Crib mobiles are a classical addition to any nursery. No matter the nursery theme, an adorable mobile completes the look. It adds such charm and whimsy to your baby’s room. Plus it keeps them entertained for hours. What could be better?
But buying a fancy crib mobile can be expensive. You can’t always find one that matches the nursery and the decor. Or you may have an idea in mind for your child’s personality but can’t find it anywhere. What can you do?
The good news is that crib mobiles are pretty easy to make at home. All you need are some supplies you probably have laying around the house. It doesn’t matter if you have any sewing or crafty skills either. Most people can make a baby mobile in a couple of hours or less!
Step 1: Plan it out
The first step is of course to find an idea that works for your baby and the nursery decor. Think of the colors and theme you are going for. Consider what kind of shapes, patterns, and colors would suit the crib mobile.
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Planets, stars, clouds, and similar things would go well with space/sky nursery themes. If the nursery leans more towards earthy colors and woodland wallpaper, consider animal or bird silhouettes. For a more abstract theme, you can go with geometric shapes like circles, triangles, etc.
Think of the materials you could use for the shapes as well. You can anything from yarn, thread, and felt to paper or posterboard. You can even make 3D shapes with some cotton balls or batting, especially if you have some sewing skills!
Step 2: Gather Supplies
Once you planned everything, gather your supplies. You can find most of these items around the house. It’s a great opportunity to upcycle some older stuff you have lying around. Even if you don’t have them, a quick trip to the craft store will get you what you need.
The first thing you will need is a base for the mobile. Many DIY crib mobiles have one or two embroidery hoops as the base. You can also use a craft ring or colorful wire. If you’re planning a nature-inspired mobile, you can also use two sturdy branches for the base! Place them at right angles and string some thread down the middle.
Next, you will need glue and string. Try out multi-colored threads for hanging the shapes. The strings can be the same length or different for some variety. You can also paint over the base colors for a completely new look! Just make sure to use low VOC paint that’s safe for your baby.
Step 3: Cut and Assemble
Now it’s time to create the shapes for the crib mobile. Depending on the material you’re using, you may have to use a knife or scissors to cut the shapes out. If you’re using paper, you can color them in after cutting them out or use colored paper. You can also get felt or yarn in rainbow colors for the basic shapes.
Once you have your shapes, glue them on to the string where you want them. Vary the shapes, sizes, and colors for an interesting effect. Then attach each string to the hoop or craft ring. Take a step back and see how it looks. Now is the time to add some embellishments or decorations for the final touch.
Ideas for Crib Mobiles
Nature Mobile
Instead of using paper or felt, why not bring nature indoors for your little one? Bring in some acorns, pine cones, or dry leaves and flowers. Attach them to the strings to make a beautiful mobile. You might have to replace the leaves/flowers after a while but it’s simple enough to do.
Themed Mobile
If your child is a big fan of a particular show/movie/artist, revolve the room’s theme around it. Not only does this make for a uniform design and decor, but it also makes for a fun space for your little one. For example, you can easily build a couple of Star Wars themed props for your Star Wars loving child.
Paper Boats and Airplanes
This is a fun and creative idea for any nursery. Remember how you used to make paper planes or boats from paper? All you have to do is make a few dozen and thread them onto a hoop for a cool mobile. Bonus points if you use newspaper, colored construction paper or even pages from a comic book or magazine!
Upcycled Mobile
Take a quick look around the house and see what items you could use for the mobile. Have some snazzy straws or ribbons? They’d make a nice mobile. How about some pom poms or felt shapes leftover from a craft project? They work well too. You can also use some colorful wooden blocks or lego pieces for the mobile. Brainstorm with your friends and family to see what ideas you come up with.
What better way to jazz up your baby’s room than with something you made? It’s a great project for the entire family. If you have some older kids, they can make it for their new sibling. So go ahead and get creative!
