For as long as mankind has had keys, babykind has been fascinated with those keys. They’re an interesting, possibly shiny or jingly, definitely biteable or suckable toy to any tiny mind seeking entertainment.

By the time they’re toddlers, kids think keys are even more magical. Not only fun but also a tool for opening exciting boxes or –even better!– doors and windows onto the outside world. Plus the keys are clearly important to the grown-ups, which makes stealing them or hiding them much more satisfying.

My Toddler, My Key Thief

Hmm, these look interesting… is that a beetle preserved in perspex?

She whisked them off the high chair tray and ran around behind her playpen to make her escape. But then she came back to taunt me with them. Evil genius.

Shiny shiny! And they jingle, too.

I love that photo – the keys are moving and everything else is staying still. Normally it’s her face that’s all motion-blurred, so it’s nice to finally have another photo where you can see her properly.

Funny funny noise!

After all the hysterical laughing and key-waving, she finally decided to make a break for it.

 Unlock the window, Mother, I’m going out.