Amber Bead Necklaces

Photo by Susie Faughnan

I've learned a lot about Amber Bead Necklaces recently. Like everyone else, I wondered if they really worked when I first was aware of the crunchy moms in my practice putting them on their babies. That was several years ago. Since, I've heard many  moms insist that the teething necklaces decreased the drool and fussiness and improved their baby's quality of sleep. I kept hearing how  it had to be Genuine, Raw, Baltic Amber, Light as possible is the best for teething. Before I placed my second order I reconsidered if it had to be raw and "as light as possible." When you start re-questioning, the moms have said they all get the job done.

From all the feedback I get about the necklaces, I honestly think it doesn't matter raw vs polished, dark vs light. 

I hear how adults want a necklace too for carpal tunnel, neck pain, help them sleep better.

I have found out is is very hard to find raw necklace 18 inches and above. Everything I have found in longer lengths is polished. If you have found them let me know.  For adults who truly wanted raw, they have screwed two shorter ones together.


At least from this Lithuanian company. There may be "imitators" out there? I say you should get what ever your personal preference is and that's why I got more variety with my second order. I'd love your opinion on this.

Perhaps, the amount of anti-inflammatory activity in the light may be "a little" more than in the dark, but is it significant. Doubtful.


The most popular question I get is; "Can you leave it on at night?" They baby ones are designed for 2 months old and above. They work when your skin warms the amber to reduces inflammation. At night when you are warm seems to me to be the most beneficial time to wear a necklace. Removing for sleep seems to me to be reducing the optimal benefit. I believe disclaimers "not intended for sleep" are legal disclaimers. Yet, you have to what your instincts and comfort level are. Take it off at night if you want, but you may lose some benefit. I know that some moms keep it on the baby's ankle at night. That is a compromise. An ankle doesn't seem to be as warm as the neck and chest and certainly not the same proximity for teething benefits. There is a knot between each bead. It is not a chain that can snap and the beads go everywhere.

They can be cleaned with damp cloth and warm water.

So my husband decided to give it a try and twisted two 12 inch ( dark chips) chains together to make a 24 inch chain. Within 10 minutes like he discovered gold, he said "it works"! Then he went to sleep. :) I was happy.

My office is well stocked and the best bet is to come by during office hours.

More About Pre-Folds

I am so excited by how many babies I see in cloth diapers... more are in cloth than in paper.


Since my post I realized how little is known about pre-folds-

Prefolds (the flat rectangle):

Pros: Tried and true, not a fad. They are cost effective and customizable. They easily fold into thirds and a velcro or snap cover (bumkins or bummis are examples of two brands) holds them in place (no pins required). As long as the cover is clean it can be used again. The covers dry quickly. It is easy to fold into thirds. For boys any extra is doubled (6 layers) in the front. For girls the extra length would be folded in the back.

They come in 4 sizes and you never out grow the previous size. The smaller sizes become liners for the bigger sizes or for most of the modern diapers. As a liner it also makes it possible to use the next size up All-in-One by lining it to fit. And as you know they also can be used as burp clothes, car rags, house dusters, forever. They are easy to wash, dry, and store. The first 2 sizes work best for under 10-15 pounds. Five pound babies can be clothed diapered without leaking. This is the best diaper for small babies. The largest size goes for beyond 35 pounds if you have a late bloomer or bed wetter. You can even layer 2 large ones to make them have more coverage ( I know this too well.)

It's a great way to start cloth diapering if you are unsure since it is inexpensive. It is also a great way to inexpensively add a little more fluff to your stash in case you miss a laundry day.

They look great on a clothes line(they do!)

If you are motivated to use Diaper pins, these are the ones you want! I can help you with your pre-folds under covers, but I can't help you with the pins.

Cons: Watch out for imitators that are filled with polyester and not layers of absorbent cotton. Only skill necessary is folding into thirds. The biggest mistake is not moving up to the next size.

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Current Inventory and Prices (updated 6/22/12)

Bumkins, print, double gusset at legs
Photo by Kim Williams

Quick Drying Covers  (Bummis and Bumkins, vecro and snaps, single and double gussets) white and print, boys, and girl!!)   $10 each

(use over bamboozle, prefolds, or use smaller bumkins size as swim diaper)

preemie 6-10 pounds                       5

newborn 9-16                                 2

medium 15-23                                14

large      22-35                               18                           

toddler    over  35 pounds                 7

All-in-Ones (whites and prints) $10 each!!! (you may use all alone)

Bumkins (mostly white, a few prints left)

All-in-One      5 mediums 12-22 pounds

                    6 grande     32-42 pounds

Photo by Christine Lopez

Bamboozle   only 7 left

size 2 (fits 12-35 pounds) $18.00 each, 10% off 5 or more

Swim diapers  $10 each

I have 2 small prints ones, 9-15 pounds 

Bumkins covers in a smaller size could be used as Swim Covers--More in the next post.

  

Cotton liners for extra absorbency to fit inside other diapers. $0.50 each 

Four sizes of pre-folds

1) Preemie (up to 10 pounds) 1.00 each

2) Newborn(up to 15 pounds) 2.00 each

3) Regular (over 15 pounds)   2.50 each

4) Toddler  (over 35 pounds)  3.00 each

A preemie can be fully clothed diapered with 3-4 covers and 20 diapers.  That is $60 or under and a great way to get started. And a baby under 15 pounds can get started for $80 or under. 

Once you get used to cotton, you won't what to go back to scratchy paper.

All the diapers I have has been a big secret, because I've been way to busy. With all the interest in cloth diapers, I don't expect any of this inventory to last long.