Nursing Necklace

What is it and FAQ's

A Nursing Necklace is a fairly new term to breastfeeding Moms. With the explosion of crafting, there are a lot of different nursing necklace styles available across the web. But which ones are safe and just how should they be used? We hope to answer some nursing necklace questions.

What is a Nursing Necklace?

Most breastfeeding Moms have experienced a painful pinch on the back of the arm or a little hand with a fistful of hair during a nursing session. This repetitive "playing" is peaceful for baby. A nursing necklace, in the simplest terms, is a necklace that a nursing baby may finger or manipulate instead of Mom while nursing.

Nursing babies can also get distracted. They develop a curiosity of their surroundings. They may try to take this all in while nursing. Turning their heads to catch this or that all the while bringing Mommy painfully along with them. A nursing necklace puts baby's attention back at the breast which is better for both Mom and baby.

Why a Nursing Necklace? Wouldn't any Necklace work?

Yes any necklace would work, but babies are surprisingly strong and could easily break a "normal" necklace. Some regular necklaces have thin chains that could cut into Mom's neck. Or it may be a treasured piece of jewelry that you wouldn't want to see broken.

Some styles of the nursing necklace on the market have what are termed "break a-way" clasps. These clasps are made to break apart when excessive force is applied. Some clasps are plastic and resemble those that are used on hospital and school id badges. Some are magnetic. These clasps also create "the weakest point" in the necklace, therefore reducing the risk of having the nursing necklace break.

Which Clasp Should a Nursing Necklace have?

It all depends on the stringing medium that is being used. Magnet clasps should be used with a wire medium and the plastic clasps should be used with cording.

Are Magnetic Clasps Dangerous?

No, not all magnetic clasps are dangerous. However, if you wear a pace maker you should not wear a nursing necklace that has a magnetic clasp. In addition, make sure that your magnetic nursing necklace clasp does not have magnets glued into their casing. Over time the glue with break down and release causing the magnet to come out of the casing. Typically magnetic clasps found in craft stores are NOT safe to use in nursing necklace creations.

NOTE - Nursing Notions magnetic clasps nursing necklace styles are created using the safest magnetic clasp on the market. The magnets used in our necklaces are molded into their casing by a specially designed tool. It is virtually impossible to remove these magnets from their casing. You can rest assured that our magnetic clasps are safe and will not release from their casings.

But is a Nursing Necklace Safer than a Regular Necklace?

If you buy from a reputable company, your nursing necklace is much safer to use. Research nursing necklace manufacturers before you buy. Using yarn, elastic cording, or cotton thread as the stringing medium is unsafe. A knot at the end of the necklace in lieu of a clasp is unsafe. A regular clasp, with no break a-way is unsafe. Manufacturing of nursing necklaces in this manner increases the risk of breakage.

Reputable manufacturers of nursing necklaces will have tested and re-tested their styles for durability. They will use the strongest wire and fiber medium possible, the best break away clasps on the market, and back up their products with a guarantee. They will have their mediums used listed, full product photos to view, policies stated and are easily contacted via phone or email. Most of them specialize in nursing jewelry.

What about the Beads on a Nursing Necklace?

There are many different types of beads used on any given nursing necklace. Each type of bead has it pros and cons. You need to decide which type of bead you feel safe using, and also if you want to use your nursing necklace beyond your nursing relationship.

Plastic/Acrylic - Beads should be non-toxic as they will have constant contact with your child's hands. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They are eye-catching and most children gravitate to them. Nursing necklaces made with these beads most often look like children's jewelry and may not be something you want to wear on your evening out.

Wood - Beads should be painted with a non-toxic lead free paint or stain. They also can come in all shapes and sizes. Some feel they are the more "natural" choice. Wood beads could possibly splinter. This type of nursing necklace can out live the nursing relationship.

Glass/Stone/Semi and Precious - Like other beads, they can come in all shapes and sizes. The colors are spectacular. If dropped on a hard surface they could possibly break. Since the colors and texture can vary greatly, they will fascinate babies. Most nursing necklaces made with these type beads are more versatile going from a nursing necklace to a beautiful accessory that you are proud to wear. These will most likely outlive the nursing relationship.

How do you construct a Nursing Necklace?

A nursing necklace is constructed basically the same as a regular necklace. What makes a nursing necklace different is the mediums used.

• A heavy gauge wire instead of fine or thin
• A break a-way clasp instead of a lobster claw
• Extra strong fiber cording instead of flimsy and weak (Larger gauge size in fiber cording does not necessarily make the fiber stronger)

Is Knotting of the Stringing Medium another Safe Guard?

Some manufacturers tie a knot between their beads. The theory is that if the string medium does break, these knots will keep a majority of the beads in place. However, these knots can actually weaken the stringing medium causing weak or stress point's through-out the necklace. Some knots can weaken the medium up to 50%.

Hopefully some myths and uses of a nursing necklace have been answered. With more Mothers nursing their babies, new and innovative products are being developed to establish and prolong a successful nursing relationship.