The 10 Best Teething Necklaces for Mom and Baby

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.

What Is a Teething Necklace?

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.

How Do Teething Necklaces Work?

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.

Are Teething Necklaces Safe?

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.

Are Amber Teething Necklaces Safe?

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.

What To Look For In a Teething Necklace for Mom

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!

Best Teething Necklaces To Shop

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.

How We Chose the Best Teething Necklaces for Mom

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.

About the expert:

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