Our 8 Highest Rated Crib Mobiles for 2024

Mobiles for Cribs Buying Guide

It may be hard to ever imagine wanting (or needing) a break from your tiny bundle of joy, but every parent needs some hands-free time to tend to basic needs like food, a shower, and sleep! Aside from keeping them entertained, mobiles may help your baby’s hearing and eyesight while also encouraging cognitive and motor skills.

Is This Product a Brain Development Toy?

The first year of baby’s life is a crucial time for learning and brain development. Toys play a significant role in fostering the developmental process by engaging the senses and providing musical and visual stimulation. Research has shown that exposing babies to music has a positive influence on the development of motor, language, social, cognitive, and academic skills.

Spinning mobiles provide an opportunity for infants to learn how to focus their eyes and follow objects. Reaching for moving toys helps to develop cognitive and motor skills. Sleep is equally as important for the brain, so just by lulling your tiny tot to sleep, this toy is promoting healthy growth and development.

Main Newborn Mobile Types

Mobile can be simple or ornate and can feature music, lights, and sounds. The two main types are those that are mounted to the side of the crib or bassinet or those that can be hung from the ceiling.

Bed Mounted

For most people, a mobile attached to the side of a crib is a traditional fixture in a nursery. These hanging toys have evolved from simple objects strung from a piece of wood to electronic gadgets that can sing, spin, and even project lights.

Modern-day versions can be attached directly to the side of the crib and usually have an adjustable height. This allows you to start with the toys closer to baby when their vision is limited and move them further away as they get bigger and start to reach out. Some models can be easily moved from crib to crib or even attached to a stroller or car seat for entertainment on-the-go.

Those with interactive features like music and motion are operated with batteries and usually have the ability to automatically turn off after a specific length of time. Some have removable toys that can be played with when your little one outgrows their crib.

Tiny objects can be choking hazards, so the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends removing mobiles once babies turn five months of age or when they start pushing up on their hands and knees.

Hanging (Ceiling)

Hanging versions attach to the ceiling with a screw or hook and can be placed anywhere in the room. Some people like to hang them over the crib and others use them in other places where tots can still see them but are less likely to reach for the hanging objects.

These types do not have the same interactive features like lights and sounds, but they still provide visual stimulation for tiny eyes. These hanging items also have the dual purpose of serving as decor as little ones grow.

Safety is a big issue when it comes to anything hung from the nursery ceiling. It’s important to make sure it is securely attached and that no screws or loose objects can fall into the crib. For babies who are big enough to reach, it’s best to hang items far away from their tiny hands to keep them out of danger.

While hanging mobiles are considered more permanent fixtures, they do come in more intricate designs that can create a chic and whimsical feel to your little one’s sleeping space.

Important Features of a Mobile Cribs

It’s good to be aware of all of the features available so you can make a list of your “must-haves” to keep in mind as you shop. 

Music

Music is great for brain development and can also help to lull little ones to sleep. Some products allow you to choose from different songs, while others play a single melody.

Stars, Lights, and Glow

For babies who are afraid of the dark, features like glowing objects or a projection of stars on the ceiling can put their little minds at ease. Lights are also convenient for midnight feeds and diaper changes when you don’t want to turn on the bright overhead lights.

Motion

Many modern mobiles are battery operated so they can spin around electronically. Just make sure you stock up on batteries if your baby can’t fall asleep without watching the tiny toys dance above them.

Toys

Hanging toys provide visual stimulation and encourage interaction as baby babbles away. Many newer models allow the toys to be removed for play during the day.

View

Consider what view you want your baby to have when they lay in their crib. Choose what has the most appeal for your little one, not for you.

Themes

In today’s world of modern nurseries, you can choose to customize accessories based on a theme. Many companies sell matching nursery accessories so your little one can sleep in style.

Remote Control

Having a remote control can come in handy if you want to turn certain functions on and off or make adjustments to volume and brightness.

Top Things to Consider When Buying Crib Mobile

Before you buy any nursery accessory, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind around safety and installation.

String Measurement

Strings should be high enough that they cannot be reached and pulled down by tiny hands. In most cases, this means that strings should be less than seven inches.

Small Parts

Tiny pieces can become a choking hazard once infants are big enough to bring objects to their mouths. It’s best to avoid models that have little parts or pieces.

Keeping the Mobile Beyond Baby’s Grasp

It’s important that tiny hands cannot reach the hanging objects. As soon as they are big enough to reach out, it’s time to adjust the height.

Installation Guidelines

Always follow the installation guidelines, paying careful attention to verify secure attachment. Double-check to be sure there are no loose parts and that everything is out of baby’s reach.

Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is the best way to prevent dust and debris that can irritate tiny lungs. Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth.

Baby Mobile Pros and Cons

Baby’s Developmental Stages

It can be useful to keep developmental stages in mind when it comes to choosing toys and nursery accessories; this can also help guide their use.

Two Months

In the beginning, newborns can only see within a foot of their face and aren’t able to distinguish colors. As they get older, bright and engaging colors and patterns can provide stimulation. By two months of age, infants can start to follow objects and turn their heads towards sound.

Four Months

At four months, infants may become upset when parents leave. This is a good age for them to get used to falling asleep on their own with the help of a soothing mobile. At this age, they can begin reaching for objects and may soon be able to push up.

Six Months

By six months, babies are big enough to roll over and push up onto their hands and knees during tummy time. When this happens, it’s time to remove hanging toys from their crib. If your mobile has toys that are removable, they can still be used during supervised playtime.

Nine Months

At nine months of age, little ones start to form attachments to certain toys. They are also working at developing a pincer grasp between their fingers and thumbs. They may enjoy playing with toys that are interactive or that have buttons that teach them about cause and effect.

Twelve Months

By the time they are 12 months of age (or by their first birthday), most tots have spoken their first words. Toys that talk or sing can help with promoting language development. At this age, many little ones are also working towards taking those memorable first steps.