Children begin to gain object permanence between 4 and 8 months old.
Object Permanence is the understanding that an object exists even when it can’t be seen. Babies usually understand object permanence by the time they are 8 months old, but each child’s developmental timeline is unique.
Babies develop object permanence by playing. Try a few of these ideas!
Peek – a – Boo
Children love to play Peek-a-Boo! Start by simply placing your hands over your own eyes. When you uncover your eyes and make eye contact with your child, laugh and say, “Peek-a-Boo”. Soon, your child will likely either imitate you or reach for your hands to cover his/her eyes.
Many children also enjoy playing this game with a light blanket.
Hide the Toy
Show your child that you are placing a toy under a blanket or behind your back. Ask, “Where’s the toy?” Your child will learn to pull the blanket off the toy or to point to your hand behind your back.
Container of Objects
Place 3 – 5 objects in a box or a pan with a lid. Encourage your child to remove the objects and then replace them. Many children will place objects in a box, replace the lid, and then remove the lid and the objects over and over.