In this Build Your Own series, we will be building our own play kits with Lovevery alternatives for The Looker play kit by understanding the function of each toy. This kit is designed for infants up to 12 weeks and primarily features playthings 1) supporting Baby’s interest in high-contract black and white patterns, and 2) encouraging more enjoyable tummy time and floor time.
Best Lovevery Alternatives for The Looker Box
For those who just like to cut to the chase, here are the Lovevery alternatives I recommend for The Looker play kit. More details on each substitution below.
Black and White Play for Baby
Newborns under 3 months are not yet able to grasp toys effectively yet so most play, aside from spending time with you, will be in looking at things that you place in front of them. They primarily focus on black and white (high contrast) images at this stage so you really don’t need anything fancy at this point.
I would recommend getting a set of black and white cards so you can have a few tucked in various play spots to always have some to show Baby wherever you might be.
I also recommend getting a black and white board book. The Look Look! book I recommend also has red text, which is the next color Baby will start to distinguish. The board book can be used during tummy time to replace the ‘Standing Card Holder’, both to read the actual book, but also to prop up your cards.
And while the Lovevery Wooden book is beautiful and sustainably made, if you’re looking for a super practical way to spend your money, it’s definitely not necessary.
So, in my opinion, these four Lovevery kit items from The Looker box…
… can be replaced with these affordable options.
Hanging Mobile
The hanging mobile from Lovevery is a dual-sided item to extend it’s life and appeal to infants. Use the black and white side under 4 months and the colorful side after 4 months. It’s recommended that mobiles are not used over cribs, as traditionally designed, because it unnecessarily stimulates Baby when they should be preparing to sleep.
The recommendation is to place this over a changing pad to entertain Baby during diaper changes. However, I actually do not think this is necessary. After the first week, it’ll start taking you 2 minutes to change a diaper so you won’t need to spend so much time there.
Also, diaper changing time is actually my baby’s favorite time to interact with us. Laying face down, it’s easy for him to relax and stare right into our faces. At 3 months, it’s non-stop giggle-fests at this point, which I would not be willing to give up. There are already so many other opportunities to stimulate Baby with other black and white images.
So, in my opinion, this Lovevery mobile from The Looker box…
… can be replaced with this opinion, or rather, a Mobile is not needed at all.
Soft Rattle
At under 3 months, Baby will not be grabbing things yet so a rattle will be for you to hold and shake to get their attention. Slowly moving it from side to side will help Baby learn to track moving objects. You could easily just move a black and white card from side to side as well.
So, in my opinion, the soft rattle from the Lovevery The Looker kit…
… can be replaced with this highly-loved colorful combination rattle and teething (for the future) toy!
Sensory Links
The sensory links step away from just being visual stimulation like all the other items in The Looker box and helps Baby understand tactile stimulation. Baby will not be grabbing or manipulating objects at this age yet, so it’s more something that they will grow into.
So, in my opinion, the sensory links in the Lovevery The Looker box…
… can be replaced with this set of rings and you can purchase this around month 3-4.
Black and White Mittens
This is the Lovevery product that has no true alternative. There are indeed mittens on Amazon with black and white patterns, but they are not deliberate in their intention of helping Baby learn, and I don’t think the quality is there in the options available.
If you really like the idea of more black and white stimulation, especially to encourage Baby’s recognition of their own hands (and later their feet), this might be a reason to get the box.
Whether you get them or not, remember that Baby is like a sponge. They’re going to figure out their hands and feet regardless of having visually stimulating mittens on.
Book Bundle Add-On
For The Looker box, the book bundle features more of the same developmental concepts of black and white images – both simple and complex. I don’t think these two books in particular are any more effective than cheaper alternatives similar to the book or flashcards listed above.
If you do want more black and white books, here are some well-priced options:
Is this DIY Cheaper Version of Lovevery Looker Box Better?
Yes, I would personally skip the Lovevery Looker box.
I think Lovevery is an amazing company that offers beautiful and functional play things for your child. Some of the boxes offer unbelievable value with beautifully designed, targeted developmentally-appropriate play things.
However, as an infant, your baby has limited play needs, is sleepy most of the day anyways, and mostly just wants cuddles & kisses and face time with you.
You can switch it up some times throw in some black and white images, especially to hold their attention for longer tummy times, but at this age, they won’t tolerate tummy time for long anyways.