Isn't a mobile a bit overstimulating if you are trying to get your baby to sleep?

[felixfelicis1]

I am probably being really dim but it seems to me that a brightly coloured mobile is quite stimulating for a baby. I wouldn't wave a toy in his face if I was trying to get him to sleep so why is a mobile a good idea? I know they play soft music but they seem very distracting. Am I being silly? I know most people use them. Is it that they create good sleep associations? Sorry for stupid question and thanks!

I think the logic is that it gives the child something to focus on as they fall asleep that is moving enough to keep their interest but predictable and repetitive enough to be dull and soporific. I never liked the music though

Where I live (The Netherlands), they're not recommended for newborns for the very reasons you describe - plus being out of focus and just a wee bit scary!

I wouldn't leave a newborn to go to sleep alone though, I think they're designed for 3-12months old, when they get too big for a basket and move to a cot.

Couldn't agree more. Fun for when they're awake or as decoration. I'd hate for someone to start dangling things in front of my face when I was tired.

And yes, you can leave a newborn to sleep. However, if you don't want to - then of course that is absolutely fine. Of course, if they are crying then thats a different matter altogether. But we're not turning this into another sleep thread are we, its about a mobile right?

Could not agree more too, along with 1000 teddies and toys in the cot!

With my DC, I used the music on the monitor as a cue for sleep. I could then turn it on remotely (from my bed) if they woke in the night and it would usually resettle them.

It used to be the only thing that would calm my son down when he was really upset as a baby. But I never used it to get him to sleep.

I only ever used it when I put him in his cot so I could have a shower.

Not for getting him to sleep though.