peek-a-boo

why do this?

Peek-a-boo - hiding and suddenly reappearing - is a classic for a reason! Peek-a-boo eases your baby’s separation anxiety and teaches her object permanence: the idea that even though she can't see something (like your smiling face), it still exists!

It stimulates your baby's senses, builds gross motor skills, strengthens her visual tracking, encourages her social development and, above all, tickles her sense of humor.

Playing peekaboo can encourage speech development, when you say phrases like ‘Peek-a-boo’, ‘Where is mummy?’, ‘Here I am’. This game also helps babies experience emotions such as surprise and anticipation as well as excitement and happiness when you suddenly appear from under your fingers!

how to do this?

You can start by covering your face with your hands. Peep out and say, ‘Where is mummy?’ Make sure not to hide behind your hands for too long or your baby might become distressed, wondering whether or not you’re going to return.

Then cover your baby’s face with a lightweight sheer cloth, scarf or blanket and ask ‘Where is Tanya?’ When she lifts the cloth off her face, reward her with a big ‘peek-a-boo’ and lots of smiles. If she doesn’t, you lift the cloth and say ‘Peek-a-boo’ excitedly.

As your baby grows and starts to get the game, try variations:
- Hide her favorite toy behind a pillow or blanket and ask ‘Where did it go?’ Have your baby look for it and then reveal it with excitement
- Try partially concealing her toy under a blanket and ask ‘Where did it go?’ See if your baby will reach for it herself. If she does, clap and remember to say something like ‘You found it!’

Your baby will let you know how long she wants to play peek-a-boo, and you might need to be prepared for a few repeats!