Teething and Amber Bead necklaces.

There is a huge variation in when babies get teeth and how they are affected by them. Some babies are born with them, and some don’t get them till 12 months. Symptoms may include fever, rash, and general irritability or none at all. 

What are amber teething necklaces? 

Many parents want to make natural choices for their baby’s health and there has been an increase in the use of amber bead necklaces as pain relief for teething babies. The necklaces are sold with the claim that if worn close to the skin, the succini oil in the amber (fossilised resin) will reduce pain and inflammation.

What are the risks of using amber necklaces on babies for teething?

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a product safety notice about the dangers of using amber necklaces and it is illegal for any retailer to make claims that amber beads provide relief or are a cure for anything.   

The product safety notice also raises issues of strangulation, which has occurred (for instance) when a baby’s hand gets wedged between the necklace and their neck.  

Additionally, there are concerns that if the threading breaks a baby can choke on either a bead or worse, the magnetic fastener that could cause perforations in their bowel. 

What’s the safest remedy for teething babies?

• Let them suck on a cold wet cloth or frozen banana to numb the pain.
• Gently massage the gum.
• Seek advice from your GP about pain relief such as Panadol or Nurofen.