Red Nose does not recommend placing anything around the neck of a sleeping baby.
Items placed around the neck can tighten during sleep and make breathing difficult. They may even strangle a baby. Also, strings of beads could break, and these beads could end up in a baby’s mouth, presenting a choking hazard.
The Australian Government issued a warning notice about the use of amber teething necklaces (bracelets and necklaces of amber beads). View the warning notice here.
Testing showed these items can break into small parts and present a choking hazard to children under three years of age
Amber teething necklaces and bracelets consist of amber beads which are a fossilised tree resin and range in colour from yellow to white and beige to brown.
Suppliers claim that when these beads are worn close to the skin, succinic acid is released by the amber to relieve the symptoms of teething. Some suppliers also make claims for the relief of other conditions including eczema and asthma.
Consumers using this product are advised to:
- Always supervise the infant when wearing the necklace or bracelet
- Remove the necklace or bracelet when the infant is unattended, even if it is only for a short period of time
- Remove the necklace or bracelet while the infant sleeps at day or night
- Do not allow the child to chew the necklace or bracelet or place it in their mouth
- Consider using alternate forms of pain relief
Seek medical advice if you have concerns about your child’s health and wellbeing.
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