When Can Kids Wear Necklaces? A Parent’s Handbook

As one of the safest options, kids can start wearing necklaces at the age of 3. Because at that age, they can be taught to teach and wear jewelry. They can also tell if the necklace is comfortable or not. 

Introductions 

Is your little girl like to stay neat? Does she like wearing jewelry? Children look good in almost anything but as conscious parents, we need to pay attention to whether we should permit it or not. 

On that note, in this article, I will tell you when kids can wear necklaces, what is the appropriate age, and what parents should consider in choosing jewelry for babies and toddlers. Let’s dive right in. 

Kids Safety Considerations to Wear Necklaces

Before you let your kids wear a necklace, there are certain safety considerations you should focus on. Here are those. 

Choking hazard 

Choking hazard is common. If the necklace contains too many decorative items like stones, beads, and charms, young children might put them in their mouths or swallow them. This might cause children to get choked. 

Ingestion hazard 

If children swallow any beads or stones, and those are so tiny that you didn’t notice, this might cause children having ingest them as those particles may contain chemicals or harmful elements. 

Strangulation 

If chains length is too fitting, this might cause strangulation and suffocation feelings for children, especially when they are sleeping. So, what your step should be is to have the necklace somewhat comfortably loose fitting and not to let them wear it when they are sleeping or playing. 

Injury 

If the necklace breaks or gets stuck, children might get hurt. Or if the necklace has pointy designs and sharp edges, they might get injured. So, you have to consider the designs and check the items on a regular basis. 

Metal allergy 

Children’s skin is sensitive, therefore, they might get allergic reactions to a few hypoallergenic materials. So, you need to take the metal of the jewelry into consideration. 

Infection issues 

Some jewelry materials may cause infection and rash on the child’s skin. Also, if a baby’s fine jewelry pieces aren’t taken care of properly, this might cause irritation to their skin as the items store sweat and specks of dirt. 

Appropriate Age to Wear Necklaces 

If you are wondering at what age your kid can start wearing necklaces, there is no exact age limit. However, to be on the safe side, avoid any unwanted accidents, and ensure the child’s comfort, it is better to wait till the kid is 3 years old. 

A 3-year-old child can express his/her opinion, talk about good and bad, talk about pain or happy feelings, and food taste. So, you can have a decent talk with them and help them understand many things. 

So, letting them wear the necklace at that age will not only help them feel the differences, but also, they can tell about comfort, discomfort, what they like or dislike, or if they have any other preferences for jewelry than necklaces. 

Also, it is safe as you instruct them not to put it in their mouth, not to wear it while they are going to play or sleep, etc. 

Cultural and Social Influences 

Wearing jewelry items is also connected with some traditional rituals and cultural and social influences around the globe. Such as:

Baby jewelry culture in Mexico 

Mexico is a Catholic predominant country. So the country has a custom that they offer gift items of rosary, and cross necklace to newborns, as part of establishing a bond with religion. Also, kids receive these gifts while they are baptized. 

Evil eye protection jewelry in Turkey 

Turkey has a jewelry culture where people use jewelry to ward off evil eyes, what they believe to be bright blue and green eyes. By using it, they believe they will stay safe. 

Baby jewelry culture in Latin America 

A common piece of jewelry is used in Latin America, known as ‘evil eye jewelry’, and is worn by all, childs to adults. However, the ritual of gifting it to a newborn is hoping to keep the baby protected.  

These have immense influences socially and culturally. Such as 

• In many countries, toddler worn amulets or chain-like jewelry pieces, which signifies that country’s belief in something. 
• Necklaces have always been icons to show off wealth, status, etc. Countries that follow royal ancestry pass down gold or silver necklaces to the next generation. 
• Jewelry helps augment fashionable looks and style even for babies, that’s why kid’s jewelry items like necklaces are in high demand. 
• Jewelry items are also used as a token of love, gratitude, and happiness. My grandmother gifted me a chain when I was born. Can you imagine the sentiment? This is pretty common worldwide. 

Expert Opinions 

Experts have mixed opinions regarding permitting a toddler to wear necklaces or any other jewelry pieces. Some say that children should not wear jewelry frequently, meaning they should be allowed with limits. Some experts also suggest, that it is a matter of the child’s choice, as long as they are comfortable and parents are watching out for the jewelry materials, sizes, and similar factors, it is okay to let them wear it. 

I prioritize moderate usage. Children aren’t big enough to take care of these things naturally. So, I will not overwork myself by buying every piece of jewelry. I will buy and let them use only what I can take care of. When they grow up and are capable of doing the work themselves, they can buy as many as they like. 

What are Some of the Child-Safe & Helpful Necklaces? 

While we are on the topic of children’s necklaces, one of the important factors is to ensure child-friendly helpful material. Let’s check the list of helpful & safe materials first. 

Amber teething necklaces 

Such necklaces are made of Baltic Amber. Amber is believed to have natural pain-relieving and soothing elements. This also helps calm children suffering from teething pain. So, if kids at the minimum age of 3 years can wear an amber necklace. 

Silicone teething necklaces 

For children who are suffering from teething discomfort, silicone teething necklaces are the perfect solution. Children can chew it for comfort. These are soft and chewable silicone beads and are available in the market in different designs and colors. 

Nursing necklace 

These items are mostly used by breastfeeding mothers so that the babies can stay focused. These are of bright colors and shapes that attract them. 

Necklace Teethers

Necklace teethers are made of chewable and secure materials. These are similar to silicone teething necklaces. It is designed to be used as a teething toys. 

Pieces of Jewelry Harmful for Children 

The issue doesn’t lie with the jewelry items such as necklace, bracelet in particular. Rather the problem is with the material or substances that are dangerous to human skin and body. So, before you buy any piece of jewelry item for your children, do thorough research on what type of material should be avoided that harms human skin and health. 

I did some research though. Let me assist in shortening your study. Check these items and whenever you find any jewelry made of these items, remove those pieces from your child. 

• Nickel: The material is harmful as contact with the skin may cause allergic reactions. 
• Lead: Excess use of lead jewelry can harm health and even behavior. 
• Cadmium: This material is known as a highly toxic one. 
• Chlorine: It is a caustic chemical and can damage other pieces of jewelry. 
• Mercury: This material can cause skin irritation. 

Safety Precautions to Take While Buying Children’s Jewelry 

Before you decide on buying jewelry items for your child, following these precautions will help you ensure safety. 

• Refrain from purchasing necklaces having any small designs or any other jewelry pieces that are really tiny. 
• Avoid buying pointy or sharp-edged jewelry items. As for necklace and bracelet, make sure the designs have a smooth finish. 
• Never over-makeup your little one. Do not dress them up with adult pieces of jewelry, over-the-top, or pageant pieces of jewelry. 
• No need to beautify them as grown-ups, children are naturally beautiful as they are. Using many jewelry pieces or makeup will gradually create obsession inside them and their confidence in their natural look will disappear. 
• Consider your child’s personality while buying jewelry. For example, if your kid is somewhat reticent, she will look good in simple jewelry. If your kid loves to wear jewelry, you may let her wear it appropriately. 

Additional Tips for Safe Necklace Wearing

Being a part of fashion and style, jewelry items like necklaces will always have strong traction with women, even little girls. What you need to do is to follow some tips for safe necklace-wearing, so that you can ensure optimal safety for the children. Let’s check some of those. 

Chain length 

Prioritize the length of the necklace chain. A long necklace or having extra lace isn’t a safe choice for children. The suitable size for the necklace chain will be determined by the child’s age. Check this table to understand the chain length as per child’s age. 

Material consideration 

As you are purchasing for children, make sure the material is child-skin-friendly, non-toxic materials (for example, wood, silicone, BPA-free plastics), etc. 

Consider simply designed necklaces 

Avoid picking up pieces of jewelry that have many curvy designs, too many stones and beads, etc. Stick to a simple design or plain chain with a pendant etc. 

Chain closing mechanism 

Is the chain closing section too difficult? Avoid choosing that. Rather aim for lobster claw clasps. The closing section should need to ensure a tight grip but not discomforting. 

Consider babies age 

Your baby’s age should also be prioritized. For example, toddlers put everything in their mouths so avoid choosing a necklace that has too many decorations. For preschool children, you can choose variations while there are no restrictions for teenagers. 

Keep your eyes open 

Whenever they are wearing necklaces, stay close to supervise young children. Thus you can be able to act fast if you face any trouble while wearing the jewelry item. 

Remove while they are sleeping 

In many cultures, babies are always to wear a chain as this signifies something as per rituals. But to ensure the baby’s safety, remove the chain while they are sleeping. Unconscious movement during sleep may cause unnoticed issues. Also, remove the necklaces while they are playing. 

Check baby’s pieces of jewelry

Not only kid’s necklaces but also all other pieces of jewelry they wear- keep them under constant check for if those have any sign of a break, dislocation, color change, etc. If the items have any damage take appropriate measures. 

Consider alternatives 

Do not let your child form the habit of always wearing necklaces. Rather use another form of ornaments for example bracelets, teething rings, etc. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Conclusion 

My article is about to end. Let me brief you once again. You can allow your child to wear necklaces, but to stay on the safe side, wait till the age of 3 when they can utter their problems. Also, keep a vigilant eye on the item’s material, size, length, and design. Considering these, you can let your child stay stylish and look good.