Amber teething jewellery
Why is amber teething jewellery dangerous for babies and children?
Amber teething jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and beads, poses serious risks to babies and young children. These products can cause choking, strangulation, aspiration, and even death. They are not safe and should never be used as teething aids.
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What are the main risks of amber teething jewellery?
- Choking: Small beads can block a child’s airway, making it impossible for them to breathe.
- Strangulation: The string or cord can tighten around a child’s neck or get caught on an object, leading to strangulation. Never put any kind of cord, string, or chain jewellery around a baby’s neck.
- Aspiration: Beads can come loose and be swallowed or inhaled, causing aspiration. Aspiration happens when something intended for swallowing goes into the lungs instead of the stomach, which can lead to pneumonia, partial lung blockages, or lung collapse.
- Infection and other risks: Amber jewellery used as teething aids can also cause skin infections, mouth infections, restrict blood flow in the arms or legs (depending on where the jewellery is worn), and allergic reactions.
How can you safely soothe a teething baby?
Teething can be distressing for babies, parents, and caregivers. For safe advice on teething and how to soothe a teething baby, you can find information on the HSE website: Teething and how to safely soothe a teething baby .
What should you do if you see amber teething jewellery for sale?
Businesses must immediately remove any amber jewellery marketed or sold as teething aids from the market, as these products do not comply with safety regulations and are considered dangerous.
Consumers should not buy amber jewellery marketed or sold as ‘teething aids’. If you already use amber jewellery as a teething aid, you should stop using it immediately.
How do you report amber teething jewellery being sold as a teething aid?
Amber beads cannot be sold as teething aids in Ireland because they are dangerous. If you see these products being sold or marketed as teething aids or for use by children under 36 months of age, you should report it to the CCPC via our report an issue form.
