TEETHING is a tough time for both babies and parents alike.
It can be hard to know what to do to help calm your little one if they are struggling with the pain.
Many items are available to help kids through their teeth pushing through their gums.
Whether it's ointments, toys or gels, there is usually a product that can help.
However, one first aid expert has warned that parents could be making a terrible mistake if they purchase the incorrect items.
Paediatric nurse and mum Sarah Hunstead, said when shopping, you should avoid amber teething necklaces.
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This is a product which is around the size of a beaded piece of jewellery.
The teething necklaces are usually made of Baltic amber, or fossilized tree resin.
They are meant to work by the heat from the baby triggering a release of oil which contains succinic acid.
Advocates of the necklaces say that it's this chemical that helps soothe swollen gums.
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Taking to the CPR Kids Instagram page, Sarah highlighted a viral TikTok video of a mum who revealed the shocking reality of using the product.
Danielle Morin said her son Deacon was strangled to death after the necklace got caught around his neck.
She said: "Know better, do better! Child safety isn’t a parenting choice, it’s a duty."
The tragic incident happened in 2016, when Deacon was found unconscious at nursery.
He had been strangled by the product when he was sleeping.
Medics rushed him to hospital but he was sadly pronounced dead five days later.
Since then Danielle has been trying to raise awareness of the products.
Sarah explained that this isn't the first time a parent has shared their story and offered some guidance to parents.
She explained: "Firstly and most importantly, it is vital that you consider alternate forms of pain relief."
What can I do to help my teething baby?
Experts at Ashton & Partners Teething Powders say there are a number of things you can do to help soothe the pain your little one is experiencing from teething.
They state that chewing can ease discomfort so using teething rings or toys left in the freezer could help.
It's recommend you sterilise the toys first before use and if you don't have a toy the experts say you can use a flannel instead.
Massaging your babies gums with your finger or a washcloth can also help stimulate the tissue and alleviate pain.
They also stated that singing to your baby and cuddling them can also help soothe them.
Medicines they said can also help and highlighted topical liquids and gels, traditional herbal therapies such as the Ashton & Partners powder and ibuprofen and paracetamol suspensions.
She added that if you do use the device, you should always supervise your infant when they are using it.
"Remove the necklace or bracelet when the infant is unattended, even if it is only for a short period of time.
"Remove the necklace or bracelet while the infant sleeps day or night.
"Never allow the infant to mouth or chew the necklace or bracelet.
Remember to always seek medical advice if you have concerns about your child’s health and wellbeing," she added.
In 2021 mum-of-four, Kasie from Boston, revealed that her baby nearly choked when using the device.
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"He was making weird noises and I thought he was just being silly and when I looked closer I noticed that the necklace was caught on the stopper on the baby gate and he was gasping for air. He was having a hard time breathing," she said.
Little Hunter was left with bruises on his chest and neck following the incident.
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