Why Peekaboo Is More Than Just a Game If you’ve ever found yourself playing peekaboo on repeat and wondering if it’s doing anything useful for your baby—other than earning you that heart-melting giggle—you’re not alone. It turns out this simple game has far more going on than meets the eye. In fact, understanding why peekaboo is important for babies opens up a window into the extraordinary early development happening behind those wide eyes and wobbly limbs.
Peekaboo is more than a time-filler between feeds and naps. It’s a miniature masterclass in how babies learn to trust, think, and eventually talk.
The Magic of “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t”
One of the first big ideas your baby has to get to grips with is that something can exist even when it’s out of sight. It’s called object permanence, and peekaboo is a brilliant way to support it. When you cover your face, your baby might at first think you’ve disappeared. But over time, they begin to predict your return—aha!—and this realisation lights up developing memory and reasoning skills.
It’s basically early science, just with more dribble.
Why Peekaboo Is Important for Babies: The Science Bit
Studies in developmental psychology show that interactive games like peekaboo help babies begin to understand the rhythms of social interaction—taking turns, anticipating responses, recognising emotional expressions. These are the foundations of both communication and emotional security.
In our Adventure Babies classes, we see time and time again how babies start to respond differently to these types of games as the weeks go by. From a surprised blink to a full-on belly laugh, these tiny moments reflect a huge leap in brain development. The best part? All you have to do is play.
Bonding, Laughter, and a Lot of Learning
If you’re a first-time parent who wants to support your baby’s development—but doesn’t have a background in child psychology—you’re doing exactly the right thing by asking questions like “Why is peekaboo important for babies?”
You’re also not alone. Many of the parents who come to our classes are in the same boat: eager to nurture, slightly overwhelmed by advice, and quietly wondering if this or that really matters. The good news? Yes, it does. And yes, you’re doing brilliantly.
Games like peekaboo aren’t just fun—they’re wiring your baby’s brain for connection, curiosity, and confidence.
At Adventure Babies, we weave games like peekaboo into our sensory storytelling sessions because we know how powerful they are for early development. We combine joy, interaction, and expert-backed activities that help your baby thrive—and give you the knowledge and confidence to keep supporting them at home.
Curious? Come and see what a room full of wonder (and bubbles) can do for you and your baby.
