"Don't throw that box away!" Why are babies so obsessed with boxes and bags?

Why are babies so obsessed with boxes and bags?

Bonjour! This is Sophie the Giraffe.

The day you buy a new toy.

"I wonder if they'll like it?"

You open the box with excitement and present the cute toy to your baby.

But then...

They prefer the box over the toy.

And even more, the crinkly wrapping paper.

"Wait, that's what you want?"

Have you ever found yourself laughing at that?

Today, we're talking about those "Why do you like that?" moments with your baby.

It’s just a box to adults. But to a baby?

For adults, a box is something that has served its purpose once the product is taken out.

But to a baby, it’s a rather mysterious object.

Touch it, and it’s a bit firm.
Tap it, and it makes a sound.
Lift it, and it has an underside.
Peer inside, and... it’s empty!

Touching, moving, and exploring things they didn't know about just a moment ago.

For a baby, everything around them might just be a "nice to meet you" experience.

"It's inside!" is fun, too

As they get a little older,

They put toys in the box.
Take them out.
Put them back in again.

Then they might turn the whole thing over.

Even if it looks like a simple game to an adult, babies are very serious about it.

Try placing Sophie inside the box.

"Oh? Where did Sophie go?"

Peek out just a little bit.

When they find her,

"There you are!"

And you share a laugh together.

You don't always need special playthings; fun can be created from everyday toys and common objects.

But, "everything is fair game" doesn't apply

It is perfectly natural for babies to be interested in the things around them.

However, that doesn't mean it's okay to let them freely touch or put everything in the house into their mouths.

Babies often use their mouths to explore things they are curious about.

Keep small items, dangerous objects, sharp things, or things that tear easily out of their reach.

Even with crinkly paper and bags, it's best to have an adult watching when they play.

That is precisely why there are "toys" specially made for babies, so they can touch, grasp, and mouth them to their heart's content.

While cherishing their curiosity about everyday things, choose items that let them play safely.

It’s wonderful to be able to broaden your baby's world little by little in that way.

Is Mom's bag charming, too?

It's not just boxes.

For some reason, many babies love their mom's bag.

Wallet.
Handkerchief.
Pouch.
Keys.

"Wait a minute, you can't have those!"

Have you ever thought your baby was being quiet, only to find them busy emptying out your bag?

For a baby, it might be interesting precisely because it's something Mom touches every single day.

But, there are many things in a bag that you don't want them touching.

In those cases, saying:

"This is Mom's. This one is for you."

and handing them something they can safely explore is one good solution.

Maybe there's no need to "play correctly" with toys

Even with Sophie the Giraffe, every baby plays in their own way.

The baby who grips her tight.
The baby who stares at her intently.
The baby who holds her legs.
The baby who touches her nose.
The baby who laughs every time she squeaks.

Even if it's different from how an adult thought they would play,

"So this is what they like,"

there are moments of realization.

Every baby enjoys toys in their own unique way.

That’s actually quite wonderful, isn't it?

Let's keep track of today's "Why?"

Boxes over toys.
Tags over picture books.
Knocking over all the blocks is better than lining them up nicely...

Everyday life with a baby is full of moments that easily exceed an adult's expectations.

Every time it happens,

"Why are you doing that?"

you find yourself laughing.

But cherishing your baby's "I wonder what this is?" moments,
and guiding them gently toward things they can play with safely—

that might be one of the most important jobs for a mom and dad.

So today, why not try Sophie? 🦒

Whether they give her a squeeze, stare at her, or chew on her.

While leaning into your baby's "I wonder,"
may you enjoy those little "big discoveries" alongside Sophie.

À bientôt!