Skip to the content
Peabody ParentsTalk, play, read and grow, from day one

When do babies play peekaboo?

The CDC's milestone checklist lists “Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo” by 9 months. By the same age it lists looking for things dropped out of sight. Most babies (75% or more) do these by 9 months, and many sooner. If your baby isn't enjoying games with you by then, ask your pediatrician.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What the CDC's checklists say

Milestones from the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists, word for word
ByThe CDC's milestoneMonth page
9 monthsSmiles or laughs when you play peek-a-booYour baby at 9 months
9 monthsLooks for objects when dropped out of sight (like his spoon or toy)Your baby at 9 months

Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (9 months), checked October 29, 2026.

What “by 9 months” means

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. The CDC puts each milestone at the age by which at least 75% of children would be expected to do it, so that even one missing milestone leads to a conversation with the doctor instead of “wait and see”. So “by 9 months” isn't an average. Many children do it sooner, and the checklists don't list everything a child learns.

What it can look like

Smiling or laughing when your face comes back, then later pulling the cloth away themselves.

What helps

  • Hide your face behind your hands or a light scarf, then pop out: "Peekaboo!" Put the scarf away after.
  • Hide a toy under a cloth while your baby watches, and let them find it.
  • Hide behind a door or the sofa and come back with a big smile.

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your baby isn't doing this by 9 months, the age on the CDC's list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

Sources