GUIDE
The AAP and FDA advise against amber teething necklaces due to choking and strangulation risks. Teething toys, chilled washcloths, and gum massage are the evidence-based approaches to teething relief.
This is one comparison where the evidence clearly favors one side.
Log symptoms and what helps
“The risk is two-fold — strangulation and choking.”
Dr. Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, American Academy of PediatricsThis is not a both-sides-are-equal comparison. The evidence is clear: amber teething necklaces have no proven benefit and carry documented risks, including strangulation and choking. The FDA issued a formal safety warning in 2018, and the AAP recommends against their use. At least one infant death has been linked to an amber teething necklace.
The claimed mechanism — that body heat releases succinic acid from Baltic amber, which is then absorbed through the skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory — has not been validated in any peer-reviewed research. A 2019 study by Marchisio et al. tested the claim directly and found no measurable succinic acid release at body temperature. The necklaces do not work through the mechanism their proponents describe.
Teething toys, by contrast, use a well-understood mechanism: counter-pressure on the gums from biting relieves discomfort, and cold provides mild numbing. Our teething toys guide covers which designs are safest and most effective. These are the same principles behind gum massage, which pediatricians have recommended for decades. They are not glamorous, but they work and they are safe.
| Aspect | Amber Necklace | Teething Toys |
|---|---|---|
| Safety profile | FDA and AAP warn against use. Risks include strangulation, choking on beads, and aspiration. | Safe when age-appropriate and used under supervision. One-piece designs eliminate choking risk. |
| Evidence of effectiveness | No peer-reviewed studies demonstrate pain relief from amber necklaces. The succinic acid mechanism is unvalidated. | Counter-pressure on gums is a well-established pain relief mechanism. Chilled teethers add mild numbing. |
| How it supposedly works | Claim: body heat releases succinic acid from amber, which is absorbed through skin and reduces inflammation. | Biting applies counter-pressure to sore gums. Cold reduces blood flow and provides mild numbing. |
| Regulatory status | FDA issued a safety warning in 2018. Not approved as a medical device. No regulatory oversight. | Regulated as consumer products. Must meet CPSC safety standards for children's toys. |
| Supervision required | Must be removed during sleep, naps, and any unsupervised time — negating most use cases. | Should be used under supervision, but the baby controls when and how they use it. |
| Cost | $10-30 for a single necklace. | $5-15 for most teething toys. A wet washcloth costs nothing. |
These are reasons parents choose amber necklaces, not evidence that they work. Subjective reports of improvement likely reflect natural symptom fluctuation.
The AAP, FDA, and CPSC all advise against amber teething necklaces for infants and young children.
Counter-pressure and cold are the two most evidence-supported non-pharmacological teething interventions.
These are minor practical limitations, not safety concerns.
Tinylog lets you log teething symptoms and the remedies you try, so you can see patterns over time instead of relying on memory or guesswork.
The most effective non-pharmacological teething interventions are simple. Chilled (not frozen) teething toys provide counter-pressure and cold. A cold, wet washcloth is equally effective. For a full rundown of what works, see our guide on teething remedies that actually work. Gum massage with a clean finger works well for young infants. For older babies, chilled fruit in a mesh feeder combines nutrition with relief.
For more significant pain, infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin, for babies 6 months and older) can be used as directed by your pediatrician. Avoid topical numbing gels containing benzocaine (the FDA warns against them for children under 2 due to the risk of methemoglobinemia) and homeopathic teething tablets (which have been linked to adverse events due to inconsistent belladonna content).
If your baby wears an amber necklace and you feel it helps, consider that teething symptoms naturally come and go — our baby teething chart shows the typical timeline so you can see how symptoms align with tooth eruption. The necklace may coincide with symptom improvement without causing it. If you choose to continue using one against medical advice, never allow your baby to sleep or nap with it on, ensure the necklace has a breakaway clasp, and never let your baby chew on it (the beads can break free and become choking hazards). But the safest option is to switch to evidence-based alternatives.
Teething symptoms wax and wane naturally. Without tracking, it is easy to credit whatever remedy you tried most recently. Log symptoms and interventions over several days to see what correlates with actual improvement versus natural fluctuation.
Wet a clean washcloth, wring it out, and put it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. The cold provides relief, and the texture gives the baby something satisfying to chew. It is free, always available, and easy to wash. Many pediatricians recommend this first.
Teething causes mild discomfort, drooling, and gum swelling. It does not cause high fever (over 100.4F), diarrhea, or severe fussiness. If your baby has these symptoms, something else is going on. Track symptoms and consult your pediatrician.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your baby.
