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If you rely on teething necklaces to soothe your baby’s discomfort, the FDA advises you to discontinue their use. Their concern isn't without cause—children have choked and suffocated on these necklaces, and the amber versions, in particular, made exaggerated claims that were never backed by evidence.
The FDA’s recent alert pertains to various types of jewelry designed for teething or chewing. This includes amber necklaces and bracelets with small beads, as well as those featuring larger beads made from materials such as wood, marble, amber, or silicone. These items are often used by infants, or older children with autism or ADHD, to help with sensory stimulation. Their advice: avoid them altogether.
What’s the issue with necklaces that have larger beads?
These necklaces are intended for children to chew on, but the beads can detach if the child chews through the string, creating a serious choking risk. Additionally, the necklace could get caught on something, posing a strangulation hazard. (The FDA even received a report of an 18-month-old who tragically died after being strangled by a necklace during a nap.)
Why should amber necklaces be avoided?
These necklaces are typically not intended to be chewed, but they are claimed to release a natural substance, succinic acid, which supposedly absorbs through the baby's skin to alleviate pain.
There are two main problems with this claim. First, it's unlikely that anything is actually being absorbed from the necklaces, which means you could just save your money. The second issue is if a chemical *is* being absorbed through your baby’s skin, you should ask: how much? Is it a safe amount? What are the potential side effects? Does the amount decrease over time? Is this substance even proven to be safe or effective on its own?
You wouldn’t give your baby a pill containing an unknown drug at an unknown dosage, so it's wise to approach this situation with the same level of caution. The FDA states that they have not assessed succinic acid for safety or effectiveness as a pain reliever.
Additionally, they present the same choking and strangulation risks as other types of necklaces.
What are safe methods to relieve teething discomfort?
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend the following safe ways to manage teething pain:
Allow the baby to chew on your finger
Provide a rubber teething toy for the baby to chew on
Offer a frozen washcloth (soak it in water, tie it in a knot, and freeze it before use)
Liquid-filled teething rings should be avoided, as the liquid can become contaminated and harmful if the child bites through the ring. Topical numbing agents, such as benzocaine, should also be avoided as they can cause a dangerous condition known as methemoglobinemia. Moreover, these products are typically washed away by saliva shortly after application. Additionally, some homeopathic teething remedies contain dangerously high amounts of belladonna, a poison that can be fatal.
It’s tough watching your child in pain, but teething jewelry and medications don’t provide significant relief and carry serious dangers. We may recall stories of how a particular remedy or toy worked wonders, but remember, teething pain comes and goes. So, whatever you use during the peak of the pain, it will likely improve on its own. Providing something safe to chew on is your best solution.
