"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 bring home 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 they love that crinkly wrapping paper even more.

"Wait, that one!?"

Have you ever found yourself laughing at that?

Today, I'd like to talk about why babies love those things so much.

To adults, it's just a box. But to a baby?

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

But from a baby's perspective, it's a truly mysterious object.

If you touch it, it's a bit firm.
If you tap it, it makes a sound.
If you lift it up, there’s an underside.
If you peek inside... it’s empty!

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

To a baby, everything in their surroundings might be a brand-new discovery.

"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.

And then, they dump everything out.

Even if it looks like a simple game to adults, the baby is very serious about it.

So, try tucking Sophie into the box.

"Oh? Where did Sophie go?"

Maybe let her peek out just a little bit.

And when they find her,

"There you are!"

You can laugh together.

Even without special playthings, play can emerge from everyday toys and common items.

But it doesn't mean "anything goes"

It’s very natural for babies to be interested in things around them.

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

Babies, in particular, often explore by putting things that catch their interest into their mouths.

Small objects, dangerous items, sharp things, or things that tear easily should be kept out of reach.

When playing with crinkly paper or bags, it’s best to have an adult watching nearby.

That is exactly why there are toys specifically designed for babies, so they can touch, grip, and mouth them to their heart's content.

While nurturing their curiosity of "What is this?" regarding everyday objects, choose items that are safe to play with.

It’s wonderful to be able to broaden your baby's world, one step at a time.

Is Mommy's bag attractive, too?

It's not just boxes.

For some reason, many babies also love Mommy's bag.

Your wallet.
A handkerchief.
A pouch.
Your keys.

"Wait, you can't have that!"

You think your baby is being quiet, only to find they were busy emptying out your bag, right?

For a baby, these things might be intriguing simply because they see Mommy touching them every day.

But, there are many things in a bag that you don't want a baby to touch.

In those moments,

"This is Mommy's. Here is yours."

It’s a good idea to hand them something they can safely touch instead.

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 adults expected them to play,

There are moments when you realize,

"Oh, this is what they like about it."

How each baby enjoys a toy is unique to them.

That’s actually a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

Let's cherish today's "Why?" as well

Boxes over toys.
Tags over picture books.
Knocking down a perfectly stacked tower of blocks instead of building it.

Every day with a baby is filled with moments that easily surpass an adult's expectations.

And every time it happens,

"Why?"

we can't help but laugh.

But, nurturing your baby's "What could this be?" while guiding them
toward things they can play with safely—

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

So, please enjoy Sophie today.🦒

Whether they grip her, stare at her, or chew on her.

As you accompany your baby through their curiosity,
I hope you can enjoy playing and cherishing these little "big discoveries" with Sophie.

À bientôt!