As a new parent, I experienced my share of uncertainty until I discovered my community: the babywearers, a subgroup of the attachment parenting movement. Our breastfeeding rates could rival those of a La Leche League meeting, and we shared tips on safe co-sleeping. We also supported one another in gentle discipline techniques for our older, homeschooled children. This was our little corner of attachment parenting where babies were often carried on our backs in cloth wraps, and we would nurse each other’s little ones. Interestingly, most of us opted for vaccinations, yet many kids—and some moms—wore amber necklaces.
When my son, Leo, began drooling uncontrollably at just 2 months old, the diagnosis was teething. I quickly turned to the internet to find a genuine Baltic amber necklace for him. My partner was doubtful, but Leo was in distress, tugging at his face, and we wanted to avoid frequent Tylenol doses. So, despite it sounding as outlandish as hanging a goat’s head on the wall, we decided to try it. Amazingly, just thirty minutes after putting the necklace on, the drooling ceased and never returned. It felt like some sort of hippie magic.
The theory behind Baltic amber is that it warms against the skin and releases a natural compound called succinic acid, believed to act as a natural pain reliever. According to Amber Artisans, Baltic amber contains 3-8% succinic acid—the highest concentration in nature. This compound is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. For my kids, like countless others, it provided relief from teething discomfort. Sure, we still needed Tylenol on particularly tough days, but not nearly as often.
When we inadvertently left the necklace off after bath time, we could tell right away. Leo would start to rub his cheeks, drool, and generally seem uncomfortable. It was clear that the amber had a positive effect.
Of course, skeptics abound. Critics argue that even if the succinic acid can be released through body heat—an assertion that’s widely disputed—there’s no peer-reviewed evidence supporting its efficacy as a pain reliever. Additionally, even if the acid is being released, it raises concerns about introducing unknown chemicals into a child’s body. Notably, succinic acid can irritate skin and respiratory systems in larger doses. Plus, there are safety warnings about strangulation risks if children wear these necklaces while unsupervised or sleeping. Despite beads being knotted to prevent scattering if the strand breaks, babies can still put them in their mouths.
I’m aware of all these potential dangers, yet I still chose to let my three kids wear amber. It helped reduce drooling, eased their teething pain, and provided comfort. It certainly proved to be more effective than the mythical goat head approach. My older children, ages 3 and 5, continue to sport amber necklaces, which some believe promote a sense of well-being. They also serve as a subtle signal to other parents: “Look, I’m a part of the natural parenting tribe!” I can confirm I’m still nursing my 3-year-old (I am).
While PubMed might lack rigorous research to back it up, the anecdotal success of Baltic amber and its succinic acid has been transformative for my family. I recognize that anecdotal evidence isn’t the gold standard, but given the absence of substantial alternatives, it’s what we have. Many parents would echo that Baltic amber has alleviated teething pain for their babies, and its popularity continues to rise. If basic safety precautions are followed, it appears to be safe. So far, no baby has experienced succinic acid overdose.
Thus, my children wear their necklaces proudly. When we welcome another baby into our family, we’ll undoubtedly reach for Baltic amber once more. Despite the skeptics, I stand firm in my belief.
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Summary:
In my experience as a new mom, amber teething necklaces have proven to be effective in alleviating my children’s teething discomfort, despite skepticism from some experts. The natural properties of Baltic amber, particularly succinic acid, appear to have worked wonders for my kids. While there are safety concerns regarding their use, I chose to proceed with caution and found the benefits outweighed the risks. As I anticipate future additions to my family, I plan to continue using amber necklaces.