You’ve probably seen them in beautiful, earthy photos on Instagram: a tiny baby wearing a warm honey-colored bead necklace, promised as a “natural pain relief” for teething. When you’re exhausted and desperate to help your baby, Amber Teething Necklaces: Safety Hazard or Natural Remedy? can sound incredibly tempting—and confusing.
Amber teething necklaces are widely considered a safety hazard, not a proven natural remedy. Major pediatric bodies and the FDA warn against them due to choking and strangulation risks, and high-quality reviews find no reliable evidence that amber beads reduce teething pain or inflammation.1 2 3 4
Understanding the Science
What are amber teething necklaces?
Amber teething necklaces are strings of small amber beads, marketed for babies as young as 3 months.4 Retailers claim that when warmed by the child’s body, the amber releases “healing oils” or succinic acid that are absorbed through the skin and relieve pain and inflammation.1 2 4
From a marketing standpoint, this fits perfectly into the idea of a “natural remedy.” From a scientific and safety standpoint, the picture is very different.
Do they actually work?
The core claim behind Amber Teething Necklaces: Safety Hazard or Natural Remedy? is that succinic acid from Baltic amber can:
Here is what current evidence shows:
- A 2022 review of scientific literature found only five articles on amber teething necklaces and concluded there is insufficient evidence of any benefit for teething discomfort.3
- Laboratory work cited in that review found no evidence that intact succinic acid is released from amber and absorbed through human skin at normal body temperatures.3
- Integrative medicine experts, including Dr. Andrew Weil, state that the claimed mechanism “is not supported by modern science.”2
In other words: there is no clinically proven mechanism by which a baby wearing amber beads at normal skin temperature would get pain relief.1 2 3 4 Any improvement parents notice is more likely due to normal teething variations, placebo effects, or other care given at the same time (e.g., cuddling, medication).
What does the scientific community say about safety?
This is where Amber Teething Necklaces: Safety Hazard or Natural Remedy? becomes very clear. Multiple professional bodies recommend against them:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that infants should not wear jewelry, including amber necklaces, due to strangulation and choking risks.2 3
- The FDA issued an official warning after reports of children choking on beads and an 18‑month‑old who died from strangulation during a nap.2 3
- A review in a pediatric dentistry journal concludes amber necklaces have “more risks than evidence of effectiveness,” including choking, strangulation, bead ingestion, and potential skin or oral infection.3
- Pediatricians and dental professionals consistently emphasize that these necklaces should be avoided, because risks outweigh unproven benefits.1 3 4
Put simply: the scientific consensus is that amber teething necklaces are not effective and not safe.
Safety Explained: What Are the Actual Risks?
When considering Amber Teething Necklaces: Safety Hazard or Natural Remedy?, parents need to understand the concrete hazards:
| Risk type | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Choking | Beads can break off; even one bead can obstruct a baby’s airway.1 2 4 |
| Strangulation | The necklace can tighten around the neck, especially during sleep or play.1 2 3 4 |
| Asphyxiation | Pressure from the cord or caught necklace can interfere with breathing.3 4 |
| Infection | Beads and cord can harbor bacteria, irritating baby’s skin and mouth.3 |
Key points backed by pediatric sources:
- Babies can easily chew, pull, and break beads; manufacturers do not design them to withstand infant use.1
- Knotting between beads does not eliminate risk; even one bead is a choking hazard.4
- The cord itself can be dangerous: tests showed clasp forces sufficient to obstruct a small child’s airway.3
- Serious incidents—including death from strangulation—have been documented, prompting FDA warnings.2 3
Many clinicians therefore advise that anything around a baby’s neck (necklaces, strings, ribbons, chains) should be avoided entirely, especially under age three.3
Tips for Parents: Safer Ways to Soothe Teething
If you’re saying “Okay, so Amber Teething Necklaces: Safety Hazard or Natural Remedy? sounds like a hazard—what can I do instead?” here are safer, evidence-based options you can discuss with your pediatrician:
-
Use chilled (not frozen) teethers
Soft silicone teethers cooled in the fridge can soothe gums without the risk of breaking beads or strangling.2 6 -
Offer clean, cold washcloths
A damp, refrigerated washcloth is simple, inexpensive, and allows your baby to chew safely under supervision. -
Massage the gums
Clean fingers gently rubbing the gums can provide short‑term relief and help you feel in control of the situation. -
Consider age‑appropriate pain relief
Pediatricians often recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for appropriate ages/weights) when teething pain significantly affects sleep or feeding. See our guide on Tylenol vs Motrin for infants for more detail. -
Avoid necklaces and beads around the neck
If you still choose an amber product despite the warnings, some clinicians suggest wearing it on an ankle or wrist and removing it whenever your child is sleeping or unsupervised—but professional bodies still discourage use altogether.2 3 -
Stick to supervised, short use of teethers
Regardless of the product, always supervise your baby while they’re chewing, and regularly inspect for wear and damage.
Duckie’s Verdict: Is it safe?
Based on current evidence, professional recommendations, and real‑world incident reports, Duckie’s verdict on amber teething necklaces is: No, they are not safe.
They offer no proven therapeutic benefit, and established medical organizations, systematic reviews, and safety agencies agree that the risks—choking, strangulation, and infection—clearly outweigh any anecdotal gains.1 2 3 4
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FAQ
Are amber teething necklaces approved by pediatricians?
No. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other pediatric bodies advise against infants wearing any jewelry, including amber teething necklaces, because of choking and strangulation risks.2 3
Can my baby wear an amber necklace while sleeping?
No. Wearing an amber necklace while sleeping significantly increases the risk of strangulation or suffocation. The FDA has reported at least one death associated with nap‑time use.2 3
Do amber teething necklaces release succinic acid to relieve pain?
Current studies find no evidence that intact succinic acid is released from amber and absorbed through the skin at normal body temperature, and there is no clinical proof of pain relief.3
Are there safer “natural” options for teething?
Yes. Chilled silicone teethers, cold washcloths, gentle gum massage, and appropriate pain medication under pediatric guidance are all safer and supported approaches than amber necklaces.2 3 4
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How this article was made
This article was researched and written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Duckie editorial team for accuracy. All claims are supported by citations to peer-reviewed research, government health agencies, and established medical institutions.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your child.