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Are Teething Necklaces Safe for Babies?

October 19, 2020

Baby holding a teething necklace
Teething necklaces have grown in popularity in recent years, as they are designed to help alleviate discomfort for babies as their teeth begin to come in. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns parents that these necklaces and similar products may pose a safety risk for babies and toddlers.

What are teething necklaces?

Teething necklaces are small necklaces intended to help relieve pain and discomfort associated with the teething process. They are also sometimes used for sensory stimulation in young children with special needs such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD.)1-2

These necklaces and bracelets are beaded jewelry, and the beads are usually made of amber, wood, marble, or silicone. While they are marketed to help relieve teething pain and aid in sensory development, most experts say that they are not safe for babies and encourage parents to find alternatives.1-2

Manufacturers and promoters of these products also claim that amber beads have a pain-relieving property that activates once the baby’s body temperature warms them. Promoters also claim that teething necklaces help stimulate the thyroid gland to control drooling and reduce inflammation in the ears, throat, stomach, and respiratory system.1-2

There is no scientific research or evidence to support these claims.1-2

What the Experts Say

Teething jewelry for babies is not illegal to make or purchase; however, the FDA made an official statement in 2018 saying these products pose significant choking and strangulation hazards to babies and toddlers.1 The FDA made the official warning after receiving reports of children choking on beads that broke off and of an 18-month-old being strangled to death by an amber necklace during a nap.1

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) also does not recommend that infants wear teething jewelry.2-3

Alternatives to Teething Necklaces

Leading experts in infant safety and healthcare recommend choosing alternatives to teething jewelry to help relieve discomfort.

Both the FDA and the AAP recommend using the following1-2:

  • Plastic and rubber chew toys that are large enough to not be choking hazards
  • Cold washcloths (not frozen)
  • Teething rings that are cooled or partially frozen (frozen solid teething rings are too hard for a baby’s mouth)
  • Gentle massage on your baby’s gums (remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after)
  • Doctor-recommended medicine (numbing gels, sprays, and creams that contain benzocaine are NOT recommended for infants)

Parents who insist on using teething necklaces should follow these recommendations2:

  • Always closely supervise children while they are wearing teething jewelry and never leave them unattended while wearing them, even for a short period of time.
  • Always remove the teething jewelry when the child is sleeping (day or night.)
  • Consider having your child wear wrist or ankle jewelry instead of a necklace. This won’t eliminate a choking hazard, as the beads can still fall off, but the risk of strangulation will be much lower.

If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding your baby’s teething, discomfort, or recommended products, consult your pediatrician.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is sponsored by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

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