Review: Amber Teething Necklaces by Brooke Brycko

Last month, I received Joseph's amber teething necklace in the mail from Brooke Brycko, and I was so excited! Fingering the necklace in my hands, the amber pieces were so smooth, and the knots between each piece made me feel that Joseph would be safe and the necklace would be secure while he wore it. I wasn't sure how well it would work as a natural form of teething pain relief, but for the past month, I have been pleasantly surprised with it's effect! Read the review of our teething necklace here, and email Brooke for information on other pieces she has. Mention that Amy of Toddler In Tow sent you, and you'll receive a special gift, for free!

Baltic Amber is recognized by allopathic medicine as a natural analgesic, and although the claims are not supported in scientific studies, I have seen a significant improvement in Joseph's reaction to teething pains since he has been wearing the necklace that I bought from Brooke. At her post, The Necklace, Sarah talks about her experience with a Baltic Amber teething necklace and you can see that it works for her family as well. Basically, Baltic Amber works by releasing a natural acid into the skin as the fossilized resin heats up against the baby's body. Throughout history, doctors of all sorts have used Baltic Amber for a variety of remedies: to prevent disease, cure disease, heal stomach ailments, relieve swollen glands, soothe sore throats, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. It may seem like a hippie dippy type of pain relief, but it really does work!

Appearance, Fit, and Feel

Above is a photo of the particular necklace that I received from Brooke. You can't see it in the photo, but each Baltic amber piece is secured with knots on either side of the piece. It is a multi-shade "jagged" style necklace, but the stones are actually really smooth. Joseph didn't even notice that he had it on for the first two weeks that he wore it! After a couple of weeks, it got a bit longer. . . I believe the cord became longer because the knots between the amber pieces got tighter as it was worn. Now sometimes Joe tries to chew on it because it is long enough for him to feel it sitting on his chest and for him to grab it. Buying a shorter necklace would have eliminated this problem, and with Brooke, custom necklaces, or asking for a shorter necklace would be no problem at all. She is a warm, genuine, and dedicated work-at-home-mama. 

 In general, the fit and feel of the necklace are wonderful.

Construction

The amber beads are strung on a sturdy cording and the cord is knotted between each amber piece. The clasp is a barrel clasp that is extremely secure and easy to fasten. The construction of Brooke's jewelry seems exceptional to me based on the necklace that I received!

Effectiveness 

(Amy, tell me, did it really WORK!?)

I observed that while Joseph wore the teething necklace, his cheeks were less red and puffy and his drooling was significantly less than when he did not wear the necklace. He also did much less "temple-thumping" - when he beats at his ears and temple with his little fists while he drools and whines about his teeth (poor baby!) 

The way I was able to tell was that on days when we were just hanging around the house and he was wearing only a diaper, I would leave his teething necklace off so that he wouldn't be tempted to pull on it (when he wears it under a shirt, he doesn't notice it at all). Those days, he would drool like a mad man! But when he wore his teething necklace (both at home and out and about) under his shirt, he didn't drool as much, his cheeks were not as red, and he did a lot less temple-thumping and whining. Just coincidence? If you think so. But it worked for us!

Purchasing 

Brooke Brycko takes orders for her Baltic amber teething necklaces by email. Her Teething Jewelry is affordable (pricing starts at $10.00) and the construction of the piece that I reviewed is fantastic. She also makes adorable little linen pouches for storing your jewelry when it is not in use, and for collecting baby teeth for the tooth fairy to pick up as your child grows older. Amber jewelry is available for infants, toddlers, children, and moms and dads. Matching child/parent sets are available.

Contact Brooke at brooke@balticbabies.com for information on the current necklaces she has for sale, or to request prices or custom orders. Mention that you heard about her business from Amy at Toddler In Tow to receive a complimentary linen sachel with your jewelry purchase! 

Her website is in the works and will be available in Summer 2012.

Photo: Brooke Brycko

Photo: Brooke Brycko

* Disclaimer: I received a discount on my purchase from Brooke Brycko in exchange for a review on Toddler In Tow. I was not paid to write a positive review, nor asked to write a specifically positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own experiences as a mother. I am not a medical professional, and I cannot guarantee this product.