What really matters- Peek-A-Boo Exchanges- One of the reasons peek-a-boo is such a classic activity around this age is that babies can now hold a mental image in their mind of an object or person not in view. So Whitney seemed to revel in the appearance and disappearance of people and objects. By learning that things continue to exist even when they are out of sight, Whit learns that there is more to the world than that which is immediately visible and is the beginning of Whit’s ability to recall mental images of things and people not in view. 

How to put it into practice- There are lots of opportunities for peek-a-boo and helping Whit with the idea that something is still there even though you can’t see it.

-Hide a toy: While your baby is watching, slip their favorite toy under a blanket or such; start with just hiding part of it; then hide the whole thing and see if your baby tries to retrieve it even though fully covered.

-Roll Balls under or behind couches and see if your baby looks for it.

-Use door for peek-a-boo (or chair, couch, wall or column)

-Bathtime towels work as do clothes and laundry during dressing time.

All these sorts of fun variations on peek-a-boo help your baby hold the disappearing image in mind and then reinforce that image with its quick re-appearance.

Discovering & developing Whit’s unique story- Whit really seemed to love the re-establishing of eye contact after I came out from hiding. I would get one of those warm smiles that melted the heart. She seemed most joyful at those moments.

What do you notice about your baby’s specific peek-a-boos?

(read more about I3 Dev Focus: Exchanges)