Journal Entry

Crib Accessories

When decorating a new nursery, we recommend putting between one-half to two-thirds of your budget into the crib. After all, your baby crib is something you and your baby are going to be using every day. You’re going to want a baby crib that’s both functional and attractive. But, once you’ve selected a crib, it’s time for the fun start! Baby crib accessories can be a great way to really personalize your baby’s crib and nursery set up, and they can be fun for both baby and mom and dad. There are baby crib accessories available for any budget, meaning that you can go as small or big as you want to. Some baby crib accessories are old classics, while others are modern innovations. Obviously, there are way too many baby crib accessories for us to list them all here, so we’ll just give you an idea of some of the broad baby crib accessory categories that are out there.

The crib canopy: This classic crib accessory is more for the parents to look at than the baby. Crib canopies can really bring a nursery together by providing an attractive continuation of any pattern set or color scheme. Unless you have your crib outside or otherwise exposed to sunlight, there is little functional value to a crib canopy. They are most common in Victorian or Colonial style nurseries, although they are certainly not out of place in more modern settings. One modern variation on this classic crib accessory is a full crib tent. These clip onto the sides of most standard sized cribs and resemble mosquito tents. They are more common with toddlers, and a good way to keep baby from going exploring.

The crib mobile: Another classic crib accessory! It’s hard to even say the word “crib” without picturing a bright mobile cheerfully spinning above it. The idea behind the mobile is that it will provide more stimulation for developing eyes and minds than just staring at the wall might and, indeed, many babies will giggle or coo when they see the mobile. Most developmental scientists recommend simple mobiles with bright colors. Some also play simple songs. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a mobile that also looks great with the rest of your nursery. Of course, pay very close attention to any safety and installation instructions included with your mobile.

Other crib toys: There are tons of toy crib accessories out there, all designed to help stimulate your baby’s developing senses. Plastic, non-breakable mirrors are very popular, since developmental specialists have noticed that, once an infant can see, many seem delighted by their own image. These mirrors tie on to the side of the crib. Other crib accessory toys intended more for pre-toddlers than infants include panels of brightly colored buttons that make noise when pressed and other toys that tie on to the side of the crib to be somehow manipulated by the growing baby.