Object permanence is a major cognitive milestone for infants that emerges between 4-12 months of age. This article explores what object permanence is, the signs your baby has achieved it, and how to promote development through play.
What Is Object Permanence?
Object permanence refers to a baby’s understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight. Jean Piaget, the renowned child development theorist, identified object permanence as a key achievement in infant cognitive growth.1
Babies are not born realizing object permanence. In early infancy, if an object is removed from view, it ceases to exist to them. As babies develop, they gain the insight that just because something is hidden doesn’t mean it’s gone. This allows them to start forming mental representations of people and objects.2
Mastering object permanence is foundational for later abilities like symbolic thought, reasoning, memory and social connections. It marks a shift from purely reflexive behavior to more purposeful and intentional interaction with the environment.3
Age Object Permanence Emerges
The onset of object permanence varies from baby to baby, but generally unfolds gradually:4
- 2-4 months: Brief gaze at the location an object was removed
- 4-7 months: Active search for fully hidden objects, but cannot follow invisible displacements
- 8-12 months: Able to retrieve objects hidden in multiple locations and follow invisible object movements
Research indicates babies start showing early signs around 4-5 months. Most infants have achieved basic object permanence by around 8 months old, with refinement until 12-15 months. But there is a wide range of what is considered typical.5 If you are concerned about your baby’s development, discuss it with your pediatrician.
Signs Your Baby Understands Object Permanence
How can you tell if your little one “gets” object permanence? Here are behaviors that suggest this key cognitive skill is developing:
- Looks for hidden toys: If you completely conceal a favorite toy under a blanket, they will try to find it.
- Searches for dropped items: Your baby may look down for a fallen spoon, pacifier or toy.
- Follows people leaving: Around 6-9 months, babies may get upset and try to go after mom, dad or another caregiver when they leave the room.
- Checks multiple locations: An older baby will look in two places for a toy when it is moved sneakily from one hiding spot to another.
- Exhibits separation anxiety: Between 6-15 months, babies may become clingy and distressed when caregivers leave due to understanding people continue to exist when out of sight.
Relationship with Separation Anxiety
The emergence of object permanence often coincides with the onset of separation anxiety in the 6-15 month age range. Now that babies realize loved ones still exist even when gone, they may become fearful and upset at separations.6
To minimize separation stress, keep goodbyes brief, stick to routines, distract with toys and avoid sneaking out. Remember this phase will pass as your baby’s understanding matures. Their anxiety reflects healthy development!
Games and Activities to Promote Object Permanence
While object permanence arises naturally, you can support your baby’s burgeoning skills with games that involve finding hidden objects:
Peekaboo
Peekaboo is baby magic for developing object permanence. Pop behind your hands, a blanket, or pillow, ask “Where’s Mommy/Daddy?” and then reappear with a smile. Your baby learns you still exist when briefly out of view.
Hide-and-Seek
Around 6 months, start hiding toys around the room under blankets, pillows or furniture and let your baby seek them out. Increase the difficulty by using multiple hiding spots as their skills improve.
Interactive Books
Books with flaps, pop-ups and peekaboo surprises allow babies to actively reveal hidden pictures and figures. This teaches objects still exist when concealed.
Ball Games
Rolling a ball back and forth or dropping it into a container teaches babies that objects are still present even when temporarily invisible.
Narrate Actions
Describe what you are doing as you hide and reveal toys. For example, say “Uh oh, where did it go?” or “Here it is!” as you play.
When to Seek Help for Object Permanence Concerns
There is a wide developmental range of what is considered typical in infancy. But consult your pediatrician if:
- Your baby shows no signs of searching for hidden objects by 12 months
- You notice delays in other milestones too
- Your baby seems disconnected from caregivers and does not exhibit separation anxiety
Early intervention can help identify if there are any issues interfering with development. With time, consistency and affection, your little one will get there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What games help develop object permanence?
Great games include peekaboo, hide-and-seek, interactive books, rolling or bouncing balls, and any play where you hide and reveal toys. These activities foster understanding that objects still exist when out of sight.
What if my 1 year old lacks object permanence skills?
Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is 12 months or older and not searching for hidden toys or showing separation anxiety when caregivers leave. Your child may need an evaluation to assess for potential developmental lags requiring support.
How do I know if my baby has separation anxiety?
Starting around 6 months, babies may become clingy, cry when caregivers leave, or resist going to unfamiliar people. This normal separation anxiety results from understanding loved ones continue to exist even when out of sight.
Does object permanence mean my baby won’t forget me?
No. Mastering object permanence just means babies realize you still exist somewhere when you leave the room. But they don’t understand time or when you’ll return. This causes separation anxiety. With development, they learn you do come back and separations are temporary.
Should I teach object permanence skills to my 4 month old?
You don’t need to formally instruct a 4 month old. But you can nurture early foundations for object permanence by playing peekaboo, narrating actions, and hiding/finding toys. Let your baby master these cognitive milestones at their own pace.
With patience and affection, your baby will develop object permanence between 4-12 months old. Keep an eye out for developmental lags, but remember all babies learn at their own tempo. Enjoy this amazing period of discovery!