Oh, There’s Dad!
As Dad comes into view, your baby moves from anticipation to recognition—and finally to a happy hug.
- 4 months
- No prep needed
- Park
- About 5 minutes
Developmental benefits
- Cognitive：Looking for Dad in a crowd gives your baby practice recalling a familiar face and distinguishing him from other people.
- Social/Emotional：Recognizing Dad in a crowd and receiving his warm response helps your baby experience familiarity, delight, and security during reunion.
Preparation
What You’ll Need
Step 1
Is That Dad?
When it is almost time to go home after playing outdoors, tell your baby that Dad is coming and look for him together. While you wait, talk about features you notice in the people passing by, such as long hair or glasses. This helps your baby notice that people can look different from one another.
What to notice
- Looks at passersby, then back at you
Memory - Looks at passersby with you as you talk about them
Relationships with Adults
Tips
- At four months, your baby sees people most clearly at close range.
- Compare a passerby with yourself: “That woman is wearing sunglasses. I’m not.” Give your baby time to look back and forth.
- Telling your baby what will happen next helps them gradually build expectations about familiar events.
Step 2
Not Dad After All
Your baby may mistake a passerby for Dad. Point out one simple difference: “That man has a beard. Dad doesn’t.” If your baby seems disappointed, comfort them before you continue looking. When Dad appears, direct your baby’s attention toward him.
What to notice
- Follows Mom’s gesture and looks in the direction she points
Attending and Understanding - Calms down soon after being comforted, even when upset
Emotional & Behavioral Self-Regulation
Tips
- If your baby mistakes one person for another, respond in a calm, friendly tone so the correction still feels safe.
- Your baby may not spot Dad right away. Give them time to look around.
Step 3
It Really Is Dad!
As Dad approaches, let your baby look and listen. If they have not noticed him, Mom can point in his direction while Dad waves and calls the baby’s name. Give your baby time to recognize him, then greet the recognition with a warm hug.
What to notice
- Recognizes Dad and shows happiness Memory
- Smiles when they see Dad approaching Relationships with Adults
Tips
- If your baby does not recognize Dad right away, that is okay. Their #C-Mem is still developing. Regular face-to-face talk and play can strengthen their memory for familiar people.
- Any family member your baby knows well can join this game; it does not have to be Dad.
- When your baby recognizes their father's face or voice, they may smile or wave their hands and feet excitedly.
Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026