Toy Tips

Mobiles are a lovely nursery decoration and can be a great second toy (baby's first toy is YOU). Even though baby may not do more than gaze adoringly at the design, research has suggested that infants are attracted to stark contrasting designs in their first months. Once they recognize the hanging objects and notice their hands you'll see a lot of hand bats to those bunnies and bears.

Toy Tips has tested many black and white versions but also those with popping pinks and red, blue and green. Companies make colorful patterns mostly for the aesthetic design for the adult eye. The busy pattern is what attracts baby's eye and the pleasing colors are for mom and dad who visit the nursery throughout the day.

Whatever mobile you choose, be sure it is designed for use on the model of your baby crib. It should attach securely and out of baby's reach.

Also, when installing a mobile, keep in mind that mom or dad will be entering the room for midnight feedings so you don't want anything poking you in the eye when you lean over to get baby. Some have set-ups that push the mobile to the side when not in use.

There are designs with flashing lights and soft music but each baby is different and you need to see what your baby responds to. You may find out that baby finds that just a little too busy. Instead of a calm drift to sleep, you may get a fussy baby instead.

When baby is able to bat, in-crib entertainment systems work better. Baby can lay or sit in the crib and self-entertain with colors, music and movement. However, again these are not for sleeping hours. Active babies should play with them under a keen eye from an adult supervising play.

You never want to keep a mobile over baby while sleeping. Safety always comes first. Mobiles are best for babies 6 weeks- 4 months. Once baby starts to reach, take it out of the crib. It becomes a safety hazard.