Motor Development - Objective Performance

Object permanence means a child understands that things and people keep existing, even if they cannot be seen or heard. This skill is very important for a child's thinking and learning as they grow.

• It shows that babies are beginning to think and remember in new ways.
• Famous psychologist Piaget said object permanence is a key part of how our brains grow in early life.

• New research shows that babies as young as five months may have some understanding of object permanence.
• Piaget suggested the ability usually develops between 9–12 months.
• It is shown in experiments where babies look longer at events that seem impossible (like a toy that suddenly disappears).

If you play peekaboo with a baby and they expect your face to return after you hide it, they are showing object permanence.

• Understanding object permanence is an important sign of healthy brain growth in babies.
• Babies may show this skill earlier than previously thought.