Why do babies enjoy playing peek-a-boo?

Babies enjoy playing peek-a-boo primarily because they like having mild surprises. This game involves appearing and disappearing, which arouses curiosity and excitement in infants. Peek-a-boo shows them the concept of object permanence—the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen. When a caregiver covers their face and then uncovers it, it creates a delightful sense of surprise and joy in the baby. Their giggles and smiles reflect their enjoyment of the unpredictability and the social interaction involved in the game.

In contrast, choices that suggest boredom, a preference for quiet activities, or merely watching others play do not align with the cognitive and emotional development stages of infants. Rather than expressing boredom, babies thrive on interactive play that captures their attention and elicits emotional responses, making mild surprises in games like peek-a-boo particularly engaging for them.