Amber teething necklaces

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading has received reports of an increase in use of amber teething necklaces.

The necklaces consist of rounded amber chips which are a fossilised tree resin and range in colour from yellow to white, beige to brown. They have been worn for many centuries to reduce teething pain. The product is not meant to be chewed by the infant but instead worn against the skin.

The product claims the skin’s warmth releases very small amounts of healing oils from the amber which are then absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and help calm the infant.

The necklace can pose two potential hazards; from strangulation and choking. Strangulation may occur if the infant has the amber teething necklace permanently fastened around their neck, especially when they are sleeping. A choking hazard may occur if the necklace breaks and releases the small beads.

What you should do:

• supervise the infant when wearing the necklace
• remove the necklace from the infant when the infant is unattended even if it’s only for a short period of time
• remove the necklace from the infant while sleeping during the day or overnight
• do not allow the infant to chew on the necklace
• consider using a less risky form of pain relief
• always seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your child’s health and well being.
  

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading is unable to state whether the therapeutic claims for these types of teething necklaces are true and therefore does not support the use of these products.