The Pros and Contras of Buying Baby Jewelry
Baby jewelry can be a lovely and precious gift for your child. The selections are vast as you ponder what would make the perfect keepsake for your baby and make a statement about your baby's style. But what to buy? There's so much to choose from but there's also so much to take note of. There are so many pros and cons when it comes to buying baby jewelry, not to mention a lot of questions.
What is the item made of? Is it durable? Is it safe? Should I have it personalized?
The first three should be the questions running through your head as you pick out something. You will want to buy an item not only for its keepsake and style, you will want something that the baby cannot easily break, provide a danger to her health and make sure the metal will not provide any allergic reactions.
Here are the pros and cons of buying the following types of jewelry: earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
Earrings:
Pros:
Versatile: Can have a big selection of choices. Regular studs, teddy bears, hearts, anything is possible.
Generally safe in terms of piercing the baby's ear, although it is a good idea to wait a few months for the baby's immune system to strengthen.
Easy to clean.
Cons:
Infection: If that happens, use a mild cleanser and check daily to make sure it doesn't worsen. Some baby's ears, mine were a prime example, of being unable to
Use studs only and lock them securely: With a baby, the chances of them losing anything is incalculable and with such tiny items as earrings, consider them gone for good. Hoop earrings can be very dangerous as the baby will most likely make a grab for them and if not lose them, try to put it in their mouth or just as bad, rip the earring out of their ear, causing much pain and probable bleeding.
Bracelets
Pros:
Versatile: Can get them in any color, any stone, with or without charms. They can be made from silver, gold, beads, crystals, pearls, ceramics, almost anything you want. A very personal, special token of love.
Personalization: Charms especially are wonderful for this. With your baby's name, initials or even birth date it will be a permanent reminder of your love and affection.
Charms: If you are a fan of charms, it will be oh so difficult not to load your baby's bracelet with them. Anything from teddy bears to religious figures or even simple stones, the possibilities to suit your baby's style are endless!
Cons:
Sharp-cornered stones and charms: These can be very irritating for the baby. Swarovski crystals are a perfect example. Admittedly, they are gorgeous and would class up any bracelet, the corners of the bi-cones would dig into the baby's skin and if worn for a long period of time, cause major discomfort.
Durability: How strong is the bracelet? If the baby tries to pull and it and it breaks, sending everything flying across the room it wasn't all that strong. Chain links are the best for durability. Beware of bracelets strung on elastic string. Sure, it's a bit easier on the baby but will do no good in durability, especially when she gets into rougher play. Same goes for the clasp. The strength of the clasp is imperative. Make sure the clasp is strung securely and that it keeps the bracelet clasped but cannot be undone by the baby. The charms also need to be securely attached to the bracelet as a choking hazard may arise.
Lead content: Check and make sure the metal is lead-free as it can be hazardous for the baby.
Allergies: Make sure that any metal parts of the bracelet will not give the baby an allergic reaction.
Necklaces
Basically the same pros and cons as bracelets. The chain, however, would be a focal point of concern. Not only in terms of durability and the safety of the clasp, making sure that the baby doesn't pull at it so it becomes a choking hazard.
The biggest thing when choosing a piece of jewelry is use common sense. Yes, the baby will most likely make a grab for it, try to take it off, take it apart and put it in their mouths. Just be ready to assume responsibility and be extra watchful when the baby is wearing jewelry.
Now, go shop!