UPDATED: November 7, 2016
So what's the deal with these cute amber necklaces you see the cool babies wearing around town? Well although these necklaces (and bracelets) are quite beautiful, they actually have a significant purpose for that baby.
So what's the deal with these cute amber necklaces you see the cool babies wearing around town? Well although these necklaces (and bracelets) are quite beautiful, they actually have a significant purpose for that baby.
Genuine Baltic Amber necklaces are most known as "teething necklaces" because of their popularity with diminishing the symptoms of teething in an infant. The fact is, they are useful for that and so much more! Read below to get all the common questions answered, and if you have more, please email us so we can add it to the list!
Jewelry around my BABY’S neck? Yea, I don’t think so!
I know, I know! At first I was skeptical too. But please rest assured that I would NEVER sell you a product that I thought was unsafe. Your sweet baby is a miracle and I would do nothing to jeopardize that. That is why I recommend parents/ guardians read all our safety instructions prior to first use and always supervise the child while they are wearing the beads.
First and foremost, the amber beads are strung on a strong, silk cord and knotted by hand between each bead. The necklace (or bracelet) is secured at each end with a plastic screw clasp. If in the unlikely event the jewelry does break, only one bead should fall off. Of course, any loose beads need to be picked up immediately. If a child should get their hands on a loose amber bead, they are small enough to not pose a choking hazard and are non-toxic if ingested. In fact, amber is ground up and used in medicinal mixtures all the time! If you suspect your child has ingested a bead, please-please contact your pediatrician at once so they can perform a thorough physical examination on your child. It is better to be safe!
And I will say it once again… The amber beads are meant to be worn under adult supervision at all times.
How does it work? What’s the science behind it?
I thought you’d never ask! Okay so here is the low-down:
Once upon a time - around 45 million years ago – there were these magical trees (okay I’m kidding, they weren’t magical… haha) that grew in Northern Europe near the bed of the Baltic Sea. As the climate grew warmer, the trees began to exude large amounts of resin, and over time this resin hardened into the fossilized amber (remember Jurassic Park??? Kinda like that). Scientists have tested this resulting amber and have determined the resin was stabilized through oxidation. Now what’s special about GENUINE BALTIC AMBER is that it contains various amount of Succinic acid (anywhere from 3-8%). This acid is a scientifically-examined compound that has been used for centuries and as well in contemporary medical practices. In Baltic amber, the highest content of the acid is generally found in the cortex (that’s the outer layer), and is released through the pores.
Scientific research has proved that Succinic acid has a very positive effect on humans. Along with it’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, “… [Succinic acid] also has been shown to be a good "natural" antibiotic because of its relative acidic or caustic nature… Succinate supplements have been shown to help reduce the effects of hangovers by activating the degradation of acetaldehyde - a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism - into CO2 and H2O through aerobic metabolism. Succinic acid has been shown to stimulate neural system recovery and bolster the immune system. Claims have also been made that it boosts awareness, concentration and reflexes.” Wait… reduce the effects of hangovers??? And to preemptively answer your next question, Yes we do have adult sizes! :)
Blah Blah science, but really… do they work?
I know it sounds crazy because it seems impossible, but I can personally testify that the beads do work. My son has worn his necklace since he was about 4 months old and it has made our lives so much easier. We have even experimented and left the beads off him, and by noon we are scrambling to get the necklace on! Time and time again, I get praise from customers saying that the amber has helped their baby so much.
Like many natural remedies, what may work for one baby, may not work for the next. In the 20+ nearly 500 pieces of jewelry I've sold to date, I have not had one complaint. Additionally, we have seen a variation in the time it takes for the beads to have their effect on the child, with some as early as a few hours and others taking up to a few weeks. We ask that you please just give it time. I know it is hard when baby is screaming and drooling all over everything and you haven’t slept in days, but the likelihood is that it will work. There may also be other contributing factors that are additive and may prevent your child from benefiting fully from the amber. At the very least, the necklace is quite beautiful and will definitely make your baby stand out.
Will the amber beads cure my child’s teething pain 100%?
The amber beads’ resin (succinic acid) will serve as an analgesic and help alleviate the symptoms of teething (including pain, drooling, restlessness, irritability), however will not “cure” anything. Teething is something that will happen to every child; the beads just serve the purpose of helping to alleviate some of the symptoms.
Does my child chew on the amber beads?
No. The beads should never be chewed on by the child. In fact, they work best when worn up directly against the skin. I suggest putting the beads on your child and then covering with an article of clothing. Once the beads heat and match your child’s natural body temperature, they shouldn’t even notice them! Again, adult supervision is required and strongly encouraged at all times the child is wearing the beads.
Can the amber beads be worn during sleep?
Due to the fact that the necklaces are worn around the neck, I ask that all parents/ guardians remove the necklace from the child prior to any nap times, overnight sleeps, and if the child will be out of adult’s supervision.
If you are comfortable enough, the bracelets (or a necklace, double-wrapped) can be worn around your child’s ankle and covered with a sock so the child is unable to reach it. That way, your child can benefit from the beads during their sleep time.
What are the first signs the amber beads are working?
The most obvious first signs are the reduction of drooling and red cheeks, often associated with teething. This is accomplished as the succinic acid stimulates the thyroid gland (this little thing is partly responsible for maintaining bodily secretions). Since the succinite is also a natural anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce those rosy red cheeks. Then, of course, the most important benefit starts to show: the natural pain reliever found in succinic acid helps soothe your child’s tortured gums, relaxes their nervous system, and boosts their immune system.
Is there any difference in effectiveness between the colors?
Out of all the questions I have from customers, this seems to be the most debated. I’ve done pretty extensive research on this subject matter alone and cannot verify 100% one way or the other that the “lighter” the amber color, the more succinic acid it contains. I have had some people swear by it and some people simply say it is untrue. I have sold a wide variety of colors from green-gold and dark cherry to buttermilk, and my “lighter” color buyers have not pled one way or the other. I did my own (completely non-scientific) experiment to see if I could notice anything. My son wears his dark green-gold on a regular basis but I did go ahead and use a light honey on him and I couldn’t tell a difference.
But seriously, side note: Sometimes parenting isn’t an exact science. I mean, just a few months ago scientists changed, once again, the caffeine restriction guidelines for pregnancy. Being a parent is all about going with your gut and doing what you think is best for your little one. Of course, I recommend researching thoroughly, and even discussing with your pediatrician if you desire. It’s hard to take all this research in. I know; I am a first time parent :) What I do know is that wearing the beads properly (and under adult supervision) will not harm your child.
Okay, then why do you charge more for buttermilk???
Well, for the simple fact that the buttermilk beads are more expensive because they are harder to obtain. Buttermilk is the rarest color of amber to be found and harvested. Promise!
Okay fine, you convinced me. But is this just going to be another thing I have to “take care of”?
Absolutely not! The amber beads are, for the most part, self-maintaining. Remember, the healing oils are released out of the cortex through the pores, so I do recommend that you remove the necklace when it will be exposed to any chemicals. Water itself will not harm the necklace however chlorine, soaps, detergents, and lotions can clog the pores preventing the good stuff from being released. But we are all human and I’m sure it is bound to happen, so I also recommend a weekly “sweating” of the pores. It’s super simple: just leave the necklace out in direct sunlight for one hour. Done. Again, you can do this weekly or whenever you feel it might be necessary. The sunlight will not harm the amber. As far as hygienic cleaning, just rub it down with a damp (water only) cloth and let air dry.
How long do the amber beads last… a month, right?
No way! With proper care, the amber can last years, even after your little one is done teething. I have already discussed why it is most commonly used - teething – but let’s quickly review the other positive effects which will be helpful for various ailments baby might experience over the years:
- Anti-inflammatory (growing pains, generalized bumps and bruises, arthritic changes)
- Nervous system calming
- Immune system booster
It is also rumored that the amber helps with allergies, although it is not as thoroughly documented. Parents have raved that it has helped with seasonal allergies and even eczema in their toddlers! It doesn’t hurt to try, right?
Well I hope this blog post has answered all your questions. There is a lot of information here, but if I didn’t answer your question, please email me at carleybee@baybeeboutiqueonline.com. I will add your question here to the blog so as to benefit all my readers. And if you’re still on the fence, shoot me an email and let’s chat about it.
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Carley
