Prenatal Visits

Before we start talking about what you can expect to happen to your body, let’s talk about the exciting things your prenatal visits will focus on. In your second trimester, baby is growing and developing, and you’ll be able to hear the heartbeat! And you could find out if you’re having a boy or a girl … but only if you want to!

Physical Changes

While baby is developing, your own body is further adjusting to your baby’s growth. You can expect your belly and your breasts to continue to enlarge. This is a great time to switch to a more supportive bra!

Some other physical changes you can expect in your second trimester:

Skin

Hormonal changes during pregnancy in the second trimester can cause some changes to your skin, including:

• brown patches on your face
• a dark line down your abdomen
• stretch marks along your abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or thighs

Nose

During pregnancy, your body produces more blood which can aggravate the mucous membranes in your nose, causing:

• nasal congestion
• nose bleeds

Mouth

Staying on top of your dental hygiene is important during the second trimester. During pregnancy, your gums become more sensitive to flossing and brushing, which can cause bleeding. To help prevent irritation:

• Rinse with saltwater
• Use a softer bristle toothbrush
• Make sure you stick to your scheduled dental appointments

Legs

It’s common for moms-to-be to experience nighttime leg cramps during the second trimester. Here’s how to help prevent them:

• Stretch your calf muscles before bed
• Stay physically active
• Drink lots of water
• Wear comfortable shoes that offer support
• Take a warm shower or bath before bedtime

Down There

You’ll also probably notice a discharge that’s typically clear or white. It’s normal. Also normal during this time are urinary tract infections. If either of these conditions become painful, foul smelling, or in the case of a UTI, are associated with a fever, see your doctor, so they don’t lead to vaginal or kidney infections.

Emotional Changes

The fatigue and moodiness you may have felt during the first trimester has probably improved, but as your delivery day approaches and your excitement builds, you’ll probably start to feel a little anxious and maybe unprepared. You may experience:

• Fear and anxiety
• Forgetfulness or “mommy brain”
• Tearfulness
• Negative perceptions of your body

To manage your emotions during the second trimester, focus on staying healthy and happy, and live in the moment as you ride the waves of impending motherhood. Don’t be afraid to talk about what you are experiencing – this is a much healthier alternative to keeping things bottled up!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you 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.

The post Pregnant for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect in the Second Trimester appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

How Calcium Benefits Women During Pregnancy

Your body takes calcium away from you and passes it to your developing baby, which is why getting enough of this mineral is vital to help prevent bone loss during pregnancy. The good news is that your body knows how to step up and protect your bones, especially when you eat the right things.

How Much Calcium Does Your Body Need?

Your body does not produce calcium, which means you need to include it in your diet. Most pregnant women require about 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. You should try to get at least four servings of calcium-rich foods daily.¹

Calcium-Rich Foods

Some of the best sources of calcium are found in dairy products, including:²

1. Plain low-fat yogurt
2. Part-skim mozzarella
3. Cheddar cheese
4. Skim milk
5. Calcium-fortified soymilk
6. 2 percent milk
7. Low-fat buttermilk
8. Cottage cheese

Non-dairy Calcium Options

Not everyone can tolerate dairy, so here are some non-dairy options that provide significant sources of calcium.

• Calcium-fortified orange juice
• Canned sardines with bones
• Tofu
• Salmon
• Cereals that are calcium-fortified
• Kale
• Bok choy

Filling in Nutritional Gaps with Prenatal Vitamins

Sometimes moms-to-be need a little extra help getting the recommended daily amount of calcium. A prenatal vitamin that contains calcium when combined with a calcium-rich diet can usually give you and baby everything you need. But not all prenatal vitamins are created the same.

Prenate offers a family of calcium-rich prenatal vitamins including:

• Prenate^® Enhance
• Prenate^® Restore
• Prenate Chewable^®
• Prenate Mini^®
• Prenate DHA^®
• Prenate Elite^®
• Prenate Essential^®

Ask your doctor if a Prenate^® Vitamin is right for you.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you 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.

The post The Importance of Calcium During Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Here is a week-by-week overview of what you can expect during your pregnancy.

Weeks 1 to 4

During this time, symptoms are similar to menstruation: mild cramping, spotting, sore breasts, mood swings, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and a heightened sense of smell or taste. And, of course, a missed period.

Weeks 5 to 8

Some of the same symptoms from the first month carry over, including breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, bloating, and mood swings. Here’s where morning sickness begins for many women, as well as headaches that can be brought on from caffeine withdrawal. Extra saliva production is also common.

Weeks 9 to 12

Morning sickness is still around, as well as a few new symptoms, including weight gain, increased clear vaginal discharge, digestive issues, visible veins, and round ligament pain in the lower belly. You’ll also start to notice a small baby bump and larger breasts. Acne is also a possibility, although some women experience a radiant pregnancy glow.

Weeks 13 to 16

At the end of the first trimester, dizziness and clumsiness may occur. You may also notice darker skin pigmentation, sensitive gums, a stuffy nose, and leg cramps. Mamas-to-be can also expect an increased appetite, increased energy, and increased libido!

Weeks 17 to 20

As baby grows, so do the backaches. Symptoms such as stretch marks, heartburn, constipation, swelling in the hands and feet, dry eyes, and varicose veins are also common. “Pregnancy brain” or increased forgetfulness is also possible. But something to look forward to – your baby begins to kick!

Weeks 21 to 24

Growing baby will put more pressure on your hips, groin, and abdomen and cause shortness of breath, which can lead to snoring. You’ll also see an outie belly button. Your hair and nails will grow fast, but your libido will slow down. You may also see some bleeding in your gums.

Weeks 25 to 28

With the approach of the third trimester comes general aches and pains, but also some strange new symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by swelling and fluid retention in the hands and hemorrhoids are possible. All these new symptoms can lead to problems sleeping.

Weeks 29 to 32

As your body prepares to give birth, you may notice leaky breasts. You also may experience false labor pains that come and go; these are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Some other symptoms from your first trimester may also return, such as fatigue and frequent urination.

Weeks 33 to 36

Your little one is letting their presence be known! Braxton Hicks contractions will continue, and so will the kicks! As baby moves down lower, you’ll experience some pelvic pain, but breathing will get easier.

Weeks 37 to 42

Symptoms such as swelling, frequent urination, insomnia, and pelvic pain will continue until baby’s arrival. You’ll also lose your “mucus plug” about two weeks before labor. As labor nears, you’ll experience an increase in contractions, back pain, and dull abdominal pain, and restlessness.

If your brain is spinning, understand that you may or may not experience these common symptoms. If something doesn’t feel right, you should always trust your instincts and contact your doctor when you have concerns.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you 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.

The post A Weekly Breakdown of Common Pregnancy Symptoms appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

What is Sleep Training

Simply put, sleep training is teaching babies how to fall asleep on their own. It’s a natural process of getting babies to understand that they can put themselves to sleep. If babies need intervention to fall back asleep each time they cry, it’s a frustrating cycle for them – and new parents. Learning how to self-soothe is an important developmental skill for babies.

The Right Time to Train

So when is the right time to sleep train a baby? Experts recommend you begin sleep training when your baby is at least four months old. This is the typical age when babies begin a regular pattern of staying awake during the day and sleeping during the night. Talk with your pediatrician to discuss when your baby might be ready to sleep train.

Techniques

There is no one sleep training technique that works for every baby. Many parents combine methods. It comes down to finding the approach that your baby responds to the best. Here are some common sleep training techniques.¹

Cry it Out (CIO)

One of the most well-known techniques, CIO, is the process of putting your baby to bed while they are tired but still awake. They may cry while learning the process, but it’s OK to allow them to cry in their crib. Some parents find this process frustrating and decide to combine it with the bedtime fading method, which we’ll discuss below.

Ferber Method

Otherwise known as Check and Console, this method includes checking on your baby at timed intervals. When your baby is tired but still awake, put them in the crib and come back in three minutes, then five, then 10, and so on. The goal is to increase the length of the intervals each night. It’s OK to softly speak to your baby when you come in the room each time, but don’t pick your baby up.

Pick Up Put Down

It’s hard not to want to pick up your little bundle of joy when they’re fussy, so this method allows you to do that, but just briefly. After putting your baby in the crib, you can pick them up briefly to comfort them, then put them back down as soon as they are settled. Some parents find success by combining this with the Ferber Method.

The Chair Method

When your baby is tired, put them in the crib, then sit next to them in a chair. When they fall asleep, quietly leave the room. If they cry, go back, and sit next to them. The point is to move the chair further away from the crib each night until the chair is no longer in the nursery.

Bedtime Fading

Maybe you want to put your baby down at 7 p.m., but they cry for 30 minutes in the crib before falling asleep. It’s a good bet that 7:30 p.m. is probably more in sync with their natural circadian rhythm. With the bedtime fading technique, you start baby’s bedtime at the natural time they are sleepy, and then gradually move bedtime up in 15-minute increments until you’ve transitioned to the desired bedtime.

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you 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.

The post Sleep Training Your Baby appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Why Playtime is So Important

Newborns are eager to experience the new world around them, and play is the first step in learning about their surroundings. Playing with your baby is important for their overall development and well-being, and most importantly, it’s an opportunity to bond. When you play together, your little one will quickly come to recognize you as a source of comfort, protection, and calm.

Make Funny Faces and Sounds

The first type of play for newborns starts with facial expressions, sounds, and touch. Spend time smiling at your baby, laughing, rolling your eyes, sticking out your tongue, blowing raspberries, and making goofy faces. Your baby will love watching your face.

Singing and chatting are other great forms of interactive play. Contrary to popular belief, baby talk is a good thing! The exaggerated pitch and melody are higher and more animated than normal talk, which grabs baby’s attention.

Reading is another opportunity for bonding and learning. It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Nursery rhymes with their sing-song language patterns help babies hear and learn the sounds and syllables in words.

Touch has an important role in playtime as well. Tickle and count baby’s little toes, stroke their face or tummy, or move their tiny hands in circular motions. All of these activities increase their alertness and aid in early development of physical and communication skills.

Introduce Age-Appropriate Toys

To help baby build important skills, introduce some simple, safe toys that they can hold on to or pass from hand to hand. Start with age-appropriate toys that appeal to the senses, such as:

• Rattles
• Learning cubes
• Textured toys
• Mobiles
• Balls
• Musical toys or toys that make sounds
• Peekaboo mirror

Interactive Cards and Games

An array of toy manufacturers and nonprofit organizations work with child development experts, pediatric physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to design interactive games and activities that nurture babies’ intellectual, emotional, and physical development. For some ideas, check out Curious Baby. It offers activity card decks that include more than 40 developmentally stimulating activities. Each card contains an activity (like baby situps), a why-it-matters section, clear activity instructions, and helpful illustrations. Pathways.org provides free games and resources to maximize all children’s motor, sensory, and communication development. It offers weekly milestone activities delivered right to your inbox.

Playtime doesn’t have to last hours on end. When you set aside a little time each day to interact with your little one, not only are you encouraging their development, you’re having fun too!

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you 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.

The post Activities to Do with Your Baby appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Foods You Can’t Go Wrong With

When baby first starts eating solids, typically between 4 months old and 6 months old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)¹, soft textures are important. Start with a single grain (non-rice) cereal that’s fortified with iron. Mix 4 teaspoons to 5 teaspoons of breast milk or formula to 1 teaspoon of single-grain cereal. Pureed vegetables and fruits such as carrots, peas, and applesauce and pureed meats and poultry are also great first foods for infants in this age group. As baby progresses with chewing and motor skills, introduce single-ingredient finger foods that are soft and easy to pick up, such as avocado slices.

Ingredients to Avoid

On-going investigations and reports from Consumer Reports and the federal government² found that many popular baby food products contain surprisingly high amounts of dangerous heavy metals – including arsenic, cadmium, and lead – that can endanger infant neurological development and long-term brain function. They recommend limiting baby’s intake of these highest-risk foods:

• Rice
• Sweet potatoes
• Apple juice
• Grape juice

In addition to the above recommendations, parents should try to avoid these additives:

• BPA and phthalates, which are often found in plastic and squeezable baby food packaging. These chemicals may leach from the plastic into the food. Look for products labeled “BPA-free” or “phthalate-free.”
• Synthetic artificial food coloring. Look for foods that use natural food coloring from fruit and vegetable extracts.
• Nitrates and nitrites. Both occur naturally in some vegetables, but there is little to no risk of nitrate poisoning from commercially prepared infant foods in the United States. However, homemade infant foods prepared with well water can be a high risk for nitrate poisoning.³

Watch for Signs of Food Allergies

The rule for delaying the introduction of eggs, dairy, soy, peanuts, and fish in baby’s diet for fear of developing allergies to those foods is a thing of the past. According to the AAP, there is no evidence to suggest that a delay will prevent food allergies.⁴

Because food allergies are a real concern when switching babies to solid foods, moms want to take extra precautions when introducing new foods and to be on the lookout for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling, that can happen within minutes to a few hours after eating. Delayed allergic reactions such as eczema, diarrhea, and constipation can also occur. Moms should wait two to four days between introducing new foods, which should make it easier to pinpoint which food triggered an allergic reaction. Also, keeping a food journal can help quickly identify food patterns.

Store Bought Versus Homemade

Preparing your own delicious and nutritious baby meals from scratch is another option. You have more control over the ingredients, plus it can be less expensive. Purees are relatively easy to make with a few fresh or frozen ingredients and a blender or food processor. You can also use a spoon and fork to mash bananas, peas, or avocados!

Prenate^® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you 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.

The post Baby Food: The Good, The Bad, and The Homemade appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

Smiling and Social Development

Sometimes the early smiles babies make are attributed to “just gas,” but scientists now believe there may be more to a baby’s first smiles than meets the eye.

According to researchers, a baby’s smile can indicate a range of clues toward their social and emotional development starting almost right after birth. Furthermore, the types of responses your baby gets after making certain facial expressions could leave a lasting imprint on their social responses.¹

Probably the most significant development from studying babies’ smiles is the discovery that by the time a baby is four months of age, both the baby and mother time their smiles in a purposeful, goal-oriented manner.² The discovery was made in a 2015 study at the University of California San Diego. During the study, scientists programmed a baby-like robot to smile at undergraduate volunteers in the same patterns they had observed in real-life 4-month-olds and their mothers. By calculating the statistics they gathered from their recording of the experiment, the scientists were able to determine that while mothers timed their smiles to maximize mutual smiling, the infants were likely timing their smiles to maximize mother-only smiling. In other words, whether the infants knew it or not, they were smiling just enough to keep their moms smiling.²

Stages of Smiling

Depending on your baby’s age, their smile could mean different things. Here’s a timeline of how your baby’s smile develops over time.

0-6 Weeks – Reflexive Smile: This is most noticeable when your baby sleeps. Your baby goes through a lot of physiological changes during REM sleep, activating certain reflexes. One of those reflexes is to smile.³

6-8 Weeks – Responsive Smile: Your baby may begin to smile in response to certain stimuli at this point. Voices, faces, and noises, especially those that your baby associates with his primary caregiver, will likely produce a smile.³

2-3 Months – Social Smile: Up to this point, your baby’s smile has mostly been attributed to internal reactions to things that make them feel pleasure or comfort, or a reflex. Now that begins to change, as your baby learns that their smile can get a reaction and produce certain responses from others. This realization is also accompanied by more vocalizations like gurgling, babbling, cooing, and other noises. These are all ways that your baby is starting to express themself.³

6 Months – Undiscriminating Smile: At this point, your baby is all smiles all the time! Just kidding. They will certainly have their fair share of other emotions, but most parents start to see a difference in their baby’s ability to smile at a lot more things (and people).³

9 Months – Selective Smile: Around nine months of age, your baby will start to be able to distinguish their parents as special and different from other people. They gain an understanding of the existence of strangers. The ability to distinguish different faces from a parent’s face is crucial to healthy development and survival. However, “stranger anxiety” can make your baby seem a lot shyer and more cautious than they were at six months old.³

12 Months – Sense of Humor: At around their first birthday, your baby’s sense of humor will begin to develop. They’ll laugh and laugh at things that surprise them or silly faces and noises. Even dropping something on the floor may make them belly laugh. Your baby will also be looking for a response when they laugh, so if you laugh with them, they may laugh even harder.³

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you 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.

The post The Science Behind Your Baby’s Smile appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

How Music Impacts Development

At around 16 weeks of pregnancy, babies begin to hear their first sounds. By 24 weeks, their ears are becoming even more developed, and by the third trimester, they may even turn their heads toward certain sounds.1 Since we know that babies can hear while they are in the womb, and there is ample evidence to suggest that music is good for the brain, it’s no surprise that more and more prenatal researchers are interested in the effects of music on babies in utero. In doing this research, some surprising discoveries have been made.

First, it has been documented that high levels of stress in a mother can be harmful to her baby’s development in the womb. If the mother listens to calming music that helps her relax, this will indirectly benefit her baby.⁴ As for direct benefits to the baby’s development, hearing music (particularly classical music) has been shown to increase neural connections in the brain and aid in building brain structures. Some studies even indicate that babies can remember certain music for up to four months after being born.⁴

What type of music is best for baby?

Researchers believe the complexity of classical music helps aid in the development of cognitive skills and helps babies solve spatial problems more quickly.³ That being said, experts believe that just about any type of music can be beneficial, as long as it gives the mother positive feelings and is not too loud or jarring. Even heavy metal music is fine from time to time; however, the rapid rhythm and constantly shifting beats can cause stress for babies if they hear it too frequently.⁵

Playlist Picks for Your Baby

Thinking of curating a pregnancy soundtrack for you and your baby to enjoy? Here are a few suggestions for songs, playlists, and YouTube channels to help soothe, stimulate, and encourage development in your little one:

1. Classical Music for Babies playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4H6lPuASKXVpLsVF1apakq
2. “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AJmKkU5POA
3.  Guided Meditation for Pregnancy from The Honest Guys on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p39afBUYk7c
4. Pregnancy Music to Make Baby Move from Nova Relaxing Music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uks3mGAOfsc
5. “Lullaby” by the Chicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjAYkFpyqp8
6. “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWz-RU3OtmA

Don’t forget to include some of your own personal favorite songs and playlists – and don’t be shy about singing along! Babies are comforted by hearing their mother’s voice, even while they are still in the womb.

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.

The post How Music Affects Your Baby’s Brain appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

What causes baby hiccups?

Hiccups (medically referred to as singultus³) occur when the diaphragm contracts, forcing air out through a baby’s closed vocal cords, causing the “hiccup!” sound. These contractions can even happen to babies while they are still in the womb. Many expecting mothers will feel it when their babies have the hiccups. It will usually feel like quick, repetitive flutters or light kicks. Some women describe the feeling as popcorn popping in their bellies. Not only is this completely normal, but it is also a good sign that your baby is most likely developing as it should. Fetal hiccups can indicate your baby’s reflexes, respiratory system, and nervous system are all in working order.²

At-Home Therapies

Very often, your newborn will stop hiccupping on their own. But there are a few at-home treatments you can try to stop hiccupping¹:

• Take a break from feeding to burp the baby (every 2 to 3 ounces is recommended)
• Give your baby a pacifier. The sucking motion may help calm their diaphragm muscles.
• Feed your baby gripe water (a mixture of herbs like fennel, ginger, or chamomile) and water.
• Give your baby a back rub.

What NOT to Do

It’s not a good idea to rely on old wives’ tales or remedies based solely on tradition or superstition. Here are some things you should never do to try to stop your baby’s hiccups¹:

• Scare your baby
• Pull their tongue
• Try to make them drink water
• Hold them upside down

These “remedies” are not based on scientific facts or evidence, nor are they effective at stopping hiccups. More importantly, they can be dangerous when performed on a baby.¹

What if my baby won’t stop hiccupping?

If you’re concerned that your baby has been hiccupping for too long or is feeling pain or discomfort resulting from persistent hiccups, you should contact your pediatrician. It is especially important to contact your pediatrician if your baby is hiccupping and is¹:

• Crying more than usual, especially during or after feedings
• Arching their back excessively during or after feedings
• Spitting up more than usual

These symptoms could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER is is a condition that occurs when partially digested food and stomach acid come back up through the food pipe. This condition may irritate the diaphragm and trigger spasms, causing hiccups.¹ GER is also known as infant reflux and is relatively common, especially in newborns.⁴ If you are concerned that your baby is experiencing infant reflux/GER, talk to your pediatrician.

If you have any other concerns related to your baby’s hiccups, don’t be afraid to tell your pediatrician. Some new moms feel like a “nervous Nellie” or that they are overprotective or bothersome when they call their doctor about every little sneeze, cough, and yes, hiccup. But don’t worry, mama. It’s OK to be concerned about your baby, and sometimes you just need a little peace of mind.

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.

The post Infant Hiccups – What’s Normal? appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

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 following^1-2:

• 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.

The post Are Teething Necklaces Safe for Babies? appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.