Are Amber teething necklace is really the best solution for the pain of your baby’s gums? Do not purchase without knowing the facts first. Teething can be very difficult for babies (and parents too!). Like any other difficult stage of development, it won’t take forever to complete, but there’s not a lot of comfort when you wake up at 2 a.m. when you fumble through the dark to find a missing toys for your baby for eight times in the night. You might be able to explore any method to ease those sore gums that’ve kept your baby awake and upset over the course of three days in three nights. It’s likely that, at some point, a kind acquaintance or search engine may suggest purchasing an amber teething necklace for babies while the teeth of a baby work to get through. At first glance, an Baltic amber teething necklace may be appealing as an alternative to traditional teething remedies. However, with contradictory science and shaky claims of success and high risks to safety Do you think an amber necklace for baby teething something you would really like to have for your baby’s collection? Read on to find out the opinions of two pediatricians. tell you.
What is the Amber Teething Necklace?
The first thing to remember is that amber isn’t actually a gemstone. It’s actually fossilized tree resin. The majority of amber necklaces for teething are made of either raw or polished and treated with heat. Baltic amber beads that are strung and tied. The necklace is put around the neck of the baby (though it could pose a variety of security concerns). The necklaces’ sellers declare that when heated by the body temperature of the infant the amber releases pain-reducing substance that is absorbed by the baby and eases teething pain.” claims Dina DiMaggio MD Pediatrician from New York City who is also a an assistant professor in pediatrics clinical at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Many believe that the relaxing effects are due to being able to absorb succinic acids, an organic substance believed to be an anti-inflammatory when absorbed by the body. The greatest concentration of succinic acids is found in the outer layer of the resin. That is the reason some people choose the amber teething necklace in its raw form instead of one that has been heat-treated, which strips away the outer layer resin during polishing.
How do Amber Teething Necklaces Are they effective?
The idea that amber beads ease the pain of teething is mostly due to the fact that Baltic amber is a source of succinic acid. Which, when it is absorbed by the baby’s body, can help ease swelling and irritation of gums. The beads increase the activity of thyroid hormones, and in turn, reduce drooling and boost the immune system’s ability to decrease inflammation in the throat, ears stomach, and respiratory system according to Texas-based pediatrician Alexandra Phillips-Walker DO. As of now there is no evidence from a scientific study or research to support these claims.
Does Amber Teething Necklaces work?
The recent increase in the popularity of Baltic Amber teething necklaces many are convinced that the Amber baby’s teething necklace helped their child’s teething issues. There is numerous anecdotal proofs following a quick Google search, however medical experts warn that these necklaces aren’t secure and efficient. As per AAP American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The claims of amber teething necklaces aren’t confirmed by any scientific research or proof.
One of the most common misconceptions about Baltic amber necklaces for teething can be that amber teething beads are made for babies to chew on, but this isn’t true. Actually amber is a necklace for teething that is intended to be used by a baby to ensure that the succinic acid is taken in by the skin of baby.
Although this essential element is actually found in amber, there’s not much evidence that suggests it is released once the the body’s temperature. Although the succinic acid is released by the warmth of the baby however, there’s not enough of it in the amber teething necklaces to pass through the skin and enter the body in a massive enough amount to perform any healing. Even if it was an adequate amount, the necklaces aren’t worth the risk they present to babies. Are you curious about what they are? Learn more about them here.
Amber Teething Necklace Safety Issues
Many parents are wary of the idea of wearing jewelry, especially necklaces for babies due to the possibility of strangulation and choking risk. Manufacturers of amber necklaces for teething affirm they are secure since they knot each bead individually or create a necklace that snaps in the event of being pulled too hard, thereby lessening the danger of strangulation.
Even if they’re individual knotted, if a thread is broken, the baby can take at least one beads and place it into their mouth. Many claim that’s one too many. Some companies have attempted to ease parents’ anxiety of choking babies by offering amber teething beads which can be worn on the ankle or wrist. However, this could make it more a breeze for children to pull and grab the bracelet or anklet, and tear the thread.
“Amber teething necklaces can be hazardous and are not advised by the pediatricians who prescribe them,” DiMaggio says. “The FDA released a warning in December of 2018 following reports of children who choked on beads that fell off or even the fatality of toddlers who was choked by the necklace while asleep.”
In 2010 the Canadian federal department of public health issued cautionary guidelines on amber teething necklaces. Ireland also took a more aggressive stance in 2015. In 2015, the Health Service Executive referring to amber necklaces for teething as “inherently dangerous.” In the year 2016 the American Academy of Pediatrics issued their own advisory, which stated that they recommend against children wearing any type of jewelry.
Alternatives to Amber Teething Necklace
There are a myriad of alternative options for relief from teething you can offer your child without the danger of a baby’s amber teething necklace comes with. From prescription-only remedies to home-made natural solutions and tested toy for teething, you can find a solution out for your child’s needs with none of the dangers associated with.
“Try using cold objects on your gums, such as the frozen dry washcloth.A damp washcloth, or semi-frozen rings for teething. Teething rings that have been frozen are too difficult for babies,” Phillips-Walker says. She also suggests parents use chew toys as well as rubber teething rings or, if deemed appropriate by your doctor or a doctor, the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol). In the case of the numbing gels you should avoid those made with benzocaine in order to avoid poisoning children of a younger age She adds. Another alternative is to rub the baby’s gums using the help of your (clean) fingertips.
