Teething necklaces 101

We all know the signs: drooling, red cheeks, fussy, disturbed sleep and chewing on anything within reach. Babies can’t tell us how badly teething hurts, but judging by how it affects many of them (some lucky babies and their lucky parents coast through with nary a rosy cheek), it’s probably safe to say that pain ranges from mild to extreme.

Many parents turn to pain medication or homeopathics when needed. Another long term and effective option is a teething necklace. Normally made of amber or hazelwood beads, these necklaces are gaining in popularity thanks to overwhelming anecdotal evidence of their effectiveness.

Most parents are understandably skeptical when they first hear about these pain relief options. There are no scientific studies to verify the benefits of either material. Various claims scattered around the Internet attempt to explain how the necklaces work but they do not offer any conclusive proof. There are, however, a few theories . . . .

The theories

Amber necklaces are made from amber found in the Baltic Sea. Amber, a resin, releases minute amounts of healing oils when warmed next to the skin. These oils enter through the skin and offer a natural analgesic effect. This is effective for adult pains as well, including menstrual cramps.

A second theory on how amber works states that amber is high in succinic acid, which is said to be antibiotic, immune boosting and generally curative. The last theory on why amber works as a natural painkiller involves the resin’s negative electromagnetism and its negative ionizing effect on the body.

The testimonials from parents offer the real proof. Many parents have said things like “He stopped drooling before we got home from the store!” or “She was sleeping like normal again that night!” Of course, no remedy is guaranteed to work the same for everyone, but even parents who do not offer such enthusiastic reports say that their child’s symptoms seemed to lessen while wearing the necklace.

Hazelwood necklaces are made from beads of hazelwood bark. Hazelwood is an alkaline wood and is therefore said to absorb and neutralize the acidity in the body. Hazelwood, like amber, is appropriate for adult ailments as well as those of children. The list of problems hazelwood is said to help is long and includes teething, eczema and other skin problems, ear, nose and throat infections, headaches, ulcers and acid reflux, and arthritis.

Both types of necklace are constructed to be safe for children and babies. Amber necklaces are single-knotted, meaning they have a knot between each bead. If the necklace breaks only one bead should fall off, helping to prevent choking. The beads are also small enough that they should not present a choking hazard. Both types of necklace are designed to break if the child gets hung up on the necklace – amber necklaces are made with string that will snap if a child’s weight is applied, while hazelwood necklaces feature a clasp that works in the same way.

Neither necklace needs to be chewed on to be effective – what matters is the necklace’s contact with the skin. While baby sleeps, wrap the necklace around the baby’s ankle as it will still leave the material in contact with the baby’s skin.

Where to find them

Babes in Arms in Calgary (they ship across Canada)
Tiny Gem

Lindsay Ross is part owner of Calgary baby store Babes in Arms, which specializes in slings, cloth diapers and natural parenting options. Babes in Arms carries amber teething necklaces and hazelwood necklaces. Ross, her business partner, and their staff have tested both types on their own children and witnessed great results.

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Other teething helpers

When this babyvibe momma's oldest daughter was in the teething stage, she loved to chomp down on the wooden handle of a musical rattle. She would have loved the Peapod Teether by Natural Pod. Made on Vancouver Island, the unique teether is made with western maple wood and finished with Harmonic beeswax. It’s small enough for little hands to handle and hard enough for soothing those tender gums. We love it as this teether is a safe alternative to liquid-filled teethers that have been recalled in the past.

Also check out Smart Mom's Teething Bling, fashionable jewelry for momma that doubles as a safe, teething helper for babies.

Teething necklaces 101

The theories

Where to find them

Sponsor link:

Other teething helpers

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