Hide and seek – Baby

Babies love engaging others in peek-a-boo.

Did you know?

Peek-a-boo games help parent and baby bond with each other playfully.

Playing peek-a-boo develops baby’s language, thinking, social and emotional skills. They learn that playing with people is fun. As you appear and disappear they learn people are permanent i.e. they still exist even when you can’t see them. They learn the “peek-a-boo” phrase has meaning and they learn to anticipate what comes next.

Add language

Playing peek-a-boo builds turn taking skills used in conversation.

Use repetitive simple words and phrases that go with the game e.g. “gone… there he is… gone…boo”.

Variations

Covering an interesting object and uncovering it again develops understanding that things still exist even if you can’t see them. Start by only partially covering the object. Short games where you find toys that are partially hidden by bubbles, sand or rice are great.

Play peek-a-boo in the mirror. This helps develop baby’s awareness of self.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. Check out hide and seek for toddlers, children and playgroups.

Activities listed under “baby” are suitable for children under 12 months. This age is largely about babies exploring their own bodies and the world around them from the safety of a close relationship with their caregiver.