When you have a newborn, it’s only natural that you can’t wait for the moment when they finally start paying attention to you and being aware of your presence and the things you do or say.

While the very first months of a baby consist of them pretty much laying around, sleeping, eating and needing their diaper changed, in a few months they’ll slowly start to be in control of what they do or how they react to other people’s expressions.

One of the most popular games among babies and toddlers and their parents or any adult who wants to play with them is Peek-a-Boo.

This fabulous game is the perfect opportunity to bond with a baby, and it has many other benefits for both a baby and a parent.

In a world filled with many distractions and flashy images, the thing that keeps getting babies excited the most is a game that’s so simple you can basically play it anywhere and by using a toy or by yourself.

Keep reading to find out more about the classic Peek-a-Boo game and why it makes babies laugh so much.

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What is Peek-a-Boo?

Peek-a-Boo is an all-time classic game or activity for infants. In order to do it correctly, you must make sure that the baby is awake, well-rested, not hungry and alert.

A happy and satisfied baby is always on to play a game of Peek-a-Boo. If your baby is a newborn, start by covering your face with your hands, then take your hands away and make a funny or happy face.

For some reason, babies find themselves fascinated by faces, especially the face of a loved one. Keep in mind that newborn babies are easily overwhelmed, so you must pay attention to some signs like them turning their heads to the side or startling when you say “Boo”, you’ll know it’s time to take a break and comfort your baby.

When it comes to bigger babies and toddlers, they tend to be more active and their attention span is very small, so you might want to try involving toys such as a Peek-a-Boo bear, which will draw the attention of your baby much more than just your face and your hands.

You could also make a variation of the classic Peek-a-Boo by concealing a toy behind a pillow or blanket. Have the baby look for the toy then reveal it with a flourish. 

What does Peek-a-Boo do for a baby

Playing Peek-a-Boo with your baby or toddler can greatly help you stimulate your baby’s senses, build their gross motor skills, strengthen their visual tracking and encourage their social development.

A baby that typically plays Peek-a-Boo will have better skills, will socialize more than a baby that is never played with.

But probably one of the best things that Peek-a-Boo game teaches a baby and toddler is about object permanence. This term is defined by the idea that, even though a baby can’t see something it still exists. (In this situation it is your face ceasing to exist behind your hands).

Object permanence usually develops in babies as early as 4 to 5 months, so you should expect it to happen at this moment.

In spite of this, babies still enjoy playing Peek-a-Boo at all ages, from newborns to toddlers. The more practice a baby gets by playing this fun game, the better their brain development will be.

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Why do babies like Peek-a-Boo

Why is it about Peek-a-Boo that tickles their sense of humor?

Some experts say that, because babies don’t read books, they don’t know many people and don’t engage in a lot of activities like grown ups do. This is why something so simple as a Peek-a-Boo game, that’s universally known among different cultures, fills their little face with wonder and laughter.

Following the object permanence theory, experts say that babies enjoy Peek-a-Boo because they get surprised when things “come back” after being out of sight. For babies, nothing is given, that’s why something so simple as showing your face is amazing and wonderful and funny.

Now that you know why Peek-a-Boo is such a successful game to make babies and toddlers laugh, you might enjoy the game with new eyes every time you’re making it for your baby.

Remember that you can enhance your game and enjoy it much more by using tools such as a Peek-a-Boo bear and their favourite toys.