Mobiles can be pretty expensive, and when buying one from a box store you’re often limited to established designs. Making a DIY baby mobile will not only save you money but also give you a custom piece of work that works with the nursery. “These pieces are really eye-catching, so you want them to complement the space,” says craft blogger Evanthia Granville of Merely Mothers.
You may even be able to make a mobile without hitting the crafts store. Just use what you have on hand — and don’t forget to look outside for materials, too. “You can very easily make your own mobile from a branch, some twine and clay,” suggests Shannon Moyer-Szemenyei, an artist and blogger at Sweet Stella’s.
“Feathers shaped out of clay and hung from the branch work really well in a natural, woodland-inspired nursery, but you could also create flowers, starfish, birds … really anything to hang from the branch. Then hang the branch from the ceiling so that it is safely out of baby’s reach, and you have a custom homemade mobile that fits with your room design.”
Looking for more ideas? Check out these 23 DIY baby mobile designs:
- Hanging Fabric Doily Mobile
Use up your fabric scraps to create a fun baby mobile from Tatertots & Jello.
- Crystal Chandelier Baby Mobile
This sparkly mobile from God Bless {Our} Nest is versatile and could be used for more than just the nursery.
- Up, Up and Away Hot Air Balloon Mobile
The colorful hot air balloons from Craftiness Not Optional will have your baby dreaming among the clouds.
- Ahoy Matey! Nautical Mobile
Manic Mama Miles has a nautical mobile made out of a ship’s wheel that will bring the sea into your baby’s room.
- Ombre Paper Circle Mobile
Using different shades of your nursery color, you can create a trendy ombre paper mobile like this one from Sweet Charli.
- Clay Feather Mobile With Branch
Sweet Stella’s concept for a clay feather mobile is versatile and rustic.
- What a Hoot! Felt Owl Mobile
Create felt owls with an easy template and your sewing machine, just like Living Better Together.
- Photo Globe Mobile
Recipe 4 Cute had the idea to frame photos of loved ones in photo globes and hang for baby to stare and gaze at.
- Felt Whimsical Butterfly Mobile
Some felt and a doily transform into this colorful and whimsical mobile from Bugs and Fishes.
- Paper Pinwheel Mobile
Hello, PinkBird says you can recreate this mobile for under $5.
- Modern Woodland Creature Mobile
This CeciBean design uses wood cutouts and fishing line to bring the feel of the woods indoors.
- Black and White Baby Mobile
Babies are drawn to black and white objects. Capture baby’s attention with this simple mobile from Peek-a-Boo Pages.
- Better-Than-Paint-Chip Paper Mobile
Paint chip mobiles might be all the rage, but you’ll fall in love with this paper alternative from Merely Mothers.
- Colorful Rain Cloud Mobile
Your baby will slumber under the clouds and colorful rain drops that Black & White and Loved All Over created.
- Pastel Felted Ball Mobile
This pastel felted mobile from Style Me Pretty is sweet and simple.
- One-of-a-Kind Ribbon Mobile
Babies enjoy watching movement. Create this ribbon mobile like Bebeh Blog so your little one can watch the hanging ribbon sway in the breeze.
- Alligator Mobile
Mrs. Meyer Musings has a fun mobile using paper, crystals and a unique theme.
- Leather Triangle Mobile
The geometric shapes and texture of the leather makes this The Alison Show mobile stand out in the crowd.
- Yarn Ball Mobile
Do you love to knit? Get your baby “hooked” with this fun yarn ball mobile from Our Celebrated Life.
- Tassel Baby Mobile
Style Me Pretty has another mobile that creatively uses paper tassels for texture and movement.
- Modern and Colorful Geometric Mobile
This geometric mobile from Curbly combines natural wood grain, solid color and evolving art.
- Beautiful Hydrangea Mobile
This gorgeous mobile designed by Young House Love uses faux flowers and wire to bring the look of the garden into the nursery.
- Gray and Gold Feather Mobile
DIY on the Cheap used embossed metallic feathers to bring a mix of both modern and nature into the decor.
Remember, be cautious when hanging your mobile. Make sure the pieces are securely attached and that the mobile is hung high enough so your baby can’t pull or grasp it. Since you are making a DIY baby mobile, you can adjust the height so it grows with your little one.
Stephanie Glover is the writer and photographer behind A Grande Life. When she doesn’t have her camera in her hands, you’ll find her with a cup of coffee.