Amber Teething Necklaces: A Do or Don’t?
As a parent, it’s only natural to want to relieve pain related to teething in your child. Amber teething necklaces are marketed to do just that and they are quite popular. However, this practice is not supported by scientific evidence and they are considered unsafe for your child.
How can they be of harm? Choking and strangulation are the top two concerns with these teething necklaces for obvious reasons. What if the necklace gets caught or pulled and is too tight when sleeping causing strangulation? What if the beads break off and the child chokes on them?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend that infants wear any jewelry. Suffocation is the leading cause of death for children under a year old and among the top five causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.
To review recalls and safety information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) website.
Parents who choose to use these necklaces are advised to:
Always supervise your child when he or she is wearing the necklace or bracelet.
Have your child wear the necklace on a wrist or ankle and not around his or her neck.
Remember to remove the necklace or bracelet when your child is unattended, even if it is only for a short period of time!
Remove the necklace or bracelet while your child is sleeping (day or night).
Safer ways to soothe a teething baby:
There are many teething-pain relievers that can soothe your baby's sore gums safely. Here are a few worth trying:
Chew toys.Plastic and rubber toys are great for soothing aching gums.
Cold things.For help numbing and easing the ache and inflammation, try using damp washcloths that have been twisted and frozen (tie one end in a knot for better gnawing). Avoid teething rings that are frozen solid; they are too hard for children's mouths.
A light, gentle rub or massage might give your little one a lot of relief. Remember to wash your hands, then massage the sore areas in your baby's mouth with your finger or knuckle.
When your baby is having a really tough time, may try giving a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or if over six months, you may try ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) Note: Numbing gels or creams that contain benzocaine are not recommended for infants.
For more information from healthychildren.org click here.
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