Printable Version Email to a Friend

Hiding your child's toy and having it reappear is magical for you baby and helps her learn that things still exist even when she can't see them!

Description:
Playing "hide and seek" with a stuffed animal or puppet is something your baby will delight in. He or she will discover that toys still exist even when they can?t be seen, a concept known as "object permanence." This understanding will extend to knowing that when Mom and Dad are absent, they will eventually return, a comforting realization that helps your baby feel secure in the world.

The game of "peek-a-boo" is probably the first object permanence game you ever played with your child, but it isn't until around eight months of age that babies really internalize this concept.

Step by Step:

1. Sit with your baby on the floor.
2. Hold your baby's toy behind your back. If it is a squeak toy, give it a squeeze. Say, "Where is Puppy (use the name of your child's toy)? Where is she hiding?"
3. If your baby looks for the toy, give it to him or her and say "Here she is. You found her."
4. Another variation is to put the toy on the floor and cover it with a washcloth.

Materials:
Favorite stuffed toy
(A stuffed animal or hand puppet works well)

There are no related content.

There are no comments yet. Be the first!