What is the breastfeeding collar for and what types are there?

Many mothers will be able to remember from their time of breastfeeding, natural or bottle, the restless baby, pulling their necklaces, hair or scratching them . There was nothing of bad intention, it was just the baby letting his impulses fly, his desire to take everything, to browse, to touch things. For the same reason, the so-called breastfeeding necklaces were developed, a very useful instrument that distracts the little one while eating.

Breastfeeding necklaces are necklaces that the mother puts on the neck while breastfeeding the baby, or the father or mother when it comes to a bottle . They generally consist of several balls of different colors and sizes, although they can also include other elements. The fact is that they are varied, colored and have different sizes . They are at the level of the baby and he, while he takes the breast or the bottle, plays with them.

They serve both for the moment of breastfeeding and for carrying. If we wear it while walking with the baby, it is distracted by it and is calmer during the journey.

THE BENEFITS OF THE BREASTFEEDING NECKLACE

The breastfeeding collar is a very easy-to-use accessory that gives us multiple advantages. The baby is attracted by the bright colors of the necklace, and since it is within reach, he touches it and plays with it. Babies have the impulse to grasp everything they touch, this is due to the impulse reflex, which they have since birth and it helps them explore the world. Therefore, when they are in our arms, they tend to grab our clothes and jewelry, and the nursing necklace is, thus, an excellent object on which to satisfy that reflection.

In addition, the necklace helps them develop fine motor skills. As this one has different balls of various sizes, they learn to touch them, catch them, differentiate them, etc. All this allows them to be distracted during mealtime, and that together with the possibility of touching something, relaxes them .

What we cannot do is leave the baby with only the necklace, it is not a toy per se, it can only be used when we have it hanging.

THE BREASTFEEDING COLLAR DURING CARRYING

The nursing collar is an excellent source of distraction and, again, relaxation, when we go down the street carrying the baby . They can play with it again and feel less fussy if they tend to tire of the carrier early.

Here the necklace has a new and very nice utility, which is the possibility of biting into it. For when babies are in pain due to the emergence of their first teeth, this accessory can be used as a teether and relieves that discomfort . Therefore, we can put the collar on when we are sitting or sitting and simply hold the baby in our arms to calm down and play with it. If we put it in the fridge beforehand, it will be cool and will be double relief for your gums.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE BREASTFEEDING COLLARS MADE OF?

There are several types, but in general there are two most commonly used classes. Some are the wooden necklaces, which are usually covered with natural cotton crocheted . Cotton is a very soft and skin-friendly fabric, making it perfect for babies to touch and play with. The cord is also usually made of cotton, to make it softer.

On the other hand there are those of food silicone. This is a 100% antibacterial material, and can be put in the mouth . They are ideal for the time when the baby tends to explore everything he finds with his mouth, and also for when his teeth are born , since they serve as a teether. These can be easily hand washed, and allowed to air dry horizontally.

We can find them in childcare stores, and there are also online stores specialized in the sale of breastfeeding necklaces. All are certified to meet the health standards for babies and use appropriate materials and totally free of toxic substances . These can be washed in the dishwasher, or by hand with soap and water, and allowed to air dry.

Whenever we buy a breastfeeding necklace we must make sure that the materials are suitable for the baby. To do this, it is useful to know the brand or store that manufactures them, how they have done it and what quality seals they have.

CAN I MAKE MY OWN BREASTFEEDING NECKLACE?

Yes, many people who are fond of crafts choose to make their own wooden and cotton necklace or gift it to someone who has had a baby. There are stores that sell the necessary materials, especially those that are experts in crocheting . What we must bear in mind is that it is necessary to use natural materials , without harmful substances, for example, the wooden balls must be natural and not varnished, and the thread must be 100% cotton of the best quality, suitable for babies. .

CAN I USE A NORMAL NECKLACE TO DISTRACT HIM?

It sure is a trick that has been used many times, letting it play with a necklace that we are wearing. However, the nursing collar has the benefit that it does not contain toxic substances that the baby can ingest when putting it in the mouth, such as paint. Besides that, these special necklaces have been designed to stimulate the baby’s vision and motor skills. It is always better to use one of this type.