You're at the playground. You see a toddler with those little honey-colored beads around their neck. It looks cute, right? Sorta earthy. Very "natural mama." But then you remember that terrifying headline you saw on Facebook three months ago. Or maybe your pediatrician gave you that look when you mentioned buying one. Honestly, the world of the teething necklace for toddler use is a total minefield of conflicting opinions, anecdotal "miracles," and very real medical warnings.
Let's be real. Teething sucks. It’s long. It’s drooly. It involves a lot of 3:00 AM wake-up calls where you’re basically a human pacifier. When you’re that sleep-deprived, you’ll try anything. People swear by amber. They say it releases succinic acid. They say it’s a natural analgesic. But does it actually work, or are we just hanging a choking hazard around our kids' necks because we're desperate for a nap?
The Amber Myth vs. The Science
The most common version of this accessory is the Baltic amber necklace. Proponents claim that when the beads touch the toddler’s skin, the body heat triggers the release of succinic acid. This acid is then supposedly absorbed into the bloodstream to reduce inflammation. It sounds scientific-ish.
But here’s the reality check.
For succinic acid to be released from amber, it needs to be heated to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Your toddler is—hopefully—not 400 degrees. Even if a tiny, microscopic amount did somehow rub off, there is zero peer-reviewed evidence showing it can penetrate human skin and act as a localized pain reliever. Dr. Nilong Vyas, a pediatrician at Sleepless in NOLA, has been vocal about how these claims aren't backed by clinical data. It's mostly a placebo effect for the parents. We feel like we're doing something, so we perceive the toddler as being calmer.
Safety Risks Nobody Likes to Talk About
We have to talk about the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They don’t just "suggest" against these; they are explicitly against them. In 2018, the FDA issued a formal warning after reports of death and serious injuries.
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Strangulation is the big one.
Toddlers are chaotic. They climb. They snag things on crib corners. They pull. If that necklace doesn't have a breakaway clasp that functions perfectly every single time, it’s a noose. Then there’s the choking aspect. Most "high-quality" necklaces are knotted between every bead. The idea is that if it breaks, only one bead falls off. But toddlers have incredibly efficient airways for choking on small, round, amber-colored objects.
One bead is all it takes.
Silicone and "Chewelry" Alternatives
Some parents ditch the amber and go for food-grade silicone. You’ve seen these—the big, colorful geometric shapes. These are usually marketed as "chewelry." While they solve the "medicinal" lie of amber, they don't solve the safety issue of having something tied around a neck.
If you're going to use silicone, it shouldn't be a teething necklace for toddler wearers. It should be a handheld toy. The physical act of chewing does help. It provides counter-pressure to the tooth pushing through the gum tissue. That pressure feels good. It distracts the nervous system. But you don't need a necklace to get that result. A cold washcloth does the same thing for zero dollars and zero risk of strangulation.
Why Do People Still Buy Them?
Culture is powerful.
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If you’re in a parenting group where everyone uses them, you feel like the odd one out if you don't. There’s also a deep-seated desire to avoid "chemicals." We’re told Tylenol is bad for the liver and Motrin is harsh on the stomach. Compared to that, a "natural" stone feels safe. It’s a classic marketing pivot: "Nature" equals "Safe." But hemlock is natural. Gravity is natural. Neither of those is necessarily your friend in a nursery.
I’ve talked to moms who say, "Well, my kid only wears it while supervised."
That’s fine in theory. But "supervised" is a slippery term. Are you watching them every single second? While you’re boiling pasta? While you’re answering the door? It takes less than sixty seconds for a strangulation event to become fatal. The risk-to-reward ratio here is just fundamentally broken.
Better Ways to Soothe the Sobs
If we’re tossing the necklace in the trash, what’s left? Plenty.
- The Frozen Washcloth. Simple. Classic. Wet a clean cloth, twist it into a rope shape, and freeze it. The cold numbs the gums and the texture provides that sweet, sweet counter-pressure.
- Rubber Teethers. Look for solid rubber, not the ones filled with liquid. The liquid ones can leak or grow mold inside if they get a tiny puncture.
- Cold Fruit. If your toddler is over six months and handling solids, a mesh feeder with some frozen mango or banana is a godsend.
- Gum Massage. Wash your hands. Use your index finger. Rub firmly. It’s tiring, but it’s the most direct way to help.
Navigating the Toddler Phase
Teething doesn't end with the first four teeth. You've got those brutal two-year-old molars coming in eventually. Those are the ones that really test your patience. By that age, a toddler is even more mobile and even more likely to yank on a necklace.
If you absolutely insist on using one for fashion—though I'd argue it’s not worth it—it should never, ever be worn during naps or bedtime. It should be removed the second you aren't staring directly at them. But honestly? Just don't. There are so many cute toddler outfits that don't involve a safety hazard.
Actionable Next Steps for Parents
Stop looking for a "magic" cure in a gemstone. It doesn't exist. If your child is in genuine, high-level distress, talk to your pediatrician about weight-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Use those sparingly and rely on physical comfort first.
- Audit your gear: Check your diaper bag and nursery. If you have a teething necklace, check the clasp. If it isn't a magnetic or easy-pop breakaway, get rid of it.
- Check for recalls: Visit the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) website. They list specific brands of teething jewelry that have been flagged for safety failures.
- Ditch the topical gels: Avoid any "numbing" gels containing benzocaine. The FDA has warned that these can cause a rare but fatal condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the oxygen in the blood.
- Prioritize pressure: Invest in a few different textures of handheld teethers. Some kids like the hard wood of a Montessori-style ring; others want the squish of medical-grade silicone.
Focus on what actually works: cold, pressure, and time. This phase feels like it lasts forever, but it’s just a season. You’ll get through it without the amber beads.