These Teething Necklaces Will Soothe Baby & Look Chic On You

Teething necklaces may seem like a frivilous baby gear necessity if you have a newborn or are eagerly awaiting your due date. And they definitely seem low on the priority list when you’ve got a whole baby registry to prepare. But you may reconsider in just a few short months when your babe starts wailing as those pearly whites push through. (We’ll wait right here.) When your little one is teething and in obvious discomfort, you’re willing to do pretty much anything to take that pain away. There are teething toys to help, of course, but for a handier solution, many parents turn to baby teething necklaces to give their little ones soothing relief.

What are the best kinds of teething necklaces?

When it comes to teething necklaces (and even bracelets), there are two main options: necklaces with amber beads or with silicone beads. As you may have guessed, silicone teething necklaces are similar to the soft teethers you probably already have in your home, except it’s in the form of a necklace and is worn by the parent. The idea is that your little one can teeth on the silicone beads around your neck while you’re holding them for a double dose of comfort.

Amber teething necklaces are a bit different. Made of Baltic amber (fossilized tree resin), these are said to have pain-relieving properties. The other big difference is that they’re supposed to be worn by the baby. Their body heat triggers the release of an oil that contains succinic acid, which is absorbed into the bloodstream and might have an analgesic effect on sore gums.

Because there are some safety concerns regarding amber teething necklaces, we excluded them from this list. However, since they have become popular amongst parents, we wanted to address some frequently asked questions below.

Do amber necklaces really help with teething?

While many parents swear by amber teething necklaces, it’s worth pointing out that there is no evidence that Baltic amber can act as a natural painkiller. There are also some safety concerns associated with amber necklaces, and babies wearing necklaces and jewelry, in general.

Are amber teething necklaces dangerous?

Keep in mind that wearing can be dangerous for your tot if they break or are used improperly. Always monitor your baby carefully if you choose to give them an amber teething necklace, and always take it off before they sleep. If the necklace breaks, the beads can be a choking hazard, and any type of necklace on a baby can cause a risk of strangulation.

Jean Moorjani, MD, FAAP, and a board-certified pediatrician at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, weighs in. “Many babies and toddlers will appear uncomfortable while they are teething, and it’s natural for parents to want to make their kids feel better,” she explains. “Teething necklaces and beads have been marketed as a treatment to alleviate pain associated with teething, but using teething necklaces or beads is not safe or effective. There have been many reports of small children choking on beads that break off or being strangled while wearing a necklace while sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against any infant wearing jewelry because of the increased risk of strangulation or choking.”

Can babies sleep in an amber teething necklace on?

Absolutely not. As mentioned, if you decide to give an amber necklace or piece of jewelry to your baby, be sure they are awake and under constant supervision.

Comments Lisa Stern, MD at Tenth Street Pediatrics, “I see young children who come to my practice wearing these teething necklaces and I ask their parents, ‘Do you let your child nap or sleep with the necklace on?’ They always say ‘NO! Of course not.’ But I can imagine many situations where a child falls asleep in their car seat or stroller and is transferred to the crib. Do parents ALWAYS remove the amber necklace? I hope so but can imagine that even a conscientious parent might not take the necklace off a sleeping baby.”

What are some safe ways to comfort a teething baby?

“Teething is a normal physiologic phenomenon,” says Lisa Stern, MD at Tenth Street Pediatrics. “It’s not dangerous, it’s not an illness and it will pass with time. There are safe, natural treatments available if a baby or young child is having a difficult time cutting teeth. Options to treat the discomfort associated with teething include massaging the gums using cold teething rings, frozen fruit in a silicone or mesh feeder bag, or using a chilled metal spoon or a frozen washcloth. In situations when teething occurs with fever and cold symptoms it may be appropriate to use an analgesic pain reliever (you must use weight-appropriate dosing [consult with your pediatrician]) like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (approved for children six months and older).” She adds, “Teething gels which contain benzocaine and lidocaine are not safe and they were taken off the market in 2018.”

***

If you’re in the market for a teething necklace, we’ve gathered the best picks based on good looks and reviews from real parents who’ve tried ’em. Check out some top sellers below!

Best Silicone Teething Necklaces