Teething can be a real challenge for babies (and parents too!). Like any other difficult stage of development, it won’t last forever, but it’s not a lot of comfort when you wake up at 2 a.m. as you run through the dark to locate a lost tooth-feeding device for the 8th time in the night. You might be able to explore any method to ease those sore gums which caused your baby to be awake and agitated three nights in the same row.
It’s likely that, at some point, a kind acquaintance or search engine may suggest buying an amber necklace for babies while these teeth are working to get through. On first sight, a Baltic amber teething necklace may be appealing as an alternative to traditional teething medicines. However, with inconsistent science and shaky claims of success and substantial safety risks Do you think an amber necklace for baby teeth something you’d really want to include to have in your baby’s kit? Read on to find out the opinions of two pediatricians declare.
What is the Amber Teething Necklace?
The first thing to note is that amber isn’t a real gemstone. It’s actually fossilized tree resin. The majority of Amber bracelets for teething are made of raw or polished and heat-treated Baltic amber beads that are strung together and then individually tied. The necklace is then worn around the neck of the baby (though this can cause a myriad of safety concerns). “Amber teething necklaces” are made of amber and advertised to ease teething pain. The necklace’s sellers declare that, when heated by the body temperature of the baby the amber releases pain-reducing substance that is absorbed by the baby.
Many believe that the relaxing properties are due to succinic acid an organic substance thought to function as a painkiller once it is absorbed into the human body. The most succinic acid is in the outermost layers of the resin. That is the reason why some prefer the amber-based teething necklace instead of one that is heat-treated. It takes away the resin’s outer layer in the process of polishing.
What is the best way to make Amber Teething Necklaces Are they effective?
The idea that amber beads ease teething pain is 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 alleviate swelling and sore gums. Retailers also assert that the beads boost the thyroid gland, and in turn, reduce drooling and enhance the immune system’s capacity to lessen inflammation in the throat, ears stomach, and respiratory system the Texas-based pediatrician Alexis Phillips-Walker Do. As of now there isn’t been any studies or scientific evidence to support these claims.
Does Amber Teething Necklaces Are effective?
The recent increase in the popularity of Baltic Amber Teething Beads many parents believe that the Amber baby’s teething necklace helped their child’s teething issues. You can discover a wealth of anecdotal evidence in an easy Google search, however medical experts warn that these necklaces aren’t secure and efficient. As per AAP American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The claims made by amber teething necklaces cannot be confirmed by any studies or evidence.
One of the most common misconceptions about Baltic amber necklaces for teething are that they are intended for babies to chew on, but this isn’t true. In reality the amber necklace is designed to be used by babies to ensure that succinic acid is taken in by the skin of baby. Although this crucial ingredient is found in amber, there’s not much evidence that suggests it is released once the infant’s normal body temperature. Even if succinic acid is drained out through the warmth of baby’s body however, there’s not enough of it in the amber necklace for it to be able to travel through the skin before entering the body with enough amount to perform any healing. Even if there were it, the necklaces do not warrant the risk they present to babies. Are you wondering what they are? Learn more about them here.
Amber Teething Necklace Safety Risks
Many parents are wary of the idea of wearing jewelry, especially necklaces, due to the possibility of choke and strangulation dangers. Manufacturers of amber necklaces for teething affirm they are secure due to they tie each bead in a separate knot or create a necklace that snaps when pulled too tightly, thus lessening the danger of strangulation.
Even if they’re tied in a single knot, if the thread is broken, the baby will be able to take at least one of the beads and place it in their mouth. And many believe that’s not one of the many. Others have tried to alleviate parents’ fears of their baby’s choking fears by offering amber teething beads which can be worn on the ankle or wrist. This, however, makes it easier for infants to pull and grab the bracelet or anklet and tear the thread.
“Amber necklaces for teething are hazardous and should not be advised by your pediatricians.” DiMaggio warns
In 2010 the Canadian federal department of public health issued a cautionary warning about amber teething necklaces. Ireland also took a more adamant 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 cautionary statement, saying that they do not advise infants against wearing any type of jewelry.
Alternative Teething Alternatives to Amber Teething Necklace
There are many different solutions for teething relief that you can offer your child without the danger of a baby’s amber teething necklace comes with. From over-the-counter remedies to homemade natural remedies and safe tooth-play toys. There’s a solution out that will suit your child’s needs with none of the dangers associated with.
Teething rings that are solid and frozen are not suitable for infants,” Phillips-Walker says. She also recommends parents utilize chew toys as well as rubber teething rings or, if they are approved by your doctor or a doctor, Acetaminophen (Tylenol). In the case of Numbing gels, it is best to stay clear of ones made with benzocaine in order to avoid harming young children she says. Another alternative is to rub the baby’s gums using fingers. (clean) fingernails.
What the experts know:
Dina DiMaggio, MD, spokesperson of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatrician working with Pediatric Associates of New York. She is an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. She is also author of The pediatrician’s guide to feeding Babies and Toddlers Practical Solutions to your Questions about nutrition, beginning Solids and Allergies, as well as and Picky Eating and more. She earned her doctorate from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2002.
Alexis Phillips, DO, is a pediatric physician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics Atascocita in Atascocita, Texas. She graduated from The Ohio University Heritage College Osteopathic Medicine.