Crochet Montessori Munari mobile – Moon, Sun and Star

New Pattern: Crochet Sun, Moon and Star Baby Gym Toys for making your own Crochet Montessori Munari Mobile

Here’s a new crochet pattern that might bring joy to expectant or new mothers, as well as to those who’d like to make a handmade gift for a friend’s or loved one’s newborn. The crocheted moon, sun, and star are sweet baby toys designed to hang from a wooden play gym.

TOYS THAT SUPPORT EARLY BABY DEVELOPMENT

The design is inspired by Montessori pedagogy and created especially for the tiniest babies. Black-and-white play gym toys are ideal for a newborn’s very first weeks. Since babies perceive contrast more clearly than color at this stage, they can see black-and-white objects best. Surprising, isn’t it?

This toy set was originally a custom request from my sister, who needed it for her own baby. I found it an exciting challenge to turn the idea into a complete, harmonious set.

Black-and-white toys can seem a bit unconventional, since we tend to associate baby toys with bright colors. But here’s the good news: colorful toys also have their place! According to Montessori guidance, babies can start being introduced to primary colors—blue, red, and yellow—around their seventh week. For that purpose, I’ve also recently released a Colorful Amigurumi Fish pattern.

DESIGN DETAILS: STRIPES, DOTS & SOUND EFFECTS

To make the monochrome set more engaging, I added stripes and dots: a striped moon and a polka-dotted star. The third element is the sun—together, they form a little set of celestial bodies, offering your baby a soft first introduction to the awe-inspiring universe they’ve been born into.

To extend the toy’s use beyond the play gym stage, the pattern includes simple ideas to make them even more stimulating. For example, I’ve placed crinkle paper inside the sun to add a sound effect. Once your baby has outgrown the play gym, you can remove the hanging loop and beads, and hand the sun to your child for free play and discovery.

I also recommend inserting a rattle into the moon. In the pattern, I show how to attach it to a wooden ring and turn it into a rattle toy. Right now, it’s my niece’s absolute favorite—those moon tips are just perfect for teething!

FROM MOTHER TO BABY – CROCHET IT YOURSELF

In my opinion, it’s especially touching when a mother crochets toys for her own baby. This pattern is of medium difficulty and suited to those who already have a bit of crochet experience and aren’t intimidated by terms like single crochet, chain stitch, or a bit of sewing and embroidery.

It’s nothing too tricky—both the written instructions and step-by-step photos are designed to make everything as easy as possible.