all about amber (teething necklaces, that is)

Have you heard about amber teething necklaces before? Maybe you have seen a baby wearing a necklace and were wondering if it was just for "fashion?" Well guess what? It is not! Amber is a natural alternative to relieving the discomfort of teething in babies. There are some common misconceptions about amber and I will help to clarify some things in this post. 

Baltic amber is not a stone, it is a fossilized tree resin. It has been used as a natural and traditional remedy for many ailments for centuries. Long ago it was considered one of the leading "medicines" of its time. When it is worn on the skin, the skin's warmth releases trace amount of healing oils from the amber. 

Amber teething necklaces are NOT meant to be chewed on (contrary to Chewbeads, which are made from food grade silicone!) They are worn around the neck of the baby. The amber must be in contact with the child's skin in order to be effective. I always recommend that the necklace is sized properly in that it is not long enough for the baby to pull the necklace up and into their mouth. It needs to be tucked underneath their shirt. 

Concerned about succinnic acid? Here is some information taken from www.babyteethingnecklaces.com that addresses succinic acid. 

"The active ingredient in Baltic amber is succinic acid, which was analysed by the pioneer of modern bacteriology and Nobel-prize winner Robert Koch (1886). He confirmed its positive influences and discovered that there is no risk of the accumulation of surplus amounts of succinic acid in the human organism. Recent scientific research has also proved that succinic acid has a very positive influence on the human organism, it strengthens the body, improves immunity, the course of energy-related processes and the balance of acids. Current research shows that the micronization of amber improves its assimilation by the stress-weakened organism of the contemporary man. The unfavorable environmental conditions prevailing today block the natural flow of energy-related processes in cells. Blocks affect cellular metabolism and significantly weaken the immune system, but the natural energy of amber is able to stimulate its renewal."

I always recommend that the necklace is removed from the child's neck when sleeping. I double wrap Jackson's around his ankle and put a sock or footie pajamas over it so he can't get to it. I also take his off at bath time, pool, sunscreen, etc. so it is not exposed to any residue. The brand I carry is double knotted between each bead so if the necklace was to break the beads will not come off and be a choking hazard. 

I hope this helps clear up some of the questions that I often receive regarding amber teething necklaces.