Babies’ brains are constantly developing (at a rate of one million neural connections per second)! What are they so busy learning?
The difference between something disappearing and simply being out of sight is one lesson they learn at this age. This is known as object permanence.
Although we as adults realize that just because we can’t see something, doesn’t mean it has disappeared, this is something babies must learn. How do they learn it? Exactly how they learn about everything—through play.
When can my baby learn object permanence?
Like any skill babies develop, the complexity of their understanding grows over time.
- 8 months. By this age, babies will look for an object you hide under a cup, blanket, or pillow. This is still a very concrete understanding. They saw you hide it, so they now know to look for it where it is hidden.
- 10 months. At 10 months, you can increase the challenge. Hide a toy under a blanket, have another person get them to look somewhere else, and take the toy back out from under the blanket. Set it under a different colored blanket or behind your back. Baby will be so sure the toy still exists after practicing this skill for months, that they’ll keep looking for it even when it isn’t where they saw you originally put it. This develops persistence, a skill needed throughout life.
How can we make it fun?
- Play peek-a-boo. Drape a soft blanket over baby’s head for a couple seconds and say, “Where’s (your baby’s name)?” in an excited tone. Once they’ve started to understand the game, they’ll be full of smiles when they pull the blanket away and you say, “Peek-a-boo!”
- Hide-and-seek. Hide behind a door or piece of furniture and keep an arm or leg visible to baby. Enthusiastically say, “You found me!” when they crawl over and look up at their favorite discovery.
- Lift bridge. Lay baby on their back facing you. Lift their legs gradually and say, “Up, up, up” until your face is hidden behind their legs. Open their legs into a V shape and say, “Peek-a-boo!” Eventually they will be strong enough to lift and open their legs themselves.
What else can we play?
Peek-a-boo isn’t the only game that will grow your baby’s brain. The games listed also help them learn to focus their attention and use their short-term memory.
- Boom! Drop a toy into a small container. When the toy hits the bottom, say, “Boom!” Baby may laugh or clap to show their enjoyment. After some repetition, drop the toy in, but don’t say anything. Your baby might try to say, “Boom!” or another sound. If they do, repeat that sound back to them. Then let your baby have a turn dropping the toy in and say, “Boom!” together.
- Copycat. While your baby is looking at you, gesture with a wave, by blowing a kiss, or sticking out your tongue. Wait long enough for your baby to watch, remember, and then imitate what you did. Copy them if they make the gesture to you later.
- Explore the store. Whether it’s at the grocery store, a clothing store, or a restaurant, point out different items you see. Maybe your baby is pointing at something brightly colored or unfamiliar. Notice their interests and talk about them. For example, “I see the yellow lemon, too! Do you think it’s sweet or sour?” Give your baby a chance to respond and then keep adding to the conversation. “Yes, the yellow skin is rough.” Even though your baby doesn’t answer in words, they’re learning by hearing yours.
Whether it’s peek-a-boo or any other game you are trying out with your baby, follow their lead. Their cues will let you know when they are having fun or are ready to move on. For more information on how children ages 0-3 learn, register for the class “How I Learn.”
Learn more
- Encourage your baby’s developing mind
- Why your baby needs to play and explore
- Read aloud to help your child learn to love books
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting
