Why I gave my baby mala beads, a mindful parenting journey with Indian mala

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How mala beads can help raise a mindful child

When my daughter was 16 months old, I gave her a string of Indian mala beads. At that age, she couldn’t understand their full meaning, and of course, I can’t leave her unattended with them.

But from the moment she first held them, her joy was unmistakable. She gets excited every time I bring them down from where they hang on my dresser.

This wasn’t a random gift. The decision to introduce mala beads into her life, even this early, was rooted in deep spiritual tradition, symbolic meaning, and the hope of helping her grow up mindful and grounded. Below, I’ll share the six reasons I chose to do this and why I believe more parents may want to consider it too.

What are Mala beads?

Mala (Sanskrit for “garland”) are a string of 108 beads traditionally used in meditation, prayer, or intention setting. They are most often associated with Buddhism and Hinduism, though today they are also used by people from all spiritual walks of life.

A mala usually contains:

108 beads, symbolizing spiritual completeness
A larger Guru or Meru bead
A tassel, which represents spiritual connection
Beads made from crystals, seeds, or gemstones (each believed to carry specific energies)

Why I gave my baby Mala beads

The sacred power of 108

The number 108 is considered sacred across multiple traditions:

The sun is 108 times its diameter from Earth
There are 108 marma (energy) points in the body
Sanskrit has 54 letters, each with a masculine and feminine form
Spiritually, 1 stands for unity, 0 for wholeness, and 8 for infinity

Even though my daughter doesn’t understand this yet, the idea of her holding something so symbolically powerful was very meaningful to me.

The stone’s energy: Indian agate

I chose a mala made from Indian agate, a stone known for qualities like:

Courage
Calmness
Protection
Emotional strength

To me, these are the qualities I hope to pass down to my child, not just through my parenting but through the physical and energetic symbolism of this gift.

Teaching stillness and focus

Even very young children can begin to learn how to slow down through presence, stillness, and breath. The tactile experience of moving beads through her fingers while we sit quietly helps her learn mindfulness in a natural, child-friendly way.

A toddler’s form of meditation doesn’t look like an adult’s—but the seeds are the same.

Simple mantras and daily intentions

Mala beads are not just for meditation. They can also serve as daily reminders of positive intentions. Even a two-year-old can begin to learn phrases like:

I am kind
I am calm
Be honest
I do my best

Over time, these simple affirmations can grow into deeper emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

A talisman for strength

Some believe malas absorb the energy of their owner. Whether you believe this literally or symbolically, it’s powerful to think that this strand of beads could become a tangible reminder of her growth, challenges, and resilience.

A shared mother-daughter connection

Both my daughter and I have malas made from the same stone. Hers is smaller and includes spacer beads to help her count. One day, she’ll know that her first mala was bought while we lived in Vietnam—part of our shared story and spiritual journey.

Are Mala beads safe for babies?

Mala beads are not toys and should never be left with a child unsupervised. I treat my daughter’s mala as a sacred tool, not a plaything. It is only used during quiet time with me, in a safe and calm environment.

Where to buy mala beads for children

If you’re interested in introducing mala beads to your own family, here are some trusted resources:

Tiny Devotions – Beautiful, intention-focused malas including options for children
Etsy Mala Beads for Kids – Handcrafted and customizable
The Rock Store (Toronto) – Gemstones and malas in Canada
Mala Collective – Mindful living and mala education

You can also check your local yoga studios and metaphysical shops for handmade or regionally-sourced mala beads.

Want to start a mindfulness practice with your child?

Here are a few gentle ways to begin:

Read a mindfulness picture book like Breathe Like a Bear
Try toddler-safe mindfulness cards like Mindful Kids
Use a meditation app with a children’s section, such as Headspace for Kids
Introduce breath work through playful techniques like “smell the flower, blow out the candle”

Who I am

I’m Stephanie, a yoga teacher, mother, and mindful parenting writer. My approach blends Eastern philosophy with gentle, respectful parenting and spiritual tradition. I share tools, stories, and rituals for raising grounded, compassionate children.

Final thoughts

By the time my daughter is my age, she may still have this same mala. It will carry with it memories, energy, and the story of a mother who wanted her to grow up mindful, strong, and connected.

If you’re considering introducing spiritual tools into your child’s early years, mala beads may be a beautiful place to start.

Have you introduced mala beads or spiritual rituals to your child? I’d love to hear your experience. Share your story in the comments or send me a message.