Lovevery Play Mat and Play Kits
When I went to write this review, I started by looking through my phone. Let me just say, the proof is in the pudding! There were SO MANY pictures of Clarice on the playmat from those first 6 months. Almost all of them are, in fact. So long story short, the Lovevery Play Mat was definitely worth the money we spent upfront.
It was soft enough and large enough that we were comfortable having Clarice on it, even if we weren’t right there next to her. The hanging Montessori ball, wooden bell, and crinkle scarf that came with the mat were perfect, and as she worked up to those skills, she was very entertained and comfortable.
The Play Kits
The Play Kits didn’t quite show their worth as quickly. Mainly because it took me a couple of weeks to learn that multiple exposures are necessary to pique interest in some toys. When Clarice was on the playmat everything was hanging in her face, but with other toys, it took a couple of times to show her what they were about. There was also so much going on during those first couple weeks that we didn’t have a routine down yet and playing with the toys got lost in the shuffle. Over time, she started to interact with all the toys and wanted to try new things, and Clarice began to develop so many skills as she progressed. It felt awesome to know that the toys we provided her were moving her closer to the milestones we were already watching for.
The company, Lovevery, sends these awesome card packs in each box. They explain the science and biology that’s behind the toys and explain how to scaffold the skill for your child with each toy. Plus, they include extension activities you can do around the house. They truly do all the reaseach and work for you, and all you need to do is focus on helping your baby!
Update as of February 2021 (8 months): I’m so pleased to say that we continue to feel the Lovevery Play Kits are 100% worth it. The toys continue to become fast favorites and I think she’s actually started to recognize her own improvement as she practices each time. Right now Clarice is obsessed with the “Things I See” texture cards. She immediately took to touching them (and of course mouthing them), and it’s fun for us to say the words to her and hear her trying to make the sounds. She’s babbling and so responsive right now it’s a precious time!
My favorite Lovevery toy right now is the Nesting Stacking Drip Drip cups. Of course, they provide the stacking and nesting features that most sets do, but they also have holes in the bottom of the cups so when filled with water the water drips out in various speeds and patterns. It takes the toy to a whole new level because it’s great on the floor or in the bath tub or even in the high chair with a tub for water play. The set is also fun because the cups are clear so we can practice filling them with different items around the house. And they have colors for saying those words too. This toy’s multiple applications are a great example of why I continue to pay the high price for this stuff.
