Montessori mobiles are a distinct aspect of the Montessori education and parenting approach, designed to engage babies in meaningful ways right from the start. They are typically set up in baby’s wakeful space – not a nursery or sleep space.
Each has a purpose and is introduced sequentially to offer the “just-right” challenge level. For example, the first one is a high-contrast, black-and-white visual mobile since that’s what newborns can see at first, but they will get more colorful and complex, parallel to the progression of your baby’s vision and motor skills.
The Visual Series
Munari (~2 weeks)A high-contrast black and white mobile featuring simple geometric shapes with a glass sphere that reflects light. It is designed to help newborns begin to focus.
Octahedron (~5 weeks)This red, yellow, and blue mobile is designed to introduce your baby to vibrant colors. The three octahedrons are made with reflective paper for added interest.
Gobbi (~7 weeks)This mobile introduces the gradation of colors and introduces babies to visual discrimination skills. There are five spheres, sized the same, featuring dark-to-light shades of one color.
Dancer’s (~8 weeks)Named after the way this mobile moves, there are gold, silver, and primary-color figurines that gently spin, refining baby’s ability to track objects with their eyes.
Worried you won’t remember when to move on to the next one? It doesn’t have to be exact. A general rule of thumb is to let your baby focus on one mobile for 2-3 weeks at a time, as it can take time for them to connect to the distinct offering of each design.
After 12 weeks, your baby will be ready to do more challenging play involving grasping with their hands. Hence, the next series of Montessori mobiles is hands-on.
The Tactile Mobiles
Bell on a Ribbon (~3 months +)Just as it sounds, this is a ribbon with a securely attached bell at the end. When hung safely over baby’s chest, within arm’s reach, it invites hand-eye coordination and batting practice. When they hit the bell, they realize for the first time that they directly impact the world around them. “Whoa, when I hit this bell, it makes a noise!” This is a fun introduction to cause and effect!
Ring on a Ribbon (~3 months+)The ring on a ribbon is a more advanced offering of the bell on a ribbon. Now, they are invited to hold onto a ring, not just hit a bell. This requires the skill of grasping, which typically emerges around 3-4 months old. Always supervise your baby when they are working with these mobiles, but try not to interrupt when you see them intensely focused. This can break their concentration and end their play session short.