Amber teething necklaces… do they really work?
Thursday, April 1st, 2010Like many mummies, I try to avoid medicines where possible but hate to see my little one in pain. It’s difficult to know whether you’re being too hasty or whether you’re holding out unnecessarily. I’ve spent many nights wrestling with my guilt over the question “To Calpol or not to Calpol?” so, when a friend suggested an Amber teething necklace, I tried to bury my scepticism. Read more to see how we got on…
I purchased the Amber necklace under the strict instructions to avoid fakes by going to reputable retailers, go for individually knotted amber necklaces for safety reasons and not to expect miracles. The necklace itself is quite pretty, though it does fetch a few interesting looks and comments from people thinking it’s a fashion accessory on a 4 month old baby, and each “stone” is knotted either side for safety, should the necklace break for any reason.
The necklaces are primarily used for teething but have also been reported to ease general aches, pains and fevers amongst other things. My main reason for trying was not being quite sure about whether or not Molly actually is beginning to teethe and I felt attracted to the natural soothing and calming properties.
So, we’ve been wearing the necklace for a month now and only ever during the day (for obvious safety reasons) and, even though I find myself watching her like a hawk while she’s wearing it, I have definitely noticed that Molly is generally a happier little chappy. Curious… if it’s working, how is it possible?
The effects of amber are currently being researched, but there are a couple of ideas floating around about how it, if at all, works. One is that, as amber warms on the skin, small amounts of oils are released and absorbed which act as an analgesic (pain reliever), it is on this principle that several European countries stock amber necklaces in local pharmacies. Another, more complicated theory, suggests that amber produces negative ions on the skins surface which is, apparently, good for the human body. Either way, it is reported that there is a wealth of empirical evidence behind the positive effects of amber and this has been known by pharmacists for some time.
So, does it work? My personal answer to that is, yes. My friend was right, it’s no miracle worker, but it’s certainly bridged the gap for us between medicine and waiting it out. If the amber isn’t helping, I feel more confident that I am making the right choice in giving medicine to my daughter. It’s a rarity, possibly twice in her nearly 4 months of life but I can say with some confidence that, without the amber necklace, it would have been more and, even if only a small bit more, I feel glad that I am able to rely on a more natural remedy as my first port of call.
Some women swear by it during full blown teething and, I’m hoping, by then I will be able to say that it makes an enormous difference to Molly too.
So, if you’re thinking of trying an amber teething necklace for your child, practice usage as safely as possible. Purchase individually knotted necklaces from well reputed retailers and please be vigilant. And, if you’ve had any positive or negative experiences, please let us know!
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Fab read thanks - definitely convinced me to give one a go for my little man
I totally agree with this ” If the amber isn’t helping, I feel more confident that I am making the right choice in giving medicine to my daughter.”
Fab article, and I hope it convinces more parents to try amber necklaces. xxx
Fab article hun, and i definately agree it DOES help , even if its just to take the edge off any pain thats gotta be a good thing!!
xxx
I’m currently trying out am amber necklace. Haven’t seen an amazing difference in my little girl but I’m going to wait it out and hope that it helps me to avoid the dificult calpol decision!
fab article!
Yes they do! Our daughter is noticably happy when she is wearing hers, 100%
I ordered this and originally thought it to be not real amber due to a miscommunication with my husband on how much salt to mix with the water for the float test. However, I retested it myself along with a taste test and an acetone test and found it to be real amber. The necklace is absolutely beautiful and so far the catch on it is holding up well. I put it on my 6 month old every morning and take it off for bed. She looks gorgeous with it and I’ve received many compliments with it. She also caught a cold which although this didn’t get rid of it, it certainly helped with her congestion. Also came on time.
We got one when our baby started teething around 3 1/2 months. We put it around his ankle and under a sock and within a couple of days he seemed to be calmer! We certainly recommend it. Not to mention how cool it looks!
That looks great I must say. We have resorted to Calpol when the teething pains have been really bad, but I didn’t know about these amber necklaces. Could be something to try for baby number 2!
Thanks,
Eric David Lough
We have used one since my LO was 7 weeks old, after having his 2nd set of jabs he screamed for a hour, until I realised my OH had not put it back on after his bath the night before, he was clamed & settled within 2 mins… amazing!
I got mine from http://www.wildsheep.co.uk, it works wonders and they look so gorgeous! They sell mum & baby sets, I got one of these, so now we have matching necklaces
http://www.wildsheep.co.uk is giving a 10% discount, coupon is WEERAS12345
These work and if your not a believer, you need to check out http://www.amber-teething-necklace-review.com to see some reviews.