Peekaboo has stood the test of time as one of the most engaging and beloved games for babies. Simple yet delightful, this game is something you can enjoy with your little one anytime, anywhere. Whether at home or on the go, peekaboo is a game that brings smiles and laughter to babies and parents alike.
What is Peekaboo?
Peekaboo is a simple hide-and-seek game that never fails to capture a baby’s attention. The basic concept involves covering your face and then revealing it while saying, “Peekaboo! I see you!” Another variation is to say “peekaboo” as you cover your face and “I see you” as you uncover it.
This seemingly simple game is packed with developmental benefits. Peekaboo stimulates your baby’s senses, encourages gross motor skills, and strengthens visual tracking. It also plays a crucial role in social development and, of course, tickles your baby’s sense of humor.
One of the most significant developmental milestones that peekaboo helps with is object permanence. This is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they can’t be seen. When you cover your face and then reveal it, you’re reinforcing this concept for your baby, helping them understand that just because something is out of sight, it doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.
When Do Babies Start Playing Peekaboo?
There’s no set age for when babies should start playing peekaboo, but their ability to engage with the game evolves as they grow. Babies begin to develop object recognition around 3 months of age and start to grasp the concept of object permanence by 8 months. By 9 to 12 months, your baby may be able to play peekaboo on their own.
Peekaboo is beneficial for babies of all ages, but the game becomes even more enjoyable once your baby begins to laugh out loud, usually around 3 to 4 months. At this stage, your baby has a new way to express surprise and delight, making peekaboo even more fun for both of you.
How to Play Peekaboo with Your Baby?
Peekaboo is a game you can play almost anytime your baby is awake and alert. Whether you’re at home or out and about, this game is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and stimulate their development.
For newborns, simply covering and uncovering your face with your hands is enough to captivate them. Newborns are fascinated by faces, and there’s nothing they’d rather look at than yours. However, keep in mind that newborns can be easily overwhelmed. If your baby turns their head away or startles at your “boo,” take a break and try again later.
As your baby grows and begins to understand the game, you can introduce variations. By 9 months, your baby may enjoy searching for objects you hide. Try concealing a favorite toy under a pillow or blanket and encourage your baby to find it. When they do, reveal it with a big “peekaboo!” and plenty of smiles. You can also try hiding yourself under a blanket and see if your baby can pull it off to “find” you.
Peekaboo can also be a great way to calm your baby during fussy moments, such as diaper changes or when pulling a shirt over their head. Simply hide your face behind a clean diaper or the shirt and reveal it with a cheerful “peekaboo!” Your baby may soon forget what was bothering them.
Even as your baby approaches their second year, peekaboo remains a favorite. Toddlers love the game, especially when they get to do the hiding and surprising!
What Not to Worry About
As babies start to understand object permanence, they often develop strong preferences for their caregivers. This can lead to separation anxiety, which typically begins around 7 to 8 months. It’s perfectly normal for a baby who once happily snuggled with a grandparent to suddenly cry when separated from their primary caregiver. This behavior is a natural part of developing object permanence and not a reflection of their feelings toward others.
What’s Next?
As your baby continues to grow, they’ll soon be ready for more interactive games. As hand-eye coordination improves, you can introduce games like patty-cake and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” At first, you’ll guide their hands, but soon enough, they’ll be doing the gestures on their own.
These simple games are more than just fun—they help your baby develop crucial skills. Through repetitive play, your baby will learn the give-and-take of social interactions, match words with actions, and improve fine motor skills as they finesse their hand movements.
With all these new skills, it won’t be long before your baby is scribbling with crayons and playing catch, setting the stage for a world of playful exploration in their second year.
