As a new parent, I experienced a bit of confusion, but eventually found my community among the babywearers, a unique group within the attachment parenting movement. We had breastfeeding rates that could rival any La Leche League gathering. We shared tips on safe co-sleeping and supported each other in gently disciplining our homeschooled children. This was the unconventional side of parenting, where babies were tied to our backs in cloth wraps, and we often nursed each other’s little ones. Interestingly, most of us chose to vaccinate. Yet, we all embraced the trend of adorning our kids with amber necklaces.
When my son Oliver started drooling incessantly at just two months old, the diagnosis was clear: teething. I knew exactly what to do. I hopped online and ordered him a genuine Baltic amber necklace. My partner was skeptical, to say the least. However, with Oliver crying and tugging at his face, we were reluctant to rely on Tylenol for pain relief regularly. So, despite it sounding a bit far-fetched, we decided to give it a go. Within half an hour of putting the necklace on him, the drooling ceased. It never returned. Call it coincidence, but I felt a sense of relief—was this hippie magic at work?
The theory behind Baltic amber is that it warms against the skin, which supposedly triggers the release of succinic acid, a natural analgesic. This compound, present at 3-8% in authentic Baltic amber, is said to be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, helping to alleviate teething discomfort. And it really seemed to work for Oliver, just as it has for countless other babies. Sure, we still needed Tylenol for particularly tough days, but not nearly as often.
When we accidentally left the necklace off after his bath, it was clear something was amiss. Oliver would start rubbing his cheeks, drooling again, and showing signs of discomfort. The amber truly made a difference.
Yet, there are critics. Some argue that even if body heat can release succinic acid, there is no documented evidence to support its effectiveness as a pain reliever in published medical literature. Furthermore, even if it does release this acid, the exact amount and its effects remain unknown. Some sources even caution that succinic acid can irritate the skin and respiratory system in higher doses. Plus, concerns about strangulation hazards exist, with government bodies advising against allowing children to wear these necklaces while unsupervised or sleeping. Although the beads are knotted to prevent scattering if the string breaks, there remains a risk of babies attempting to chew on them. While they are designed to break easily to avoid choking, safety guidelines suggest they are only suitable for children aged three and above.
Despite being aware of these concerns, my three children wore amber necklaces. They alleviated drooling and teething pain, and honestly, it brought comfort to me as a parent. My 3- and 5-year-olds still sport amber necklaces, which have become a symbol of my parenting style. You could say they serve as a badge among fellow moms—yes, I’m that parent who still nurses my 3-year-old (and I am!).
While PubMed may not have peer-reviewed studies backing amber’s effectiveness, I know what worked for my children. Anecdotal evidence may be the least reliable type, but it’s all we have in the absence of concrete research. Many parents would vouch for the benefits of Baltic amber, as it has eased teething pain for countless babies and continues to gain popularity. With proper precautions, it can also be a safe choice. So yes, my kids wear their amber necklaces, and when we welcome another baby into our family, we’ll certainly use Baltic amber again. Despite the skeptics, I remain a firm believer.
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Summary
Amber teething necklaces have gained popularity among parents looking for natural ways to ease their babies’ discomfort during teething. While the scientific community remains divided on their efficacy, many parents, myself included, have found anecdotal evidence supporting their use. With proper precautions, these necklaces can be a safe and comforting option for teething babies.