Looking for a crib mobile, but can’t quite find the one that matches your decor, or the one that completes the nursery? You may want to consider making one on your own. Read the article to know how to go about making your own crib mobiles for babies.
The visual sense of babies is stronger as compared to the other senses. Hence babies enjoy staring at bold prints and colorful patterns. Therefore, while you choose a crib mobile always go in for bold visual patterns. These patterns are stimulating for an infant’s senses. Moreover, the soothing music that most crib mobiles have can create a comforting effect on the baby while he/she is put to sleep. Crib mobiles are of great help to mothers while changing their baby’s diaper, or comforting the baby when he/she cries. There are plenty of stores offering a number of decorative mobiles, but if you want a customized crib mobile that exactly fits your requirements, your budget, and which won’t harm your baby; find out how to make crib mobiles for babies right here.
How To Make A Crib Mobile
You will need…
- Wire
- Wire clippers
- Hole punch
- Plastic coated colorful wires
- Markers
- Paint
- Cardboard
- Duct tape
Instructions
#1 Cut 6 wire pieces about a foot long with the help of wire clippers. Hold all the wire pieces together and seal one end with the duct tape. Just where the tape ends, gently curve the pieces at an angle of 90 degrees. Make sure you curve them in all different directions with an angle of 20 degrees between them. If you have done things right it will resemble a wheel.
#2 On the cardboard draw a few pictures of animals, fruits or anything you like and color them with paints or colorful markers. If you are not good at drawing, you can cut out pictures from magazines or comic books and paste them on the cardboard. While pasting the pictures make sure you make a back and front image by using both the sides of the cardboard. Prepare 6 of such patterns as you have room for 6 images, you can prepare a few extra in case you need it. Babies like bold patterns, whereas older babies like some detailing to it. You can also have small soft toys attached to the crib instead of the cardboard patterns like in the picture above.
#3 Once you are done with making the visual patterns it is time you punch a hole in the upper corner of each picture. After punching the hole, check if the patterns have sharp edges, if so cut them out or use a sandpaper to smooth the rough edges. Make sure you take enough care to see that the crib will not harm your baby.
#4 Weave the plastic coated colorful wires through the holes you just punched in the patterns. You can find these colorful plastic coated craft strings in any stationery store. In case you do not find it, you can make use of woolen strings as well. Now, you either have a uniform length for all the patterns or the length can vary. Generally, having a variety in length looks more interesting.
#5 Cover the entire wheel which we prepared in step 1 with duct tape. See that you have covered every part of the wheel with two layers of duct tape. The layer will act as a cushion and have a more smooth finish. Now, attach the other end of the strings (from step four) to the spokes of the wheel. You can either use a duct tape for the same or glue, whichever is convenient. Your crib mobile is ready!
In case you want to add a soothing music piece, you will have to buy that kind of device and fix it to the crib mobile. You can also experiment with the patterns, shapes, movements and arrangements. Every time the baby grows a little old change the patterns as per his/her liking. Lastly, decide where to hang the crib mobile. Bend the end of the fixture into a loop that you can hang from a hook, just above the baby’s bed and let him enjoy.