Object permanence is the ability of your baby to understand that something or someone still exists even if it is hidden. This concept develops over time and is an important cognitive milestone and a fundamental part of memory development.
When Does Object Permanence Develop in Babies?
Typically, the development of object permanence occurs around 8 to 9 months of age. Some babies may show signs of this ability as early as 5 months, while others may develop it later.
Signs that Your Baby Has Learned Object Permanence
When your baby starts looking for an object that you have hidden, it means they realize that it still exists even if it is out of sight. Additionally, if your baby begins to crawl after you when you move away, it is a significant sign that they have learned object permanence.
Object Permanence and Separation Anxiety
One result of the development of object permanence is the emergence of separation anxiety. When babies realize that objects and people continue to exist even when they are no longer visible, they often become upset when their parents are out of sight. This anxiety tends to be temporary and usually disappears by the age of 3. However, in some cases, separation anxiety may become more severe and persistent.
Ways to Develop Object Permanence
Simple games can help your baby learn and practice object permanence.
- Peek-a-boo: The classic and easy game of covering and uncovering your face with your hands helps your baby learn object permanence.
- Object hiding: Hide your baby’s toys in places that are easy for them to reach and encourage them to find them.
Resources:
- An, M., Marcinowski, E. C., Hsu, L. Y., Stankus, J., Jancart, K. L., Lobo, M. A., Dusing, S. C., McCoy, S. W., Bovaird, J. A., Willett, S., & Harbourne, R. T. (2022). Object Permanence and the Relationship to Sitting Development in Infants With Motor Delays. Pediatric physical therapy : the official publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association, 34(3), 309–316. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEP.0000000000000909
- Malik, F., & Marwaha, R. (2023). Cognitive Development. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2023). Cognitive Development: 8 to 12 Months. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Cognitive-Development-8-to-12-Months.aspx
- Feriante, J., Torrico, T. J., & Bernstein, B. (2023). Separation Anxiety Disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
