A baby mobile can have multiple benefits for infants. If having difficulty finding one that coordinates with the nursery décor, consider making one at home. This can give greater flexibility both to the design, and to the elements included for infant development.
Benefits of Using a Baby Mobile
Babies can derive several benefits from a mobile. In addition to the visual stimulation, babies can make many important neuron connections in the brain from having a great deal to look at.
Babies who become excited looking at objects can also make important motor development connections. Older babies may to reach, grab and swat at items hung above them, helping them to develop and exercise at once.
Colors and Materials Used in Mobiles
While one of the benefits of making a mobile is to help tie it to the look of the nursery, the colors chosen can have a big impact on infant development. Some studies have shown that young babies, under two months of age, may be better stimulated by black and white patterns, and contrasting colors. The use of the color red is also thought to help enhance infant visual development.
Therefore, if making the mobile for a newborn, be sure to include some black and white or contrasting elements in the design, as well as bright colors, which they will be more stimulated by as they get older. Mobiles for older babies should include many bright shapes colors and patterns for them to see.
Try taking colors already used in the nursery décor, and brightening them up for the mobile. Making the colors already in use in the room more saturated will have the dual benefit of complimenting the nursery design, while stimulating the baby.
When choosing materials, be sure to use objects that are light weight enough not to cause injury, should the mobile fall, but heavy enough to balance and sway in a breeze. Look for balsa wood shapes at craft stores that can be painted bright colors. Or try making small sculptures from Sculpey or Fimo non-toxic clay that can be baked in an oven. Incorporate brightly colored feathers, or fake fur to give more texture and interest to the design.
Babies also enjoy looking at faces, including their own, so consider using shatter proof mirrors, or pictures of loved ones at the bottom of the mobile for them to look at.
Hanging and Balancing the Mobile
Nylon wire, sold at craft stores in multiple colors is a great method of hanging the objects chosen. It can be easily threaded through holes or tied around objects and can hold a great deal of weight securely. Be certain to anchor small pieces very firmly so the baby cannot detach and swallow them.
Thin wooden dowels, or light wooden planks can be securely nailed together, with holes drilled into the ends for hanging the nylon. Mobiles can be made in layers by attaching a second section of dowels to the first with a loop of nylon.
Once the objects have been hung, if there is difficulty in balancing them, consider using small jewelry charms, found at craft stores, with jump rings as balance weights. Metal charms come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and can compliment many designs and decors.
Hang the mobile approximately 12” above the baby, for newborns, and gradually move it higher for older babies, particularly once they learn to sit and stand.
Making a mobile can be rewarding for parents, as they watch their babies admire and enjoy their creation. Incorporate a mobile into the nursery décor, and enjoy the effect of both design and use.
Source:
- Ski.org - What can My Baby See?
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