Peek-a-Boo!

What you need:

• cloth or small sheet
• toys to hide

What to do:

1. The classic: Hide your face, then reveal it, saying "Peek-a-boo!" You can use your hands or a cloth, but don't move too far away from younger babies when you play. Look for your baby's happy reactions at around 3 months.
2. When your baby is a little older — around 6 months — vary the game by making him the one who is hiding. Hold a small sheet in front of him, and with a cheerful voice, pretend to look for him — "Where is Andy?" Slowly raise the sheet up to reveal your "hiding" baby.
3. As your child becomes more mobile, you can play a variation of your hide 'n' seek games. "Hide" yourself partially behind a chair or couch or around a corner. Call your baby by his name to come and find you. After a while, your baby will take to "hiding" from you as well.
4. Once you and your baby have spent time hiding from and finding each other, make the game more interesting by including his favorite toys. While he is watching, place a toy under a cloth. Then ask him, "Where's the duckie?" He will most likely point at the covered object, which you can reveal to him. When he is more accustomed to this game, he will delight in pulling the sheet off the toy himself.
5. As your baby's thinking skills develop, you can make the games more challenging for him. Try hiding his toy under the sheet when he is not looking. Then ask him to find his duckie. If he needs your assistance, guide him to the shape under the sheet. Your baby will be honing his abilities to think critically and problem-solve, as well as his visual-discrimination skills.

Learning benefits:

• supports social and emotional development
• develops understanding of object permanence
• encourages problem-solving skills
• provides practice with visual discrimination