There are a number of teething pain remedies on the market. From Tylenol to teething tablets. While Tylenol has it's place, I don't believe it is beneficial to give a child regular doses of it over the lengthy period of time that teething is. Mouth numbing agents are effective, but can cause choking due to the throat muscles being effected by the numbing agent as well. There are also more natural and homeopathic remedies, two of which we rely on in this house; amber teething necklaces and teething tablets.
If you aren't familiar with amber teething necklaces, there are a few things you should know. First off, amber teething necklaces are made from amber beads. Amber is a fossilized resin from conifer (trees bearing cones) sap. When the beads are against the skin, body heat releases succinic acid which absorbs into the skin. Succinic acid provides many beneifits which aid in teething.
Second, amber necklaces are NOT meant to be chewed on. This is not a product your baby or toddler should be able to get in their mouth. This is meant to be worn against the skin. As I said above, benefits come from body heat and absorption, not from your baby actively chewing on the beads.
Third, safety! Make sure you have the right fit. Not too long, not too short. It is not recommended to allow your baby to wear the necklace when you are not with them. Avoid bathing with the necklace, this could weaken the cord the beads are tied on, which would increase risk of the necklace breaking.
One place you can buy these necklaces is from KG Baby on
Amazon.
There are many things I like about their necklaces. Each bead is knotted on either side. This is significant because if the necklace breaks, only one bead will fall off the cord, the knots hold the rest on the cord. I also like that the beads on this necklace are multi-colored and oval shaped, I feel it is a great option for boys! The clasp is screw-on and I haven't had it loosen at all.
The downside to this necklace, it's a bit too long. It is listed as 12 inches, but it is actually closer to 13. When I put it on my 9 month old, she immediately pulled it up and put it in her mouth, and as I said earlier, they should not be able to get it in their mouth. I decided to try it on my 3 year old. I thought it was a pretty good fit for him. He could get it to his chin, but not in his mouth unless he really tried. But he's not one to put things in his mouth anymore, so I'm not too concerned about that with him. Unfortunately, he has all his teeth, so this isn't something he needs.
Below you'll see how it compares when my baby is wearing it vs. my 3 year old.
As you can see, this length makes it easy for her to play with and put in her mouth, neither of which is safe for a baby. I also feel like it would be easy to get snagged on things as she crawls or toddles around. It has a much better fit on my toddler. Still a little bigger than I'd like, but I don't see any safety concerns with him wearing an amber necklace this length.
I'd say this necklace would be good for bigger babies or older babies/toddlers, but not younger babies or little ones that are on the lower half of the growth scale.
You can purchase this necklace by KG Baby on
Amazon, they are currently including chewable teething jewelry (for mom to wear) in with your purchase!
I received the product pictured above for free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
