Play Ideas by Age

Published: September 3, 2026

7-9 Months: Growing Memory Through Peekaboo

Around 7-9 months, many babies start showing wariness around unfamiliar people and begin to understand that objects still exist even when out of sight. Based on ZERO TO THREE and CDC resources, the following play ideas may be helpful at this age.

Sensory Play

• Show toys with clear cause-and-effect, like ones that sound when a button is pressed.
• Let your baby touch objects with different textures to stimulate the senses.

Physical/Gross Motor Play

• Give plenty of safe space and time to crawl or scoot on the floor.
• Encourage leaning or reaching toward toys while sitting.

Fine Motor & Exploration Play

• Try playing peekaboo — covering and uncovering your face is considered helpful for memory and object permanence, understanding that things still exist unseen, at this age.
• Simple hide-and-seek, like hiding a toy under a blanket or cup, works well too.

Language & Social Play

• Clinging to a parent or wariness around unfamiliar people is a natural part of development now — respect your baby’s pace rather than forcing interaction.
• Talk as if having a conversation, responding to babbling or when you call their name.

Play Tips for This Age

This is also a stage of encountering new tastes and textures through solid foods, so introduce new foods slowly while watching your baby’s reaction. In play, give your baby enough time to explore objects on their own.

When to Consider Talking with a Pediatrician

If your baby shows no response to repetitive games like peekaboo, never turns toward their name, or makes no attempt to move their body, such as crawling, checking in with a pediatric provider may be helpful. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.