Your baby is screaming. It is 3:00 AM, and you are willing to try basically anything to stop the drooling, the fussing, and that distinct, high-pitched teething wail. You’ve seen those beads. You know the ones—the honey-colored, raw-looking stones draped around the necks of toddlers at the organic grocery store or all over your Instagram feed. People swear by them. They’ll tell you it’s an ancient remedy, a "natural" way to bypass the Tylenol. But honestly? The gap between what the internet claims and what the medical community knows about an amber necklace and teething is massive. It’s a gap filled with anecdotal "magic" on one side and some pretty sobering safety warnings on the other.
Does Succinic Acid Actually Do Anything?
The whole pitch for amber necklaces usually centers on something called succinic acid. Baltic amber, which is fossilized tree resin from millions of years ago, contains this compound. Proponents claim that when the beads sit against a baby’s warm skin, the amber releases tiny amounts of succinic acid that get absorbed into the bloodstream. They say it acts as a natural analgesic or anti-inflammatory. It sounds scientific enough to be plausible. It’s not.
Let's look at the chemistry. Succinic acid is a real thing, sure. It’s used in the food and beverage industry, and it plays a role in our own metabolic cycles. However, for that acid to leave the amber and enter a human’s skin, the amber would need to be heated to about 400°F (over 200°C). Your baby’s skin temperature is nowhere near that. Even if a microscopic amount did manage to rub off, there is zero peer-reviewed evidence suggesting that transdermal absorption of succinic acid provides pain relief for a localized issue like erupting molars.
Dr. Natasha Burgert, a well-known pediatrician, has often pointed out that there is simply no physiological mechanism that supports this "leaching" theory. The beads are basically just rocks. Pretty rocks, but rocks nonetheless.
The Physical Risks Nobody Wants to Imagine
We have to talk about the strangulation and choking hazards because that’s where the "natural" remedy becomes potentially fatal. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is not being dramatic when they issue warnings against these products. They are reacting to real-world data.
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Think about the physics of a necklace on a crawling, rolling, active infant. A necklace can easily snag on a crib corner, a drawer handle, or even the baby’s own arm during sleep. If the cord doesn’t break instantly, it’s a strangulation risk. Most manufacturers claim their necklaces have "breakaway" clasps or are knotted between every bead to prevent a spill. That’s a nice safety feature, but it doesn't eliminate the risk. If the string does break as intended, you now have a dozen small, hard, choke-sized beads scattered across the floor or the crib mattress.
In 2018, the FDA issued an official communication after receiving reports of a 18-month-old who was strangled by an amber necklace during a nap. There were also reports of infants choking on beads that broke off. These aren't hypothetical "what-ifs." They are documented tragedies.
Health Canada and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have issued similar bans or heavy warnings. They don't do this to ruin the "crunchy" aesthetic; they do it because the cost of a mistake is too high.
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Why Do People Still Swear They Work?
If the science is bunk and the risks are high, why are these things still a multi-million dollar industry?
Placebo by proxy. That’s the real answer.
Teething is a fluctuating process. A baby might be miserable for three days, then totally fine for four, then miserable again as the tooth finally breaks the skin. If you put a necklace on during day two of a fussy spell, and the baby happens to have a "good day" on day three, you credit the necklace. It's human nature to find patterns where they don't exist. We want to feel like we’re doing something. We want a solution that doesn't involve "chemicals," and we want our kids to feel better.
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Also, let’s be real: they look cool. There is a certain "vibe" associated with amber—a connection to nature and a rejection of "Big Pharma"—that appeals to a lot of modern parents. But a "vibe" isn't a medical intervention.
Safer Alternatives That Actually Work
If you’re staring at a fussy baby and the amber necklace and teething solution is off the table, what do you actually do? You go back to the basics that have worked for decades without the risk of strangulation.
- Cold, not frozen. A cold washcloth is the MVP of teething. Wet a clean cloth, wring it out, and pop it in the fridge (not the freezer—frozen cloth can actually bruise delicate gums). Let the baby gnaw on the cold, textured fabric. The pressure and the cold temp actually provide numbing relief.
- Rubber teethers. Stick to solid rubber. Avoid the ones filled with liquid because they can leak or harbor bacteria if punctured. Brands like Sophie la Girafe are popular for a reason—they are easy to grip and have different textures.
- Manual massage. Honestly, your (clean) finger is one of the best tools you have. Firmly rubbing the baby’s gums provides the counter-pressure they are looking for when they try to bite everything in sight.
- Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. If the baby is truly suffering and can’t sleep or eat, talk to your pediatrician about a weight-appropriate dose of infant pain relief. It’s studied, it’s regulated, and we know exactly how it works in the body.
The Bottom Line on Safety
It is easy to get sucked into the "it worked for my friend" rabbit hole. But in the world of pediatric health, anecdotal evidence is the most dangerous kind. When you weigh the non-existent evidence of succinic acid absorption against the very real, documented risk of strangulation and choking, the math just doesn't add up.
Most "teething jewelry" companies include a disclaimer in the fine print: "Do not use while sleeping," or "Use only under direct adult supervision." But let’s be honest—babies are fast, and many parents use these necklaces specifically to help with "sleep issues." That is exactly when the most dangerous accidents happen.
If you love the look of amber, wait until they are much older. Buy an amber bracelet for yourself. But keep it off the baby. Teething is a short, albeit painful, phase of development. It will pass without the need for risky accessories.
Actionable Steps for Teething Relief
- Check the recall lists: If you already own an amber necklace, check the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) website to see if that specific brand has been flagged for safety failures.
- Audit your nursery: Remove any necklaces, teething "jewelry," or loose pacifier clips before naptime and bedtime.
- Consult a professional: If your baby’s teething is accompanied by a high fever (over 101°F) or diarrhea, it’s likely not teething. Call your pediatrician to rule out an actual ear infection or virus.
- Focus on pressure: Invest in high-quality, BPA-free silicone or natural rubber teething toys that are one solid piece to avoid choking hazards.