Baby mobiles are a fantastic part of any baby nursery that your little one is sure to love. They come in a variety of beautiful colors and interesting shapes, which can occupy a baby for long periods of time.
Baby mobiles are usually placed over cribs, and you will need to know how to do this if you are to get good use out of the mobile.
Luckily, this article will tell you exactly how to hang a baby mobile over the crib in a few simple steps, so you don’t have to worry about puzzling it out yourself!
Let’s get into it!
Why Are Baby Mobiles Necessary?
Baby mobiles are as useful for parents as they are entertaining for babies. For example, not many babies like it when you have to change their diaper, but a baby mobile can distract them so you can complete this task with ease, where normally it may be difficult for everyone involved.
Let’s look at some more advantages of having a baby mobile!
Its Entertainment Value
Between the pretty lights and the turning motion, baby mobiles can easily capture your little one’s attention, engaging and entertaining them for a little while.
It Is A Source Of Focus
Babies will spend a lot of time on their backs, especially when they are too young to be able to roll themselves over. So, a baby mobile that they can see above their crib will be a great source of interest.
Even newborns who have not yet fully developed their eyesight can see objects that are one foot from their faces. So, when you hang a baby mobile above their cribs, they will be able to see it.
It Soothes Your Baby
It is not easy to parent. Your baby will go through various stages, some more difficult than others. Sometimes, parents will find it challenging to get their baby to go to sleep.
A baby mobile over the crib can help with this in a big way. Sometimes, these mobiles will come with music that can soothe a baby to sleep.
It is important to note that your baby will not be able to fall asleep if the music is loud, so try to find a baby mobile that plays soft, quiet lullabies.
Sometimes, baby mobiles can help to develop and stimulate a baby’s hearing, too.
It Helps Develop Your Babies’ Motor Skills
Did you know that mobiles over the crib can actually help to develop your little one’s motor skills? That’s right! As your child grows up, they may reach up and try to grab the mobile.
They will be interested in it because of its fun shapes and colors that move, so try to find a mobile that moves in different directions.
It Provides Visual Stimulation
Baby mobiles hanging above the crib are visually stimulating for babies. For younger babies who do not have fully developed eyesight, then black and white mobiles may be better.
For older babies with more developed vision, then shades of red, yellow, green, and blue (bold) are a lot more useful.
A baby’s eye muscles can also be developed and strengthened by a baby mobile. This is because they will follow the mobile as it moves.
Baby Mobiles Have Great Educational Benefits
Crib mobiles can actually help a baby to learn. It can be used to teach babies new words when they get older. In this instance, the perfect mobile would be one with lots of colors and shapes.
Step-by-Step Method For Hanging A Baby Mobile Over The Crib
Check out our step-by-step method for installing a baby mobile over a crib!
The First Step: Measuring
The first thing you need to do is plan where the mobile is going to go and measure around the space. After this, you can begin to drill and install the baby mobile.
First, find your measuring tape and measure about 16 inches up from the crib mattress.
Mark this area with a pencil.
Then, you need to place the mobile on the mark and measure the height of it.
Do this until you get the height just right.
The Second Step: Drilling
The second step involves drilling a hold in the ceiling.
First, you need to take a drill and make a hole in the ceiling.
Once you have completed the step above, you need to place a drywall anchor in the hole you just made.
Now, you should hit the anchor gently with a hammer. Stop when it gets totally flushed with the ceiling.
Now, you need to find the screw hook and place a screw into it.
The Third Step: Assembling
This third step is where you assemble all of the parts of the baby mobile.
Firstly, there should be instructions that come with the mobile. Find them and follow them carefully.
The Fourth Step: Adjusting
This fourth step requires you to adjust the height of the baby mobile string. It should come with a string, but it is sometimes not long enough to hang from the ceiling at the height you want it to. Therefore, you may need an additional string.
The first step here is to measure the gap between the mobile string from the desired position, and the screw hook.
Measure the same with the additional string.
Now, you need to cut the string with some scissors.
Then, you need to attach the strings together with another additional hook.
The Fifth Step: Completing The Process
The fifth and final step in this process is to hang the baby mobile above the crib.
First, you need to hang the string from the ceiling hook.
Now, you need to attach it to the baby mobile string.
Then, you should cut some extra length of the rope that is hanging from the ceiling. This is a step you need to take in case you would like the mobile to sit higher.
If you actually want the mobile to be lower, then you should pick a longer string to hang it from.
Now, your baby mobile should finally be ready to be attached! (Just make sure you complete all of the adjustments first!)
Baby Mobile Safety Precautions
Naturally, you want to make the baby mobile as safe as possible. Many people have questioned whether or not it is safe to hang a baby mobile over a crib? Does it pose a risk to your little one?
Baby mobiles are safe to hang above cribs, but you must ensure you follow the safety precautions. Here are some examples!
Installing And Maintaining Your Baby Mobile
When it comes to installing and maintaining your baby mobile, you must always follow the instructions from the manufacturer. You also need to perform regular checks on the fastening elements or the screws, to make sure it is fastened securely.
You should always read the reviews of baby mobiles and only pick ones that have excellent user reviews, especially in regards to safety.
The best thing you can do is register the baby mobile, because then you will be kept up to date with all of the updates, such as warnings, recalls, etc.
The Length Of The String
The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that a baby mobile should sit high enough that your baby will never be able to pull it down and face risks to their safety from the pieces of string.
Store-bought crib mobiles will always meet USA manufacturing guidelines, but any handmade, individually crafted, or antique baby mobiles may not. Therefore, you must always measure the string if investing in one of these mobiles.
It is very important to emphasize that the string for the mobile should never be longer than 7 inches, or it could potentially cause severe harm to your child.
The Placement Of The Baby Mobile
You must ensure that even though your baby will reach up and try to grab the baby mobile, they cannot reach it.
Choking is a potential hazard when it comes to baby mobiles. They can be caused by the detachable, small parts that come with the mobile. So, you will need to check over the crib mobile thoroughly before you install it above the crib.
You should always be on guard for any sign of loose parts of the mobile, or any sign of fragile bits, that could break off from the mobile and fall into the crib.
Age Appropriateness
Baby mobiles are typically meant for newborn babies under five months. When a baby reaches five months, this is when they typically try to reach for things, including the baby mobile. At this stage, it may be a good idea to remove the mobile to prevent choking or any other potential hazards.
Instead, you can try hanging it over the baby’s changing table or somewhere else. Just ensure that the baby mobile always remains out of reach of the child at all times.
Final Thoughts
Baby mobiles are a very useful baby item to have. They are colorful products with many interesting shapes, that can move and play music. All of these factors work to entertain, engage, and soothe your baby.
It is very easy to install a baby mobile, simply follow the steps above to ensure a safe and secure installation.
However, you must ensure you follow all of the safety precautions when installing your baby mobile, such as making sure there are no small parts accessible to the baby, making sure the pieces of string are the right length and checking to see that any other hazards that pose a risk to your little one are taken care of.
That way, your baby can enjoy all of the colors, shapes, and music that comes with a baby mobile without you having to worry about their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Make A Baby Mobile Spin?
There are two ways to make a baby mobile spin: manually and automatically. Manual spinning can be done just by hand, while automatic spinning uses an electric motor. The majority of baby mobiles will automatically spin.
Is It Safe To Hang A Baby Mobile Over A Crib?
Yes! This is perfectly safe as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing, perform regular maintenance checks, and follow all other safety precautions.
Babies love to look at moving objects and this baby mobiles provide plenty of entertainment.
Can I Use My Own Music For A Baby Mobile?
Yes! Many baby monitors allow you to connect a portable MP3 player to them. If you do not already own one, then you can purchase one online.
The best thing about using your own music is that you can choose what your babies’ favorite lullabies for them to listen to.
Carly Link, a 33-year old mother of two toddlers. She is a parent and goes through a lot of the usual parenting difficulties herself. Carly shares all her experiences and knowledge about the best baby products through this blog.
