They are more than just a toy for the baby: mobiles in bed soothe your little one and help them fall asleep. The best recommendations at a glance.
Does your baby feel restless when you put them in bed or trying to fall asleep? Are you hoping a nice distraction can help?
Many babies need a little extra stimulation when falling asleep: This is how you can help to distract from the idea of going back to mom or dad immediately!
- A baby mobile is a great addition to your baby’s crib or sleeping area.
- It offers both stimulation and surprise, and can help your little one calm themselves down.
Today there are many different models of baby mobile on the market, so it is often not that easy to find the best mobile for your needs. In our article you will find out everything you need to know if you want to buy a mobile for your sweetheart.
Quick overview: The best mobiles from my recommendations:
For even more information, you can also jump directly to my mobile recommendations , in which I present all of them in detail.
Here is the general guide to choosing a suitable variant:
Index
Why buy a baby mobile?
A mobile is a structure that you hang over your baby’s sleeping area.
Often there are small toys or other objects here that help entertain the little one.
Interesting : Modern models are very complex and offer additional features, such as music, movement or a night light for the baby .
Even the simplest mobile can entertain your baby by moving it over the children’s mattress. The playful movement fascinates the little one and helps them slide into the land of dreams.
Mobiles are the perfect sleep aid
For most parents, there cannot be enough help with baby & sleep.
- Make sure that your baby lies on his back when sleeping.
- This is the best way to breathe.
- The prone position in particular poses many dangers in the first year of life.
Babies want stimulation and something interesting to look at, even in the crib. Nobody likes to stare at the blank ceiling. If, on the other hand, there is a fun, colorful mobile hanging there, your baby will be fascinated!
Reading tip: This is how you promote your child’s sleep .
Mobiles are particularly beneficial for parents who wish to have a little time for themselves when their little one is sleeping. If your baby gets restless quickly when you leave the room, a mobile can be a comforting and distracting companion.
The greatest advantages of mobiles
A mobile not only helps your baby calm down, it also helps them develop. Which area does that concern exactly?
It improves motor skills
Babies lying in bed naturally reach for the toy on the mobile. Depending on the model, you can press something here or simply feel the texture. For this, motor movements must be coordinated, which is an important basis for the development of motor skills.
It stimulates the senses
Mobile are considered an excellent tool to stimulate your little one’s senses. This applies in particular to visual perception.
If the device also offers additional features, such as music or different structures, the auditory and tactile senses are also addressed. You can use the senses to improve your baby’s cognitive skills.
It relaxes and calms you down
A nice mobile with great figures and colors will help your little one to calm down. It promotes the feeling of relaxation and security in the children’s room. This significantly reduces the likelihood of sleep disorders in childhood .
When does a mobile make sense for babies?
In principle, you can use a mobile from the birth of your baby.
Pay particular attention to security and how the game attaches. It is extremely important that the mobile cannot be detached too easily.
The point at which your baby really starts to be interested in the mobile varies greatly. Over time, your little one will get used to the noise, the light and the motifs.
The interest in moving and feeling can only start a little later.
How to best attach the mobile
It is best to think about where a mobile would make the most sense for your purposes before buying.
There is usually a mobile hanging over the baby’s bed or pillow . However, many parents also want a distraction in other places: for example in the play area, in the bassinet , at the changing table or cot.
Typically today you will find three different ways to attach the mobile.
At the crib: The sky above the baby bed is the most popular form of the mobile – it is also the easiest to attach. All you have to do is assemble the toy to the crib. This is often possible with a special device on the mobile. Some cots even have an extra hook for hanging up the mobile.
On the ceiling: Today this baby mobile is no longer so popular because you have to drill a hole in the ceiling. It is best to use a hook, this can then be used differently. A major disadvantage is that you cannot easily hang the attached mobile around.
Portable: You can attach portable models particularly easily: the mobile can be hung up wherever you want with a clamp. In contrast to other models, portable mobiles are usually not that heavy because they are often moved and do not get stuck. Manufacturers also refer to these models as mini-mobiles.
The great advantage of a portable mobile is, of course, that you can mount it where you need it.
For example, many parents want one over the changing table because their little ones react particularly annoyingly here. It is also suitable for portable baby travel cots .
What you should consider when buying the mobile
Of course, the most important thing is to find a mobile that your child will enjoy.
You can find out which other points you should pay attention to here. Alternatively, you can jump directly to my mobile recommendations to save yourself the search.
Is the mobile easy to clean?
Usually a mobile hangs somewhere and does not come into direct contact with dirt.
Nevertheless, make sure that it is easy to clean.
The device can be cleaned differently depending on the material the mobile is made of. Plush mobiles can sometimes even be cleaned in the washing machine.
In contrast, you can only wipe plastic or wooden mobiles with a damp cloth.
Is it possible to move?
A baby mobile that moves is much more fascinating than others. However, many parents also want movement to be possible electronically.
- These models are inherently heavier and more bulky because they require space for a motor or batteries.
- This also has a disadvantage: you have to change the batteries from time to time.
In the past, mobiles only moved when wind came into the room or it was pushed. Today engines help to fulfill all possible wishes.
So the mobile can move in different directions, up or down.
What kind of toys?
You can find mobiles with all kinds of characters today. Finding one that will grab your baby’s attention is extremely important.
Try to find out which characters your little one likes.
- If your baby is constantly abandoning the stuffed dog, it doesn’t make much sense to buy a mobile with dogs.
- However, if your little one is particularly fond of bunnies, try to find one with these animals.
Is the mobile safe?
Safety is very important, especially with baby games like mobile! After all, the mobile hangs over your baby’s mattress , even if you are not in the same room.
Tip : Make sure that the mobile is not too heavy. At the same time, it should be robust and easy to attach.
Under no circumstances should it fall! So don’t save at the wrong end, rely on quality.
The best mobiles for babies in the test
Mobiles for babies are particularly popular as gifts for baby showers or baptisms. Today there are an enormous number of models available from a wide variety of manufacturers – the most popular are, for example, Fehn or Bieco Mobile.
Some mobiles also act as night lights or play music. Others are particularly fluffy and thus stimulate your baby’s sense of touch.
To make your choice a little easier, you will find my all-time favorite products here:
Traditional 3D wooden mobile
I was particularly impressed by the good quality of this mobile. The Bieco brand guarantees the best workmanship and takes production monitoring very seriously. Everything to offer the little ones a good and safe product!
In general, however, you should keep in mind that wooden mobiles are not for everyone. In contrast to other models, they are heavier and not as pleasant to the touch for many babies.
The best mini mobile
Thanks to the sturdy ring, you can securely attach the mobile. Your child learns to grasp, to feel and can discover something new every day.
The only drawback of this mini mobile: it cannot be put in the washing machine, but can only be wiped off with a damp cloth.
What I particularly like about it:
- In contrast to other mobiles, the Minimobile is compact and does not take up too much space.
- If you have a special song request, you can reorder a musical mechanism individually, for example “Do you know how many little stars there are” or “Good evening, good night”.
Mobile with night light & music
In my opinion, the biggest advantage of this high-tech mobile is that you can control everything by remote control.
If your baby wakes up or cannot fall asleep, the mobile can also be started from bed. The device then runs for a total of 30 minutes.
In addition to normal music, the mobile also plays soothing natural sounds. This is how you provide a little variety.
Simple plush mobile
The soft fabric stimulates your little one’s sense of touch. In addition, the mobile is robust and – which is extremely important for many parents – free of harmful substances.
Tell a story about the different characters on the mobile. Your baby won’t be able to take his eyes off it!
Mobile with music
OFFER
The animals on the mobile are kept in subtle colors, yet they easily grab the attention of the little ones. Baby’s favorite animals: elephants, giraffes and monkeys – the whole gang of rascals is there!
There is also a mirror on the mobile in which the little one can see himself. So there is a lot to discover here!
Although this mobile is so beautiful and varied, there is one major minus point: the sound of the music box is more than in need of improvement. The melody is not particularly clear.
What I particularly like about this mobile:
- It can be easily attached to the cot.
- You can wind the music box by simply turning it – it then runs for approx. 3 minutes.
Mobile with music & movement
What seems particularly important to me: The volume of the mobile can be adjusted.
This function is particularly useful for babies. The little ones quickly find sounds too loud and then cannot get used to them.
The colorful design is also really great! The mobile with its holder and jukebox is motley – but made for children.
If you want to search for yourself: There are these types of mobiles
Since most parents sooner or later want a mobile, there is already a very extensive selection available in stores and online.
- Mobiles are often made of wood, plush or plastic.
- In addition to the different materials, many models offer very special features.
It is extremely important to get to know the different types of mobile phones before you make your purchase decision.
Frequently used materials
Depending on what your baby and you like, you can opt for a mobile made of a certain material. In this way, you also influence your little one’s tactile experience.
Wooden mobiles : These are often more suitable as decorations than toys. Make sure that the wood has been polished and sanded. This will reduce the risk of injury.
Plush mobiles : Today, plush models are particularly popular. A big advantage is that the parts can also be removed individually. So you can hang up the structure in a different variation and your baby has something new to discover.
Plastic mobile : Make sure that these models do not contain individual parts that are too small. Your baby can swallow this easily.
Mobiles made from natural materials are also very popular today. Waldorf mobiles are a good example of this.
Common features
Often not only the materials of the mobile are interesting, but also the functions. With modern mobile in particular, you can look forward to a lot. Here you will find the most important features:
Mobile with light
This mobile not only looks beautiful, it can also be used as a night light.
So it is not so dark in the room and your little one is less afraid.
Soothing motifs such as starlight, clouds or butterflies are particularly popular.
Tip: These mobiles are often ideal as a sleep aid for the baby , as they conjure up a small light show on the ceiling.
Musical baby mobiles
The music mobile is also very popular with most children! In addition, this device invites your little one to listen and dream. Make sure you use calm melodies or classics.
Many different manufacturers, such as Fehn or Tiny Love, offer great music mobiles today. You are guaranteed to attract your child’s attention!
Mobiles that move
Movement is, of course, one of the most popular functions on a mobile. As already mentioned, many modern mobiles can even move on their own.
Tip : When making your choice, make sure the movement is gentle and flowing. Otherwise your baby will perceive the mobile as more of a disturbance.
More tips for healthy sleep
You are also welcome to browse the other sections and find out which measures you can take to improve your child’s sleep:
- No matter whether you are interested in a suitable mattress for the baby bed or want to spice up your little one’s sleeping place with a baby bed canopy.
- The right sleep aid for toddlers ensures enough sleep and helps promote your baby’s sleep .
And you can do something for yourself too:
- The bedroom category provides helpful tips on how to best furnish your bedroom .
- In the next section you will find more information on common sleep problems and sleep disorders .
- We explain current studies (understandable for everyone) in the category of sleep research .
- General tips & strategies for a healthy night’s sleep can be found here: Sleep better .
Please recommend this page to others if you enjoyed this buying guide to mobiles!
I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.
