Amber teething necklaces...

**Beach Mama** · October 8th, 2007, 03:16 PM

I had never even heard of these but friends of my mum and dads absolutely swear by them. It seems a bit wishy washy to me - but a drug free alternative to teething sounds great so I am just wondering who has used them and have they worked?? Im worried about the ones Ive seen being a bit too long and she might be able to put them in her mouth? Where did you get them from? Ive googled and found amberbebe they seem to be a popular place in Australia to get them - they seem to be very common in Europe.
How do they work? (Energy/heat from the amber??)
TIA

**Olive** · October 8th, 2007, 04:06 PM

im looking at getting one as well and would like opinions

**kitten2b** · October 8th, 2007, 09:08 PM

I have one but Maria would never wear it. My friend (from Italy) gave it to me and swore by it for her son.

paradise lost · November 2nd, 2007, 09:36 AM

All my anthroposophic friends use them. They swear by them. Their babies have a whole cycle. To begin with (from birth) they wear some stone for "protection". Then a teething amber. Then (usually overlaps) something to stop them falling and help them centre their balance while they toddle.

To be honest no-one really knows how it works. It has been empirically observed to be effective, BUT none of the explanations seem to be supported by science. One theory is that th amber resin releases oils from the warmth of the skin, but amber is fossilised, and a solid resin with a melting point between 199 and 380 degrees celsius, so this seems intensly unlikely. Allopaths ascribe various curative powers to amber but i don't know how they came to their conclusions. Amber IS electronegative so it produces negative ionisation where it's touching the skin, and negative ionisation allegedly helps the body repel illnesses, though how this applies to teething i don't know.

It is harmless if you can afford it.

Bx

**Chels** · November 7th, 2007, 08:45 PM

Hi,
I've just bought one for my 7mth old. She had her first 2 teeth come through together. Put it on her just after seeing the tip on one come through. She has been happy and only needed 1 dose of pain killer so far. Heard somewhere that if adults went through teething we would all be on morphine (???)
Anyway, even if it doesn't work it is harmless and looks good. It was inexpensive.

**Meluchja** · November 24th, 2007, 05:34 AM

Chels, where did you get yours from? My DD is a shocking teether. She is getting her bottom molars ATM and they are giving her hell.

**Beach Mama** · November 24th, 2007, 07:14 AM

Thanks ladies- Caro, Izzy won't take a normal dummy so don't like my chances of an amber one! I saw them on the main site that sell all the necklaces too. I think they are fine for a boy - but if you are worried he could just wear it at home and not out maybe?

Mel - if you google amberbebe they are the main supplier in Australia hun. They aren't that expensive really!

**Chels** · November 24th, 2007, 12:50 PM

Hi Mel!

I bought Sophie's at a store at Mr Tamborine. It was $30. I know another mum who bought hers through her Naturopath. That's right, make sure they are short enough so that your bub doesn't chew it. When I first heard about it I thought exactly the same, that they chew on it for relief similar to teething rings. It works through the healing properties of the Amber stone. Read more about it here [commercial link edited pls read FAQs]

Mamma23 · December 3rd, 2007, 04:32 PM

see message below

**BellyBelly** · December 5th, 2007, 02:18 PM

gumdropsamber, I got your email but have been flat out at a birth and doing the end of month newsletter. I don't think getting angry here is the way to go, here is an opportunity to inform people who may have wrong information about your product - it's a simple mistake - people pass information on all the time, it gets skewed and before you know it this happens. But we don't stop people from giving points of view that are not favourable, I think it's important people have a say about the good and bad out there or we will never know.

Getting angry due to inadvertent misinformation may even put people off buying your product. I know I like purchasing items from people who are friendly, supportive and knowledgable. Not likely to get angry at me if something goes wrong.

Also could you please contact an administrator through the help forum at the top of the forum list to change your username. It is against forum guidelines to use business names as a username. Thank-you.

**Chels** · December 5th, 2007, 02:36 PM

Does anyone know of a reputable (preferably run by someone friendly) store where I can buy another necklace? I want to buy Sophie another one. The one I bought her has stretched (cos I bathed her in it maybe?) No loss, I will wear it and hopefully it will help with my shoulder pain!

Kitten2b: do you want to sell the one your kids don't wear?

Mamma23 · December 5th, 2007, 05:36 PM

Dear Kelly & Chels, I am truly sorry that you percieved my post as angry & unfriendly, this was not my intention.I was concerned that my products would be seen as not the genuine article. I suppose I took offense to this as I have done a lot of research & sourced only genuine baltic amber from Lithuania to sell something that I honestly believe in. All of my customers to date have been extremely happy with my product & many returning to buy necklaces for their friends and family. My kids paediatrician even sells them in his rooms & I have been recommended to mums from homeopaths & natropaths. I suppose I am very proud of my achiements & just got protective when my name was used in a negative manner.
I am sorry that my passion for my products was perceived as unfriendly, this is not the case.
Thank you for your time

**BellyBelly** · December 5th, 2007, 05:43 PM

np... people will listen if you explain, in fact I am sure they appreciate being advised of what the go is, especially since people here are interested in using them. I too well know what's it's like when your hard work and passion is misconstrued and/or bagged, but it only makes us stronger and we can learn from it. I wish you all the best with your business, it certainly does sound very interesting.

domeisal · December 5th, 2007, 06:31 PM

I stumbled upon this forum while I was googling Gumdrops Baby Amber to get the website for a friend in need. I have two daughters and my first experience with breatfeeding was a nightmare, one that I was not looking to revisit with my second daughter so after hours and hours of research into amber products I decided to give a breatfeeding bracelet a go... I have a 10 month old daughter now who I am still breastfeeding (and have been without a hitch from day one

). She has just started teething so I have since bought a teething necklace as well. I have not looked back. She has been wearing the necklace now for a few months and we didn't even realise she was teething until she gave us a big belly laugh and there it was her first tooth! (she also started sleeping through the night since she has been wearing it!) I decided to go with Gumdrops Baby Amber as their website was the most informative and best presented that I found and both dealings that I had with the owner were nothing short of friendly and most helpful. They are also well priced (even though the results we have from the products have been priceless to us!). I have no hesitation in referring them to anyone open minded enough to give natural remedies a try. With reference to Caro's msg above, in all my research I have never once read that "THE POINT" of the teething necklace is to have your baby chew on it! So before cautioning anyone else in future, perhaps a little light research of your own wouldn't go astray.

**BellyBelly** · December 5th, 2007, 06:41 PM

Okay we don't need to go on about this. This thread will be watched carefully as it's a 'co-incidence' that we have a brand new member here who happened to raise their head at the point of debarcle... so if we are going to get new users posting and promoting this product the thread will be locked. There is no need and it's against guidelines.

Discussion can carry on as normal but if there is any more carry on, it'll be closed.

**kitten2b** · December 5th, 2007, 07:36 PM

Chels - sorry I won't be selling it atm as I have a new bub and will be trying it with her first.

Mamma23 · December 6th, 2007, 06:48 AM

Hi Ladies, I will attach a copy of FAQs to this message for your information. I hope it answers all your questions about teething necklaces. The basic answer to why they are not meant to be chewed is that when worn close to the skin, your baby's body heat will warm the beads & help to release the natural healing oils into the bloodstream. It will act as a natural anti inflammatory & pain reliever (the original form of paracetamol) There is more detailed info & research info in the FAQ sheet or on the website. Hope this helps & good luck with your babies!
FAQ’S
What is an Amber Teething Necklace?
Wearing Baltic Amber close to the skin is a traditional European remedy for baby teething. Amber is a natural analgesic & will help calm a baby without the use of drugs.

How does it work?
When worn close to the skin, the baby’s body temperature helps release healing oils from the amber, which is then absorbed into the blood stream.

What does amber do?
It will reduce red, inflamed cheeks & drooling. It has been reputed to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation of the throat, ear & stomach & assist with respiratory infection.

From what age is it safe for my baby to wear the Teething Necklace?
The necklace can be worn from 2 months of age, or as soon as your baby starts teething or showing signs of pain & discomfort.

Is it ok for my baby to wear the necklace all day, including sleep time?
We recommend that the necklace be taken off whenever the baby doesn’t have adult supervision.

Can the necklace get wet?
Extended contact with water isn’t recommended as it may cause the thread to become brittle.

How long will the necklace last?
The Teething necklace has been designed for use by babies & is therefore very durable. With the right care, your necklace should last & be able to be passed down as an heirloom.

Is it ok for my baby to chew on the necklace?
NO. Amber is a natural healing product that works by being next to baby’s skin. Your baby doesn’t have to put the beads in or around their mouth for it to work.

Is the Teething Necklace Safe?
The necklace has been designed with your child’s safety in mind. Each bead has been knotted singularly. Even in the extremely unlikely event that the string breaks, no beads are lost and there is no risk of choking.

What is Amber made from?
Amber is a fossilised tree resin, not a stone. It is therefore warm to touch & light to wear. The resin was produced by plants 40-50 million years ago! The plants would have used this resin as an antibiotic against viruses, to heal cuts or wounds. Now fossilised, its healing properties have been captured and are released once it has been warmed by the skin.

Has any research been done on Amber?
Yes. It is known that the active ingredient in Baltic Amber is succinic acid. This was documented by Robert Koch, pioneer of modern bacteriology & Nobel- prize winner (1886). He confirmed its positive influences and discovered that there was no risk of the accumulation of surplus amounts of succinic acid in the human organism. Recent scientific research has also proven its benefits. It strengthens the body & improves immunity. The unfavourable environmental conditions in today’s world block the natural flow of energy related processes in cells. These blocks affect cellular metabolism & significantly weaken the immune system, but the natural energy of amber is able to stimulate its renewal.

Why Natural pain relief instead of medication?
Unlike teething gels or analgesic syrups, the Baltic Amber Teething Necklace are a less intrusive remedy for the symptoms associated with teething. These symptoms could include lack of appetite, upset stomach, ear ache, fevers & colds. A natural analgesic, amber will help calm your baby without the use of drugs.

Who recommends the therapeutic use of Amber?
Amber’s anti-inflammatory & therapeutic properties are recognised by allopathic medicine. In Austria, Switzerland & Germany, Amber Teething Necklaces are sold in local pharmacies as Doctors have long known about the healing properties of Amber which include it calmative, analgesic & anti-inflammatory properties.

How is Amber collected?
Many methods of Amber production have been used throughout history. Collecting of Amber pieces from the shore remains the most popular.

How old does my baby need to be to wear the necklace?
GUMDROPS Amber necklaces have been hand crafted in Lithuania with the safety of your baby in mind. They can be worn as early as two months old.

Who can wear them?
GUMDROPS Amber necklaces come in a variety of colours & sizes. They can be worn by boys or girls, even mum & dad!

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Although there have never been any reported incidents that have resulted in harm to infants from wearing Amber necklaces, there is always a chance that your child could break the necklace and swallow a bead. The necklace has been designed to ensure the safety of your child by knotting before & after each bead so in the event that the necklace does break
(It will break if the need arises) only one bead may come off. If a bead is swallowed, Amber is a non-toxic natural product.

This product works by being worn against the skin, your baby does not need to put the beads in or around their mouth. The Amber Teething Necklace should be used under direct adult supervision.

Before placing the necklace on your baby please rinse it with luke warm water and let it air dry.

To increase the effectiveness of the beads, leave them in the sun before your baby wears it.

NOTE: Do not use any harsh chemicals on the product.

If you notice any allergic reaction, discolouring of the skin, hives or itching discontinue use immediately.

Ensure your baby does not chew on the Teething Necklace.

If for any reason your baby is not comfortable wearing the necklace, this may include pulling on it or trying to put the necklace it their mouth, please remove the necklace.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Although there have never been any reported incidents that have resulted in harm to infants from wearing Amber necklaces, there is always a chance that your child could break the necklace and swallow a bead. The necklace has been designed to ensure the safety of your child by knotting before & after each bead so in the event that the necklace does break
(It will break if the need arises) only one bead may come off. If a bead is swallowed, Amber is a non-toxic natural product.

This product works by being worn against the skin, your baby does not need to put the beads in or around their mouth. The Amber Teething Necklace should be used under direct adult supervision.

Before placing the necklace on your baby please rinse it with luke warm water and let it air dry.

To increase the effectiveness of the beads, leave them in the sun before your baby wears it.

NOTE: Do not use any harsh chemicals on the product.

If you notice any allergic reaction, discolouring of the skin, hives or itching discontinue use immediately.

Ensure your baby does not chew on the Teething Necklace.

If for any reason your baby is not comfortable wearing the necklace, this may include pulling on it or trying to put the necklace it their mouth, please remove the necklace.