Made this sling beads for friends who have a  little child - 4 months, very little indeed. Sling beads are intended for carrying baby in sling, but not necessary, it can be just in your hands. Chilldren tend do grab parent's clothing, jewelery or hairs when they are sitting in heands or breastfed. Sling beads are made to replace those things and the child has something he is free to touch, grab, feel different shapes and textures. Also they are good for growing teeth as baby can bite them and  scratch his gums. Beads are absolutely safety for this as they are made ogf natural materials only (wood and cotton in my case)