Looking for the best games to play with babies? Peekaboo, that old standby, is still one of the best baby games ever invented. Why? Peekaboo stimulates baby's senses, builds gross motor skills, strengthens her visual tracking, encourages her social development and, best of all, tickles her sense of humor. Plus, peekaboo teaches object permanence: the idea that even though she can't see something (like your smiling face), it still exists.
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When to expect it: Object permanence develops in babies as early as 4 to 5 months of age, but babies of all ages love playing peekaboo, from newborns to toddlers.
How to help your baby discover it: Almost any time baby is awake and alert (and well-rested and fed!) is a good time to play peekaboo, or other gentle interactive games like "this little piggy," "pop goes the weasel" or "clap hands." In fact, the more practice baby gets with games like peekaboo that combine visual development, gross motor play and social interaction, the better it is for her growing baby brain.
For newborns, play peekaboo by covering your face with your hands — newborns are fascinated by faces, and your sweet newborn would rather look at your face than almost anything else in the world. As baby grows and starts to "get" the game, try variations on peekaboo: Hide a favorite toy behind a pillow or blanket and have baby look for it, then reveal it with a flourish. Or try partially concealing a toy under a blanket, and see if your baby will reach for it herself — if she does, reward her with a big "peekaboo" and lots of smiles.
Newborns are easily overwhelmed, so watch her cues: If she turns her head to the side or startles at your "boo," take a break and try again later.
What not to worry about: Around the same time that babies grasp object permanence, they typically begin to exhibit strong preferences for their favorites. It's not a coincidence that many babies begin to develop separation anxiety and stranger anxiety at around 5 months, just when object recognition and object permanence are both starting to click in baby's brain. A baby who cozily snuggled in a visiting grandparent's loving arms as a newborn might suddenly start crying whenever Grandma tries to pick him up. Reassure Grandma that it's nothing personal — it's just separation anxiety, the natural flipside of object permanence.What’s next: As baby gains more hand-eye coordination, she’ll soon be able to play pattycake — and from there, it won’t be long until she’s scribbling and playing ball with you.
- What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Cognitive Development: 4 to 7 Months, August 2009.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, How to Ease Your Child’s Separation Anxiety, November 2015.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Understanding Childhood Fears and Anxieties, June 2007.