The FDA has warned that teething jewellery is dangerous to infants

If you have been thinking about incorporating teething jewellery into your child's routine, this warning may make you reconsider. 

The FDA has warned parents, guardians and caregivers about the potential dangers of teething jewellery. 

Teething jewellery includes necklaces, bracelets, and chains that are marketed to relieve an infant’s teething pain in a holistic fashion.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The beads can be made of crystals, amber, wood, marble, or silicone, and the item can be worn by the parent. The idea is that wehn holding the child, they can chew on the necklace worn by the parent. 

Other teething items, specifically made of amber, are designed to be worn by the baby. 

The FDA has received reports of death and serious injuries to infants and children caused by necklaces and bracelets often marketed for relieving teething pain.

The risks of using teething jewellery include choking, strangulation, injury to the mouth, and infection if one of the beads or materials cuts the mouth of the child teething with them. 

Choking can also occur if a bead comes loose or a piece of the jewellery becomes lodged in the throat and airway. 

One report obtained by the FDA detailed the death of an 18-month old child who was strangled to death by his amber teething necklace during a nap.

The report also contained an account of a 7-month-old child who choked on a wooden teething bead while under parental supervision. The child was brought to hospital as a precaution and was not killed in the incident. 

The beads can be made of crystals, amber, wood, marble, or silicone, and the item can be worn by the parent. The idea is that when holding the child, they can chew on the necklace worn by the parent. 

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also warn against amber teething jewellery specifically. Amber is a particularly popular material for teething products. It is not necessarily intended that the child will chew or gum on the amber beads, but it is believed that simply by wearing the necklace, the child can feel relief from pain.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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It is believed that the amber beads, when warmed by natural body heat, can release tiny amounts of succinic acid, which acts to relieve pain. 

According to TCCPC: 'Never use amber teething jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets and anklets as relief for babies who are teething. Amber teething jewellery products are unsafe for babies, and pose several serious risks.'

'Suppliers and retailers are warned that the CCPC considers these products inherently unsafe and will take appropriate action to remove these products from sale.'

The National Consumer Agency has previously reported voluntary recalls of similar products from retailers. 

However,m some parents stand by their teething choices, swearing by the items for their child's teething process. 

Feature image: Loving Moments

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