The Hidden Dangers of Teething Necklaces: Why Pediatricians Advise Against Them

Key Takeaways: The Short Answer

• The Risk: The FDA and pediatricians advise parents not to use teething jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, anklets) due to serious risks of strangulation and choking.

• The Myth: There is no scientific evidence that amber necklaces release pain-relieving substances (succinic acid) when touching the skin.

• The Breakage Factor: Even "secure" necklaces can break, releasing small beads that can block a baby's airway in seconds.

• The Safe Solution: Stick to handheld, BIS-certified silicone teethers (like Nubokind’s Kiko & Ele collections) which are designed to be chewed on safely without small parts.

The Trend vs. The Truth

Scroll through social media, and you will likely see adorable photos of babies wearing amber bead necklaces or silicone "chewelry." For desperate parents trying to soothe a crying, teething infant, these accessories promise a miracle cure for pain.

However, behind the aesthetic appeal lies a serious safety hazard.

While they look harmless, leading health organizations—including the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)—have issued strong warnings against their use. At Nubokind, we prioritize safety above trends. Here is why we will never sell teething necklaces, and why you should avoid them too.

The 3 Main Dangers of Teething Jewelry

1. Strangulation Hazard

This is the most significant risk. Teething necklaces are worn around a baby’s neck—an area that should always remain free of loose items.

• Sleep Risk: If a baby falls asleep wearing a necklace (which happens often during naps or car rides), the jewelry can tighten around their throat if it catches on crib bedding or car seat straps.

• Play Risk: During tummy time or play, a necklace can easily snag on furniture or another object.

2. The Choking Hazard (Small Parts)

Most teething necklaces are made of individual beads (amber, wood, or silicone) strung together.

• Even with double-knotting, wear and tear can cause the string to snap.

• If the necklace breaks, the loose beads become immediate choking hazards. A single bead is the perfect size to block a newborn’s small airway.

3. Mouth Injury and Infection

Jewelry made of amber or wood is porous and difficult to sterilize.

• Unlike food-grade silicone, which can be boiled, these materials can harbor bacteria from drool and food particles.

• Additionally, hard amber or stone beads can crack a baby's delicate new teeth if bitten down on too hard.

Debunking the "Amber" Myth

A common belief is that Baltic amber contains succinic acid, which is supposedly released by the baby's body heat and absorbed into the skin to relieve pain.

The Reality:

• Not Hot Enough: A baby’s body temperature is not high enough to warm the amber to a point where it releases any chemical substance.

• No Absorption: Even if it did release the acid, there is no scientific evidence that skin can absorb it or that it acts as a painkiller.

Comparison: Teething Necklaces vs. Handheld Teethers

The Safer Alternative: Why We Choose Handheld

If your baby is in pain, they do need to chew—but they need to do it safely.

At Nubokind, we design teethers that provide the relief of chewing without the risks of jewelry.

• Zero Choking Hazards: Our Ele Ring Teethers are made from a single mold of medical-grade silicone. There are no beads to break off, and no strings to snap.

• No-Drop Safety: Instead of tying something around a baby's neck, we designed the Kiko No-Drop Teether. It gently straps to the baby's wrist, keeping the teether accessible and off the floor, without ever posing a strangulation risk.

• Texture That Works: Rather than relying on unproven chemical absorption, our teethers use textured surfaces to physically massage the gums, providing immediate and real relief.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can my baby wear a teething necklace if I am watching them? A: Accidents happen in split seconds. Pediatricians advise against using them entirely, even under supervision, because the risk of the necklace breaking and causing choking is always present.

Q: Are "Mommy Necklaces" (worn by the mother) safe? A: While safer than the baby wearing it, they still pose a risk if the baby pulls too hard and breaks the beads loose. A dedicated handheld teether is always the safest choice.

Q: What is the safest material for a teether? A: 100% Food-Grade Silicone (BPA-free) is widely considered the safest. It is soft on gums, non-toxic, and easy to sterilize—unlike amber or wood.

Prioritize Safety Over Aesthetics Don’t take risks with trends. Explore our Safety-First Teether Collection to find soothing solutions that are pediatrician-approved and worry-free.