How do you make a nursing necklace?

Here are some basics about making nursing necklaces. It has been four years since we made our first nursing necklace. Since then, we have created thousands and thousands of nursing necklaces. During this time, we have discovered what doesn't work, what sort of works, and what works great. We made our products available after fully researching and developing them with professionals and with safety as our number one priority.

Can my Mommy Necklaces™ get wet?

Our cording repels water, which unlike hemp or leather, it can even be worn in water. We guarantee that water will not adversely affect or deteriorate your cord. To clean your necklace, use warm soapy water and a dry absorbent cloth when washing your necklace and simply hang it to dry.

What type of beads do you use on a nursing necklace?

First, our stranding method consist of a knotting method used to securely tie off our necklaces. This construction, along with the safety closure, is a first vital part of our design. However, we take additional steps necessary to make our necklaces as safe as possible. All beads used are non-toxic acrylic (aka plastic) and are tested to meet (and exceed) the CPSIA regulations. Please do not be fooled by the beauty of glass beads. They are simply not safe for use on nursing necklaces and may contain 'yucky' chemicals. Wooden beads are also dangerous because they may splinter or weaken after becoming wet. Manufacturing of our necklace is done in a clean, organized environment that is both smoke-free and pet-free. We examine beads and toss any that shows any signs of imperfection or potential risks. After completion, necklaces are stored in a plastic bag after and sealed. All nursing necklacescome with a high quality break-away closure.

How does the safety closure work? Why not use other clasps on nursing necklaces?

Our safety closure will pop apart if too much force is applied but will withstand baby's appropriate tugs. Using no clasp is not a safe choice because it does not create a weak point in your necklace. If your baby pulls too hard, the only thing that will break is the necklace itself (vs. the clasp popping apart). In return, beads could fall loose from the nursing necklace. Any beads not picked up, presents a choking hazard to baby.

Magnetic clasps are dangerous. We have received complaints from mothers stating that the little tablet-shaped piece inside their clasp has fallen out. If ingested, magnets can prove deadly. While they help eliminate the threat of breakage, just like our plastic safety-closure, the potential of a magnetic clasp falling apart is too dangerous to mess with. What happens? If magnets are found by young children they can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract to each other. This can cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal. Our opinion? Any product intended to be regularly used around infants or small children that contains magnets is unsuitable. Because nursing necklaces are suggested for daily use and are regularly used around small children compared to that of finer jewelry, magnetic clasps are simply not safe.

Click here to learn more about the risks of magnets.


How long are Mommy Necklaces™?

Mommy Necklaces™ vary in length depending on the style and also depending on how long your personalization is, if you opted for one. The Simply Snazzy Design measures approx. 32"-34". A Dangling Donut Design is approx. 28" while both Posh Donuts and Trendy Teardrops measure approx. 20". Mod Flat Rocks measure approx. 24". We are happy to customize any length, please note this in the custom instructions field when ordering. The length of your personalization may also affect the final length of your nursing necklace. Nursing necklaces may not exceed 36".

What do you think should not be used to make a nursing necklace?

It is pretty obvious that anything that will deteriorate when wet would be a "no-no" for a nursing necklace. Stranding materials such as string, hemp, yarn, and leather are a few of the common materials that absorb and deteriorate with wetness. A nursing necklace needs to be something that you can be regularly washed.

Next, you may want to consider the texture and general composition of your stranding material. Any fine materials such as thread, fishing line, kevlar, and even wire, may not be the best thing for your babies finger to get wrapped around. Over time, your necklace may experience some natural stretch and because of this baby will have access to the cording. Imagine what happens if you wrap a piece of fine material (such as a strand of thread) around your finger - it can hurt if it gets tight enough. Initially, nylon-coated stainless steel wiring may seem like a good choice. It is, after all, very strong (especially if you are using 49 strand of the stuff woven together), but further research has shown us that this wiring is more susceptible to wear over time. When the nylon coating on the wire starts to wear away, it exposes the very fine and sharp wires of the steel cording. Wire also has to be crimped. Crimping is another risk taken when using this material. It is extremely important to form a very safe and secure crimp or else your nursing necklace will break with the slightest tug.

What makes your methods superior?

We are not here to argue what is "right" or "wrong" but rather to inform you about how we have made our choices. We researched this topic passionately and wholeheartedly. We have posted our conclusion here to help you, whether is be you purchase from us, another vendor, or make your own nursing necklace. The research of various methods along with the professional, hands-on training we have received really help us feel confident in our products.