If swollen, painful gums are plaguing baby, you know the troubles of teething. As those pearly whites push through, baby may be irritable and inconsolable with a mouth more tender than usual. Teething is a rite of passage for babies transitioning into tots, but that doesn’t make the process any easier for them—or you. That’s where a teething necklace can come to the rescue.
Put simply, “teething necklaces and beads are used as an alternate treatment to alleviate teething pain,” explains Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. They’re jewelry that mom can wear and on which babies can safely chew. Typically, teething necklaces are long (so that baby can easily access them), and made from baby-friendly materials such as silicone or wood. Teething necklaces are designed for mom to wear, not baby, and plenty of different looks are available, from earth-toned, minimalist designs to vibrant, chunky styles. Animal Shape Silicone Teether
A teething necklace works similarly to more traditional teethers, with the aim of easing the pain in baby’s mouth. The main difference? The former is designed for you to wear around your neck as an accessory. Infants tend to need more comforting from parents when gums fire up, so as you cuddle baby—and thus tie up your hands—a teething necklace can serve as a sensory tool that’s easy and safe for baby to touch, hold and chew. Nibbling on the teething necklace provides a gentle massage to relieve soreness caused by emerging chompers.
It’s important to reiterate that teething necklaces are intended for mom to wear and should never be worn by infants or toddlers. The American American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend that babies wear any jewelry. According to the AAP, “suffocation is the leading cause of death for children under a year old and among the top five causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.” In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also put out a warning that advised parents not to use teething necklaces as they pose risks of “choking, strangulation, injury to the mouth and infection” when worn or used by children. “Strangulation can occur when a child is left unsupervised during sleep or if they child were to break the beads off and swallow them,” explains Phillips-Walker.
Amber teething necklaces are not a safe teething solution for infants or toddlers. Google “teething necklace,” and you’re likely to get bombarded with “amber teething necklace” search results. Some believe raw or heat-treated and polished Baltic amber beads contain an analgesic substance that can be soothing to the incoming teeth making mini-mouths tender. “However, there is no scientific research that supports these claims,” says Phillips-Walker—plus, there are many amber teething necklace safety concerns. In addition to strangulation and choking, the use of these necklaces could lead to the teething beads cracking and splintering because amber is a soft and brittle substance.
When picking out a teething necklace for mom, make sure it’s around your neck and that it’s made from baby-safe materials. The design should be non-toxic and free of BPA, phthalates, lead and cadmium. That typically means seeking a stylish teething necklace constructed of medical- or food-grade silicone or wood finished with natural oils that won’t harm baby’s delicate system.
When shopping for a teething necklace for mom, you should also look for options that have breakaway clasps to eliminate teething beads becoming loose if baby pulls too tight. Likewise, opt for a teething necklace that is easy to clean to prevent bacteria build-up—some may even be dishwasher-safe!
With safety, soothing and style in mind, we’ve rounded up the best teething necklace products to calm your teething infant while expertly accessorizing your postpartum wardrobe.
First up on our list of the best teething necklaces is this classic option from Anjie + Ash. It features faceted beads made from non-toxic silicone to prevent bacteria buildup and mold growth. You’ll also be a fan of the unique magnetic breakaway clasp, designed to keep mom and baby safe.
Length: N/A | Materials: Silicone
Effective teething necklaces don’t have to be an eyesore. Case in point: This stylish design. It features uniquely-shaped teething beads that are sure to engage baby, while also adding a touch of modern femininity to your outfit. Other details we love about this piece include how it’s handcrafted from non-toxic silicone and made with a food-safe plastic breakaway clasp.
Length: 36” | Materials: Polyester, silicone and plastic
Whether you wear it to dress up a casual tee or add an extra bit of flair to your work-ready attire, this beaded teething necklace is sure to bring in the compliments. And baby will go goo-goo ga-ga over the stimulating bead shapes and colors that simultaneously offer teething relief and gum massage. Some other highlights: It’s made from food-grade silicone that’s 100 percent BPA-free and the design is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commision.
Length: N/A | Materials: Silicone
Who wouldn’t want to wear this handmade wooden teething necklace? This all-natural baby-safe piece is made of maple hardwood and chemical-free silicone, tied together on a sturdy silk cord. We also love that it has a breakaway clasp for your and baby’s safety. What’s more, it also offers a simple style made up of beads and circles that will easily pair with most of your postpartum wardrobe.
Length: N/A | Materials: Maple hardwood and silicone
Contemporary, subtle and stylish, this teething necklace for mom checks all the boxes on our list. This pick isn’t just aesthetically pleasing though, it’s also baby-friendly. Each design is handmade from high-quality materials, like Japanese polyester spindle rope, non-toxic silicone beads and 18k gold-plated rubber stopper beads. For added safety, it also features a plastic breakaway clasp.
Length: 32” | Materials: Polyester, silicone, rubber and plastic
While this pick is intended to be used to engage baby during nursing, it can also function as a teething necklace. The design is handmade from food-grade silicone, so you can count on it to keep baby safe as they chew away. Better yet, it offers a sweet boho-chic aesthetic; your little one is sure to love the colorful beads! Other top-notch features include the strong nylon cord and the breakaway safety clasp.
Length: 27.6” | Materials: Silicone and nylon
Next up is a fashion-forward design from Anjie + Ash. Designed by a New York-based jeweler, it’s made from food-grade stainless steel and silicone beads. The result? An aesthetically pleasing style that’s entirely baby-friendly. Better yet, this teething necklace features a unique magnetic clasp that breaks away for your and baby’s safety. Pro tip: Put this teething necklace in the fridge before wearing it to offer your little love additional cooling comfort.
Length: 28” | Materials: Stainless steel and silicone
Chic and baby safe—what’s not to love? This wood and silicone teething necklace can keep baby’s hands busy and gums massaged. Plus, it has a subtle, neutral design that’s sure to complement your go-to outfits. Choose from mint or turquoise colorways.
Length: 30” | Materials: Wood and silicone
Searching for a budget-friendly teething necklace? Consider this convenient set of four. Each necklace is made from 100 percent food-grade silicone and is equipped with a breakaway clasp. Technically they are sensory chew necklaces for older kids or adults, but reviewers say they work just as well as teething necklaces for mom too. What’s more, they’re freezer-safe to provide baby’s gums with cooling relief. When your little one is finished chewing for the day, simply pop them in the wash to keep them clean.
Last but not least is a colorful statement piece for mom. This teething necklace is made up of bright trapezoid pendants that offer cushioned relief to sore gums and new teeth. And if the length isn’t to your liking—no problem. The black satin cord can easily be shortened. We also love that this design has a breakaway clasp and is dishwasher-safe.
Length: N/A | Materials: Silicone
To help you find the best (and safest) teething necklaces, we browsed an array of options from trusted brands and retailers. We considered several aspects when sourcing products, such as necklace length, clasp type, materials, style and, of course, safety. We read user reviews to understand how these teething necklaces worked for real parents, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average three-and-a-half-star rating.
To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we chatted with a pediatrician to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind as you shop. We also followed the safety recommendations of the AAP and FDA.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Alexis Phillips-Walker, DO, is a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. She earned her medical degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
The Best Teething Toys for Babies
Teething Symptoms and Remedies: What You Need to Know
The Best Baby and Toddler Toothbrushes for Happy Little Mouths
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