Babble

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My initial quest for a simple, modern, non-migraine-causing mobile left me empty-handed. The mobiles available in most stores were made of clunky plastic, decorated with an explosion of primary colors and unusually happy farm animals, and often required batteries for the purpose of producing some mechanical song or whirring sound. But never fear — here are five modern, battery-free mobiles to entertain your wee one without sacrificing your sense of style. — Katie Bayless



Flensted Ready-to-Hang Mobiles - $30-$45

The only hard part of these pre-assembled mobiles is deciding on one of the over 100 designs. From trains and planes to hedgehogs and penguins, these Danish mobiles are handcrafted to stay perpetually in motion while maintaining perfect balance. Check out their extensive collection of artsy mobiles, too. Note: As of July 2007, it appears that this company is no more. But weren't the mobiles pretty?



Mobiles : Runners-Up

IKEA Minnen Lamm Mobile - $5

For an unbeatable price, IKEA's Minnen Lamm mobile offers simple sweetness without being too sugary. Grey lambs and white bunnies gentle swirl around an all-too-perfect rainbow that will help send little Lucy right off to la-la land.

Postcard Mobile - $20

Let your tot spend lazy afternoon naptimes gazing at homemade artwork — or family photos, or postcards from Grandma, or the latest copy of Wall Street Journal. The Postcard Mobile contains 4 wooden clips that can hold whatever your little one loves to look at. An added bonus? This mobile will still be a cool addition to any kid's room well after the crib is gone.

Balance Mobile from Modern Tots - $495

If you're looking to make a statement, this mobile is meant to be noticed. At 3.5 feet tall and wide, Balance lives up to its name, keeping twenty-four pieces of crimson-painted steel poised in perfect harmony. If you put this dramatic masterpiece over the crib, just be sure to secure it well out of reach of curious little hands.

Mr. Wood Mobiles - $30-$37

My son's mobile of choice is Mollie The Flying Cow, a kinetic wooden mobile by Mr. Wood Flying Animals. Check out all of their no-batteries-required winged creatures, including Digby the Flying Dragon, Lena the Ladybug and Harry the Heron.

©2007 Nerve Media

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