Teething

I mentioned a few months back that I was going to try the “amber teething necklaces” and tell you what I thought…honestly.  They seem to be all the rage these days.  Just a review amber is fossilized tree sap.  They’re not magic fair teething stones invoking some mythical god.  The idea is to wear the necklaces to get the benefit.  The baby does not chomp on the necklace like a teething ring.  It’s nothing like a teething ring.

The amber warms to body temperature, and is somewhat absorbed in the skin.  I’ve worn it a few times as a bracelet, and I’d have to say it’s kinda comfortable.  It’s kinda gives you a cozy feeling.

I got the necklace with the magnetic closure so it could easily be yanked off because I’m paranoid like that.  I also got one that was too long, and sort of regret that.  I would have liked a shorter one because this one flops outside her clothes often and it doesn’t work unless it’s resting right against the skin so the amber qualities can be absorbed.  She never wears it when she’s sleeping, but I’ve found if she wears it for a few hours in the day, it makes the nights easier.

At first, I didn’t notice any huge difference when Solveig wore it when she was teething.  Mostly that’s because I would put it on her when she got a dull fever, and it really didn’t help with fevers.  I talked with a friend of mine who said that amber can effect different babies different ways.  For instance, for her child the amber stopped the drooling associated with teething.

So then I kept some notes.  Honestly there it’s really hard for me to notice ANYTHING without taking notes these days.  For our little girl, here’s her response to the teething necklace:

-she has to wear it at least an hour before we see any difference.
-her drooling stops completely.
-she stops chewing her fingers.
-she’s less crabby…significantly.
-rashes around her mouth disappear.
-fevers are not affected.  She still needs medicine for that.
-stuffy noses are not affected.

So even though it’s not the miracle necklace that we had heard claim, we still use it because it has done some things.  I often forget to use it, but remember as soon as I see her drooling again.  From my notes, I have to assume it makes her feel better, although I would consider Tylenol stronger than this necklace.  However, I LOVE not using medications when I don’t have to.  Plus, there are many scenarios where she is HAPPY and has no fever or any sign of pain and she’s drooling like a river.  I’ll stick the necklace on her, and within an hour, we can remove her bib and see her pretty little outfit.  I wouldn’t normally give Tylenol for a situation like that anyway.

I’d say this necklace is a useful tool in a mother’s bag of tricks.  It’s not very strong or powerful, but sometimes that’s exactly what is needed.