When considering amber teething necklace safety, the most important point is that major U.S. health authorities warn about the choking and strangulation risks associated with teething necklaces, while the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend infants wearing jewelry.
Amber teething necklaces are small necklaces made from amber beads and are commonly marketed for babies and toddlers during the teething stage.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against amber teething necklaces, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about teething jewelry because of reported choking and strangulation injuries. There is also no scientific evidence showing that wearing an amber teething necklace relieves teething pain.
What Are the Main Safety Risks?
The two primary risks associated with necklaces worn by babies and young children are strangulation and choking.
Strangulation
A necklace worn around a child's neck can become caught on clothing, furniture or another object.
This risk is especially concerning when a baby is sleeping or otherwise unsupervised.
The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies necklaces worn around an infant's neck as a strangulation hazard and does not recommend infants wearing jewelry. See the AAP guidance on teething necklaces.
Choking
Amber necklaces are typically made from many small beads.
If a necklace breaks, individual beads or components may become accessible to a child and create a choking hazard.
Individual knots between beads may affect how many beads become loose if the jewelry breaks, but they do not eliminate the risk associated with small jewelry components.
Are Amber Teething Necklaces Designed to Be Chewed?
No.
Amber necklaces are wearable jewelry, not chew toys or teethers.
The beads should not be bitten, chewed or intentionally placed in a child's mouth.
The name “teething necklace” can sometimes cause confusion because it may sound as though the product is designed for chewing. It is not.
Do Amber Teething Necklaces Relieve Teething Pain?
There is no scientific evidence showing that wearing an amber teething necklace relieves teething pain.
One commonly repeated claim is that amber releases substances such as succinic acid when warmed by the body and that these substances are absorbed through the skin.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is no scientific research supporting claims that amber necklaces relieve teething pain.
For this reason, amber jewelry should not be presented as a medical treatment, pain-relief product or substitute for medical advice.
What Does the American Academy of Pediatrics Say?
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend amber teething necklaces.
Its current teething guidance states that necklaces made from amber, wood, marble or silicone pose serious risks of choking and strangulation.
AAP guidance also recommends safer approaches to managing teething discomfort rather than using necklaces or jewelry.
Read the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on teething pain relief.
What Does the FDA Say About Teething Necklaces?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about teething jewelry, including amber teething necklaces.
The FDA says it has received reports of death and serious injuries to infants and children, including choking and strangulation, associated with teething jewelry.
For that reason, jewelry marketed for relieving teething discomfort should not be treated as a harmless alternative to conventional teething products.
Read the FDA guidance on safely soothing teething pain.
Do Breakaway Clasps or Knotted Beads Make Amber Necklaces Safe?
Some amber necklaces include design features such as:
- individual knots between beads;
- screw clasps;
- breakaway-style fasteners;
- lightweight beads.
These features may affect how a piece of jewelry behaves if it breaks or catches on something.
However, they do not eliminate the fundamental choking and strangulation risks associated with necklaces worn by infants.
A necklace should therefore not be described as completely safe or risk-free simply because it uses a particular clasp or construction method.
Should Babies Sleep With an Amber Necklace?
No.
Babies should not sleep while wearing necklaces or other jewelry around the neck.
The risk of strangulation becomes particularly concerning when a child is sleeping or otherwise not being directly supervised. The AAP specifically warns about teething necklaces because of choking and strangulation hazards.
Amber teething necklaces should be removed before naps and overnight sleep.
What Are Safer Ways to Help a Teething Baby?
Parents looking for ways to soothe teething discomfort have safer alternatives.
The FDA recommends options such as:
- gently rubbing or massaging the baby's gums with a clean finger;
- offering a firm, non-liquid-filled rubber teether;
- supervising the child while using a teething product.
The FDA also advises against freezing a teething ring until it becomes hard, because a very hard object can hurt a child's gums.
The AAP also recommends drug-free approaches such as gum massage and appropriate teething toys. Parents who are considering medication for teething discomfort should speak with their pediatrician or family doctor about safe options.
Amber Jewelry vs Teething Treatment
It is important to distinguish amber as a natural jewelry material from medical claims surrounding teething.
Baltic amber is fossilized tree resin that has been used in jewelry and decorative objects for centuries because of its appearance, natural colors and lightweight character.
That does not mean wearing amber has been scientifically proven to treat teething symptoms.
Learn more about Baltic amber.
For a general explanation of the product category, read What Is an Amber Teething Necklace?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are amber teething necklaces safe for babies?
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend infants wearing jewelry and warns that teething necklaces can pose choking and strangulation risks.
Can babies chew amber teething necklaces?
No. Amber necklaces are jewelry and are not designed to be chewed or used as teethers.
Do amber necklaces help with teething pain?
There is no scientific evidence showing that wearing an amber teething necklace relieves teething pain.
Can a baby sleep with an amber necklace?
No. Babies should not sleep while wearing necklaces or other jewelry that can create choking or strangulation hazards.
Are knotted amber necklaces safer?
Individual knots may limit how many beads come loose if a necklace breaks, but they do not eliminate the choking and strangulation risks associated with necklaces worn by infants.
What can parents use instead for teething?
FDA and AAP guidance recommends safer options such as gentle gum massage and appropriate firm rubber teething toys. Parents should speak with a pediatrician if they need advice about pain relief.
