Amber Teething Necklaces for Babies: Are They a Natural Remedy or a Dangerous Choking Hazard? What Doctors Want You to Know.

Parents often hear that amber teething necklaces are a “natural” way to ease teething pain. The idea is appealing: a simple necklace of amber beads might calm a sore gum without medicine. But pediatricians and safety experts raise firm warnings. This article explains what the necklaces are, why people believe they work, what the evidence shows, and the clear safety risks. I’ll also give practical alternatives and what to do if a problem happens.

What is Baltic amber and how it’s supposed to work

“Amber” used for teething products is usually fossilized tree resin, most commonly Baltic amber. The beads are typically small—about 4–8 mm in diameter for baby necklaces. Sellers claim Baltic amber contains succinic acid, a compound they say has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The theory is that body heat releases tiny amounts of succinic acid from the beads, which are then absorbed through the skin and reduce gum pain.

Why people believe it: it sounds chemical-free and historical. Also, succinic acid is a real compound found in amber and in the body. But a chemical being present does not mean it reaches the bloodstream in meaningful amounts through skin contact.

What the scientific evidence shows

There are no high-quality clinical trials showing amber necklaces relieve teething pain. Evidence is limited to anecdotes and small, uncontrolled reports. No pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that succinic acid is released at body temperature and absorbed through infant skin in doses that would relieve pain.

Why that matters: without controlled studies, we can’t separate a placebo effect or normal fluctuations in crying from a real treatment effect. Claims that amber is an effective analgesic rely on assumptions, not proven delivery of an active dose.

Known and documented risks

• Choking: Loose beads or broken beads are swallowing hazards. Small beads can block an airway or be aspirated into the lungs. Several case reports describe children treated for airway obstruction after swallowing necklace beads.
• Strangulation: A necklace around a baby’s neck can catch on furniture, crib slats, or a caregiver’s hand. Even a short loop can tighten and block breathing. Strangulation cases—including fatalities—are documented with infant necklaces of all materials.
• Skin reactions: Some babies develop redness, contact dermatitis, or local irritation from wearing beads against delicate skin. Allergic reactions are possible from either the resin or any polishing or finishing oils used on beads.
• False security: Parents may delay proven treatments (topical chilled teethers, acetaminophen/ibuprofen at recommended doses, or visiting a pediatrician) if they rely on an unproven necklace. This can prolong suffering or delay care for other causes of distress.

Why these risks matter: infants cannot remove necklaces themselves. Their necks are small and vulnerable. A product intended to help can quickly become life-threatening.

What major pediatric organizations advise

The American Academy of Pediatrics and multiple safety agencies advise against putting necklaces or other jewelry on infants. Their guidance is based on the clear risk of strangulation and choking, not on inconclusive evidence about pain relief.

If parents already have an amber necklace: harm-reduction steps

• Do not let the baby wear it unsupervised. Remove the necklace for naps and at night. Remove it when the child is in a car seat, crib, stroller, or swing.
• Never rely on a clasp to prevent strangulation. Breakaway clasps can reduce risk but are not fail-safe. They may fail to open under stress or can be removed by an older child.
• Inspect the beads often. Look for splits or loose knots. If any bead is damaged, stop using the necklace immediately. Damaged beads are a higher choking risk.
• Prefer not to use bracelets or anklets. These can be removed and swallowed.
• Watch for skin irritation. If you see a rash, swelling, or repeated redness at the contact site, stop use and consult your pediatrician.

Why these steps matter: they don’t eliminate risk, but they reduce exposure time and the chance of a bead becoming loose or the necklace catching on something.

Safer, evidence-based alternatives for teething

• Silicone or rubber teethers: Soft, shaped teethers in sizes designed for infants. Many are made of food-grade silicone and are easy to clean. Chilling (not freezing solid) a silicone teether can soothe gums.
• Chilled washcloth: Wet and refrigerate a clean washcloth for short periods. The cold surface can numb sore gums safely.
• Frozen foods for older infants: If your baby is eating solids safely, a frozen banana or chilled soft fruit piece (under supervision) can help. Never give hard or small items that pose choking risks.
• Pain relief medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help when dosed by weight and used under a pediatrician’s advice. These have known dosing and predictable effects.
• Gum massage: Clean finger or a cool finger-rubber massager can apply pressure that eases pain.

Why these are better: they carry lower risk of strangulation and choking, and many have proven symptomatic benefit. They allow controlled dosing and supervision.

When to call a doctor or get emergency care

• If a baby begins coughing, gagging, has trouble breathing, or turns pale or blue after contact with a necklace or bead, seek emergency care immediately.
• If you suspect a bead has been swallowed but the child is breathing normally, call your pediatrician or local emergency line for guidance. Imaging may be needed.
• If a rash, swelling, or persistent discomfort occurs at the necklace site, stop use and consult your pediatrician.

Bottom line

Amber teething necklaces are not supported by reliable clinical evidence. They pose real and avoidable hazards, including choking and strangulation. Pediatricians recommend against using them. If you want to help a teething baby, choose proven, low-risk options like sterilizable silicone teethers, chilled cloths, safe foods for older infants, or medications guided by your pediatrician. If you already use an amber necklace, remove it for sleep and always supervise closely—but the safest choice is not to use one at all.