Object permanence refers to the understanding that objects and people continue to exist even when hidden from view. Your baby may not begin to acquire this concept until 4 months old! If you have noticed your baby getting anxious and distressed when you leave their sight, it could signal their understanding of object permanence.
Up until 10 months old, babies also have a poorly developed concept of time. So, when you are out of sight, your baby may react with distress because they don’t know that you’re still around, and they don’t know how long it will take before you return. As heartbreaking as this thought might be for you, rest assured that your baby’s distress will not last forever. Eventually, babies learn the concept of time and become more used to their caregiver’s temporary absences.
It is critical for your baby to acquire the concept of object permanence as it is a foundational skill they need to start developing their cognitive abilities. Here are some strategies you can use to help your baby acquire the concept of object permanence:
- Play Games: Games like Peek-A-Boo can be a great way to engage your baby and teach them the concept of object permanence. Hide behind your hands and peek out every few seconds. Your baby may react by becoming confused each time you disappear behind your hands, or they may become bemused by your actions. But each time you show them your face from behind your hands, you are teaching your baby that you still exist in the world even when they can’t see you.
- Toys: Take your baby’s favorite toy and cover it with a cloth, wait a few seconds, and then uncover the toy to show your baby that it is still there. Your baby may be too young to understand what you are trying to show them but repeating this exercise will help develop their understanding of object permanence.
- Speak to Your Baby: A mother’s voice is one of the first sounds a baby will become familiar with in the world, and even while they are still in the womb! Speaking to your baby will also help develop their communication and language skills, in addition to developing their understanding of object permanence. Talk to your baby even when you are outside of their peripheral view. Speaking to your baby while out of their sight will help teach them that even when they can’t see you, you are still close by to them.
Your baby will reach many milestones throughout their development, and object permanence is one of the most important milestones. Developing an understanding of object permanence may be the onset of separation anxiety for your little one. While it can be difficult for you to see your baby distressed or anxious when you leave a room, this phase will pass with time as they continue to grow and develop. Acquiring the concept of object permanence will also lead to your baby’s memory and language development.
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