Recently, my 7-months-old great niece left with her mom on a two-week vacation and my husband asked me if the baby will remember him when she gets back. I told him that a 7-month-old baby has developed a significant level of memory, including the concept of object permanence. This means that they understand that people and objects continue to exist even when they are not visible.
At that age, babies can recognize and remember familiar faces, including those of their caregivers and other people they see regularly. Studies have shown that 6-month-old babies can remember how to perform certain actions, such as pressing
a lever to operate a toy, for up to two to three weeks². Therefore, it is likely that she would remember all the fun interactions they had together, especially since they had regular interactions before she left.
However, the degree of memory retention can vary from one baby to another, and factors such as the frequency and quality of interactions can influence how well the baby remembers you. Regular exposure and positive interactions can help reinforce
the baby’s memory of familiar faces.
Understanding Object Permanence in Babies: A Key Developmental Milestone
Object permanence is a fundamental concept in developmental psychology that refers to a baby’s understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible. This cognitive milestone is crucial for a child’s overall development,
as it lays the foundation for more complex cognitive processes. In this blog, we will explore the concept of object permanence, its significance, the stages of its development, and ways to support your baby in achieving this milestone.
What is Object Permanence?
Object permanence is the understanding that objects, people, and events continue to exist even when they are not directly observed. This concept was first introduced by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who identified it as a key component of
the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development. According to Piaget, object permanence is the main goal of the sensorimotor stage, which spans from birth to approximately two years of age.
The Importance of Object Permanence
The development of object permanence is a significant milestone in a baby’s cognitive growth. It marks the transition from a purely sensory and motor-based understanding of the world to a more complex cognitive framework. Here are some reasons
why object permanence is important:
- Memory Development: Object permanence is closely linked to the development of memory. As babies begin to understand that objects continue to exist even when out of sight, they start to form mental representations of these objects. This
ability to remember and recall objects is a critical aspect of cognitive development. - Exploration and Learning: Once babies grasp the concept of object permanence, they become more curious and motivated to explore their environment. They start to search for hidden objects, engage in games like peekaboo, and experiment
with cause-and-effect relationships. This exploration fosters cognitive and motor skills development. - Emotional Security: Understanding that caregivers and familiar objects continue to exist even when not visible helps babies feel more secure. This knowledge can reduce separation anxiety and build trust in their environment and relationships.
- Language Acquisition: Object permanence also plays a role in language development. As babies begin to understand that objects have a consistent existence, they start to associate words with these objects, aiding in vocabulary building
and language comprehension.
Stages of Object Permanence Development
The development of object permanence is a gradual process that occurs in stages. While Piaget initially suggested that object permanence develops around eight months of age, more recent research indicates that babies may begin to understand
this concept earlier, between four and seven months¹. Here are the stages of object permanence development:
- Stage 1: Reflexive Actions (0-1 month): In the earliest stage, babies rely on reflexes to interact with their environment. They do not yet have the cognitive ability to understand object permanence.
- Stage 2: Primary Circular Reactions (1-4 months): During this stage, babies start to repeat actions that produce pleasurable results. They may begin to show some awareness of objects but do not yet understand that objects continue to
exist when out of sight. - Stage 3: Secondary Circular Reactions (4-8 months): Babies begin to intentionally repeat actions to achieve specific outcomes. They may start to search for partially hidden objects, indicating the early stages of object permanence development.
- Stage 4: Coordination of Secondary Schemes (8-12 months): At this stage, babies demonstrate a more advanced understanding of object permanence. They actively search for fully hidden objects and anticipate the location of moving objects.
- Stage 5: Tertiary Circular Reactions (12-18 months): Babies engage in more complex problem-solving and experimentation. They may search for objects in multiple locations and show an understanding of object permanence in various contexts.
- Stage 6: Mental Representation (18-24 months): By this stage, babies have fully developed object permanence. They can form mental representations of objects and people, allowing them to engage in pretend play and more advanced cognitive
activities.
Supporting Your Baby’s Development of Object Permanence
As a parent or caregiver, you can play a crucial role in supporting your baby’s development of object permanence. Here are some activities and strategies to help your baby achieve this milestone:
- Peekaboo: Playing peekaboo is a classic and effective way to help your baby understand object permanence. By hiding your face and then revealing it, you teach your baby that you still exist even when not visible. This game can be both
fun and educational. - Hide and Seek with Toys: Hide your baby’s favorite toys under a blanket or behind a pillow and encourage them to find them. This activity helps reinforce the idea that objects continue to exist even when hidden.
- Cause and Effect Toys: Provide toys that demonstrate cause and effect, such as toys that make noise or light up when pressed. These toys can help your baby understand that their actions can produce consistent outcomes, reinforcing the
concept of object permanence. - Consistent Routines: Establishing consistent routines can help your baby feel secure and understand the continuity of their environment. Regular feeding, sleeping, and playtime routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability.
- Talking and Naming Objects: Use language to describe objects and their locations. For example, say, “The ball is under the blanket” or “Mommy is in the kitchen.” This helps your baby associate words with objects and understand their consistent
existence. - Interactive Books: Read books with flaps or hidden pictures that your baby can lift to reveal hidden objects. These interactive books can engage your baby’s curiosity and reinforce the concept of object permanence.
Challenges and Variations in Development
It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and there can be variations in the timeline for achieving object permanence. Some babies may grasp the concept earlier, while others may take a bit longer. Factors such as
individual temperament, environmental stimulation, and opportunities for exploration can influence the rate of development.
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or child development specialist. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your baby’s unique needs.
Conclusion
Object permanence is a crucial cognitive milestone that lays the foundation for more advanced cognitive processes in babies. By understanding that objects continue to exist even when not visible, babies develop memory, exploration skills, emotional
security, and language abilities. As parents and caregivers, we can support our babies’ development of object permanence through engaging activities, consistent routines, and interactive play. By fostering this important milestone, we help our babies build
a strong foundation for future learning and development.
Source
(1) Object Permanence: What It Is, Importance & How You Can Help – WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-age-do-babies-have-object-permanence.
(2) All About Object Permanence and Your Baby – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/object-permanence.
(3) When and How Babies Learn About Object Permanence – What to Expect. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/playtime/object-permanence-in-babies/.
(4) let’s talk about object permanence | Dayton Children’s Hospital. https://www.childrensdayton.org/the-hub/lets-talk-about-object-permanence.
(5) Object Permanence—When Do Babies Develop It? | Pampers.
https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/development/article/object-permanence https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/development/article/object-permanence.
