How many of you use amber teething necklaces for your little dribbly teethers? I know a lot of mums who use them and swear by them, but I was surprised to read the HSE considers them unsafe.
The necklaces became popular among parents who believe the skin's warmth releases healing oils from the amber (a resin) which are absorbed via the skin into the bloodstream, helping to reduce teething pain
and inflammation.
According to the Health Service Executive however, they pose a potential choking hazard to any child under three years of age, with several serious risks listed on the website.
The HSE advises:
1. Never use amber teething jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets and anklets as relief for babies who are teething and if you do, constant supervision is required.
2. The small amber beads can come loose from the string and be swallowed or inhaled. And even if the parts don’t break off, amber necklaces, bracelets and anklets are small enough to be swallowed whole by a small child or baby.
3. The amber beads used in this type of jewellery can very easily shattered into smaller parts.
4. You should never put any kind of cord, string or chain jewellery around a baby’s neck.
The recent craze for amber necklaces to help with the pain of teething has swept through the sisterhood of mamas. It's now the 'earth mama' approach to babies cutting teeth, rather than lashing multiple doses of Calpol into them.
I never used an amber necklace, bracelet or anklet for my own dribbler, but I did think about it a few times; but, this advice from the HSE would definitely make me think twice.
What do you think? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
Main image: Natalie Kohn, BeamingAmberSun 
