death.
Children may also experience bleeding or infection in the gums.
Amber beads can accidentally get into the gums and cause gingivitis or a tooth infection.

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What alternatives can be given to a child instead of amber beads when teething?

If you're ready to try alternative treatments that are cheaper and more natural than using an amber necklace, here's what you can do:

1. Massage these gums and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with water.Massage the baby's gums gently. It provides temporary pain relief and relieves gingivitis.

2. Use chew toys. Chew toys made of rubber, wood, or plastic are safer than amber teething necklaces. They do not contain a choking hazard and cannot be broken into pieces that could result in injury. You can try different materials and choose the ones that your child likes.

3. Use anklets or bracelets. If you use amber for skin and anti-inflammatory properties, you don't need to resort to teething necklaces. Amber bracelets and anklets are available, which are safer to wear on the wrists and legs. You can try this.

4. Use child-safe pain relievers. If other methods fail to relieve pain and you resort to using any medication, make sure you have a doctor's approval and a prescription. Pain relievers for babies, such as acetaminophen or Tylenol for babies, are good for relieving gum pain. Stay away from any pain-relieving creams or gels as these can lead to adverse reactions.

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