Munari mobile - a Montessori mobile for babies

High contrast visual stimulation for newborn babies

Have you ever noticed how newborn babies are drawn to bar codes on the toys you give them? This is because bar codes are usually black and white - and this high contrast is visually interesting to them because their eyes are not fully developed when they are born.

What’s a Munari mobile?

The Munari mobile is known as a Montessori resource, but it was not invented by Maria Montessori. The Italian artist Bruno Munari, who was a key member of the Futurist movement, designed a series of kinetic sculptures (or mobiles) in the 1930s which he called “Macchine Inutili” (meaning ‘useless machines’). One of these mobiles was developed by Montessori teachers into what we now know as the “Munari Mobile”. It is one of four mobiles recommended in Montessori teachings, which are used during specific developmental phases of babies. A classic Munari mobile consists of specific geometric shapes in black and white on sheets of paper, and a clear glass bauble that are attached to three dowel rods. There are many variations or ‘Munari/Montessori inspired’ mobiles available, but their main feature remains the high contrast of geometric shapes.

A small problem with mobiles for babies is that they are not really made for babies

I have often thought that what is wrong with a lot of baby mobiles is that they are made with the buyer in mind rather than the end user (i.e. the baby). From a marketing point of view that makes absolute sense, but it’s a missed opportunity for babies.

When babies are awake, they are usually lying on their backs. The only thing they gain from a cute animal or cartoon character mobile suspended above them is that there is something moving. But they have no concept of ‘cuteness’, and they also only see the bottoms of these mobiles (which can also be a problem with Munari mobiles if they are not used correctly).

When and how to use a Munari mobile

The Munari mobile is ideal for babies aged 0-4 months, during which phase of a baby’s development their eyes are learning to focus. Because of its simplicity and high contrast, the Munari mobile is visually stimulating to babies. Their eyes at this stage are able to track the movement of its shapes and doing this strengthens their eye muscles.

The Munari mobile is a learning tool rather than a sleeping aid, so instead of positioning the mobile above a crib, it is meant to be placed above the space where the baby spends time when awake and alert. If using only printed paper (as opposed to 3D shapes), avoid positioning the mobile directly above the baby’s eyes as they won’t be able to see the shapes.

Baby mobile safety

When making mobiles for babies or children, you have to bear certain safety considerations in mind: any strings used should measure no more than 22cm. All component parts have to be very securely attached to each other and hung from a secure mobile hanger or frame, or be fastened to the ceiling, well out of the baby’s (or any siblings’) reach. The mobile and its component parts should be checked regularly to ensure nothing has come loose.

How to make a Munari mobile

To make a true Montessori Munari mobile, you have to purchase a glass or clear plastic sphere, but the dowel rods and geometric paper shapes can be easily made using what you have at home. You do not even need a printer as the geometric shapes are easy to draw by hand and can be coloured in using black crayon or felt tip pens.

Because the classic Munari mobile must be positioned in a way that babies can see it side on, I have created a version of this which also looks interesting when babies are lying on their backs. It is made of five square pieces of paper that are turned into 3D shapes with a few simple folds. the digital download includes the printable paper designs as well as folding and assembly instructions (including a video). You can purchase this on my Etsy shop.